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I just cant get use to the heat.
How do you handle local hiking without waking up at 4 am.
Is there any place close by that has morning shade (7ish)
I know im a wimp, but I just started hiking. (my excuse, and im sticking with it)

For Piestewa & Camelback

If you’re not already doing it, I’d recommend dowsing your shirt in the fountains at the trailheads. It makes a big difference. And as much as people rip on speedsters I really try and get my carcass up and down that mountain as fast as possible in the summer. If you’re breaking in the shade that’s one thing but slow pacing it in the sun is just exposing yourself.

Drink up ahead of time and leave the hydration pack behind. This may sound like the worst advice in the world but for short hikes like Camelback and Piestewa the added weight of a hydration pack does slow you down. I’ve tracked my times over the years. I don’t recommend this for beginners or those unfamiliar with the mountain or for those that simply can’t hike these mountains in under an hour in the best conditions.

I’ve tried tracking Steven’s thoughts of dowsing yourself along the trail. I haven’t been able pinpoint whether the added weight is worth it or not. It can help if it doesn't screw up your pace. Pace isn't as important on these short workouts but it is important. I say workout cause it’s truly a workout in the summer. Don’t go thinking this is casual hiking. Remember to turn around if you don’t feel good, the summit will be there next time. As mentioned you can find leisure/casual hiking in the early morning or late evening.

I still say Peralta is the best morning/evening shade option close to the valley.

The two biggest relievers I’ve tracked are tevas and a white wide-brim hat. The hat is a given, you’ll cut down heat exposure drastically. The tired feeling after the hike will be noticeably less. As for tevas, Daryl goes into comparison with NBA players on support and such in another thread. I respect and appreciate his thoughts. I’m just going to offer my thoughts. Daryl’s viewpoint is focused on safety. My viewpoint may not be as safe so you’ll have to weigh the risk yourself. Teva’s – the reduced weight and venting does make a difference. I’ll compare with cyclist. Any good cyclist knows spinning weight is your enemy, therefore the ultra light wheels. The same goes for hiking in my opinion. You’ll have to exaggerate the weight to understand it, but it holds true down to ounces in my recorded hikes. So to exaggerate… If you put twenty pounds on your back(backpack) and track your time, then put twenty pounds on your feet/ankles(ankle weights). I guarantee you’ll change your mind on weight in motion on the extended limbs of your body. The heat advantage - you wouldn’t wrap any other part of your body in such thick/tight insulation in the heat.

...just remember "jesus wore sandals"

Next week I plan on starting at 5:00 am, bringing an extra bottle of ice water to dowse myself with durring the hike and only do the mountain once.

I do the early morning hikes when I get a chance to get out in the mornings, which, will happen for me once my boys finish up with their summer programs. I like doing Camelback or South Mountain with a start time of 5-5:30am, it's the only way when the days ahead are sure to produce intense heat.

The gym is another great option for exercise in the middle of the day. Hang in there, AZ is definitely worth it, I Love this place.

Joe has some great ideas to help in dealing with the heat, I wish I could wear the teva's to hike, but week ankles prevent me from taking off the ol' hiking boots

Agreed, on a hot hike teva's are much better then a case of swamp foot!

The rule of thumb I heard is a pound on your foot is equivalent to 4 pounds in your pack.

Always wear sunscreen of course and also wear a hat and soak the hell out of it before you start...you'd be surprised how much that helps. When we did the Flume Trail a couple years back, we would stop and dip our hats on the running water of the flume and it made a big difference.

Too bad there's no running water on the trails in phx/scotts.
The problem I have with drinking my water before I hike and not bringing any with me is that my throught gets dry and feels like it's closing up on me before I even reach the top of the stairs of echo cannon.
Next week I have a day off, so I'll try again using most of your suggestions.
Thanks to all of you for your tips.

I agree heat training (at least 3x a week), lots of water, a good hat and.... try not to think about it. I found that after a certain temperature you are hot and it does not much matter if it's 95, 105 or more. You feel hot and sweat just as much. Though I do drink more electrolytes than usual in the heat. Do know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke while trying to get used to hiking in the heat.
Now go sweat!

P.S....Not to mention, I work weekends. :yuk:

As for group hikes you wouldn't be a pain in the butt, and your not a whimp. Anytime you want to join in any hikes just speak up. Everyone has to start somewhere. I started off just like you, now I'm a crazed hiking maniac who can't get enough.

Dealing with heat is an individual thing and tons of good advice has been given in this forum. The most important thing is to become aware of how YOUR body reacts to the heat and what YOUR body requires as far as water intake and food.

I deal with the heat quite well, which surprised me since I moved here from CO, and was used to 9 months of winter. However, I require more water than most to remain properly hydrated. Rarely do I drink electrolyte replacements, but depend more on salty type food.

Follow the advice given by others and see how it works for you. Some people just don't deal well with heat no matter what, they get headaches, become irritable, their skin becomes flushed etc.( Most of these people still live in cooler climates, LOL)

We have several hikes planned for up north this summer if the forest remains open, and we will also be hiking here in the desert. Anytime you are available and want to tag along with some people that have a great time out there just shout.

Thanks......
I also moved here from colorado(springs).18 years ago. I am use to the heat, but Im talking walking to my car, to the mall, mail box, and bar. :twisted:
I will try my best not to get frustrated this summer, now that I found a new hobby.
Thank you for the support!

nessanails wrote:I know im a wimp, but I just started hiking. (my excuse, and im sticking with it)

There are no wimps in desert hikng. Thats why I enjoy HAZ and admire all of you who live in the valley, finding every possible way to hike in your area. I was born in Phoenix and served many years in 29 Palms, California playing in the desert. In my experience, you can never train enough to get use to the desert. You adapt. Many comments have been brought up on this post and all excellent. I myself avoid the valley during the summer, well not true, I avoid the valley year round if possible. I have the advantage, some what, living in Prescott Valley. It is a bit cooler; when I ran my four miles Thursday afternoon the temp sign on Robert and Lake Valley said 91 degrees. In closing, I would suggest hiking the coolest part of the day, slow the pace, wear a large brim hat, and above all else HYDRATE. Drink plenty of water before you get to the trail, drink plenty of water at the trailhead before you start your hike, carry and drink plenty of water on the trail, and drink more water when you get back to the trailhead. My thought during the summer months in the desert; you can never drink enough water.

Nessa:

You are not a wimp! You hike Camelback! I'm still afraid to tackle it, but I will soon. Maybe I could meet you some morning and you could show me the ropes? Or at least a good spot to sit and rest. I think I am the world's slowest hiker on uphills. (This will change! I will get stronger.)

If you ever want to go on a group hike outside of Phoenix, a few of us new hikers and out-of-shape hikers (in my case, both ) are trying to get together for no-pressure hikes - just to get out and enjoy the scenery. I also have a hiking partner who doesn't post to this board who wants to get out of Phoenix every weekend this summer - I'm sure she wouldn't mind the extra company. PM me if you're interested.

Vanessa......you don't carry water?? Ohhhh not good...you should at least pick up one of those DOUBLE fanny pack/water carriers.........Hydration beforehand is a must anyway, but so is carrying water. NEVER go anywhere without water in the desert.....ok...I'm done preaching now :roll:

First of all, I would like nessanailsto know she is doing great. If you can hike up camelback, you are doing okay; by no means is it a long trek, it's nice and short, but it's a great leg work out; you're doing great. I went with the Brown's Peak group this morning, there were three of us, we had a nice time. If you like Camelback, you will love Flat Iron, also known as Siphon Draw. You might want to wait for cooler temps for this one. As for the heat, leave EARLY in the morning; I start Camelback around 5-5:30, and I always, ALWAYS, take water. Sorry about stressing that, but I do agree with hoppy47m, you must bring water! What happens if you get sick, or twist an ankle, and you're up there in the heat with no water; not a good idea. Take care of yourself :-)

2 entries found for wimp.
To select an entry, click on it.
wimpwimp out

Main Entry: wimp
Pronunciation: 'wimp
Function: noun
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: 1920
: a weak, cowardly, or ineffectual person

Sorry Vanessa......you don't fit the Websters description We all to the best we can, we all hike at different levels of expertise. What is good for one person may be torture for another, just do what you can, and your level will increase without you ever even knowing it. Heat conditioning is not for everybody, we all have different tolerances and some people are lucky enough to be able to condition themselves to it, others will never be able to condition themselves........metabolisms differ, diets differ........too many factors to consider. The trick is knowing your limits, and not trying to push things too fast...or too hard......hiking is supposed to be fun, it's not about keeping up or trying to match someone elses pace. We may be able to do it, but I for one....have been totally wiped out after spending a day with a high paced trekker........so.......I guess I'm a wimp also......

A thought occurred to me as I went on my morning run today. And I dug up some sites if anyone likes to review them and save them in their favorites:

http://www.azuswebworks.com/oldhtml/desertsurvival.html

http://www.ci.phoenix.az.us/FIRE/desert.html

http://www.amug.org/~drslim/dsindex.html

Just as a matter of interest Marjorie Woodruff Ph.D who wrote your third desert survival selection posts as Dr. Slim. You will see her posts here and there.

Vanessa......you don't carry water??

Dont worry, I always carry water(the camelback back pack). I always have to have a bottle of water next to me, hiking or not.
My throat gets too dry if I dont. :pois:

Ok good............

I prefer to carry the extra water to dowse myself on the trail, the wieght does not bug me, besides i'm trying to get in shape for Colorado. I will eventually be taking 40 pounds up Camelback. Training is such a rigorious proccess down here, the heat is something else.

I find that as I am getting older,I am much less heat tolerant than before( :yuk: ) I don't know if it is the increased Ozone we have had this year,but every time I hike locally in the heat,I end up with a sinus/heat/histamine related(?) headache that will last for a day. I do not eat salt,so this could be part of the problem.I try to stay hydrated as I go, and increase water intake at this time of year.I was wondering if some of the electrolyte laden drinks would help or perhaps eating more salt. It has kept me off our local mts. for a long time. Used to do (Squaw) Piewesta Peak in 27:22. Those days are loooong gone :roll: What exactly are the first signs of heat exhaustion?