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High-Country health tips

• Plan your trip: Leave word of your plans and try not to venture out alone. Bring a map and use it.
  
• Be prepared: Carry a backpack with supplies at all times, even on short day hikes. Bring along water, snacks, rain gear, warm clothing, a compass, map and first-aid supplies. Wear sunscreen and bring insect repellent.
  
• Protect against high-altitude sickness: Drink plenty of water, eat foods high in carbohydrates, and pace yourself – especially if you're not used to the elevation. Symptoms include irritability, loss of rationality, sluggishness, headaches and nausea.
  
• Expect unpredictable weather: Plan for afternoon storms in summer. Retreat from high elevations before mid-afternoon to avoid lightning, hail, snow, low visibility and high winds. Avoid giardia: Never drink water straight from a stream, river or lake. It may contain giardia, a microscopic organism that can make you sick.
  
• Don’t attract bears: Limit the smell of food, garbage and scented toiletries.
  
• Be careful near old structures: Don't venture inside old, dilapidated mining and ranching structures. They are unstable
  and dangerous. Resist the temptation to pocket historic treasures; they are protected from looting by federal law.

– San Juan Public Lands Center

Recreation Resources

24-Hour Outdoor Recreation Hotline: Weather, roads (970) 247-8187

Updated Outdoor Recreation Report: See the Outdoors page of the local newspaper, The Durango Herald, on Fridays.

San Juan Public Lands Center: Helpful volunteers provide maps, off-highway vehicle registrations, and updates on campsites, Forest Service roads and trails. Visit 15 Burnett Court, ¼ mile west of Durango on Highway 160 West, or call (970) 247-4874.

Fishing Report: For the Southwest Colorado Fishing Report, see the Friday Outdoors page of the local newspaper, The Durango Herald. Find out about conditions at area rivers and lakes.