Hiking in the Cold

How cold impacts your Timp hike

  • Temperatures can get below freezing above 10,000' even in the summer - prepare accordingly
  • The saddle & summit are often cold & windy - even in summer
  • Hypothermia can be life-threatening
  • Be prepared & you can stay safe & warm!

How to help prevent getting too cold

Bring a jacket

Weather conditions can change quickly on the mountain.
Get More Info About What Else You Should Bring

Dress in layers

You're going to be on the trail for a long time. Layers will give you options for when it's hot or cold. You'll be glad you have options.

Bring extra clothes

If you swim in Emerald Lake or slide down the glacier (not recommended!), you'll want dry clothes for the rest of the hike.

Check the weather

Thunderstorms can cause big temperature drops. It can snow in June and August. Be in the know and go prepared.
Check the weather at the mid, base & summit

Eat enough

We recommend 300-500 calories per hour to keep your energy steady during the hike.

Know the danger signs

Be aware of the symptoms of hypothermia

Cold risk: Hypothermia

  • Happens when your body loses too much heat
  • Can even happen in weather as warm as 50F if it's cold and windy

Signs of hypothermia:

Shivering
Blue emoji has chattering teeth and icicles.
The Umbles
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Fumbles, Mumbles, Stumbles, Tumbles & Grumbles
Tired or Drowsy
Emoji with closed drooping eyes and a sad mouth
If body temperature gets too low, a person will stop shivering. This is a sign of moderate or severe hypothermia and it can be life-threatening.
An emoji has blue near the top of its head and has a stressed out look on its face.

What to do if you feel symptoms of hypothermia:

Remove any wet clothing & get person into dry clothes
Shirt with water drops has an x by it shirt with warm waves has a green check by it
Get the person in some kind of shelter if possible - emergency bivvy, tent, sleeping bag, space blanket
Tent and sleeping bag graphics.
Give person warm liquids to drink - never give liquid to a semi-conscious person
Drink shows a cup with steam coming off it
If symptoms get worse, person stops shivering, or you are unable to start warming them, seek immediate medical attention
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Sources

Learn more at the links below: 

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