Enjoying Outside - Safe Summer Hiking

Kristie Ehrhardt • September 11, 2025

Technology and fast-paced living are part of our everyday world, but spending time in nature can help neutralize the tension and flurry that has become commonplace for us. Heading outdoors, even during the heat of summer, is not only possible but with a little preparation it can be safe, enjoyable, and fulfilling. Although the summer is coming to a close, temperatures can still be high. Here are some tips to stay safe while hiking in high temperatures.


Keep an eye on the weather.

We are all painfully aware that our region gets HOT during the summer months and although the forecast doesn’t really change all that much, in certain areas it can fluctuate more than at your house so keeping an eye on the weather where you’re headed is important.

Head out early to take full advantage of the cooler morning hours. Being at the trailhead at sunrise not only avoids some of the heat of the day, but it will likely also avoid crowded parking situations and traffic jams on the trail.


Some areas in our region may experience more wind than others and when the wind is from the north it is typically hot and dry which can rapidly increase the risk of dehydration while hiking. Along with the gusty north winds come “fire weather” which is often indicated by a Red Flag Warning, meaning that there is an increased risk for fire danger because of high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds. If you smell smoke while you’re hiking, it's always best to immediately evacuate the area. Failing to leave not only puts you at risk, but it also puts emergency personnel that may have to come to your aid at risk as well. 


Stay hydrated and fuel up

Carry and drink plenty of water during your hike, in fact, bring more than you think you’ll need. A good rule of thumb is to drink a half to a full liter of water every hour depending on the temperature and your level of exertion. Be sure to drink often, sipping water helps you maintain hydration much better than chugging a bunch of water once or twice during your hike. You’ll feel a lot better too. If you get distracted by the scenery and forget to sip, set a timer to remind you to take a drink about every 20 minutes. If it’s really hot or you’ll be working really hard, pre-hydrate. Drink about 16 ounces of water two hours before you hit the trail.


Remember to bring some snacks even if you’re not planning on being out on the trail all day. Finding the perfect spot to sit and journal or sketch for a while, unexpected difficult terrain or even possibly an injury or getting lost can keep you out on the trail longer than expected and having extra food with you not only keeps your energy up but also your morale. Perspiring causes your body to lose not only water but also electrolytes so packing snacks with a little extra sodium and potassium can also help keep you happy and feeling well. A quick way to replenish electrolytes is to drink a sports or recovery drink.


Know your limits

Pay attention to your body and any aches and pains you may be experiencing. Consider fatigue, strained muscles, a cranky ankle or even blisters and how those will make you feel if you continue hiking. The trek out may be downhill, but it’ll be hotter than when you started. Turn back or head out before your water supply is half gone and don’t hike beyond your ability.


Hiking is more fun with company. Having others with you to share the joy and experiences of the day is fabulous but having friends with you also lets you check on one another and, if necessary, help with important decisions should there be an injury or a need to call for help. Tuleyome, the Sierra Club and other “meet up” groups often offer group hikes where you can learn the terrain and meet fellow hikers. 


Make a Plan and Be Prepared

Check the weather forecast and trail conditions before you go and bring appropriate clothing. Be sure to let someone know where you are heading and about how long you expect to be gone, especially if you are hiking alone. There’s a good possibility that your cell phone may not have service on the trail so attaching a whistle to your pack should you need to call for help is a smart idea. Stay on the trail to help avoid things like poison oak and ticks and keep in mind that snakes may also be out enjoying the day. If you encounter one, please just allow it to pass, it doesn’t want to engage with you either. Wear sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat or get a backpack umbrella to attach to your pack to ensure that you’ll always have shade. Sunscreen is an absolute must and should be reapplied often, especially after swimming or excessive sweating.


Getting a sunburn is not only miserable and risky, but it can also add to the risk of dehydration. Some essential items to pack include a headlamp or flashlight, a knife or multipurpose tool, and a first aid kit that includes duct tape and super glue. Bonus points for taking a first aid course before hiking season, especially if you like to hike alone. If you’re hiking with your canine pal, please be sure to take notice of their physical ability and demeanor. Dogs heat up and cool down differently than people and outdoor activity during the heat of the day can be extremely uncomfortable or even dangerous for them. Heatstroke can be life threatening to a dog and breaks with extra water and shade are essential for them; don’t base their health level on how you’re feeling.


Hiking can be done safely in our region any time of year. Some forethought and precautions can help avoid unnecessary calls to our first responders and help you enjoy the outdoors.

And as always - if you pack it in, pack it out!

-Kristie Ehrhardt (kehrhardt@tuleyome.org)

Tuleyome Land Conservation Program Manager

RECENT ARTICLES

September 11, 2025
For Immediate Release: September 11, 2025  Contact: Nate Lillge, 530-379-8697, nlillge@tuleyome.org Trump Attacks Public Lands, Again Trump Proposes to Eliminate Public Lands Protections through Executive Action Woodland, CA – Yesterday, the Administration furthered their attack on America's public lands by directing the elimination of the Public Lands Rule . This is another step in the Administration’s wholesale assault on our public lands in clear opposition to the will of the people. The Public Lands Rule protects our treasured, multi-use landscapes so they'll be there tomorrow. The Rule recognizes that conservation is a type of land use, along with grazing, timber production, energy development, and recreation. Built on decades of management experience and guided by science and data, the rule provides land managers with essential tools to maintain our public lands, ensure access and protect our resources while supporting the diverse ways that communities depend on public lands. "The Public Lands Rule improves the management of our public lands, empowering the Bureau of Land Management to focus management on the needs of the lands where they work," says Sandra Schubert, Tuleyome Executive Director. "Rescinding the Public Lands Rule will rip authority from local land managers to place it in the hands of D.C. bureaucrats whose main goal is to sell our public lands to the highest bidder. All this in opposition to the overwhelming support for our public lands and their protection." By removing the Public Lands Rule, the Administration is failing ranchers and rural communities. Decision after decision made by this Administration has focused on short-term profit, extraction, and selling public lands to private entities. Supporting rural communities, the backbone of our economy and food systems, means ensuring farmers and ranchers have healthy lands they can depend on. It means empowering local BLM managers who understand what their communities need to thrive and provide for the American people. Overused lands don't recover. Degraded grasslands can't support cattle. Clearcut forests take decades to regrow. Contaminated watersheds poison communities for generations. True support for rural communities means embracing the Public Lands Rule. That is exactly why the American people want and support the Public Lands Rule. The Rule has overwhelming support. When given the chance to comment on the Public Lands Rule, more than 150,000 Americans did – 92% in support. When ranchers, recreationists, and resource companies all depend on the same lands, we recognize that we must use them responsibly to ensure they stay productive for everyone. The choice is clear: Protect our public lands for current and future generations, or consume everything now and leave nothing behind. Without the Public Lands Rule, our cherished landscapes lose protection and one of our greatest treasures, our public lands, is at risk.
By Sandra Schubert September 11, 2025
On July 10, 2025, we gathered to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument with the people who worked to establish the Monument in 2015 and add Molok Luyuk to it in 2024. We gathered in Lake County. The event began at the Tallman Hotel with folks gathering, speakers, trivia, food, videos, celebration and music by the Rural Jazz Project. We had folks from throughout the region – the Bay Area to Chico, Ukiah to Sacramento…. We had our partners at the Bureau of Land Management, local government representatives and all aspects of our broad coalition – conservationists, scientists, hunters, hikers, and community members, and more. The presentations and speakers were amazing. Tuleyome put together a reel of Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument highlights . I was privileged to emcee the event and welcome our speakers and guests. We were honored to have Tribal leadership. Michael Marcks, Vice Chairperson, Executive Council, Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake graced us with opening prayer. Vice Chairman Michael Marcks was joined in providing remarks by Vice Chair Eddie Crandell, Vice Chairman for the Robinson Rancheria of Pomo Indians and Lake County Supervisor . Gail Totton, Tribal Resources Manager for the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation , the lead for the addition of Molok Luyuk to the Monument, shared their thoughts on the anniversary and Molok Luyuk. U.S. Senator Alex Padilla spoke to us via video and emphasized the importance of our efforts and our public lands. Luca Moretti read a statement on behalf of Representative Mike Thompson , a legendary champion of public lands, who commended us all and provided Tuleyome with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition . We were surprised and flattered with the honor bestowed upon us. Representative Jared Huffman, Ranking Member of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources , also spoke to us about his efforts to defend our public lands. Our state and local representatives also joined us. Rhiannon Philippi delivered remarks for California Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire. California Senator Christopher Cabaldon spoke to us via video and Sergio Emmanuel Ildefonso Zarate on his staff celebrated with us. Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry led a legislative resolution supporting the Monument, which was read by Laura Beltran . Many of our local Supervisors also celebrated with us. Brad Ramussen, Lake County Board of Supervisors , shared his insights. Lucas Frerichs, Yolo County Board of Supervisors , spoke to us and sponsored a Yolo County Board of Supervisor's resolution that was read by Bryan Pride, Tuleyome’s Policy Director . Neal Craig, BLM, Ukiah Field Office Manager , and our partners in protecting this amazing area, joined us and spoke to our collaboration. Interspersed with our speakers, Sara Husby, Tuleyome’s Executive Director when the Monument was established, led us in a series of trivia questions penned by Tuleyome’s own Kristie Ehrhardt. The depth of knowledge of our coalition shone through. And, it was fun. We hope folks enjoyed the prizes. Closing out the event were leaders in the conservation movement. José Gonzalez, founder and emeritus Executive Director of Latino Outdoors , offered his insights on the importance of public lands to all of our communities. Bob Schneider and Andrew Fulks , Tuleyome Co-founders and Tuleyome Advisory Council Members, shared the history of the movement and some stories, bringing us full circle, from the time when the idea of a Monument was a spark in their eyes to the establishment and expansion of the Monument. After the event at the Tallman, many of us headed to Middle Creek Campground, a few miles away for some nighttime fun. There was a nature walk with botany, forest bathing, star gazing, owling, s’mores, camping and laughter. I learned new ways of making s’mores, including a toasted marshmallow with a mini peanut butter cup tucked inside. Delicious! And, as a reminder of how wonderful our coalition is, there was an animal rescue. The morning after the event, many of us went to Judy’s Junction in Upper lake for breakfast. When I arrived with my mom, who had joined us, we saw numerous people under the hood of Jora’s car – Nick, Brendan, Karah, Isobel, Jora and a pair of legs sticking out from under the vehicle that I did not recognize. They were searching for a kitty that had lodged itself in Jora’s engine area. After much hullabaloo, the kitty ran – fast. We all thought – no, not over the highway! But, the little scamp jumped into another newly parked car engine. The chivalrous owner opened his hood and let us at it. I didn’t do much. I offered my shirt as a barrier to the hot engine. The heroes were the others. Folks from inside the diner pitched in, but it was our coalition to the rescue – the folks above and then Kim showed up. I’m not sure how, after all the time and efforts, but she was finally able to reach in and rescue the kitty. I saw her pull the little ebony guy out, hug him and rub her face against his. And I knew – he was no longer abandoned; he had a forever home. And, I was right, the little guy is now living with Kim and her family. I didn’t need the confirmation, but watching our group spend a couple of hours rescuing that little creature reminded me why I love this community. We care – all of us – about the life, the place and the creatures we live with. All of them. Big and small. None of this would have been possible without our generous sponsors: CalWild, Conservation Lands Foundation, Defenders of Wildlife, Sierra Club National, Sierra Club Redwood Chapter, Tallman Hotel and Tuleyome. Thank you so much for your continuing support of Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument and all of our public lands. And thanks to all of you – everyone at the celebration, those who could not join us, and the kitty rescue team. You are what community is. I am honored to be part of ours. -Sandra Schubert Executive Director
By Nate Lillge September 11, 2025
Tuleyome is excited to welcome Mary Lamborn as our Communications Intern. She will working closely with Tuleyome staff to increase Tuleyome's outreach and positive impact on public lands in the northern Inner Coast Range Mountains and western Sacramento Valley. Mary is a recent graduate of UC Davis with a B.S. in Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning. As a native of the northern Inner Coast Range, she has deep ties to the region and spent time on the trails and waterways in Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. Welcome, Mary!