Safety
Water Intake/Dehydration
As you plan your hiking and other activities, please keep in mind that this is a desert environment. The sun is intense, the air is very dry, and mid summer temperatures can soar - your body will lose a great deal more moisture than you realize, so it is very important to stay hydrated. Carry more water than you think you will need! We also strongly recommend consuming electrolytes, since dehydration, sweating, and heat can easily upset this balance in your body, causing you to feel sick and lethargic. It is also advisable to wear protective clothing, sunscreen, and a hat to shield and protect your head and face.
Elevation
Our cabin is located at 6,500’ elevation. For those who live close to sea level, this change in elevation will affect your breathing and athletic ability - even if you are in very good physical condition. Be sure to take this into consideration as you plan, and allow your body to acclimate properly.
Because our property sits at a higher elevation than the main canyon area and town of Springdale, our temperatures tend to run about 10 degrees cooler on average.
Animals
There are rattlesnakes in the area; pay attention to where you step, especially on less-traveled trails and around the cabin. Rattlesnakes like to sun themselves, so it is wise to be especially alert when climbing or hiking in rocky areas. (Tip: we recommend carrying Benadryl in your pack to be able to administer immediately in the unlikely event of snakebite.)
Mountain lions frequent the area as well. They shy away from human contact, so the likelihood of encountering one is slim; however, should you come into contact with one, avoid eye contact, do not run, raise your arms to appear as large as possible, and back away in a controlled manner without appearing fearful.
Weather/Flash Floods
High summer - July and August - is thunderstorm season here. During these months especially, it is quite common for thunderstorms to occur throughout the afternoon. Our dry, rocky landscape is prone to flash flooding - flash floods pose a significant risk in the canyon environment, and many people have lost their lives by failing to take this seriously. If you plan to explore one of the canyon/slot areas, CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST BEFORE YOU GO, and pay attention to any signs of approaching storm activity - thunderheads massing on the horizon, gusty breezes/wind, an increase in debris in the water, and/or cloudy, muddy changes in the water. If there is any indication of rainfall or an approaching storm, seek high ground immediately.
West Rim Trail