Summer Safety in the Franklin Mountains

by Adriana Weickhardt

The first week of June saw record breaking highs, reaching a peak at 109 degrees!  With temperatures soaring early in the season, it’s critical that people take all necessary precautions to keep themselves safe and healthy. 

The basic preparations that all hikers, bikers and nature enthusiasts should make are as follows:  Stay hydrated, wear proper eye and outwear protection, wear sunscreen, stay on trails, carry a flashlight, let others know what your plans are and make sure to check weather forecasts before your outings to avoid potential flash flooding. 

Before you take off on your adventures, make sure that you first let someone know where you are going and when you intend to return.  You’ve probably heard and read about Aron Ralston (or watched the movie about him – “127 Hours”) – his critical mistake was not telling anyone where he was going.  Have your plan of action, know which trails you’re taking, and make sure you stay on them; following the trails not only helps protect our fragile desert environment, but also helps keep you “found”.  And finally, amongst your other survival items you pack, a flashlight is essential – or could be.  You may have full intentions of arriving to your vehicle or home before dark, but intentions often times are thwarted by curiosity and intrigue to explore other trails and areas or by accidents.  It’s better to have your light source and not need it than the opposite.  

Monsoon season is just around the corner, typically beginning at the end of June and lasting through August.

"There are two easy ways to die in the desert: thirst and drowning"
                                      - Craig Childs, from the cover of The Secret Knowledge of Water

Your number one and most important item in your backpack is water.  Plan on taking “more than enough” water with you; there are no natural water sources found in the Franklin Mountains.  When you’ve consumed half of your supply, it’s time to turn back and make sure to keep extra water in your vehicle.  Don’t try to ration your water; water will only do you good if you drink it!

Though it seems counter intuitive, wearing long sleeves and long pants made of breathable material will keep you cooler and provide extra protection from the sun.  Some outdoor specific clothing is made with material that offers UV protection; however, it’s always wise to apply sunscreen no matter your clothing choice.

Often times, outdoor recreationalists don’t consider the chances of drowning as they’re playing in the desert during the summer – it seems like an oxymoron.  But flash flooding and drowning are real dangers in our desert southwest environment, especially during the summer and fall.  Sudden isolated thunderstorms can bring heavy rains that run off mountains into canyons and arroyos and can create walls of rushing water that bring with them debris, boulders, and mud.  It’s crucial to check the local forecast before heading out on your outdoor adventures!  If heavy rains do occur and the potential for flash flooding exists, head for high ground and wait for the skies to clear.  If you’re in a vehicle, don’t attempt to drive through flooded areas.

The park experiences its peak for mountain rescues during the summer season.  Most often the reason for the rescue is due to a lack of preparation on the part of the visitor – not enough water, inexperience with the terrain, and lack of consideration for the heat and weather. 

You can enjoy the mountains year round with modifications to behavior and preparedness for the changing seasons.  Early morning and evening times are optimum for a fully enjoyable summer outdoor experience.

Join us throughout the summer for our programs at the park:

JULY

Sat., July 5:  5:00 a.m. Peak Fitness Challenge – Ron Coleman Trail

Sat., July 12:  8:00 a.m. Nature Walk Trail Hike

Sun., July 13:  7:00 a.m. Intermediate Mountain Bike Ride

Sat., July 19:  7:00 a.m. Beginner’s Mountain Bike Ride

Sun., July 20:  9:00 a.m. West Cottonwood Springs Mine Tour

Sat., July 26:  8:00 a.m. Nature Walk Trail Hike

AUGUST

Sat., August 2:  7:00 a.m. - “Bark in the Park” hike

Sun., August 3:  9:00 a.m. West Cottonwood Springs Mine Tour

Fri., August 8:  8:00 a.m.  Nature Walk Trail Hike

Sat., August 9:  7:00 a.m. Beginner’s Mountain Bike Ride

Sat., August 16:  7:00 a.m. Women’s Beginner’s Hike

Sun., August 17: 7:00 a.m. Intermediate Mountain Bike Ride

Sat., August 23:  TBD Chihuahuan Desert Chili Challenge (Chili Cook Off)

“Celebration of Our Mountains”

(September through November)

SEPTEMBER

Sept. 7 – 8:00 a.m. Nature Walk Trail

Sept 7 - 8:00 a.m. Women’s MTB Ride

Sat., September 13 & 14:  9:30 a.m. Texas Outdoor Family Campout

Sat., September 20:  9:00 a.m. 10th Annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta

Sun., September 21:  9:00 a.m. West Cottonwood Springs Mine Tour

Sun., September 21:  7:00 a.m. Intermediate Mountain Bike Ride

OCTOBER

Oct. 4 - 8:00 a.m. Women’s MTB Ride (Beginner’s)

Oct. 5 – 7:00 a.m. Beginner’s Bike Ride

Oct. 11 and 12 – TBD Franklin Mountains State Park Volunteer Orientation – Campout

Oct. 25 - 8:00 a.m. Women’s MTB Workshop (Beginner’s)

Oct. 26 – 7:00 a.m. Intermediate Bike Ride

Oct. 31 – TBD Halloween Mine Tour

NOVEMBER

Nov 1. –  TBDHappy Tails n’ Happy Trails (Dog adoption fair and fun activities to do with your pooch)

Nov. 2 - 9:00 a.m. Women’s MTB Ride (Beginner’s)

Nov. 8 –  9:00 a.m. Beginner’s Bike Ride

Nov. 15 – 7:00 a.m. Peak Fitness Challenge Hike – North Franklin Peak

Nov. 16 – 9:00 a.m. Intermediate Bike Ride

Nov. 16 – 9:00 a.m. Nature Walk Trail

Nov. 22 – 9:00 a.m. Women’s Beginner’s Hike – Lower Sunset Trail

Nov. 27 – 9:00 a.m. Turkey Trail Trilogy (3 hikes, back to back)

Call (915) 566-6441 for more information and to make your reservations.