Utah gets cold, especially in January and February. That means people need to be extra careful when taking advantage of the beautiful Mountains. Those searching for spiritual fulfillment in the Wasatch Front this time of year probably won't find a burning bush to keep them warm, after all. Appropriate clothing, food and water are an absolute necessity for winter hiking in Utah.
Last week, two incidents in Provo's mountains should remind everyone to be more careful. One student, on a search for inspiration, hiked up Y Mountain on Wednesday without proper clothing and had to be rescued that same night when he couldn't find his way down to the valley. Another man who appeared to be hiking in Rock Canyon wasn't so lucky. His body was found by other hikers Wednesday afternoon. It appears that the common denominator in the two incidents was that both went hiking alone.
Though it looks safe from down in the valley, several people have to be rescued from Y Mountain every year. In 2004, a student was seriously injured in a rock slide while hiking with his roommate. That same year, another man who was hiking with a group of friends fell and was badly hurt. Last year, four people who went swimming in a cave on the mountain did not make it out alive. Y Mountain is not as safe as it appears, and people shouldn't take it so lightly.
The Web site www.hikesafe.com gives some basic safe hiking tips in its Hiker Responsibility Code. The first thing a hiker should do is become informed about the terrain and equipment (that includes clothing) needed. The trip plans should be shared with someone who won't be going on the hike. Hikers should also go in a group, stay together and not be afraid to turn back if the weather gets bad. As the code says, 'The mountains will be there another day.'
Everyone who heads up Y Mountain should follow the Hiker Responsibility Code. There shouldn't be so many accidents on a mountain so close to home.