Ten Safety Tips for Hiking in the Desert

On our first hike through the desert I realized my mistake in wearing shorts and sandals! Our host had warned us about taking plenty of water along and using sunscreen, but neglected to mention appropriate desert hiking attire. To be fair, I don't think he expected us Midwestern yahoos to leave the established trail like we did, and once we were in the midst of the spiny plants he did voice concern about my bare legs and feet.

In the Midwest, you can pretty much run around in nature without the fear that something will kill you, although you might get a bad case of poison ivy. We had never been to the desert, and our ignorance of desert hiking safety was apparent! Fortunately, the only injury that resulted was a white scratch across my shin, no blood, but I watched my steps more closely after that and dressed more appropriately for our next desert hike.

Getting poked by a cactus is probably the least of one's worries in the desert, considering that rattlesnakes and scorpions live there, too. We didn't run into any wildlife that day, though, except for the tiny gecko that we saw scampering for a shady rock formation. Desert critters are mostly nocturnal, and have enough sense to stay out of the scorching desert sun.

My respect for desert safety grew even more when the proprietor of a souvenir shop found out we were from Indiana, and warned us about the snakes in the desert. He said rattlesnakes will warn you before they strike, and described what a king snake looks like. He then proceeded to tell us how to get your finger out of a king snake's mouth if one decides to bite you.

King snakes aren't poisonous, he said, and will kill rattlesnakes, but if you don't know the right way to get your finger free you may be left with just a finger bone. (Just so you know, you have to push your finger further into the snake's mouth first, since its teeth are angled backward, and then squeeze his jaws where they join at the sides of his head).

So if you've never been to the desert and have a yen to go, heed these desert hiking safety tips:

1. Wear loose-fitting layers of natural-fiber clothing to help reduce your chances of becoming dehydrated. Jeans and sturdy shoes will protect your feet and legs from the cactus spines, and a long-sleeve shirt and a hat are good choices, too. Slather sunscreen on any exposed skin. Temperatures will drop dramatically in the desert at night, and even if you don't plan to spend the night there you should bring along a warm sweater or jacket just in case you get lost.

2. Take plenty of fresh water with you. Drink at least a gallon of water a day when you are hiking in the desert, and turn back when your water supply is half-way gone. Carry an extra gallon per person in your vehicle, and even more if you will be doing any cooking or bathing.

3. It's also important to stay well-fed so that you have the stamina to withstand the heat and physical activity. Pack some high-energy, high-calorie snack bars or other easily-prepared, nutritious snacks (such peanut butter and whole-grain crackers) in your survival kit.

4. Watch out for desert dwellers! Rattlesnakes, scorpions, poisonous spiders, cougars, coyotes and other desert wildlife may be hiding under rocks or shrubs or taking refuge behind boulders. Leave them alone if you cross their paths!

5. The desert ground is packed as hard as cement and absorbs little water. In the spring, when snow-capped mountains begin to melt, water rushes downhill and flash floods are common. Flash floods may happen during the fall months as well. Be aware that violent thunderstorms over mountains that are many miles away can cause flash floods that may reach you, carrying boulders, shrubs, trees, rocks and other debris along with walls of water that may reach ten feet or more. Avoid hiking in canyons with no escape to higher ground during a thunderstorm (even one far off in the distance). Don't try to walk or drive across flooded roads.

6. Take your hike early in the day or toward evening, when temperatures are cooler. If you're on an extended or all-day hike, take a break during the hottest afternoon hours and bring along a small tent or canopy to create a shady shelter.

7. Be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion, and get out of the sun and heat if you become nauseous, dizzy, or get a headache. Try to find a shady spot to rest, or set up your tent or canopy if you brought one. Sip some water, don't guzzle it, and wet down your clothes to reduce your body temperature.

8. Carry a well-stocked first-aid kit, and be sure to include a good pair of tweezers in case you need to pick cactus needles out of your skin.

9. Let your family or friends know where you are going and when you expect to return, and stick to your plans. Instruct them to notify the police or park officials right away if you don't return on time. If you plan to hike off the beaten path, take a topographical map and compass with you, and know how to use them.

10. Heed the warnings of local authorities, and stay out (or get out) of the desert if they report that conditions are not favorable for hikers. Don't lose your life because you stubbornly ignored the advice of park rangers.