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My hike to a forgotten canyon ended with a phone call to park rangers
Last summer, a friend told me about a canyon no one talks about. I packed a small bag and drove out. The place was beautiful but empty. I started on what looked like a trail. It faded into nothing after a mile. I kept going, sure I could find my way back. Then I saw I was walking in a circle. The light was fading fast. I had to use my emergency whistle for the first time. A ranger came after what felt like forever. I figured out that secret spots can turn scary quick. Now I always bring a real map and tell someone my plan.
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anna836mo ago
Man that whistle part got me, did you have to use it more than once? I had a close call like that two years ago, followed a dry creek bed up a "shortcut" and totally lost the main path as the sun went down. My phone had no signal and I was just hoping my husband would call for help when I didn't come back. Now I won't even step off a paved trail without a paper map and one of those big backup batteries. It's crazy how a cool secret spot can just turn into a real problem so fast.
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quinns156mo ago
Sounds like letting fear run your hikes now though.
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derek_johnson6mo ago
Nah, I get being smart about it, but calling it fear is kinda harsh lol. It's just learning from a close call, not letting it stop you. You can still find cool spots, just with a backup plan now.
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