Our planet is big and has a wide variety of locations available under different conditions. You can hike on a well-marked trail, in the jungle, small hills etc… You can also try Hiking in a desert.
When you hear the word ‘desert’, dry, sandy area, very warm or very cold temperatures areas come to your mind. There are 5 main class of deserts, the fact that precipitations are very rare regroup them together into the desert category.
Types of deserts:
Sand desert : a wavy sand sea
Stony desert : gravel surfaces
Rock desert : bare rock surfaces with huge pavement that kept clear of sand or gravel by wind
Plateau desert : rocky plateaux , deeply eroded wadis
Mountain desert : bare and arid arrays of jagged rock peaks
Desert hiking is a great experience but it requires some preparation because it can easily turn out to be a disaster.
Most dangerous Point about desert Hiking:
Lack of water: In general, you need about a gallon of water per day. Inadequate supply of water in the body leads to inefficiency in making decisions. You will not be able to function properly. Drink often and make sure you have more than enough
Getting lost: Landscape can be very tricky in the desert and perceptions of distance can mislead you.
Desert Storm: Can be very dangerous
Weather: Depending where you are you may freeze or have an isolation, you need to be geared adequately.
Tips :
Mark the location where you parked your car so it will be easy for you to locate it after the hike.
Hike from late fall to spring. Avoid summer.
Never hike alone.
Listen to your body. Take it slowly and consider having resting periods.
Security:
Carry a GPS Device, Compass, map, and other devices that will aid in navigation.
Dress appropriately.
Put sunscreen before and during the Hike.
Let others know about your trip. If something go wrong you have some backup from the outside world.
Deserts are great Hiking destinations which offer a unique appeal to hikers. There is a sense of unique tranquility and carrying more than enough water is always worth it. Stay safe, be well-hydrated, and enjoy what Desert Hiking has to offer.
I also recommend star-gazing when in the deserts, best place to observe the sky.
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Frank is a Traveler that loves nature (hiking, camping, backpacking).
You can learn more about me in the About the Author section of the site!
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