“Don’t Die Today” class teaches how to stay safe before hitting the trail

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) - With extreme heat, rugged terrain and limited cell service in parts of the desert, a trip outdoors can quickly become dangerous if hikers aren’t prepared.

The Joshua Tree National Park Association hosted a “Don’t Die Today” class Saturday at REI in Rancho Mirage, aimed at giving hikers and visitors practical tools to stay safe while exploring Joshua Tree National Park and other desert areas.

The class focused on what people should know before heading outdoors, including trip planning, checking the weather, carrying enough water, understanding wildlife and knowing what to do when something goes wrong.

The message: preparation should start before hikers ever reach the trail.

Visitors were encouraged to research their route ahead of time, understand their own limits and make sure someone knows where they are going and when they expect to return.

The class also highlighted how quickly conditions can change in the desert and why even a short outing can require more preparation than people may expect.

The training comes as Joshua Tree continues to draw visitors who may not be familiar with the challenges of hiking in a desert environment.

Watch News Channel 3 tonight at 10 for the full story, including the biggest mistakes people make in the desert and what experts say you should do before your next hike.