Pike & San Isabel National Forests
Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands

• Snow, rain and lightning storms are common. Daytime temperatures range form 40-70 degrees in the summer months. Be prepared for changing weather. Carry rain gear and extra layers of warm clothing.
• Lightning storms build rapidly and occur almost daily throughout the summer. Turn around at the first sign of thunder and lightning. Carry a topographical map and compass and know how to use them.
• Be aware of exposure to intense sunlight. Wear sunscreen and a hat.
• Know the symptoms of altitude sickness. Severe headaches, dizziness, and nausea are warning signs and the person should descend to lower elevations immediately.

• Plan your trip for weekdays; weekend crowds are a concern to land managers.
• Practice Leave No Trace hiking and camping techniques.

1. Plan Ahead & Prepare: High altitude weather & terrain require careful route. Equipment and travel planning and preparation. Take the time to learn about the ecology of the peak you are climbing.
2. Camp & Travel on Durable Surfaces: Rest/camp on rock or in designated sites. Please stay on designated trails. Avoid wetlands and riparian areas. Don't take short cuts! Where multiple trails exist, choose the most worn. Where there are no trails, spread out across terrain. When camping on vegetation, select thick, heavily matted or grassy sites. Move campsites frequently.
3. Pack it in, Pack it out!
4. Properly dispose of What you Can't Pack Out: Proper disposal of human waste will be appreciated by future visitors. So, don't forget to have at least one member of your party pack a digging tool. It is much less damaging to the environment if you perform this action below treeline: dig a hole 6-8 inches in organic soils and cover when done. Pack you toilet paper out or use natural toilet paper and bury it in the hole. If an emergency strikes and you are not able to make it below treeline, the recommendation is to pack out human feces.
5. Leave What You Find: You must have a permit to remove any forest product from forest lands. Cultural artifacts should be left as they are found.
6. Minimize Use & Impact of Fire: Use campstoves.

• Use the standard route to the peak.
• Keep your group size small.
• Select a stable descent route. Avoid skiing the scree; it causes serious damage to soils and vegetation.

• Party size limit is 15
• Dogs must be on a leash
• Camp 100 feet from water
• Organized groups must contact the Forest Service.