Desert Hiking - Using GPS

A Global Positioning System receiver (GPS) is a hand-held device that uses satellites to determine the exact coordinates of your location. It can make desert route-finding easier, especially on unmarked roads that cross open desert valleys or plateaus with few landmarks. Because it is unaffected by weather or darkness, GPS can help you navigate when landmarks are poor or not visible.

When planning a hike where you know finding the trailhead or departure point will be difficult, use the map to determine the coordinates of the trailhead. Enter these coordinates in your GPS unit ahead of time. Then, as you drive the back roads, the GPS receiver can help you determine which way to turn to keep heading toward the trailhead.

It may also be useful to enter the coordinates of your turn-off from the highway or major road if you suspect that it's unmarked. That can save a lot of time hunting up and down the highway for an obscure turnoff.

If your vehicle is not at an actual trailhead or other well-defined point, it might be hard to find on your return. Use the GPS to record the position before leaving on your hike. This technique is especially time saving when you have to park several miles out in a desert valley and hike to the foot of the mountains. The lower slopes (known as a bajada) are often laced with numerous parallel washes and low ridges that all look the same. It also helps to park on a ridge rather than in a low spot, so that you can see your vehicle from a distance.

Don't try to use a GPS receiver while on the move; the readout is inaccurate at walking speed. Instead, turn it on at rest stops to get an update on your progress and the direction to your goal.

Don't count on a GPS receiver for canyon bottom navigation, because often there aren't enough satellites in view for the unit to get a fix.