Tips for Hiking in Hot Weather

I get asked all the time: "How do you hike in Las Vegas during the summer? It's so hot!" Many people do not realize that you lose about four degrees for every 1,000 feet of elevation you gain. There's almost a 10,000 foot difference between the elevation of the Las Vegas Strip and the summit of Charleston Peak (11,918 feet).

Quick Math

If you lose four degrees for every 1,000 feet and Charleston Peak is almost 10,000 feet higher than the LV Strip (12,000 - 2,000 = 10,000) it will be almost 40 degrees cooler at Charleston Peak (10 X 4 = 40).  If it's 105 on the Strip, it could be in 60's at Charleston Peak. This is our first tip.

Tips

• Hike at elevation.
• Get an early start - If you are hiking where it will be hot, early mornings are the coolest part of the day.
• Drink lots of water - you must stay hydrated to avoid heat stroke and dehydration. 
• Wear light color clothing - Do NOT wear black
• If you feel hot and tired, find shade, rest, and drink water

Where to Hike In Southern Nevada During the Summer?

This is easy: Hike in Mt. Charleston. It's only 35 miles from the Las Vegas Strip and the elevation in Mt. Charleston starts around 7,000 feet. There are many easy to advanced hikes in Mt. Charleston, though only Hiking Las Vegas documents all of them.

If you like this tip, you should sign up for more hiking tips at: www.hikinglasvegas.com