Outdoor Safety Disclaimer

Hiking, backpacking and other outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including but not limited to injury, exposure, altitude sickness, getting lost, wildlife encounters and sudden changes in weather. By using this website you acknowledge and accept those risks.

What our content is

Guides, tools and recommendations on HikingCare are educational and general in nature. They cannot account for your fitness, experience, health, equipment, group, or the conditions on a particular day.

What you should do

• Check current trail conditions, closures and weather forecasts from official sources before every hike.
• Tell someone your route and expected return time, and set a turn-around time before you start.
• Carry the ten essentials, including navigation, water, extra food, layers, a headlamp, first aid and a way to call for help.
• Build experience gradually; do not attempt trails beyond your ability, and be willing to turn back.
• Seek professional instruction for technical terrain, winter travel, river crossings and high altitude.

No liability

HikingCare and its contributors are not responsible for injury, loss or damage resulting from the use of information on this site. Tool results are estimates only. If in doubt, consult a qualified guide, local rangers or emergency services.