The desert creates a sense of awe with its gravity-defying rock formations, ancient cultural artifacts, and endless expanse of life living on the edge — including humans. However, the desert can also be an unforgiving place. Many uninitiated visitors find themselves in a hostile environment caked in dust and dirt and filled with challenges. When you picture the desert, what do you see? Sand dunes? Ancient ruins? Are monumental rock formations rising from the earth like a sleeping giant?
Meet the Experts
When hiking in the desert, there are many strategies that can lead to a successful trip and make the experience more enjoyable. Plan ahead before making your first trek into the backcountry because it’s not always easy to find water. Take along the 10 essentials, work with a partner and remember to be prepared for any situation. If you’re unfamiliar with these bashers, don’t fret, I’ve put together a list of the top 10 desert must-haves that will help you from getting lost or injured.
Plan to Beat the Heat
If you’re planning to travel through the desert in the summer (and some of us at Distilled love giving you travel advice), you’ll want to be prepared for scorching conditions. Opt to recreate in the evenings or early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day. One popular trick is to wear cotton. Although cotton is often the sworn enemy of outdoor recreation, in the desert, cotton can help cool you down. If you’re planning a desert trip in the summer, your best bet is to be prepared for scorching conditions. Here are some tips for surviving hot temperatures to make sure you have a fun and comfortable time outdoors.
Pack Sun Protection and Dress in Layers
When you’re planning that big trip to the desert, you might be worried about what will happen if it rains. The desert can suddenly get very cold at night so even a little rain can cause hypothermia. When packing, consider protecting yourself beyond just sunscreen. Bring a long-sleeved hooded shirt that breathes well and offers UV protection, take a wide-brimmed sun hat, wear sunglasses or even use a reflective hiking umbrella. Lightweight pants are another way to not only protect you from the sun but from the scratchy, needle-ridden plants that call the desert home. But of course, bring plenty of sunscreens — I always do!
Understand that the Desert is Ancient
When traveling through the desert, people are quick to get stuck ruminating about how beautiful it looks. But when you look closer, you will be amazed at the amount of trash lying around. It seems that no one cares or imagines what will happen to this land once they leave. That is why Travel Deserts is so important–to break this cycle of disgust and show visitors what an experience in the desert really looks like. Mark my word that this organization will change the way you think about both of these precious places and will inspire you to help save the land itself from further degradation.
Watch the Weather
Even if you live in the desert for most of the year and think you know it well, there’s much more to learn about hiking in this rugged terrain. Although the area is huge, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a lovely day outside: hiking and bird watching through spectacular slot canyons or just touring one of many mountains, dunes, or lava fields. You can also find several short hikes that make great outings with kids or dogs.
Stay Hydrated
The desert is as dry as it is hot, making hydration vitally important. Now before you start thinking that the desert is just a sea of sand and there’s nowhere for you to find drinking water, think again. There may not be any lakes or ponds, but don’t forget that the world’s largest underground reservoir (the Guarani Aquifer) is located in the central portion of South America where the vast majority of Argentina and Paraguay reside.
Protect Your Hands and Feet
In the desert, almost everything has a defense mechanism. Animals are aggressive and plants often have spikes or use irritants to keep critters at bay. Always watch where you’re walking and don’t stick your hands in holes. Keep an eye on kids and pets, as they may be more likely to run into unhappy critters. It’s a good idea to carry a pair of tweezers in your first-aid kit, in case of an unwanted encounter with a cactus.
