Some things to think about before exploring the desert!

Always remember that the desert is a land of extremes; and that being prepared for these extremes is the key to having a safe and enjoyable experience.

It doesn't matter if you are exploring the desert backcountry by foot or vehicle: always try to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Tires go flat, equipment breaks down, people get hurt or sick, the weather takes a sudden change, etc... When an unforseen incident occurs it could be either an exhilarating adventure or a life-threatening situation--the difference could simply be a matter of how well prepared you are.

Tell Somebody:

Always try to let somebody know where you going and when you will return. If anything should happen, help will be able to find you much faster. If you can't tell friends or family then there is always the ranger station at the park you are visiting. Backcountry permits are usually available and a good way of ensuring your safety.

Food & Water:

Plan on carrying about a gallon of water per person per day. If you are in your 4X4 this should be no problem. If you are hiking you need to take enough water with you, even on a short hike. Remember, you never know what may happen.

Food is not as important as water; you won't starve to death if you go a day or two without food. Still, I like to carry some lightweight non-perishables in my daypack just in case I do get hungry. I keep granola bars, beef sticks or jerky, raisins and dried fruit in a pocket in my pack. They do make nice snacks. Try not to carry things that will melt in the heat like chocolate.

Foot Gear & Clothing:

Even if you don't plan on doing any hiking, it is still a good idea to bring along a sturdy pair of hiking boots. If your vehicle gets stuck or breaks down in the middle of nowhere with little prospect of being found your last option may be walking out on your own. A pair of sandals won't give you much protection from the cactus spines or sharp rocks that usually seem to be everywhere in the desert.

You do need to take a wide range of clothing with you when you venture into the backcountry. Temperature swings of 50 degrees between day and night time are very possible in some areas of the desert. If you do have to spend an unscheduled night in the desert you will be very happy to have warm clothes. Not only is a cold night uncomfortable, it can of course be dangerous due to hypothermia.

Your Vehicle:

The desert is going to test your vehicle to its limits. Sometimes even beyond its limits. It is important to make sure that your truck is running well and that all the fluids are full.

Gasoline: Take as much gas as you can; extra gas cans are a good idea. While you probably won't need the extra gas it is worth the peace of mind when you are far from a gas station and your needle is starting to show below half a tank. A good example is the Warm Spring Canyon/Goler Wash/Ballarat trip in Death Valley. The drive from the gas station at Furnace Creek to the entrance of Warm Spring Canyon Road may use up a quarter tank of gas!

Spare Parts: If you drive enough trails something is going to break sooner or later. If possible try to carry spare parts for the things that are most likely to break. These might include u-joints, belts, hoses, fuel lines and brake lines. Also carry the tools to do the work. Carry all the fluids that your vehicle uses too.

Tires: Your tires are going to need to handle the tough terrain of the desert. A quality set of tires that are built for offroad performance are your best bet. Road tires or "el cheapo" tires will probably let you down. My personal favorites are BFGoodrich M/Ts. You might also want to buy a tire plugging kit and a small air compressor.

Recovery Gear: If you are doing some real four-wheeling you are going to get stuck. Hopefully you will be traveling with another vehicle and a simple tug with a pull strap will free your vehicle. That of course isn' t always possible. An electric winch mounted on the front of your 4X4 is always good to have. Just be sure to have the necessary accessories to go along with it. Other essential tools are a shovel and a high-lift jack; with time and patience these two items can get you out of a lot of jams. If you do get stuck don't despair: have a good attitude and look at it as an adventure. You'll have another good story to tell your friends!

Maps:

I am a total map junkie: I always am hunting for the most detailed and up-to-date maps that I can find. You really have to know where you are going and only the best maps will tell you that. If you are visiting a park the visitor center usually carries a wide assortment of maps and guide books. If you carry a compass or GPS make sure that you know how to use them. One thing that I have learned: even the best maps won't have every trail on them. Sooner or later you will have to guess which fork in the road to take. Take your time and think clearly. If you do get lost don't panic; if you are prepared it will just be another fun adventure.

Weather:

Know what the weather forecast is for the area you will be exploring. Choose your gear based on what kind of weather you will be facing. If rain is forecast be sure to watch for flash floods and try to stay out of washes and arroyas. Long narrow slot canyons like the types found in Death Valley are the last place you want to be when the rain starts to fall. Never drive through flooding washes no matter how shallow the water looks; the force of the water can wash your vehicle away with you in it.

A final word: These are just a few things that I have learned from my experiences. This list is by no means comprehensive. Do your own research about desert safety; the internet is full of informative sites. The visitor centers of the parks that you may visit usually have lots of useful information and plenty of rangers who are glad to help you have a fun and safe experience in the desert.

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If you have any other ideas that you think that I should add to this page please feel free to email me