The Hiking Mistake Too Many Travelers Make When In Scenic Southwestern America

The beauty never ends in the southwestern US, with its magnificent canyons and red rock formations along with surreal lakes and hidden desert waterfalls. But travelers often make a big mistake when hiking in this part of the country: failing to understand the risks that come along with all these wonders. First and foremost, hikers must be informed and prepared for the extreme weather conditions — not just heat and dryness but potentially cold and rain, too. 

In summer, the desert southwest becomes a giant, deadly sauna. The ground can get so hot that flip flops can become fondue in minutes. Even lizards have been known to cry out for Gatorade in the dead of summer. Consider yourself warned: in the hottest months, venture out into the desert only in the wee morning hours or early in the evening, when the air is considerably cooler. 

Furthermore — and we can't stress this enough—bring enough water, no matter what time you start the trail. When temps are in the 90s, this is about one liter of water for each hour you'll be hiking. To safe space and make staying hydrated on your hike a little more convenient, consider carrying a hydration pack instead of a bunch of water bottles. This is a plastic water container that you can slip into your backpack, which has a long tube connected to a mouthpiece that you can clip to your shoulder strap for easy access. Then all you have to do is turn your head to reach the mouthpiece and suck on the tube, which acts like a giant straw to deliver the cold, welcome liquid directly into your mouth. 

Summer also harbors the possibility of powerful monsoons, which can occur anytime from mid-June through September throughout the entire southwest. These powerful weather events can come on seemingly out of nowhere, unleashing high winds, torrential rains, and dangerous lightning on unsuspecting hikers. To ensure safety, monitor the weather forecast vigilantly before and during your trek. Above all, avoid entering narrow canyons anytime storms are imminent. These can and have become death traps during monsoons due to sudden and violent flash flooding.

Depending on latitude and elevation, the desert can also be bitterly cold in winter. This is especially true at night, when temperatures plummet, since the dry desert air does not retain heat. Therefore, winter hikers should be prepared with plenty of thermal and waterproof layers to protect against hypothermia. They should also take precautions to avoid slipping on snowy trails, which may ice over in colder weather. For example, utilizing crampons to be able to safely navigate snowy conditions on the Grand Canyon's Bright Angel Trail, considered one of the most dangerous trails in the US due to its steepness and exposure to the elements. 

Fortunately, in autumn and spring, desert weather tends to be a little less dramatic in the desert southwest. Fewer storms and milder temperatures in these seasons make them ideal for longer wilderness treks, leaving extra room in the pack for gear and munchies instead of thermal layers and additional water bottles. Furthermore, hikers who time their treks just right may be able to see fall colors or spring blooms, adding a whole new kaleidoscope of hues to their southwest adventure.