eBay Guides - Avoid I'VE FALLEN I CAN'T GET UP Hiking the Desert

Desert hiking can be most enjoyable or most deadly.
This guide will explain how to go hiking well prepared in order to enjoy the scenic desert beauty and avoid "death valley".
Know what to expect, what to bring, what to avoid and how to deal with hazards along the trail as well as survival skills.

PHYSICAL CONDITION - KNOW YOUR LIMITS
Start off slow!!
Try short hikes to begin with.
This will let your body climatize to the weather and altitude.
Take a guide if you are not familiar with the area.
CLOTHING
Layers, layers, layers -
Desert temperatures change fast and can be extreme layering is the best way to be prepared for mother nature
Covering as much of the body as possible from the elements is preferred - light weight clothing for sun protection.
DESERT HEAT - DESERT COLD
Most desert hikes are best done early morning - desert gets extremely hot when the sun is all the way up and the desert gets extremely cold when the sun goes down.
Once again be prepared for extremes and plan your day for the best temperatures of the day.
WATER
Bring lots of water - as much as you can reasonably carry.
A camel back system is a great way to go because you can be constantly hydrating yourself, the weight is on your back in back pack style and as a fringe benefit they tend to keep your back cool in the desert sun.
PLANTS
Everything in the desert either Bites, Scratches or Stabs
Don't eat plants you are unfamiliar with.
Cacti do not have water in them to drink - that is myth!
Tweezers can come in handy
ANIMALS
Everthing in the desert either Bites, Scratches or Stabs
Rule #1 Don't put your hands or feet anywhere you can't see
Rule #2 Leave them alone and they will leave you alone
Obvious desert animal concerns include Rattlesnakes and Tarantulas but these days they are much harder to find and even folks looking for them have a hard time finding them.
Most of the larger desert animals such as big cats, skunks, coyotes and weasels will politely avoid you if you give them the same courtesy.
DRIVING & FALLING
Other than driving accidents you usually only hear about people dying from falling!
If you are high enough to hurt yourself if you fall - use extreme caution - assume your hand hold with break, your foot will slip and that you are not invincible.
LIGHTNING
You can greatly eliminate all other desert dangers except for lightning!!!
The best way to avoid being hit by lightning is to not be out in it but if you get caught don't be the highest thing around. Don't be near tall trees - but also don't go in depressions, shallow caves or under small overhangs - these increase your chance of being hit by ground currents.
EQUIPMENT
Most Important Sturdy Hiking Shoes (does not include sandals and thongs!!) and proper clothing.
Long pants protect you from rocks and cactus
A hat, sunscreen & sunglasses protect your from the sun
A first aid kit is essential and should include at least a flashlight and jacket in case you don't get off the trail by sunset.
Also should include 1" tape and ace bandage, space blanket, signal mirror, whistle, swiss army knife, waterproof matches, insect repellent, hard candy, tweezers, safety pins, needle & thread, snacks, and TP.
A great survival item is a cell phone, although some areas are out of the cellular service area.
Also a gps system or CB radio can be helpful in emergencies.
RESCUE
Keep in mind the possibility or impossibilities of being rescued should you venture in deep or narrow canyons. When in places like this consider how difficult a rescue would be.
BUDDY SYSTEM
Always, always hike with a buddy. Never hike alone. At the very least if you do venture out on your own let someone know where you are going and when you are planning to return - set up a call back to let someone know you are back home safe. This applies to all hiking but especially the desert.