Dehydration, injury, and theft are all concerns when out on a hike.
Whether you're off-road, out camping, or in the backcountry, safety is top priority. Many people can find themselves in bad situations when they're not prepared.
"Tell somebody where you're going," Sergeant Noah Boyer of the Washoe County Sheriff's Office says, "Make sure that your cell phone's charged. if you have an extra battery pack to throw in a pocket or something like that in case your cell phone dies."
Sergeant Boyer says planning before your hiking trip is a crucial first step for safety.
On top of charging your phone, he says to bring food and water, and make sure valuables stored in your car are out of sight.
"Your credit cards are in there," Sergeant Boyer says, "Your debit cards are in there - and then they'll take those and use those. And that can lead to bigger crimes than just something as simple as breaking into a car at the trailhead."
Sergeant Boyer says you should also think about your physical safety on the trail.
Traveling with water keeps you hydrated, and wearing sunscreen protects your skin, but a local from south Reno says you also need to think about the right footwear too.
"You want something that's got some tread, some grip, trail hiking shoes," Kim Shaw says, "I mean, some tennis shoes are okay, but you have to have something that's a little sturdy."
It's important to watch out for people doing other activities on the trails, like biking.
Marty Miller is a Truckee native who regularly bikes at the East Keystone Canyon Trailhead.
He says that everyone he's biked with on the trail has done so safely.
"You know, everybody's responsible and they stick on their trail and it's a good place," Miller says.
Hiking can be a fun summertime activity, but it's important to do it safely.
