The Arizona Republic

Boom towns:

The best places to mark Independen­ce Day

- ZACHARY HANSEN

Places around Arizona to have a blast and celebrate Independen­ce Day.

There’s plenty of informatio­n on how to have a safe and enjoyable hike. Phoenix has an in-depth “Take a Hike. Do It Right.” list of guidelines, a great resource for safe hiking.

There’s also much to learn from hiking don’ts. These mistakes can cause serious harm, potentiall­y even death. It’s good to know the biggest mistakes a hiker Looking to get out of the Phoenix area for Independen­ce Day? Whether you’re looking for traditiona­l fireworks displays and parades or something totally out of the ordinary, chances are you can find it in Arizona. Here are a few spots around that state that will welcome you at their celebratio­ns. can make so you can avoid them.

We talked to Steven Salter, an avid hiker and Master Educator with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, to learn the worst possible ways to plan and execute your hike. He would know, since he’s a certified Wilderness First Responder.

“Definitely, preparatio­n is the most important thing,” Salter said.

Here are six of the worst things you could do when planning your hike.

1. Pick a hot day

In Phoenix, pretty much every day from May to October is a hot day. But if the National Weather Service issues an excessive-heat warning, it’s definitely not a good idea to hike that day. Heat stroke and dehydratio­n can be very dangerous.

The time of day also matters. It’s cooler in the morning and after sunset, so those are the ideal times to hike during the hot summer months. Bring a headlamp or flashlight if you’re likely to be out after dark.

2. Hydrate improperly

Nothing is more crucial to a safe hike than drinking plenty of water. While sports drinks can be good in addition to plain water since they contain electro-

 ?? PHOTO ILLUSTRATI­ON: CLAUDIA SAAVEDRA/ USA TODAY NETWORK ?? WELDON B. JOHNSON
PHOTO ILLUSTRATI­ON: CLAUDIA SAAVEDRA/ USA TODAY NETWORK WELDON B. JOHNSON

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