High-Elevation / Early-Morning Hiking

High-elevation and early-morning hiking is a way to beat July's heat without getting in the water.

REC Safe Early-Start Hiking

Our R.E.C. Tenets, applied before dawn:

Start before sunrise to finish before peak heat — plan your turnaround time around the forecasted high.
Bring a headlamp even for a "daytime" hike — early starts mean hiking in the dark at first.
Wildlife is more active at dawn and dusk. Make noise and know what's in the area.
Altitude changes the rules. Going higher to beat the heat means preparing for thinner air and colder temps at the top.
Tell someone your early start time and route, since trailheads are quieter and less help is around.
Watch the road too. Driving to a trailhead in the dark raises the risk of a wildlife strike.
Bring more water than an equivalent afternoon hike. An early, fast pace increases sweat loss.
Layer for a big temperature swing between a cold start and a hot finish.
Know where the exposed, shadeless sections fall in your route timeline.
Turn around at your planned time regardless of how good you feel. Heat still peaks even if you don't notice it climbing.