A hiker kneels on a cliff edge overlooking the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument.

Be Safe and Prepared

BLM-managed public lands offer incredible opportunities – but conditions can vary widely. Prepare for changing weather, uneven terrain, limited cell coverage, and remote travel. Always check with your local BLM field office for current information.

Regardless of where you go on public lands, consider the following to help ensure a safe and memorable visit:

  • Check weather and potential hazards
  • Know your skills and limits
  • Tell someone your plans and return time
  • Carry enough water, food, gear, and emergency equipment
  • Bring navigation tools and know how to use them
  • Dress for location, activity, and weather
  • Practice outdoor ethics
  • Check for fire restrictions and take steps to prevent wildfires

Use the additional guidance below to prepare for common situations. 

Travel and Navigation

Cell Phone Coverage

Many BLM areas have limited or no cell service, including popular destinations. Planning for communication gaps helps ensure you can navigate, signal for help, and stay safe in remote areas.

What to remember:

  • Download maps and permits for offline use; bring a paper map or GPS device.
  • Share your travel plans with someone.
  • Keep your phone charged; consider bringing a battery with which to recharge.
  • Don’t rely on a phone as your only emergency tool.
  • Text messages may send when calls won’t.
Navigation and Getting Lost 

Many BLM areas have few landmarks and limited cell service, which can make navigation difficult.

What to remember:

  • Bring a paper map, compass, or dedicated GPS device, and know how to use them.
  • Download offline maps in advance.
  • Share your planned route and return time with someone who isn’t going with you.
  • While exploring, watch for landmarks, signs, and terrain changes.
  • If you become disoriented, stop, stay calm, and reassess. If you’re on a trail, stay on it.
  • Make yourself easy to find by wearing bright colors or using light signals.
Road Conditions

BLM lands include deserts, mountains, canyons, lava fields, rangelands, and coastal areas. Roads can be unpaved, rough, and remote.

What to remember:

  • Check weather forecasts and prepare for quick changes.
  • Many roads require high‑clearance or 4WD vehicles. Bring adequate emergency gear to get yourself unstuck.
  • Follow all signs, respect gates and barriers, and obey traffic laws.
  • If a road looks unsafe—washed out, muddy, sandy, slippery, unstable, or unclear—turn back.
  • Avoid slot canyons and washes during storms, as flash flooding can occur suddenly.
  • Motorized travel is prohibited in designated Wilderness.

Environmental Hazards

Fire Safety

Fire danger can rise quickly in hot, dry, or windy conditions. Campfires that escape can destroy homes, wildlife habitat, and infrastructure, and place firefighters and communities at serious risk.

What to remember:

  • Check fire danger levels and restrictions before your trip.
  • Follow posted signs and closures.
  • Use existing fire rings and never leave a fire unattended.
  • Fully extinguish campfires with water and stirring until cool to the touch.
Water Recreation Safety

Drowning is a leading hazard on public waters, and conditions in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs can change quickly.

What to remember:

  • Share your plans and return time with someone who isn’t going with you.
  • Ensure everyone has basic swimming and water safety skills.
  • Watch for strong currents, drop‑offs, debris, and algal blooms.
  • Avoid alcohol and drugs during water activities.
  • Wear a properly fitted and approved life jacket when boating or paddling.
  • Travel only where your vessel type is allowed, ensure your vessel is in proper condition, and follow all boating laws, including operating at safe speeds.
Drinking Water Safety

Hydration is essential, especially in hot, dry, or high‑elevation areas. Natural water sources are often unsafe unless treated.

What to remember:

  • Drink water regularly before, during, and after activity.
  • Carry more water than you expect to need; many areas have no refill points.
  • Turn back if your group is running low.
  • Treat all natural water sources before drinking.

Weather and Environmental Conditions

Weather Safety

Rapid weather changes can quickly create hazardous conditions and reduce visibility. Even brief storms or temperature drops can turn a routine trip into an emergency if you’re not prepared.

What to remember:

  • Check forecasts and monitor conditions throughout your visit.
  • Prepare for storms, wind, and sudden temperature drops, especially at higher elevations.
  • Dress in layers suitable for changing conditions.
  • Know hazards such as lightning, dust storms, heavy rain, fog, and flash floods.
  • Carry extra supplies in case weather delays your return.
Flash Flood Safety

Flash floods can develop with little warning and create life‑threatening conditions in minutes. Even distant storms can send water rushing through canyons and washes far from where rain actually falls.

What to remember:

  • Check forecasts and local alerts for the exact area you plan to visit.
  • Storms can form or shift quickly—stay aware.
  • Slot canyons and narrow washes can fill suddenly with fast‑moving water.
  • If flooding or heavy rain occurs, move to higher ground immediately.
  • Expect debris, washed‑out roads, and muddy trails after storms.
Extreme Heat and Sun Exposure Safety

Extreme heat can quickly cause dehydration and heat‑related illness. High UV levels can also lead to serious burns and make safe travel more difficult if you’re not prepared.

What to remember:

  • Monitor weather and heat advisories.
  • Drink water regularly—don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
  • Use sunscreen and reapply often, especially at higher elevations.
  • Avoid activity during peak heat.
  • Wear sun‑protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
  • Eat well and carry salty snacks or electrolytes.
  • Know the signs of heat‑related illness and who may be at higher risk.
Winter Weather and Extreme Cold Safety

Cold, snow, ice, and short daylight hours can make winter travel challenging.

What to remember:

  • Check forecasts and keep an eye on changing conditions.
  • Wear warm layers, keep skin covered, and stay dry.
  • Traction devices may be needed on icy trails.
  • Carry vehicle essentials: tire chains, shovel, jumper cables, blankets, food, and water.
  • Bring extra clothing and emergency supplies.
  • Know symptoms of cold‑related illnesses.

Animals and Plants

Pet Safety

Pets face risks from heat, terrain, wildlife, and unfamiliar plants. Planning ahead helps keep them safe and prevents conflicts with wildlife and other visitors.

What to remember:

  • Know your pet’s limits and choose suitable routes.
  • Provide clean water regularly and avoid unsafe sources.
  • Check local rules—some areas require leashes or restrict pets.
  • Even when not required, leashing helps protect wildlife, visitors, and pets.
  • Plan for weather and terrain; hot surfaces and rough ground can injure paws.
  • Carry extra water, food, and emergency supplies.
  • Watch for ticks, snakes, poisonous plants, and other hazards.
  • Never leave pets in vehicles.
  • Pick up pet waste.
Wildlife Safety

Wild animals can behave unpredictably and may become dangerous if surprised or approached too closely. Staying aware and giving wildlife space helps protect both you and the animals that live on public lands.

What to remember:

  • Store food securely and dispose of trash properly.
  • Give animals space, especially during sensitive seasons; check for closures.
  • Keep children close and pets leashed.
  • Deterrents like bear spray may help but are not substitutes for awareness and distance.
  • Avoid reaching into rocks, logs, or crevices.
  • Learn how to prevent wildlife‑related diseases, including rabies.
Poisonous Plants

Many poisonous plants grow on public lands, including species that can irritate skin or cause illness if touched or eaten. Some look similar to edible plants, so careful identification matters.

What to remember:

  • Learn how to identify poisonous plants common in your area, including poison oak and poison ivy.
  • If you plan to forage, be fully confident in identification. Many poisonous plants closely resemble edible ones; when in doubt, don’t eat it.
  • Stay on established trails and avoid pushing through dense or unknown vegetation.
  • Wear long sleeves, pants, and closed‑toe shoes in areas where poisonous plants are common.
  • Keep children and pets close so they don’t touch or ingest unfamiliar plants.
Ticks, Mosquitos, and Other Insects

Insects can carry diseases that affect people, pets, and ecosystems.

What to remember:

  • Use EPA‑registered insect repellent.
  • Wear long sleeves, pants, and closed‑toe shoes; tuck pants into socks in tick areas.
  • Check clothing, gear, and skin often for ticks.
  • Avoid tall grass, brush, and overgrown paths.
  • Leash pets and use flea and tick prevention.
  • Use only local firewood, or gather on‑site where allowed, to prevent spreading invasive pests.

Caves and Mines

Cave Safety

Caves can present hazards such as darkness, loose rock, tight spaces, and unexpected drops.

What to remember:

  • Wear sturdy footwear, gloves, and a helmet; pads can help in tight passages.
  • Never enter caves alone; share your plans and return time.
  • Watch for loose rock and unstable surfaces.
  • Carry three independent light sources per person; hands‑free lights are helpful.
  • Don’t climb or descend slopes you aren’t confident you can reverse.
Mine Safety

Active and abandoned mines can contain hidden and unstable hazards.

What to remember:

  • Obey all warnings and closures.
  • Stay out of and away from mine openings – openings may be unstable or hidden.
  • Hazards include collapse, toxic gases, unsafe water, and hidden drops.

Land Jurisdiction and Use

Mixed Land Management

BLM lands often border or connect with lands managed by other agencies, tribes, states, or private owners.

What to remember:

  • Check land‑ownership maps before your trip.
  • Ask permission before entering private property.
  • Know the rules for your activity—they may change across boundaries.
  • Watch for signs, gates, and boundary markers.
Crime and Hazardous Materials Safety

Some areas may contain hazardous materials or evidence of illegal activity. For immediate assistance or to report natural‑resource crimes, call BLM Law Enforcement Dispatch at (800) 637‑9152. In an emergency, call 911.

What to remember:

  • Looting and vandalism of archaeological resources are felony crimes under federal law.
  • Hazards may include illegal dumping, abandoned vehicles, chemicals, or debris.
  • Avoid posted or closed areas—they protect visitors from known risks.
  • Do not disturb suspicious containers or debris.
  • Report signs of dumping, vandalism, or contamination to the nearest BLM office or law‑enforcement contact.