Several years ago, we moved from Kansas to New Mexico and quickly fell in love with this amazing state. However, two things were particularly difficult for us to adjust to: the altitude and the desert environment. Coming from Kansas, both were big adjustments, but we’ve learned to embrace and love them. Now we spend as much time as possible high in the mountains, and deep in the desert enjoying all kinds of outdoor adventures.
Today, we’re excited to share 12 essential tips we’ve learned about hiking in the desert. Desert hiking is beautiful and rewarding, but it has unique challenges. These tips will help you stay safe and enjoy your desert adventure. From staying hydrated to navigating the unique desert landscape, this guide covers everything you need to know for a successful hike.
Key Takeaways
- Drink at least 1 gallon of water per person per day
- Wear loose, lightweight, synthetic clothing and proper footwear
- Hike early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat
- Use sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses
- Be prepared for wildlife encounters and know how to react
- Pack essential gear including first aid kit, map, compass, and emergency shelter
- Practice Leave No Trace principles to protect the fragile desert ecosystem
1. Master the Art of Desert Hydration
Staying hydrated is crucial when hiking in the desert. You’ll need to drink more water than you might expect - at least 1 gallon per person per day. This might seem like a lot, but in the hot, dry desert, you’ll be sweating more than you realize. It’s important to drink regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty, as thirst is not always a good sign of how much water you need in extreme conditions.
To keep your water cool and refreshing, try these tips:
Freeze a partially filled water bottle overnight before your hike. As it melts, you’ll have cold water to drink. You can also wrap your water bottle in a wet cloth - as the water evaporates, it’ll cool the bottle. Remember, even if your water isn’t ice-cold, it’s still important to drink regularly to avoid dehydration. Consider using a hydration bladder for easy access to water while on the move.
Learn more about keeping water cold while hiking
2. Dress for Desert Success
Choosing the right clothing can make a big difference in your desert hiking experience. Wear loose, lightweight, synthetic clothing that pulls sweat away from your skin. This will help you stay cool and prevent chafing. Long-sleeved shirts and pants can protect you from the sun and scratchy desert plants.
Don’t forget about your feet! Good footwear is important for walking on sandy and rocky ground. Choose strong hiking boots or shoes that support your ankles and protect against cacti and sharp rocks. Consider gaiters to keep sand and small rocks out of your shoes.
To prevent blisters, wear socks that pull sweat away from your skin and consider using anti-blister balm on areas that might rub. Breaking in your boots before a big hike can also help avoid painful blisters. Remember to pack extra socks to change into if your feet get sweaty or wet.
Check out these blister prevention tips for hikers
3. Time Your Desert Trek Wisely
When you hike can greatly affect how comfortable and safe you are. In the desert, it can get very hot during the middle of the day, making hiking dangerous. Plan to start your hike early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day. This not only helps you avoid extreme heat but also lets you see the beautiful colors of desert sunrises and sunsets.
If you’re planning a longer hike, think about taking a break during the hottest hours (usually between 10 AM and 4 PM). Find a shaded area to rest and drink water. Remember, desert temperatures can change a lot between seasons, so research the typical weather for your specific destination and time of year. Some deserts can be surprisingly cold at night or during winter months, so be prepared for temperature changes.
Ideal Hiking Times in the Desert
- Early Morning: Hike before 10 AM to avoid peak heat
- Late Afternoon: Hike after 4 PM to avoid midday heat
- Avoid Midday: Do not hike between 10 AM and 4 PM due to extreme temperatures
- Consider Seasonal Variations: Research weather patterns for your specific destination and time of year
4. Navigate the Desert Landscape
Finding your way in the desert can be tricky, as there might not be many landmarks. Always carry a paper map and compass, and don’t just rely on your phone or GPS device, which can run out of battery or lose signal. Learn how to use these traditional navigation tools before your trip.
Before your hike, study your route and identify key landmarks. Stick to marked trails whenever possible - this not only helps with navigation but also protects the fragile desert environment. If you do go off-trail, be aware of your surroundings and look back now and then to familiarize yourself with the return route. Consider using cairns (small rock piles) to mark your path, but be sure to take them down when you return to leave no trace.
5. Shield Yourself from the Desert Sun
The desert sun can be very strong and harmful. Protecting yourself from UV rays is important for your comfort and health. Start by applying a high SPF sunscreen (at least SPF 30) to all exposed skin, including often-forgotten areas like the back of your neck and ears. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more often if you’re sweating a lot.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face and neck, and don’t forget UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes from glare and sand. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing can also help reflect the sun’s rays and keep you cool. Consider clothing with built-in UV protection for added safety.
UV Protection Effectiveness of Essential Sun Protection Gear
UV-blocking sunglasses Sunscreen (SPF 30+) Light-colored clothing Wide-brimmed hat Lip balm with SPF6. Prepare for Desert Wildlife Encounters
Deserts are home to many different animals, some of which can be dangerous if you’re not careful. Common desert creatures include scorpions, rattlesnakes, and tarantulas. While these animals usually avoid humans, it’s important to know how to react if you see them. Research the specific wildlife in your hiking area and learn about how they behave and where they live.
Always watch where you’re stepping or putting your hands, especially when climbing over rocks or logs. If you see a snake, give it plenty of space and slowly back away. Never try to touch or bother wildlife. Be extra careful at dawn and dusk when many desert animals are most active.
Learn how to avoid snake bites while hiking
7. Stay Cool in the Desert Heat
Managing your body temperature is very important in the desert. In addition to staying hydrated and avoiding the hottest parts of the day, try these cooling techniques:
- Wet a bandana or hat and wear it around your neck or on your head
- Take breaks in shaded areas when possible
- Use evaporative cooling by misting yourself with water
- Avoid overexertion - pace yourself and take frequent breaks
- Use cooling neck wraps or bandanas filled with water-absorbing crystals
- Seek out natural cooling spots like rock shadows or dry creek beds
Know the signs of heat exhaustion (cool, moist skin; heavy sweating; tiredness; weak pulse) and heat stroke (body temperature over 104°F; confused mental state; lack of sweating). If you or a hiking partner show these symptoms, find shade immediately and cool down with water. In severe cases, activate your emergency plan and seek medical help.
Learn more about preventing heat exhaustion while hiking
8. Fuel Your Desert Adventure
Proper nutrition is just as important as hydration when hiking in the desert. Pack high-energy snacks that can handle high temperatures, such as:
- Trail mix with nuts and dried fruits
- Energy bars
- Jerky
- Electrolyte-rich sports drinks or powders
- Nut butter packets
- Dried fruits and vegetables
- Hard cheeses (in cooler weather)
Avoid foods that can spoil quickly in the heat. Remember to eat regularly, even if you don’t feel hungry - your body needs fuel to keep going in the challenging desert environment. Aim to eat salty snacks to replace electrolytes lost through sweating. Consider freeze-dried meals for longer trips, as they are lightweight and easy to prepare.
Discover the best hiking snacks for energy and nutrition
9. Pack Essential Desert Hiking Gear
Having the right gear can make your desert hike safer and more fun. In addition to plenty of water and sun protection, consider packing these essentials:
- First aid kit (including tweezers for cactus spines and antihistamines for insect bites)
- Map and compass (and know how to use them)
- Flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
- Emergency shelter (like a lightweight tarp or emergency blanket)
- High-energy snacks and electrolyte supplements
- Knife or multi-tool
- Whistle (for signaling in case of emergency)
- Fire starting materials (matches or lighter in a waterproof container)
- Emergency signaling device (like a mirror or flare)
- Portable water filter or purification tablets
If you’re hiking with a dog, consider dog boots to protect their feet and a dog backpack so they can carry their own supplies. Remember to check local rules about pets in desert areas, as some protected areas may not allow dogs on trails.
10. Navigate Desert-Specific Hazards
Deserts have unique hazards that you might not find in other hiking environments. Be aware of:
- Loose sand and gravel: These can be slippery and cause falls. Use trekking poles for added stability.
- Flash floods: Even if the sky is clear where you are, rain in nearby areas can cause sudden flooding. Avoid camping in dry riverbeds and be aware of escape routes to higher ground.
- Cacti and thorny plants: Watch where you step and avoid brushing against vegetation. Carry tweezers to remove cactus spines.
- Dust storms: These can reduce visibility and cause breathing issues. Bring a bandana or mask to cover your nose and mouth.
- Mirages: Heat can distort your vision and create illusions. Stick to your planned route and use reliable navigation tools.
11. Adapt to Desert Night Hiking
If you’re planning to hike in the evening or at night to avoid the heat, prepare for big temperature drops. Desert temperatures can quickly fall by up to 40°F after sunset, creating a big difference from daytime conditions.
Pack layers of warm clothing, even if it seems unnecessary during the day. A lightweight fleece or down jacket, thermal base layer, and warm hat can make a big difference in comfort. A headlamp or flashlight is essential for night hiking, and don’t forget extra batteries. Be extra careful with your footing in the dark, and keep an eye out for nocturnal wildlife.
Night hiking offers unique chances to see desert animals and enjoy cooler temperatures, but it requires extra preparation and awareness. Always tell someone about your night hiking plans and when you expect to return.
Explore essential tips for safe and enjoyable night hiking
12. Practice Leave No Trace in the Desert
Desert ecosystems are fragile and slow to recover from human impact. Follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact:
- Pack out all trash, including biodegradable items
- Stay on designated trails to avoid damaging plants and soil crusts
- Don’t disturb wildlife or remove natural objects
- Use established campsites when possible
- Properly dispose of human waste (pack it out or bury it far from water sources)
- Reduce campfire impacts by using a camp stove instead
- Respect archaeological sites and cultural artifacts
When cleaning water from natural sources, be sure to do so away from the water source to avoid contamination. This helps preserve water quality for wildlife and other hikers. Learn more about water purification methods for hikers
Conclusion: Enjoying the Desert Safely
Desert hiking can be a rewarding and unforgettable experience when done safely. By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy the unique beauty of desert landscapes while minimizing risks. Remember, the key to a successful desert hike is preparation, respect for the environment, and constant awareness of your surroundings and physical condition.
For those interested in making desert hiking accessible to all, consider exploring adaptive hiking options for inclusive desert experiences. With the right preparation and mindset, anyone can enjoy the wonders of the desert safely and responsibly.
As you plan your desert adventure, don’t forget to check local regulations, obtain necessary permits, and stay informed about current conditions. Happy hiking, and may your desert journey be filled with awe-inspiring moments and unforgettable memories!
