National Park Service Springtime Hiking Tips

The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, a unit of the National Park Service, offers the following tips for springtime hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains:

* Water is life. Carry plenty of water and drink it. One quart or more for short walks. More for longer hikes. Alcohol is not a good substitute for water.

* Sun protection. Wear sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. Long-sleeved shirts are recommended on sunny days.

* Never hike alone; use the buddy system. That leaves someone to go for help if you run into trouble.

* Plan your hike and tell someone--a close friend or family member--about the plan. Stick with your trip plan.

* Wear sturdy footwear: hiking boots or sneakers.

* Do not build fires. Do not smoke.

* Carry a well-equipped first aid kit.

* High outdoor temperatures can reduce a hiker’s efficiency. Travel light. The heaviest item in your backpack should be water.

* Be aware that the Southern Pacific rattlesnake lives in the mountains. Stay away from it and it won’t bother you.

* State parks are closed during periods of extreme fire danger. Call (213) 454-2372 for a 24-hour recorded fire-condition message.