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When people go hiking, they are typically seeking the combination of exercise, fresh air and sunshine, and the solitude of landscapes that you are generally not exposed to during everyday life. People seek to "get away from it all" by venturing out into areas that are not so developed, have less connection to services and technology, and feel more untouched by human hands. Most people who are hiking attempt to feel as though they are the only ones in an area, and allow themselves to be one with nature by simply allowing themselves a small amount of quiet reflection while looking over a landscape. Most people will not consider the potential dangers of these types of environments, and as a result will not necessarily realize the benefits of guided tours by professional touring companies.
There are several national parks within a few hours drive from Las Vegas, and typical hiking trips from Las Vegas will usually put most people into one of them. National parks are maintained by the federal government, and are an attempt to keep a protected area as unspoiled as possible while still maintaining a standard level of safety for visitors. On trail areas where there is potentially dangerous terrain, there will be warning signs, railings or stairs, or closures of the area for the protection of visitors. Services are generally available to be drawn upon in case of an emergency as well, ranging from rangers who can assist you if you are injured to transportation out of park areas if necessary. While they cannot provide complete safety, and visitors acre reminded that these spaces are lacking in many of the typical services that would be found in populated areas, they do provide a far greater level of safety than hiking areas that are not maintained by the government.
On a recent hiking trip to Mt. Potosi just outside of Las Vegas, my wife and myself ventured roughly five miles into the desert from the nearest road. While scrambling down a steep incline on loose rock as we were descending from the summit, my wife slipped and fell, creating a slide over the sharp rocks down the side of the mountain. As she was sliding, when attempted to grab hold of a large boulder about the size of a small car engine. The rock was toppled by her actions, and proceeded to roll over her back and legs, creating a large amount of damage. At this point, we quickly realized that we were miles from anyone who could help, and had no cell phone signal in order to call for emergency transportation. We were able to hike back down over time, however we realized that the situation easily could have been far worse. If the rock had rolled even a few inches to the left, it might have rolled over her head.
It is a shame that it is generally a bad experience that will be the most effective at teaching a lesson. It is a shame that sometimes you only realize the magnitude of a situation after an injury happens. This cannot be understated, and we now realize that by venturing out into the wilderness you are exposed to all of the dangers that are posed with little protection. The safety aspect alone should be enough to make a case for tours of National Parks and open spaces that are guided by professionals who understand the dangers of the area and have a plan in case an emergency would happen. Simply sticking to the areas that have periodic traffic as opposed to isolating yourself from all potential help may not make you feel like you are the only person on the planet, but it can keep you safe when bad things happen. Take our advice and protect yourself by experiencing the open spaces of America with the assistance of a guide, a group, or some form of support in case an accident happens. The life you save can be your own.
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