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I am privileged to live in this wonderful state of New Mexico and love to go camping, backpacking and hiking all over the state. Since New Mexico is such a diverse state and has lots of different elevations and terrains there are a few facts you will need to know before attempting to go camping, backpacking and hiking in our state.
You can be in the lower part of the state and experience extreme heat conditions and a few days later be in the northern part of the state and experience extreme cold so you need to be prepared for your health and safety. Here are a few helpful hints to help you in preparation:
Some hiking trails can be very difficult as elevation varies on each hike, plan to be in good physical condition before attempting any hike and take a short hike first then attempt longer trails.
Take along plastic bags for your litter and also there are very few places to go to the bathroom, so be prepared to place any waste items in plastic bags and take out with you to avoid litter and also to avoid animals perhaps eating things that could cause harm or death to them. We also need to always think of the environment in our forest and on our hiking trails for the next person who decides to hike and enjoy.
You will need to bring adequate clothing also, perhaps bring wool clothing in case you get wet as it provides insulation and cotton doesn't when wet. Sometimes the temperature can be very hot in the day and when dusk arrives the temperature drops very low and you need to be warm, even if not wet. Thunderstorms can occur at anytime and snow also.
Bring an adequate water supply with you, at last one gallon for each person per day on the hike as you can become easily dehydrated while hiking without giving your body adequate water.
If you plan to overnight camp by all means bring your portable tent but be sure to pitch it where the vegation will not be harmed, that is very important, we should only leave our footprints when we explore this wonderful state.
If you hike to canyons the trails are fairly steep on the way up and then steady downhill coming back. When you get detailed maps of the area you plan to make you can make allowances for timing your hike to be sure you aren't on the trial after dark especially when you are not prepared to stay the night. The USGS topographic quadrangles are generally the most detailed and accurate maps available in natural areas. When looking at this type of map you can actually visualize the peaks, canyons, cliffs and many other features.
Be sure to stay on the designated trail as it is very easy to get lost in unfamiliar territory. Most trail heads provide maps of the area so be sure to get one in case you do lose your way.
I am sure there are many other things you can do to prepare but perhaps these few hints will help,above all, enjoy our wonderful state and please return.
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