A change is in the air, and a new season is officially right around the corner. September 22 marks the first official day of fall! After a long and hot summer, this is a much-anticipated time of year for Nevada trail riders. More folks will be hitting the trail to take advantage of the cooler temps, fewer bugs, and pretty fall colors. But fall also brings with it some special conditions that trail riders need to take into consideration to keep the ride safe and comfortable.
Map Shift
In early fall, high-elevation riding can still be spectacular. This is a nice time to explore Tahoe, Mt. Charleston, the Sierra, central Nevada ranges, and so on. However, as temperatures drop and snow begins arriving up high, lower elevations come back into play. Places that were miserably hot or unsafe during July and August can become prime riding country. Think seasonally about where to ride, rather than having one set of favorite trails.
Shorter Days
September marks the start of a big change in daylight hours. Over the course of the month, Nevadans lose roughly an hour (in southern Nevada) to 80 minutes (in northern Nevada) of daylight. The fall equinox is the turning point. After September 22, nights will officially become longer than days.
For trail riders, that means knowing what time sunset is each day and adjusting ride plans accordingly. Try to start earlier in the day if possible and be conservative with miles so you don’t end up racing darkness. You might not be able to do an all-day ride with a long haul home if you don’t want to haul in the dark. Remember that it gets darker in mountain canyons or forests even earlier once the sun drops below a ridgeline.
This is the time of year to add a headlamp to your saddlebag. (Just put it in there and leave it in there!) And you might consider some reflective gear if there is any possibility of finishing near dark.
Changing Weather
This time of year is filled with unpredictable weather. Get ready for dramatic temperature swings. In some places, it’s not uncommon for it to be 90 degrees during the day and near freezing at night. Now is the time to start riding in layers and packing a jacket, just in case.
Fall can also bring sudden storms. Check the forecast before you head out, especially the radar. Check actual riding elevation, not just the nearest town! On the trail, always keep an eye on the clouds for storms that build quickly.
Less Water
In Nevada, spring and early summer water information can’t necessarily be trusted in September or October. Typically, most seasonal creeks or springs are dry, and rivers are running low by fall. Be sure to carry extra water. And don’t think that just because it’s not 100 degrees that you don’t need to drink as much water. Your body can only maintain its proper temperature when it has enough water. Dehydration in fall or winter can cause your core body temperature to drop.
Hunting Season
The -BER months are a major time for hunting throughout Nevada. Some important dates to be aware of:
Pronghorn Antelope: Rifle seasons run generally from August 15 through September 30.
Elk: Archery runs September 5 – October 4; Rifle runs October 10 – November 2.
Mule Deer: Archery typically opens in August, rifle runs September 17 – October 4, and late rifle trophy hunts run November 6 – January 1.
Black Bear: Rifle runs October 1 – 31.
Quail, chuckar, and partridge generally run September or October through January or February.
Fortunately, riding during hunting season in Nevada is much safer than back East. Without heavily wooded forests, it is much easier to spot hunters and be spotted by them. If you plan to ride in a known hunting unit during prime season, you might consider using orange saddlebags, wearing an orange vest, or using some kind of bright colored tack just to help you and your horse be more visible. You can also consider carrying a bear bell to make noise while you ride.
Hunters are out in force because fall changes wildlife behavior. Depending on where you are riding, you might encounter more active deer, pronghorn, or elk. If your horse hasn’t seen elk or heard them bugling, they might be on edge.
Horse Needs
When the weather starts to change, so do our horses. Most will start growing in their winter coats around fall. A thicker coat and a warm afternoon make for a sweaty horse. If you are finishing your rides at sunset and your horse is still sweaty, you might consider having a fleece blanket in the trailer to make the haul home more comfortable.
Horses tend to drink less in cold weather, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need water. And remember that calorie needs can increase in colder weather, especially on more challenging rides. Colic cases tend to rise during transitional seasons, so be sure to monitor your horse as the seasons change.
Fall is such a lovely time to ride in Nevada. One of the best ways to do it is to follow the seasons. When winter starts knocking, that’s your cue to start exploring the lower elevations. Where the riding season in northern Nevada starts slowing, it’s just waking up in southern Nevada. Valley of Fire, anyone?
