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Please join us in western Colorado. The Western Slope Group includes members living in Mesa County, Delta County, Montrose County, Gunnison County, Ouray County, and part of Garfield County. We were originally organized as the Uncompahgre Sierra Club in 1985. The Sierra Club is a grassroots, volunteer-led organization. We advocate for healthy public lands, sustainability, and for Colorado environmental issues. We invite you to find out more about our local activities and how you can be involved.
The Western Slope Group usually meets in Grand Junction on the third Thursday of the month.
To be put on our e-mail list to get notification of events, outings and issues and to buy calendars, contact our membership chair here :
To explore, enjoy and preserve the national forests, waters, wildlife and wilderness.
Hot Weather Hiking
Summer is here and so is the heat! Please read this list and know before you go.
Hot Weather Hiking
1. Start your hike early. Hike when it is cool.
2. Choose an appropriate trail.
3. Wear loose clothes that cover you. Don't wear cotton.
4. Use sunscreen and wear a hat.
5. Drink plenty of water and electrolytes.
6. Eat salty snacks
7. Take extra breaks, slow down
8. Pack extra essentials like socks. Your feet sweat more when it is hot.
9. Check the weather forecast
10. Know the symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion
Heat Exhaustion:
Symptoms: pale face, nausea, vomiting, cool and moist skin, headache, cramps. Don't ignore a headache when hiking in hot weather. Stop. Drink. Rest.
Treatment: drink water with electrolytes, eat high-energy foods with fats and sugars, rest in the shade for 30-45 minutes, cool the body by wetting it with cool water. If nausea or vomiting prevent drinking fluids, get the victim to a hospital.
Heat Stroke-This is a life-threatening emergency
Symptoms: flushed face, dry skin, weak and rapid pulse, high core body temperature, confusion, poor judgement or inability to cope, unconsciousness, hallucinations, seizures. Sometimes symptoms of heat stroke can mimic those of a heart attack or other conditions.
Treatment: the heatstroke victim must be cooled immediately! Continuously pour water on the victim's head and torso, fan to create an evaporative cooling effect. Immerse the victim in cold water if possible. Move the victim to shade and remove excess clothing. The victim needs to be evacuated to a hospital. Someone should go for help while attempts to cool the victim continue.