Spring Hiking in the Desert: 3 Lifesaving Tips You Need to Know
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My last hiking tip focused on spring hiking in the snow. And now for something completely different: spring hiking in the desert!
Spring marks what I consider to be the best time to visit the desert! Spring in the desert means flowers are in bloom, the heat of the summer hasn't arrived quite yet, and the crowds are usually still manageable.
Some of my favorite desert locations in the US include Big Bend National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and White Sands National Park. I have also spent a lot of time in Utah’s Mighty Five. Check out my Mighty Five Road Trip to plan your own adventure!
Desert Hiking Tours in the US Southwest
Exploring Joshua Tree or Death Valley? These California-specific desert hiking tours highlight the best spots in each location.
Utah’s red rocks are iconic but can be dangerous. These tours for your Utah hiking trip focus on keeping you safe during an epic adventure!
From the Grand Canyon to Sedona, Arizona hiking requires serious prep. Skip worrying about the logistics and travel with this tour company.
Are you planning to visit any desert locations this spring on your own as part of an epic American road trip? If so, here are 3 tips for hiking in the desert!
1. Use navigation tools
I’ve hiked a trail in White Sands National Park that had no defined trail, so I had to carefully follow distant trail markers up and down sand dunes. Another trail outside of Las Vegas had me following cairns—stacks of rocks used as navigation when there is otherwise no obvious path. Yet another area in Southern Utah has no trail at all, just a wide open space filled with desert rock that visitors can just wander around in.
It’s important to know how to navigate the dunes and canyons in each desert setting you visit. Getting stuck in the desert after dark, or extending your trip because you are lost run the risk of being exposed to the elements and wildlife and running out of water.
It is always good to have a compass and a map to know which direction you came from/need to return to.
2. Prepare for the intense sun
Even in the spring, the desert can be brutally hot. Bring plenty of water, and pack snacks and drinks with electrolytes, so you can stay energized. Many visitor centers will have recommended water carrying amounts for specific trails—don’t take that advice lightly and plan for the extra weight and room in your pack.
In the heat of the desert, sweating is more than likely, so it is essential to wear high-quality moisture-wicking base layers that can help you stay cool in the afternoon and peak sun time or warm in chilly desert mornings and evenings.
It is also of course important to wear sun protection, such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from sunburn and heat-related injuries, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
3. Check for unique conditions in each area
Slot canyons and other areas with rivers that swell with melted snow from distant mountains in the spring can experience flash floods, even if the weather where you are hiking is not rainy. Be sure to stay out of areas with flash flood warnings, especially slot canyons that can trap you.
Follow trail signage and stay out of areas with fragile flora and fauna. Don’t walk on cryptobiotic soil—a dark, fragile desert crust that protects the life underneath and the desert ecosystem and takes years to grow.
On the positive side, check for conditions such a flower superblooms! Many desert locations have incredible flowers that bloom during the spring and paint the landscape. Some of my favorite areas to see those are Southern California and Big Bend, Texas.
Conclusion
Hiking in the desert during springtime is wonderful, but even the spring can come with its dangers. Follow the tips above to have a safe and memorable trip—for all the right reasons!
What’s your favorite desert hiking location? Let me know in the comments!
For more hiking tips, check out my hiking tips page.
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