5 Lifesaving Tips For Hikers Caught in a Thunderstorm

Share With Your Friends!

There’s no doubt hiking and high elevation go hand in hand. However, high elevations in the mountains are the perfect recipe for unexpected thunderstorms, and where there are thunderstorms there’s lightning. 

Here are five guidelines you can follow which can potentially save your life or the life of a loved one if you find yourself in the midst of a thunderstorm on your hike 

 

1. Get to Lower Elevation Immediately

If you’re at the peak when the thunderstorm begins or is approaching, you should start heading down right away.

The reason is pretty simple: the higher up the mountain you are, the more likely it is to be barren and the higher your chances are of being struck by lightning. Lightning is more likely to strike a plateau, ridge, or summit, so get down quickly and safely. 

 

2. Find Shelter

vanalden caves

It’s perfectly safe to take shelter in a cabin, your car, or a deep cave, such as the Vanalden Caves in the image above. If you can’t find any type of shelter, look for a depression or valley.

By the way, if you want to see more regarding the Vanalden Caves, click the link here. You would never think these types of caves exist in LA, but they do, and they’re breathtaking.

A low point in the mountains (preferably with dense trees) can also good for taking shelter. Just keep an eye out for flooding if you choose any low-point areas, and keep your distance from large trees. 

Shelters you’ll want to avoid include shallow caves and open structures such as picnic pavilions as these are more likely to attract lightning.  Also avoid sparsely covered areas including meadows, fields, and large clearances.

Never take shelter under a large tree ESPECIALLY if it’s dry and standing alone. 

 

3. Remove Backpack and Trekking Poles

Once you’ve identified your proper shelter, remove your backpack and trekking poles. You don’t have to leave them outside the shelter, just keep them a few feet away, especially if you’re outside such as in a valley or low point that I mentioned in point number 1.

Your backpack and trekking poles won’t attract lightning, but they do conduct electricity, and we definitely don’t want that.

In case you’re wondering, the trekking poles in the image are called TrailBuddy Trekking Poles. We wrote a thorough review after putting them to the test for a year. You can check that out right here. Even though they’re one of the lower priced trekking poles on the market, you’ll be surprised how reliable they are.

 

4. Spread Out 

Sometimes it’ll be impossible to find shelter, and the only choice you’ll have is to get moving. If such is the case, you and your group will want to take the following precautions.

If you’re traveling in a group, you’ll want to spread out in order to minimize the chances of lightning striking more than one person.

Keeping roughly 100 feet in between each person should be sufficient. I highly advise stopping every 20 minutes or so to ensure everyone is safe and still connected to the group.  

 

5. Avoid Water and Metal Fences or Posts

 

Sorry guys, but this is just not the right time to grab a drink from the nearest swimming hole. As you probably already know, water and metal are two of the best conductors of electricity.

Avoid creeks, swimming holes, metal fences, and posts to minimize the risk of being struck. 

The image above is a series of pools and a waterfall called Kitchen Creek Falls located in San Diego County. If you want to see more on that super amazing place click the link here.

It’s okay to take shelter in a canyon in a place like Kitchen Creek Falls. Just make sure you don’t go in the water.

 

What To Do If Someone is Struck by Lightning 

If someone in your group is struck by lightning, you’ll want to proceed in the following manner. Begin by checking for a pulse and breathing.

If the individual is not breathing or doesn’t have a pulse, call 911 if possible and begin CPR immediately. 

If more than one person has been struck, treat those that are unconscious first as they have the highest risk of dying.

It’s not uncommon for people to appear dead when they’ve been struck by lightning. However, there’s a good chance of them regaining consciousness once you’ve performed CPR. 

There is no danger in touching a person who has been struck by lightning. You will not be shocked yourself. This is a common misconception. 

Always be aware of your surroundings when performing CPR in the outdoors. Keep an eye out for wild animals, flash floods, and high winds knocking down branches. If you must, move the unconscious person to a safer area before performing CPR. 

 

How to Detect if You’re in the Danger Zone

Use this method to detect how far the storm is from your location. When you see a flash of lightning, count the number of seconds until you hear thunder.

If the number is less than 30 seconds, the storm is less than 6 miles / 10km away, which means you’re within striking distance. 

Please keep in mind that just because you’re not in the danger zone you shouldn’t take precautions. As soon as you see a thunderstorm in the distance, you should highly consider turning back for your safety and the safety of the group. 

 

The Lightning Crouch

You may have heard of the stance called the lighting crouch. It consists of crouching down on both feet with your head between your knees, closing your eyes, and covering your ears with your hands. It’s been recommended as a last resort type of protection against lightning strikes. 

Unfortunately, the lightning crouch is not very effective. Hence, the National Weather Service (NWS) stopped recommending the crouch in 2008. You’ll more than likely still hear or read about it, but just keep in mind it’s no longer suggested by professionals. 

 

Best Ways To Avoid Thunderstorms on Your Hiking Adventures

 

There’s no doubt in my mind that the best way to avoid a catastrophe is to plan accordingly. If you don’t want to find yourself soaking wet and dodging lightning bolts in the mountains, simply follow these tips. 

  • Check the weather! I know I know, it’s a mind-blowing idea, but you’ll be surprised how many times I failed to check the weather.  

 

  • Hike in the mornings. Thunderstorms are most likely to form in the afternoons/evenings. If you’re in and out of the mountains by noon, you decrease your chances of getting rained on. 

 

  • Keep an eye on the sky. The weather gods don’t always predict an accurate forecast. Luckily for us, it doesn’t take a genius to spot dark clouds in the sky. 

 

  • Have a backup plan. Maybe, if you’re expecting a storm, you can plan out a different trail still within the area, but not so exposed to lightning and rain.

 

  • Last but not least, head back. The best way to avoid a thunderstorm is to head back the second you see it forming. After all, an ambulance ride will cost you about $1000, but walking back to your car….absolutely free. 

 

 

Other Guides You May Like

[favorite_button]
10 Spooky SoCal Hikes Plus Bonus Haunted Places

10 Spooky SoCal Hikes Plus Bonus Haunted Places

Just because summer is over doesn't mean you have to stop hiking. Simply hit the trails that fit in with the season, such as the following ten spooky hikes. These trails include various abandoned ruins, many of which hold very dark secrets, while others gave me eerie...

read more
[favorite_button]
Oso Creek Trail: Mission Viejo’s #1 Hike

Oso Creek Trail: Mission Viejo’s #1 Hike

Miles: 1.7 Time: 35 min Difficulty: Easy Best Season: All Year Elevation Gain: 80 ft Max Elevation: 490 ft Type of Trail: Loop Parking Lot: Fits ≈ 30 cars Dogs: Allowed On A Leash Restrooms: Not Available Trail Popularity: Moderate Pics Taken On: Apr 15, 2023 Although...

read more
[favorite_button]
Big Dalton Canyon Trail: Gem Of The Glendora Mts

Big Dalton Canyon Trail: Gem Of The Glendora Mts

Total Miles: 2 Time: 45 min Difficulty: Easy Best Season: All Year Elevation Gain: 286 ft Max Elevation: 1431 ft Type of Trail: Out & Back Parking Lot: Fits ≈ 20 cars Dogs: Allowed On A Leash Restrooms: Available On The Trail Trail Popularity: Moderate Pics Taken...

read more
[favorite_button]
Frustration Creek Falls: Huge Waterfall Off Of Hwy 38

Frustration Creek Falls: Huge Waterfall Off Of Hwy 38

Miles: No Hiking Required Best Season: Mid-Late Spring Max Elevation: 4750 ft Parking Lot: Turnout fits ≈ 10 cars Dogs: Allowed On A Leash Restrooms: Not Available Pics Taken On: Aug 21, 2023 Want to explore an enormous waterfall on your drive up to Big Bear? Check...

read more
[favorite_button]
Cape Horn Falls: Secrets Of The East Fork

Cape Horn Falls: Secrets Of The East Fork

Miles: 0.8 Time: 45 min Difficulty: Moderate Best Season: Late Spring Elevation Gain: 157 ft Max Elevation: 1753 ft Type of Trail: Out & Back Parking Lot: Road Turnouts Dogs: Allowed On A Leash Restrooms: Not Available Trail Popularity: Extremely Low Pics Taken...

read more

More to Explore!

[favorite_button]
Stonewall Mine: San Diego’s Forgotten Relic

Stonewall Mine: San Diego’s Forgotten Relic

Miles: 0.7 Time: 20 min Difficulty: Easy Best Season: All Year Elevation Gain: 75 ft Max Elevation: 4640 ft Type of Trail: Loop Parking Lot: Fits ≈ 20 cars Dogs: Not Allowed Restrooms: Available At The Trailhead Trail Popularity: Moderate  Pics Taken On: Jul 25, 2023...

[favorite_button]
Mystic Canyon Trail: Stunning Views In The Glendora Mts

Mystic Canyon Trail: Stunning Views In The Glendora Mts

Miles: 1.92 Time: 45 min Difficulty: Moderate Best Season: All Year Elevation Gain: 707 ft Max Elevation: 1907 ft Type of Trail: Out & Back Parking Lot: Turnout, Fits ≈ 20 cars Dogs: Allowed on a leash Restrooms: Not Available Trail Popularity: Low - Moderate Pics...

[favorite_button]
Ortega Falls: 2 Cascades Off Of Hwy 74

Ortega Falls: 2 Cascades Off Of Hwy 74

Miles: 0.2 Time: 25 min Difficulty: Easy Best Season: Spring Elevation Gain: 67 ft Max Elevation: 2198 ft Type of Trail: Out & Back Parking Lot: Turnout, Fits 20+ cars Dogs: Allowed on a leash Restrooms: Not Available Excluding the plethora of graffiti, Ortega...

[favorite_button]
Stoddard Canyon Falls: Rock Slide & Pool

Stoddard Canyon Falls: Rock Slide & Pool

Miles: 0.75 Time: 45 min Difficulty: Moderate Best Season: Spring Elevation Gain: 160 ft Max Elevation: 3781 Type of Trail: Out & Back Parking Lot: Dirt Lot, Fits 30+ Cars Dogs: Allowed on a leash Restrooms: Not Available Trail Popularity: High Pics Taken On: May...

Hello, There!

I’m Phillip, and just like you, I feel very passionate about California and the outdoors. After many years of exploring amazing and hidden places, I thought I’d share them with you. Life goes by fast so get out there and enjoy it.  

Sign Up For Bonuses

Want to stay up to date with all the latest hikes? Join our community by clicking the link button below!

Join Us On Insta!

Legal Info

We only recommend what we use. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. However, no company pays us to share these products with you. If you decide to purchase a product via one of our links, we will recieve a small compensation, which in turn, helps us to keep making videos and posts to share with all of you.