Hiking in the desert takes effort and preparation but the scenery and the whole experience can be amazing.

The main issue for hiking in the desert is the lack of water, but heat exhaustion, hypothermia, sun glare, local wildlife, wind and flash flooding can also be a problem.

Be prepared

Know what you’re getting in to. Find out what type of desert you’re exploring and suss out the water situation. There may be springs along the way, but they can run dry. If it does rain anywhere in the catchment area, there are likely to be floods. Camp well away from dry river beds.

Expect heat during the day and, if camping, be prepared for freezing temperatures at night.

Register your walk and/or let someone else know where you’re going and when you’re back.

Take a good map, compass or GPS, consider an EPIRB or similar. Take your mobile phone. Don’t expect it to work everywhere, but it may be possible to pick up reception in higher areas in an emergency.

Walk with others so you have support if someone is injured. Four is the ideal number. Someone can stay with an injured person while the others go for help.

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