(File Photo).
(File Photo)
With summer temperatures already climbing across the Lone Star State, Texas State Parks officials are sounding an early warning: the heat is dangerous, and last year’s numbers prove it.
Texas state parks recorded 169 heat-related incidents in 2025, six of which involved pets. As the state heads into what is typically its most punishing stretch of weather, park staff are urging visitors to take the threat seriously before heading outdoors.
“A Texas June marks the beginning of increased temperatures and the risk of heat-related illness,” park officials said in a statement this week.
To help visitors stay safe, Texas State Parks is highlighting seven practical steps for beating the heat on the trail.
Water tops the list. For every hour spent in the heat, officials recommend drinking at least 16 ounces of water, bumping that up to 32 ounces per hour during strenuous activity like hiking. Sunscreen should be applied liberally and reapplied every couple of hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
Clothing choices matter too. Light, loose-fitting, breathable fabrics paired with a hat and a wet bandana can significantly reduce heat exposure. Salty snacks — jerky, trail mix, granola, dried fruit or tuna — help restore energy and replace salt lost through sweat.
Officials also stress the importance of planning ahead. Hikers should study trail maps before setting out, keep them handy in areas with limited cell service and avoid being on the trail during the hottest parts of the day. Sharing your plan with someone at home — including an expected return time — is a simple safety measure that can make a critical difference in an emergency. The buddy system adds another layer of protection, allowing trail partners to watch out for each other in the heat.
Pet owners face their own set of considerations. Dogs feel the heat just as acutely as humans, and hot pavement and trail surfaces can blister their paws quickly. Officials recommend a simple test: press the back of your hand to the ground. If you cannot hold it there for five seconds, the surface is too hot for a dog to walk on comfortably. Booties can help shield paws from scorching ground, and hiking during cooler morning or evening hours reduces risk significantly. Enough water and snacks for the pet — not just the owner — should be packed for every trip.
For more information about Texas State Parks, visit tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks.