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Disclaimer

Hiking in the backcountry entails unavoidable risk that every hiker assumes and must be aware of and respect. The fact that a trail is described in this book is not a representation that it will be safe for you. Trails vary greatly in difficulty and in the degree of conditioning and agility one needs in order to enjoy them safely. On some hikes, routes may have changed—or conditions may have deteriorated—since the descriptions were written. Also, trail conditions can change from day to day, or even hour to hour, owing to weather and other factors. A trail that is safe on a dry day or for a highly conditioned, agile, properly equipped hiker may be completely unsafe for someone else or unsafe under adverse weather conditions.

Minimize your risks on the trail by being knowledgeable, prepared, and alert. There is not space in this book for a general treatise on safety in the mountains. Fortunately, there are many good books and courses on the subject: use them to increase your knowledge. Just as important, take note of your own limitations and familiarize yourself in advance about what conditions you may face when and where you want to hike. If conditions are dangerous, or if you’re not prepared to deal with them safely, choose a different hike! It’s better to have wasted a drive than to be the subject of a mountain rescue.

Millions of people have safe and enjoyable hikes every year. However, one element of the beauty, freedom, and excitement of the wilderness is the presence of risks that do not confront us at home. When you hike, you assume those risks. They can be met safely, but only if you take time to inform yourself, then exercise your independent judgment and common sense while hiking or backpacking along any trail.