Desert Hiking - Hot and Cold Weather

HOT WEATHER

During the summer, hot weather is a serious hazard. The lower desert areas may reach temperatures of 115 degrees F, and dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are real possibilities. Don't underestimate the consequences of running out of water. Each hiker needs as much as 2 gallons of water every day. When temperatures exceed 100 degrees F, a person can survive only a day or two without water.

Even when water is plentiful and the weather moderate, dehydration can still be a problem. Even a slight loss of body fluid decreases your mental and physical abilities, and increases your susceptibility to heat-related medical problems.

In very hot weather, its safer to hike in higher, cooler areas or to do hikes that follow streams.

Always drink the water you have—your body will use it efficiently. Conserving water is a poor plan and leads to dehydration. Your body can lose significant amounts of moisture without sweating and without becoming thirsty. Drink more water than required to quench your thirst.

Many sport drinks replace electrolytes, which are essential to processing the water you drink.

If stranded or low on water in hot weather, conserve your sweat. Rest in the shade during the day—this reduces your water needs by one-half or more. Travel during morning and evening, or at night when the air is cooler.

COLD WEATHER

Snow may fall at any time of year on the higher desert mountain ranges. Be prepared by bringing more warm clothing than you think you will need. During the cooler season, wear synthetic garments made of polypropylene or polyester fibers. These fibers retain their insulating ability when wet better than any natural fiber, including wool.

Avoid continuous exposure to chilling weather, which may subtly lower body temperature and cause collapse from hypothermia, a life-threatening condition. The insidious heat loss caused by cool winds, especially with rain, is the most dangerous. Hypothermia is a hazard especially in wet canyon bottoms, especially during spring and late fall. If the air is cool as well as the water, you may want to plan the hike for a warmer time of year. You can completely prevent hypothermia by adjusting your clothing layers to keep yourself comfortably warm, and by eating and drinking regularly so that your body produces heat to replace that which is lost.