Springtime safety: Before you hit the trail, take simple steps to avoid disaster

Springtime safety: Before you hit the trail, take simple steps to avoid disaster

I heard the helicopter, but I busied my focus on the green on top of the light grey bark of a desert peach bush—a sign of spring. The trail was filled with hikers, mountain bikers and trail runners enjoying the sunshine and warm weather. Soon, I thought, the hillside here along the Evans Canyon Loop trail would be pink with flowers.  I craved silence to enjoy this subtle beauty, which is normally granted in this spot, just under the landmark “N”…