In October 2020, Falcon Guides author and “experienced hiker” Susan Joy Paul was navigating a popular trail in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains when she was struck with rockfall (abrupt descent of loose rock) at 12,740 feet. She suffered a broken arm and was able to hike out on her own, but the experience left her questioning her abilities and decision-making. 

 

Traveling on foot in the backcountry comes with inherent dangers. The more we do it, the more we learn about those dangers: what they are, how to prevent falling victim to them, and what to do if they happen to us. But we also gain a lot of confidence. With every outing, our confidence grows. And the more confident we are, the less vigilant and more vulnerable to nature's whims we become. Nature doesn't know or care how experienced we are. Regardless of how many hikes we have done, mountains we have summited, or crags we have climbed, it treats us all the same. Our best defense is continued education, preparation, and vigilance prior to planning our next hiking adventure