Ouray Trail Group P.O. Box 50, Ouray, CO 81427	Questions we are often asked are answered on this page
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are some considerations for survival in the wilderness?
See the Ouray Mountain Rescue survival information below.

NOTE

Hikers Need a Search and Rescue Card

For only $3 per year ($12 for five years) hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts are covered by the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue Fund (COSAR), which reimburses counties for large costs associated with backcountry rescues. The certificates are available at local stores.

What are some general considerations for hiking in this area?
A safe, enjoyable hiking experience begins with a realistic assessment of personal physical condition. Choose a trail suited to your capabilities. Early starts allow for afternoon thunderstorms and a return before dark. Hike with a companion or tell someone where you are going. Sign in and out at trail registers--this record is invaluable if someone is reported as missing. Groups should agree that everyone, expecially children, stay together. Trails are marked with signs, traditional tree blazes, gray diamond markers, and cairns (above timberline). Please stay on the trails!

How well are the trails maintained?
These trails are normally maintained in reasonagble condition. Roads and trails can change drastically as a result of severe weather, so you may encounter problems not existing at the time the information about the trails was printed herein. New information we receive is posted in the TRAIL UPDATES page on this web site, so if you have information to give us, go the the FORM on the "Contact Us" page, or e-mail Karen Risch at: bkrisch@ouraynet.com. You may also check with the Ouray and Ridgway Visitor Centers for updates on current conditions.

What about bears and other animals in the area?
Black bears and mountain lions inhabit some alpine areas and strategies for peaceful coexistence are needed. Never approach, startle or feed any wild animal, expecially a bear or lion with young. Stay calm, back away, and speak softly if you encounter a bear. Step off the trail and allow the bear time to leave. In the presence of a lion, make yourself look larger by raising your arms or opening your jacket. Never turn your back and run. Pick up small children to keep them from running. Fight back if attacked by a bear or a lion, using a stick, stones or whatever you have (from Div. of Wildlife info).

What about ticks?
From April to July, depending on altitude, ticks become prevalent. About 1/8" in diameter, reddish brown and flat, they may carry the Colorado Tick Fever virus. If you find one embedded in your skin, gently pull it off, and call a physician if you develop symptoms like fever, headache or muscle aches.

Can I have a camp fire?
No ground fires are permitted in the Blue Lakes area of the Mt. Sneffels Wilderness; use camp stoves to cook. Minimize use and impact of fires in other areas; exercice extreme caution in putting a fire out (drown-stir- drown, etc.). On occasion, fire danger is so great that fires are not permitted. Be aware of Forest Service signs banning fires. If there is any doubt or question, contact the Ouray Ranger District at 970-240-5400.

The Ouray Mountain Rescue has put out a guide for wilderness survival. It is printed below, and contains excellent information for all hikers.

BE A WILDERNESS SURVIVOR

Welcome to the San Juans, some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in America and blessed with numerous trails to explore. Much of it is wilderness and/or very remote from help. These are rugged mountains, a young area geologically, with demanding terrain. Even experienced mountaineers and hikers have gotten lost here. In summer, the major dangers are dehydration, fatigue, falls, hypothermia--and weather.

Hiking at high altitudes is hard, tiring, thirsty work. Mountain distances and steep, wet, or unmarked trails can be deceptively difficult. Such strenuous exercise is both dehydrating and fatiguing. It's not uncommon to need two to three--or more--extra quarts of water when hiking at altitude. Thirst is a late indicator of water debt. (Taking salt tablets is not recommended since most people have plenty of salt stored in their bodies.) People and their animals have contaminated most streams, so assume mountain water is unsafe.

Hypothermia--the lowering of body temperature when heat is being lost faster than the body can regenerate it--is a sneaky killer. It usually occurs between 30 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, a typical summer temperature range in the mountains. Wet clothing, wind and exhaustion are chief contributors to hypothermia. Early signs are shivering, loss of concentration and impaired judgment. Being able to stay dry and warm with extra clothing layers is crucial, especially in bad weather or in any exposed situation.

Weather is always a limiting factor for mountain excursions. Storms blow up over ridges without much warning and sudden lightning storms are common. If a storm is approaching, get off peaks, ridges and exposed ledges. Open areas, lone trees and shallow caves are also unsafe in thunderstorms.

To make a mountain trip--whether long or short--safe, successful, and pleasant, the following tips are offered:

1. Never go alone. A party of two is minimum, four is better. With four, if someone is injured and can't be moved, two persons can go for help and one can stay.

2. Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return. (For those who do hike alone, this may be crucial to your survival.) Then, if trouble arises, help will be on its way in a relatively short time. It's also important to let people know when you've returned. Otherwise, someone may be out searching for you when you are safely home in bed.

3. Take a safe minimum of equipment. Sudden weather changes will make a hat, fleece jacket, gloves, raingear, and sturdy boots mighty welcome. A map and compass, whistle, space blanket, plastic garbage bag (wind and rain protection), matches and candle, a knife, water, empty can, tea bags, bouillion, and high-energy foods (candy, nuts, fruit, etc.) make survival easier. A walking stick or trekking poles save the knees on steep downhills and make stream crossing easier.

4. Make sure young children know what to do if they are separated from the group. (Hug a tree and stay put!) Children can cover a surprising distance in an hour and help may be much longer than that in coming. They may be frightened or think they have done something wrong; assure them that help will be coming if they do get lost.

5. Your head is the best survival tool. If the unforseen does happen--you are lost or injured--don't panic. If you can hike out safely, plan your route beforehand. Otherwise, save your strength by staying put to decrease the chance of injury or hypothermia. This makes the job of finding you easier. Hiking out at night is not advised; steep trails and loose rock are risky even in daylight. Try to find or create shelter using tree branches or whatever is handy. Clear the ground and build a fire pit in an open area for warmth and signaling.

6. If someone in your party is lost, determine and mark the point last seen. (This helps searchers and dogs make a quicker find.) Make a hasty search for the missing person; if unsuccessful, send for help, before dark, if possible.

* * * Call 911 * * *

Ouray Mountain Rescue, under the direction of the Ouray County Sheriff's Office, is always on call for assistance. The Rescue Team is a volunteer organization of mountaineers, technical climbers, paramedical personnel and a K-9 team. All are experienced in rescue techniques. In order to offset training and equipment expenses, tax-deductible donations are gratefully appreciated. Thank you for your support.

OURAY MOUNTAIN RESCUE
P.O. BOX 220
OURAY, COLORADO 81427