Desert Hiking - Pacing Yourself

In hot summer weather, consider adopting the siesta system: Start hiking at first light, then stop for a long break at around ten A.M., or whenever the heat becomes too much. Rest in the shade, have a leisurely lunch, then start hiking again when the blast furnace abates. This can be as late as five P.M. in very hot weather. You can get in seven or eight hours of hiking during long summer days while avoiding the worst of the heat.

Before leaving your vehicle, whether you'll be hiking on trail or cross-country, look at your map and pick a baseline.

A baseline is a road that borders one side of the area, a canyon rim, or any other feature that would be impossible to miss. Then, if you become completely disoriented, you can hike in the general direction of your baseline with the assurance that you will eventually reach it. Of course, hiking to your baseline is a last resort because it may take you many miles out of your way. Having a known baseline will make you more confident in your explorations.

As you hike, stay oriented by paying attention to your direction of travel in relation to the position of the sun, wind direction, and slope of the ground and other terrain features.

If the group plans to split up, there should be an experienced desert hiker in each group. Agree on a meeting place and time, allowing extra time for delays, and make every effort to be there on time.

When trying to stay on a faint trail, note how the trail deals with streambed crossings and side canyons. Once you begin to see the pattern, you'll be able to pick out the trail on the opposite side before crossing.

Trail signs are often missing in remote desert areas where there is little trail maintenance. Refer to your map often, and remain aware of your position and direction of travel.

Rock cairns sometimes mark trails and routes in areas without trees. Trail crews usually build large, solid cairns. Treat smaller cairns with a healthy dose of skepticism—the person who built the cairn may have been off route.

When following a cairned trail or route, always spot the next cairn before leaving sight of the last. If necessary, walk expanding circles around the last cairn to find the next.