Peralta Trail to Lone Pine - The dangers of heat and humidity while hiking

Peralta Trail to Lone Pine - The dangers of heat and humidity while hiking

Tina and I have been training for an upcoming hike lately. Unfortunately in the summer in Phoenix, that means dealing with the heat or going north to higher elevations. So we did plenty of driving, but this past weekend it was supposed to be substantially cooler here in the valley for a single day. We decided to go for it and hike the Peralta Trail in the Superstition Wilderness. The original goal was to take the Peralta trail up to Fremont Saddle. From there we would go to an overlook called Lone Pine. Then, on the way back we would take a social trail to a cave and finally descend Bluff Springs back to our car.

Immediately, we found out this wasn't a great plan. The monsoons had come through the day before, increasing humidity to around 50%. That may not seem like much to many of you, but for desert dwellers, that's a lot. So it felt hotter than we expected. Still, part of the challenge here was to train for a hotter hike, so the temps weren't really unexpected. Besides, we would be back at the truck early enough that temps wouldn't get into the 90's.

The rest is pretty obvious and the video speaks for itself. One thing I did not add is that I didn't take my PLB on this trip. I've hiked this trail many times - sometimes in hotter temperatures - and I figured we wouldn't encounter any troubles. That's stupid. If you have a PLB and you'll be in a place that you won't have mobile service, you should bring your PLB. Never know what could happen out there; on this trip we met a couple coming down who warned us about a rattlesnake on the trail. We didn't see it, but PLB's don't weigh much. Better safe than sorry. Hopefully this helps someone out there so they don't make the mistakes we did.

Music by Epidemic Sound:

As I Dream - Johannes Bornlof
As Pure as Driven Snow - Across the Great Valley
Duro - Lu-Ni

[shirleebusch]

Thank you for the info at the end. Very responsible of you.

[donnakano]

Thank you for talking earnestly about heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It’s so easy to think you can push through it when you’re young and healthy, but as you said, you can’t push through it. This is especially the case when hiking down into a valley and having to hike out (like the Grand Canyon) where the way home is uphill.

[carolleimbach]

Thank you for this important information. It happened to me 3 times ( just the mild symptoms ). It comes on fast. Glad Tina made it to the truck! 💐

[skmorrow]

Mission accomplished brother! I didn't know that shivers are a symptom of overheating. I am starting to hike more and have been watching many of your videos and am learning a lot. I am preparing for rim 2 rim in September, so heat will be a factor. Keep up the good work.

[tomlauritzen]

Another great video; so glad Tina was okay. Jerry I have to say I really missed Tina giving you the finger and telling you f-off in this I laugh every stay safe. t

[AlgonquinPrincess]

Thank you!! Love your videos and this one is the best. I’m local and don’t hike in the heat but I’ve been alarmed by the 2 tragic deaths up at Cave Creek. Very helpful explanation

[shaneallred]

Thanks for sharing! Especially about heat stroke/exhaustion.

[ijohnsonramos]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience while hiking. A similar situation happened to me and my friend while hiking Ram's Head Trail in St. John, USVI last month. We've made many trails together and it was the first time we experienced the effects of a heat stroke. That was definitely eye opening and a really frightening experience. Lesson learned: never hike between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm. And take plenty of water and electrolytes with you. Take care and keep up with the great job you both are doing. Love your videos, my regards to your lovely wife.

[petertellone]

100% Jerry and Tina. The same exact thing just happened to me. 88º 5400' in full sun in the Laguna Mountains of Southern California, Started feeling dizzy, drank water. Next thing I knew I woke up and was all bruised up from passing out and falling to the ground. and I;m someone that lives in one of the Hottest Towns in California (Anza-Borrego Desert) and is used to 115º regularly so heck 88º MUST be easy. Nope, Know the signs and take them VERY seriously. I lucked out and made it back to the 4runner but I had my Garmin SOS in hand the entire time. GREAT episode and SO needed my friend

[gmckemie]

Every time I get to that saddle I look to my right front and see that tree, I think to myself, “that tree is so out of place”. Thank you for sharing, now I know there is a decent trail to the tree and the overlook seems fantastic!

[teamtortillaflat]

Hi Jerry! We love your videos and are sharing your channel and videos to help educate our global visitors about hiking safely in this area. :)

[ervinslens]

Wow, this is gorgeous my friend, everything here is done fantastically.

[paulashaham]

Thank you for the beautiful scenery and music. I noticed that on the PCT they often bring umbrellas. Maybe, that is for the sun too? Thank you for sharing your experience and glad it turned out okay!

[johns]

While it might seem counterintuitive, long sleeve hiking shirts and pants go along way in keeping your skin cooler. Another great piece of clothing is a UPF 50+ sun protection hoodie shirt…. lightweight, breathable and covers your entire top half of your body from the top of your head to your torso. Finally, as always…this is another beautifully shot video.

[Dirtbag.G]

Thank you for Sharing the reality of heat exhaustion! Glad that everything turned out ok for Tina! Her face at the saddle looked extremely red.

[deputyowl]

Jerry and Tina we're from Louisiana home of heat and humidity so kinda know what y'all went through and glad you got out safe.

[thomassanio]

2 levels of heat stress: heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Well done Jerry. I just finally did Peralta Canyon, loved it👍. Well presented info, everyone must be aware of this. Thank you.

[stevecrawford]

Thanks. I always appreciate your videos.

[ScramblinJim]

I really like and appreciate your videos. It allows me to experience our (AZ resident for 60+ years) beautiful SW through your hikes; believe me I would love to have the physical abilities to do them! I enjoy your candid interaction with each other and sharing your joy and mistakes. Keep up the great content, enjoy and be safe. Thanks!

[matthewsresilientways]

Heat exhaustion is no joke. I went down with it a few years ago in 105F because I didn't take care of myself "because I can handle the heat!" Now, temps above 90F are absolutely not tolerable for me anymore. I'd like to add that pouring water on my head does work, even in high humidity, and now I carry one of those "iCOOL" towels that get really cold when wet. They are a literal life saver! (As long as there is water available.) I'm really glad Tina was able to get cooled off before it got really bad. Take care of yourselves so you can keep making great videos of awesome places! :)