Desert Hiking - Canyon Hiking

Some deserts feature deep, narrow canyons. At least staying on the route is simple, especially if you're hiking downstream. However, it can be very difficult to determine how far you've progressed. One way to do this is to keep your map handy and use it to keep track of each twist and turn as you hike.

Narrow canyons may flash flood without warning. Numerous hikers have lost their lives in flooded canyons. Always check the weather forecast carefully before entering a narrow canyon.

When you're planning a canyon hike, note distinct side canyons or other landmarks on the map. As you hike, watch for these predetermined landmarks and note the time on the map as you reach each one. Then, calculate your rate of travel by dividing distance by time.

Use an accurate altimeter along with a large-scale topographic map to track your progress in very narrow canyons.

The altimeter should be temperature-compensated and read in 20-foot increments to match the accuracy of the map. Don't rely on cheap altimeters that read in 100-foot increments.

-Many canyons require technical climbing skills. Smaller canyons and side canyons are often choked with obstacles. These include pools of standing water that may be too deep or cold to wade. Chockstones, large boulders that have fallen from above, often partially block narrow canyons, forming pouroffs—dry waterfalls that may be impossible to bypass without technical climbing gear.

A lightweight air mattress is a good way to float your pack across pools. If the water is too cold to wade or swim, you can use a small two-person pack raft.