Desert Tips

The rules are different here. Your safety is your own responsibility. This is a land of blind canyons, twisting river valleys and sheer cliffs.

Never hike, climb or do any desert activity alone. Always let someone know your trip route, destination and return date. Let someone know if you change plans after you leave. If you become lost and need to be rescued, rescue units need to know where to start looking.

Pay attention to weather changes. Check with a visitor center about the difficulty of an activity, weather conditions, water availability and time required for a roundtrip.

Be realistic about your physical abilities. Know your limits.

Have the proper clothing, water, map, equipment, food and, most of all, anticipate what could go wrong and be prepared. In the summer, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, hiking boots with good ankle support and rubber soles, socks, and always wear a hat, preferably a wide-brimmed one. Wear SPF 15 or 30 sunscreen and sunglasses.

Begin each day by drinking plenty of water and drink often throughout the day. Always carry water. Drinkable water is not always available and running out of water can be a fatal mistake. Plan on a gallon (yes, a gallon) of water per person per day. Take small regular drinks, which is more beneficial than big occasional gulps. Waiting to drink when you’re thirsty means you’ve waited too long and that you’re dehydrated. Don’t drink water found in potholes or from any backcountry water sources. This water is probably contaminated with giardia lamblia, which will cause severe illness.

Stay away from edges. Watch your footing. Many trails have drop-offs, loose sand and slippery rock surfaces.

Never throw or roll rocks. This could result in injuring or even killing someone. (You never know who or what is below you!)

The middle of the day can be hot and dry. Average humidity levels range from only 15 to 20 percent. Because of the dryness, there is a wide range between daytime high and overnight low temperatures. While daytime may be hot, the temperature drops quickly when the sun sets. Local weather conditions and forecasts are available on the web at www.wrh.noaa.gov/slc.

Be alert in canyons that are deep narrow valleys with steep sides. Keep an eye on the sky. It can be blue sky where you are but a major thunderstorm may be raging in another area.

Early spring and late summer rain can be life threatening. These showers are often in the form of torrential monsoons, downpours that create flash floods, filling dry streambeds and turning them into a raging torrent of water.

Rules to live by:

• Always keep your gas tank at least half full.
• Carry snacks, and have water in your car, enough for everyone, including pets.
• Don’t be a loner. Participate in backcountry activities as part of a group, best with a local guide.

Do not leave pets unattended in vehicles – temperatures in closed cars (even with windows cracked open) can be deadly.

Note: If you are in the backcountry and have an emergency, even without cell phone coverage you can call 911 and get help.