THE 10 ESSENTIALSAlways carry these items with you. Even if your plans are just for a quick hike or picnic. Be ready for an unexpected emergency. These items do not weigh much and can generally be placed into a gallon-size Zip-loc bag and fit into a small backpack.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOMESafe trips begin with good planning and communication with your group before you leave home. Here are some things you should do before every hike or back country trip.
If you do Run Into Trouble, S.T.O.P.!Do you know what to do if you are lost and alone in the wilderness? Basic rules if you are alone in the wilderness are Sit, Think, Observe, and Plan before you go into action. Sit! Sit down and stay put until the fear, anger, and or frustration has gone from your system. Think! What do you have that can help you in this situation? Your mind is your greatest survival tool! Observe! Where should you stay? If you told someone where you were going, people may be searching for you. Is there an open area where the searchers would have a better chance of seeing you? Plan! In most cases the priority should be as follows.
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PLANNING A SAFE TRIPCheck these links before leaving home. Plan your trip well and be prepared for all weather and road conditions. Obtain all required permits and leave a written travel plan with a friend or family member. Remember to take the 10 Essentials. (Note: Mountain Rescue Team is not responsible for content on external websites.)WEATHER AND ROADSNOAA Weather - Clickable and scrollable interactive map for forecasts near your precise destination. CAL TRANS - California road conditions for trip planning. AVALANCHE FORECASTS AND INFORMATIONSierra Avalanche Center (Central Sierra)Shasta Avalanche Center (Mt. Shasta) Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center (Eastern Sierra) PARKS / PERMITS / MAPSNational Parks in California - Campground, Trail and Permit information California State Parks - Campground, Trail and Permit information California - National Forests Angeles National Forest Cleveland National Forest Eldorado National Forest Inyo National Forest Klamath National Forest Lake Tahoe Basin Mgmt Area Lassen National Forest Los Padres National Forest Mendocino National Forest Modoc National Forest Plumas National Forest San Bernardino National Forest Sequoia National Forest Shasta-Trinity National Forest Sierra National Forest Six Rivers National Forest Stanislaus National Forest Tahoe National Forest Nevada - National Forests Humboldt National Forest Toiyabe National Forest Wilderness Areas - CA Permits Permits are required for use of most State and National Parks and Wilderness areas. In addition, National Forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) wilderness areas also require permits in many instances. Click on the appropriate links above for current information. Snow Park Permits - CA - Required to park in certain locations when accessing the back country during snow months. Maps and Trails CalTopo.com - Topographic Maps USGS Maps - Official USGS Survey Maps US Forest Service Maps - Maps from the US Forest Service National Geographic Topo Maps - Downloadable trail maps with routes highlighted. |