Heat Safety
Summer is prime time to explore Utah State Parks! Whether you're hiking red rock trails or cooling off on the water, keep these essential heat safety tips in mind before you head out.
Utah State Parks offer endless summer adventure—from hiking scenic trails to recreating on the water—but staying safe in the desert heat requires a little extra preparation. Between our high elevations, low humidity, and intense sunshine, heat-related illnesses can sneak up on anyone. Keeping these essential safety tips in mind will help keep your trip fun, refreshing, and injury-free.
Stay Safe in the Heat
Hydration and Sun Protection Essentials
Staying Ahead of the Heat Heat-related illnesses and dehydration can happen to anyone—no matter how fit you are, how experienced you feel, or how tough you think your heat tolerance is. In Utah's dry climate, sweat evaporates quickly, meaning dehydration can sneak up on you even on cooler or breezy days.
- Sip Before You're Thirsty: Drink water continuously throughout your trip. If you wait until you feel thirsty, your body is already running behind on fluids.
- Dress for the Environment: Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and wide-brimmed hats, and build regular rest breaks into shaded spots along your route.
- Listen to Your Body: If you start feeling dizzy, nauseous, or unusually worn out, take it seriously. It’s time to stop, find shade, rest, and rehydrate right away.
Protecting Your Skin
Don't let cloudy days trick you into leaving the sunblock in your pack! Up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays pass right through cloud cover, which means sunburns and skin damage can happen even when the sky looks gray.
- Lather Up Early: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 about 15 minutes before heading outside.
- Reapply Regularly: Put on a fresh layer every two hours—and even more often if you’re swimming, paddleboarding, or working up a sweat on the trails.
Recognizing Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency that happens when the body loses its ability to cool itself down. It requires fast, decisive action to prevent severe harm, so knowing what to look for can save a life.
Key Symptoms of Heat Stroke:
- Flushed, hot face
- Dry skin (the body has stopped sweating)
- Weak, rapid pulse
- Confusion, slurred speech, or extreme disorientation
- High body temperature
What to Do Immediately:
- Call 911 right away.
- Move the person into the shade or an air-conditioned vehicle.
- Rapidly cool them down by soaking their skin and clothes with cold water.
- Fan them vigorously to help bring their body temperature down while emergency help is on the way.
Heat Essentials Packing List
Pack these essentials before heading out to stay cool and hydrated:
- Water and Electrolytes: Pack at least 1 liter per person per hour of activity, plus electrolyte tablets to replace lost salts.
- Sun Protection: Bring broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, SPF lip balm, UV-blocking sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Cooling Clothing: Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Bring a wet cooling towel or neck gaiter for fast relief.
- Salty Snacks: Trail mix, pretzels, or energy bars to maintain electrolyte balance.
- Shade and Safety: A lightweight sun umbrella for trail breaks, a fully charged phone, and a basic first aid kit.
