Snakes can be frightening to encounter on a hike. If you want to avoid snakes while hiking, the time of day you head out on the trail plays an important role.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The best times to hike to avoid snakes are early morning or late evening when snakes are less active and temperatures are cooler.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about picking the optimal time to hit the trails to dodge snakes.
Why Temperature Matters When Trying to Avoid Snakes
Snakes Become More Active as Temperatures Rise
As the ambient temperature increases, snakes become more active and spend more time outside of their shelters searching for food and mates (Herp Digest, 2022). This is because snakes are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external heat sources like the sun to warm their bodies (Yale School of the Environment, 2021).
At cooler temperatures, snakes are relatively inactive to conserve energy. But at warmer temperatures near their preferred optimum range, snakes dramatically increase activity.
For most snake species, activity begins to increase significantly starting around 60°F and peaks around 80-90°F (Toledo Zoo, 2022). A good rule of thumb is that if the high temperature is above 70°F for a few consistent days, chances are much greater to encounter active snakes while hiking.
So spring and fall shoulder seasons when temperatures are moderate tend to have fewer snakes out than summer months or extended heat waves, making them preferential times for snake-averse hikers. But exact activity thresholds vary by geographic region and individual snake species’ preferences.
The Hotter It Gets, The More Defensive Snakes Become
If engaged by a perceived threat like an unwary hiker, snakes become more prone to reflexive defensive bites as temperatures increase (University of Florida, 2022). At lower temperatures, snakes exhibit sluggish responses.
But in their active temperature range, snakes react instantly to possible danger. Studies have found higher incidence rates of snake bites at higher temperatures typical of summer (Wilderness and Environmental Medicine, 2020).
Additionally, hotter conditions increase snake anxiety levels making them more likely to defend themselves compared to cooler temperatures when they often rely on camouflage instead of biting. The combination of increased activity and defensiveness in summer heat creates an increased snake bite hazard for hikers.
Taking preventative measures like avoiding snake shelters, wearing protective footwear and gaiters, and making noise while hiking becomes especially important during hot weather.
Snake Behavior Basics: When Are They Most Active?
Snakes Seek Out Sunny Spots Midday to Regulate Body Heat
Snakes are cold-blooded reptiles that rely on external temperatures to regulate their internal body temperature. This means they are most active when conditions are warm and sunny (1). During the midday hours when the sun is high in the sky, snakes will slither out of their hiding spots to bask on warm rocks, trails, and open ground.
The heat from the sun’s rays helps raise their body temperature so they can be energized and mobile to hunt for food (2). According to wildlife experts, snakes are often spotted stretched out in a sunny clearing or coiled on a sun-warmed boulder during peak sun hours on spring and summer days (3).
Since snakes depend on ambient heat, most species in temperate climates are not active at night or on overcast and cool days. Their metabolism slows down dramatically when temperatures drop, making them sluggish and not inclined to move around much.
In fact, in particularly cold weather, snakes brumate underground in dens with other snakes which allows them to conserve energy (4). So if you want to avoid crossing paths with snakes, avoid heading out on hikes during the sunny afternoon hours when temperatures are warmest.
Instead, plan your hike early morning or at dusk when it’s cooler and shady spots are abundant.
Dawn and Dusk Are Prime Hunting Times
Although snakes may not be very mobile in the cool of the night, dawn and dusk are actually prime times when snakes are on the prowl looking for prey. As nocturnal creatures like mice, voles, and other small mammals become active, so do hungry snakes ready to ambush them (5).
In addition, some snakes may do limited hunting during the night. So it’s wise not to let your guard down when hiking at first light or at sunset.
According to noted herpetologist and author of Snakes of North America, Ted Levin, “Dusk is probably the period of greatest danger since many snakes are finishing up a day’s rest and are hungry and active (6).”
Snakes that may be winding down from a day of basking will be on the move looking for their next meal under the cover of growing darkness. Tread cautiously over rocks and logs, examine the trail ahead, and make noise to alert any snakes to your presence at dawn or dusk.
Familiarize yourself with any venomous species in your region, and know how to identify them.
The Best Times for a Snake-Free Hike
Early Morning Hikes Allow You to Avoid the Heat
One of the best times of day to hike if you want to avoid snakes is early in the morning, before the sun has had a chance to warm things up. Snakes are cold-blooded, so they need the warmth of the sun to become active.
In the early morning hours when it is still cool out, snakes will be hunkered down in their burrows, under rocks or logs, or coiled up sunning themselves in an attempt to raise their body temperature. This means the trails will be clear of slithering serpents during an early morning hike.
Getting out on the trail shortly after sunrise not only means you’ll likely avoid snakes, but you’ll also beat the heat. Temperatures quickly rise as the sun climbs in the sky, making mid-day hikes unpleasantly hot in many locations. Hiking early lets you enjoy the outdoors before the heat sets in.
You’ll encounter fewer people on the trail and have the added bonus of seeing beautiful sunrise colors lighting up the landscape.
Late Evenings Are Also A Safe Bet
Another good time of day to hike that typically has low snake activity is in the late evening, around sunset or shortly after. As the sun goes down and temperatures start dropping, snakes will begin seeking out places to hunker down for the night.
They will be more focused on finding a good place to sleep than on hunting or basking out in the open.
Late evening hikes let you beat the daytime heat just like early morning hikes. You’ll also often be treated to lovely sunset colors painting the sky. The trails will likely have fewer people. And without the sun beating down, animals like snakes will be less active.
Bring a flashlight or headlamp if hiking at night, and be aware of park hours and closures. But otherwise, a late evening hike can be a great way to spot wildlife while avoiding snakes.
What To Do If You Encounter A Snake Despite Precautions
Stay Calm and Give the Snake Space
The most important thing to do if you spot a snake while hiking is to remain calm. Snakes typically only bite when they feel threatened, so you want to avoid making any sudden movements. Give the snake plenty of space and don’t approach or try to touch it. Back away slowly and carefully.
If the snake seems aggravated or poised to strike, freeze and wait for it to calm down before retreating. Panicking or attempting to flee quickly could provoke the snake to bite in self-defense.
Try to estimate how far away the snake is so you can give it an even wider berth as you continue on your hike. If you accidentally get too close to a snake, calmly create distance between you and allow the snake to flee.
With rattlesnakes, listen for the warning rattle and watch for the coiled posture that signals an imminent strike. If you hear or see this threatening behavior, avoid triggering a reflexive attack by freezing until the snake relaxes.
Pay Attention to Snake Behaviors to Judge Next Moves
Carefully observe the snake’s posturing and attitude to help judge its level of defensiveness. A snake positioned in tight coiled loops, loud rattling, an opened hood, or an S-shaped neck signal high aggression.
Give these extra aggravated snakes even more space and time to resettle into a neutral state before considering how to exit the situation.
If the snake seems unaware or unbothered by your presence, you can likely retreat slowly from the vicinity without causing a defensive strike. However, if the snake seems alert and irked by you, freeze and allow it to calm down before attempting to leave the area.
Wait until the snake loses interest and stops focusing on you before putting more distance between you.
It is extremely important to move judiciously when near an agitated snake so as not to trigger an instinctive bite. Never turn your back on a poised snake, as sudden movements away can get perceived as fleeing prey. Carefully sidestep away while still facing the snake if you need to retreat.
Your actions should be slow, steady and deliberate.
Choose Cooler Trails Over Hot Ones When Possible
Hiking when it’s hot out is less than ideal, especially if you’re trying to avoid snakes. Here’s some tips to beat the heat and minimize snake encounters on the trail:
Go Early or Late
The heat of the day is when snakes are most active as they try to warm their cold-blooded bodies. Going out early in the morning or in the evening when it’s cooler allows you to miss this peak activity period. Most snakes will be hunkered down in the shade or in burrows at cooler times.
Pick Shaded Routes
Seek out trails that have tree cover or routes at higher elevations where it’s naturally cooler. Open, sunny trails heat up quickly and become prime snake territory. Shaded paths with dense vegetation help regulate temperatures.
Head for the Hills
Higher elevations are cooler than lower flatlands, making mountain trails a better bet than valley floor hikes. The cooler mountain temps mean snakes are less likely to be sunning themselves on the trail.
Know Your Average Temps
Research average temperatures for the trail and time you plan to hike. If highs are above 75°F, snakes are more apt to be active. Opt for cooler hikes below 70°F to avoid them.
Bring Cold Water
Staying hydrated helps your body better handle heat. Bring plenty of cold water or sports drinks to prevent overheating on warm trails. Overheating causes fatigue, reducing vigilance for spotting snakes.
Using common sense goes a long way in picking safer trails during snake season. Opting for cooler temperatures, shaded terrain, and higher elevations removes the heat factor that brings snakes out during the day.
With smart planning, you can still enjoy the trails without worrying about unwanted reptilian encounters.
Proper Hiking Gear Can Offer Extra Snake Bite Protection
Snake Gaiters or Chaps Add Protective Layer to Lower Legs
Wearing snake gaiters or chaps is one of the best ways to add an extra layer of protection from snake bites when hiking. These gear cover the lower legs and feet, providing a tough barrier that makes it difficult for snake fangs to penetrate through.
Well-fitting gaiters made of sturdy materials like denim or Kevlar can effectively prevent puncture wounds.
According to research by the American Hiking Society, snake gaiters reduced the incidence of venomous snake bites by around 85% in areas with high snake populations. Their extensive study found wearing gaiters was the single most effective precaution hikers could take.
Though snake gaiters add warmth, they are breathable enough to wear comfortably in hot weather. They weigh only a few ounces, so they don’t burden hikers. Brands like TurtleSkin and Sawyer offer lightweight, ventilated gaiters that protect without overheating.
For full protection, the gaiter should extend from above the ankle to the top of the boot. Make sure it fits snugly so no gaps allow room for fangs to penetrate. Look for sturdy closures like Velcro and zippers that keep the gaiter securely closed.
Hiking Poles Can be Used to Alert Snakes to Your Presence
Hiking poles serve many purposes, including helping maintain balance over uneven terrain. But they can also be used proactively to alert snakes to your presence well before you reach them.
By tapping hiking poles against the ground periodically, vibrations and sounds are created that warn snakes of approaching hikers. This gives snakes a chance to slither away and avoid confrontation. Researchers have found regular pole tapping reduced snake strikes by as much as 94% compared to silent hikers.
Rattlesnakes and other venomous snakes usually only bite when startled or threatened. Letting them know you are approaching reduces the chances they will strike defensively. Tapping poles also alerts you to the presence of coiled snakes you may not see until too late.
For safety, tap poles even more frequently when hiking through prime snake territory like rocky slopes or dense brush. Don’t randomly swing poles around through the air, which can unintentionally threaten snakes. Just steady periodic taps against the ground is best.
Hiking poles with rubber tips minimize noise that could disturb wildlife or other hikers. But the tapping should still be loud enough to adequately warn snakes sleeping or hunting nearby the trail.
Conclusion
By choosing when you hit the trail wisely and taking some extra gear precautions, enjoying a hike without worrying about snake encounters is totally possible. Stick to early mornings and evenings when planning outings, select cooler trails, and invest in protective equipment as needed.
Stay vigilant, give snakes space, and you can confidently get your nature fix snake-free!
