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by Chelsey McHale...
Witnessing breathtaking landscapes and exploring the great outdoors can make for a beautiful adventure. Nature can benefit us in many ways physically, mentally, and spiritually. Just as it is breathtaking, it can also be treacherous when you are not prepared.
In May of 2011, a 25-year-old male named Clint McHale went out on a hike to Camelback Mountain, Echo Canyon. The mountain has two difficult trails that ascend 1,420 feet to a summit resembling the hump of a camel’s back and provides a 360-degree view in the heart of Phoenix. It was a mountain Clint hiked twice a week. He was an Arizona native and a fit and avid hiker. This time, he veered off the trail, climbed without the proper safety gear and fell 50 feet. Clint had not passed instantaneously from the fall. He was very much alert. However, due to his location from going off trail, it took rescue crews much longer to get to him, and he sadly passed away en route to the hospital.
Clint’s death was not heat related, but his first mistake was his decision to trail blaze instead of staying on the marked trail. He pushed himself past his limits that day, and it cost him his life. We as humans are not invincible or immune to injuries/fatalities, but we can ensure we prepare and hike smart and safely. A sign with his picture and story was placed on Camelback in 2014 to be used as a safety sign and warning to other hikers.
Hikers love to challenge themselves because we’re told the view at the top will be worth it and to just keep going. However, it won’t be worth it if you can’t reach it there and back safely. Your stop is your top. We wouldn’t hike ill prepared in an Alaskan blizzard and for Arizona, our blizzard is our heat.
Remember to bring plenty of water for the entirety of your hike. Once you are halfway done with your water, turn back around. During our high temps, many will hike early in the morning. It’s important to be hydrated prior to your hike because we wake up dehydrated after going several hours without water while sleeping.
Ensuring you’re properly prepared can help make it your best hike. Ask yourself, did I check the weather and see any active heat warnings? Do I have enough water to complete my hike round trip? Am I wearing hiking shoes to help grip the rough terrain to support my feet and ankles? Do I have a hat and sunscreen? If hiking solo, ask, did I bring a charged cell phone and tell someone where I’m hiking and when I plan to return?
Perhaps in the middle of your hike you start to feel unwell and are dizzy, nauseous, and running low on water. Many hikers may mistake this as the need to push through it. However, these symptoms may be your body starting to shut down, leading to heat stroke.
We want everyone to enjoy our beautiful Arizona mountains, but we also want you to be safe. If today is not the day for you to finish your hike, that’s okay. You can come back another time and try it again when you’re better prepared. The mountain will still be here and so will you. Please listen to your body and know when it’s time to turn back around so you can come home safely to your loved ones.
by Chelsey McHale
Chelsey McHale is Clint’s sister