5 Tips for Desert Hiking During the Summer

Summer in the desert can be absolutely breathtaking. Hiking is a great way to experience its beauty, do some nature study, and get in exercise all at the same time. However, it can also be dangerous if you do not take proper precautions.

With temperatures in the triple digits and excessive heat warnings in play, here are some tips to keep your family safe while still enjoying some summer hiking in the desert.

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1. Check the Weather

I understand that during the summer the temperature in the desert is generally hot. But there is a difference in hiking in 101 degree weather and 115 degree weather.

I strongly advise not hiking during excessive heat warnings or during the hottest part of the day. People do, smart people do not.

You also need to be aware of possible thunderstorms as these can cause flash floods, which can be very dangerous.

2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

When hiking in the desert, dehydration is a big concern. When we are going to be outside for any reason, especially hiking, we hydrate first. About thirty minutes prior to leaving we insure that we have all drunk a fair amount of water–more than we normally would.

We take around 32 oz of water per person for short hikes, plus an extra 32 oz just in case. We make sure kids (and ourselves) are drinking frequently. Every 10-15 minutes we have a water reminder where everyone drinks water.

DO NOT ration your water in the desert! People have been found dead on hikes with water still in their water bottles. It is much better to drink all your water to keep from getting dehydrated than to have water and battle symptoms of dehydration.

3. Dress Appropriately and Wear Sunscreen

It may be tempting in high temperatures to want to shed the layers or wear as little as possible. But actually, wearing light-weight long sleeved shirts, pants, and a wide brimmed hat are better for helping to stave off dehydration and sun burn.

You also want to apply sunscreen to any exposed skin and wear a chapstick that includes an SPF.

4. Follow Proper Safety Protocols

Make sure that someone knows where you are going hiking, time you arrive and the expected time of return. Some trails have sign-in logs at the bottom, so make sure you sign in. If something goes wrong, this information can be valuable in getting timely help.

While hiking always stay on marked trails. It is much harder to find and assist someone if they have wandered off the trail even slightly. This also lessens your chances of happening upon more dangerous wildlife unawares. A rattlesnake on a clear trail is much easier to see than one resting under a brush.

Whenever possible, hike with a friend.

5. Bring a Flashlight for Night Hikes

We love hiking in the evenings during the summer months. There is nothing like watching the sun set over the horizon. And Arizona has beautiful sunsets.

Night hikes also give you the opportunity to experience the desert in a different atmosphere, including seeing creatures that may only come out at night.

It can be a wonderful experience in addition to escaping the heat of a glaring sun.

You still need to take the same precautions as listed above for a night hike, however, you will want to add a flashlight.

Even if the moon is bright out, it is a good idea to be prepared.

Enjoy Your Hike!

Summer doesn’t have to mean a furlough from nature enjoyment. The desert is a beautiful place. With the proper precautions in place in can be safely enjoyed time and again.

A Special thanks to Hannah Lee for use of her desert photos. More of Hannah’s beautiful imagery can be found on Instagram @augustamanor06 “Home of Five”