On of the most common mistakes hikers make is the failure to turn back. Although summit fever can be a persuasive emotion, ambition is not a good reason to put oneself in a dangerous situation.

Reasons you should turn back include:

• Weather changes. When the weather changes suddenly, you need to respect natures unpredictability and head for home.
• Fatigue. Your group's pace should be set by the slowest hiker. If that hiker is unable to continue, keep your group together. Never be afraid to turn back.
• Unexpected conditions, such as streams too swollen by rain or snowmelt to cross.
• Running out of time. Sunset and darkness can come quicker than expected, especially in the fall.

Respect the messages and signals nature and your body sendits the sign of an experienced and intelligent hiker, as well as one who can return to bag the peak another day.

What you shouldn't change: your route. If you do not return on schedule and the person you left your plans with contacts authorities, search and rescue efforts will start where it is presumed you are. If you have taken another route, this can substantially delay help reaching you. Think through your situation and use your best judgment. Never change your route unless it is an emergency and always leave emergency plans.