Travel Resources

You may have guessed, but the best time for beginners to frolic about the desert is early Spring: either early- or mid-March depending on the predicted weather, of course.  Early Fall is also a great time to see fall colors:  September.  Keep in mind that the desert, like anywhere, can get very cold after sunset; so much so that hypothermia can be a real danger.  Be sure to pack the appropriate gear to keep yourself warm during the night and cool during the day.

Safety is a priority when doing any trip; a good hiking buddy can be the key to getting out of whatever rut you may be stuck in...  Cell phone service is spotty to non-existent in these remote areas.

Costco is your friend.  And don't be afraid to buy enough to have a stash of heat-resistant snacks (and of course, lots of extra water) in the car for when you get back after hiking. 

If the area you are exploring is without trails and uncharted, don't under-estimate the importance of building your own guide-post cairns; especially while traveling through the winding gulches which can be easily disorienting.  Be sure to knock them down as you return;  Leave No Trace principles apply here as in all back country.

#6. Extra batteries
Soon enough if not already, you'll learn that packing extra batteries is always a good thing.  They will really easily fit at the bottom of your pack. Now you may be thinking "we're not going to take that many photos"---simply put, you'll surprise yourself, especially in places like Zion or Arches where there's a post card waiting every 20 feet.  Even though batteries and electronics are getting better, after a day and a half hike through the sun and 250 photos later; you'll be surprised to see only a quarter battery left to use over the next two days of the trip.  Good thing you packed extra! And take extra batteries for your headlamp too -- you may find yourself wanting to do more hiking in the cooler dark than you originally estimated, especially if you're on the way out and low on water. 

We recently bought a guide book for a hike in the hot, dry country of the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area in Wyoming from their visitor's center.  The book described what we were about to tackle as an 1.8 mile round trip with 250 feet of elevation gain.  We went out with appropriate water and expectations, only to find the guide book was dead wrong -- it was over 2 miles ONE WAY -- and 1,300 feet of elevation gain.  We forged ahead for a while, but finally just turned around in the face of the fact that we were getting dehydrated enough to be concerned.   After we got back to "4G" territory, we looked at a couple alternate internet sites and found out "The Truth" about the distance and conditions.  Any hotter, or any more stubborn, and it wouldn't have been pretty. 

Weather miles away from your hike can have disastrous results.  Rain from nearby mountains roaring down the canyons in the lower desert has killed many a hiker.  So be aware!  

Often, good desert hikes start at the end of long dirt roads. Have a spare tire, check it before you leave, and know how to change a flat.  And double-check your jack and jack handle (horrifying stories abound of having a jack and no handle) , know how and where to place the jack under the car or truck, and be sure to "chock" the tires that aren't flat with big rocks so your rig doesn't slide forward or backward off the jack. 

#9. Weather You Can't See Can Kill You In 2015, 16 people died in slot canyons in Utah from storms that were miles away and far out of sight. Craig Childs has written an excellent book on these kinds of deadly flash floods called "The Desert Cries" and another engrossing book on the desert and water called "The Secret Knowledge of Water."  We have both read and highly recommend them before you start out on your desert exploration.  

#10. Supplies
Weight is a very important factor when doing any long hike, but that fact can be especially true as you transverse the unforgiving terrain.  Here are a few supplies we highly recommend:

1. Carbon Water filter (with a hand-pump) - This is absolutely,100% essential.  The still and stale water you may find throughout the desert is a sure way to get sick if you don't filter it.  I'd even go as far as to recommend a hand-pump, because then you don't have to worry about electronics; only your own clumsiness.  Make sure to get a high-grade carbon filter to keep out those pesky bacteria.
2. Small hiking Headlamp - If on one of your day hikes you miscalculate the time it takes to get back to your camp,  you may very well find yourself walking in the dark searching for your camping spot.  Furthermore, it is a nicety when you're trying to set up your miniature propane camp-stove and other things after a long day of hiking. Pack extra batteries. 
3. GPS System - Many desert canyon areas are very convoluted; trails can disappear in high wind and flash floods, and after crossing two- or three nearly identical ridges, you can become disoriented.  Take a GPS and know how to translate what it's telling you to a topo map of the area. 

The binding is sturdy and will last well in the field.    

Some of the trailhead roads are a bit out-of-date, as I found out, three miles in, my FWD falling squarely into a pothole the size of my kitchen sink (Grated? Really? Not since the 80s, maybe). But a friendly local traveler usually passes by to help you out in no time.

Highly recommend, but in addition to this book, bring an inhaler, bear spray and AWD.

The Hiking Project by REI is amazing. They utilize Google's imaging technology but then add hiking trails, with milage, photos and reviews! Now I can plan out my hike before I leave.

No continental breakfast, but the gas station across the street will provide you with a shrink-wrapped meal for champions...or at least for those who have to drive the span of Nevada before sundown.

They do allow dogs, free of charge, but the walls are so thin, she'll keep you up all night from every. Little. Noise.

Just hiked 14 miles through the backcountry, and what do you want to do while waiting for the shuttle back to your campsite? Devour an ice cream cone. There's no greater thing.

The reason I gave it four stars is because I wish it were open longer -- peak summer hours only.

I think maybe they should open a freeway through the park, as we were sitting in traffic for a LONG time. They did that in my town and it really helped. People who need to get places should not have to sit in traffic!

Also, could not find Half Dome.