The desert is not all sunshine and beautiful skies. Be sure to prepare for not only hot, dry weather but you must realize the desert also gets cold, sometimes very cold! Overnight temperatures in the 30s are common during the winter months (September-April), and it has been known to drop into the teens in December and January. It is important that you pack and prepare clothing and gear for a variety of temperatures. Here are some clothing suggestions for a safe desert trip:
Light-colored, long-sleeved shirt with moisture-wicking capabilities and UV protection.
Lightweight pants, thin sweats or leggings
Wide-brimmed hat
hiking boots, sneakers are fine but no sandals, everything in in the desert has thorns.
Fleece and extra layers. common sense, add layers as the sun starts to fade.
A thick enough hoodie to put on when the temperature swings.
Rain poncho or jacket ( stuff it in your pack but make sure it is handy in an emergency.
Beanie, small and convenient.
Sunglasses, chapstick, eye drops and sunscreen(30 SPF), did I mention the desert is dry and sometimes windy?
Emergency kit, it doesn't have to be large, it just needs the basics but make sure you include tweezers, you will understand when you encounter you first cactus.
Research the area you are going to, this is a link to a government site that is very informative about the Sonoran (suh-nore-run) desert area 🌵Sonoran Area
Prepare for unreliable cell service during your road trip, as the Sonoran has the least coverage, than almost anywhere in the lower 48 states. Bring a printed map as a backup and download or store necessary maps on digital navigation devices or apps for offline use. Not only is this good for driving to your camping area, but when you are hiking also, in the desert everything looks very much alike and I have found myself lost within 100 feet of my campsite. Fortunately I had an offline map program and could set a pin on the map and then walk aways and set another pin to be sure I wasn't just traveling in circles.
Making a reservation and paying a fee at a campground is convenient and may offer luxuries such as toilets, nothing beats camping in the remote expanse without another living soul around . In most locations in the desert, dispersed camping on public Bureau of Land Management (BLM)lands is free and plentiful. Dispersed campsites are typically located along secondary roads, many of which are torn up and pitted by rain and other vehicles these may require four-wheel drive or a vehicle with high clearance. As they say, the rougher the road, the more secluded the campsites! Do not put yourself in danger, never drive in on a road you can not also get back out of. Making sure your spare is in good condition and you have at least the basic tools, you just might have to macgyver your way out of the desert in an emergency.
Duct tape
electrical tape
needle nose pliers
bailing wire
ratchet set
dikes
screwdriver (flathead and Phillips)
hammer
zip ties
allen wrench set
medium sized channel locks
Tent repair kit ( mine is a roll of Gorilla tape)
A roll of cordage, about clothes line size.
While the allure of free, " I can camp anywhere" in this wide open space is tempting, I would choose an established campsite, because it is much easier to camp in a prepared campsite, this also minimalizes the impact on the land. Little rainfall occurs outside the "monsoon" season and in remote desolate areas, seemingly dead plants may come to life after it rains. Set up your tent or camper on durable surfaces, as sand has a tendency to sink anything you put on top of it. Do not get tempted to pass good campsites for the next better one, before you know it, you reach an area with no good spots and no where to turn around. You may want to run into the nearest town for water or food, so the closer the camp the easier that will be. If it has a good view, shade, safe and level surface ... get it.
Flash flooding in the desert can be sudden and hazardous. Before establishing your camp, survey the terrain and choose higher ground. Avoid washes( looks like a dry river bed) and any low ground (sumps), prioritizing higher areas for safety. Driving may becomes impossible on desert roads for days, especially during the monsoon season. ( Plan accordingly. If you do get caught in the wild for a brutal storm, plan on staying put for several days. Roads need to dry before they become passable again.
Consider the balance between sun and wind protection and airflow when selecting a tent location. While mesh-walled ventilation may seem appealing, opt for tents with features like a bathtub-style floor to prevent sand intrusion. I prefer to remove my fly top, so that I feel I am sleeping under the stars, but still protected from bugs. Bring ropes and tarps to tie over your tent, the sun is merciless, with a tarp you can leave the fly off and still be shaded, taking advantage of the desert breeze. Try to stay on the shadow side of a wash's tree line.Wind storms come up frequently and being able to tie your tent off to a tree or stake it down is critical, a shredded tent provides no shelter. Wood can easily be found in most of the washes or under trees, but be sure to differentiate dead wood from the still living. I prefer to use propane, it's just easier and doesn't require me sticking my hand into bushes and debris. Building a campfire and pulling out the sunbrella and lounging chairs are secondary and just a matter of camp style choices.
In the sun-drenched desert, protect yourself with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Guarding against sun exposure reduces the risk of dehydration and heatstroke. Stay hydrated, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, and I would recommend lightweight cotton fabrics as they are cooler, especially when dampened with water. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, and don't push your limits.
Before you go poking around trees and whatnot, be aware that the desert is a living biome and there are things that can sting and bite you. Rattlesnakes are very real and will rattle when you are near them. Scorpions are a danger and have a way of getting into your tent at night, most people do not die from a sting, just be pprepared for all you appendages to go numb for 24 hours ( kinda scary). Black widows are common under trees and the shady parts of cacti, just be aware on where you are putting your hands, search your shoes and any boxes that were left out at night.
Stay on established trails or walk on rock and gravel when off-trail. These are ancient land with a rich history of indigenous peoples, if you find an artifact leave it undisturbed, avoid walking on rock art, and adhere to Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash. Side note: Shooting a cactus is just not cool, they take a long time to grow and and many creatures depend on them to live, so don't be that guy.
So your trip is done and your ready to head back to civilization, remember that you may want to return and certainly others will arrive after you, do not kill the magic by leaving trash and human waste behind. Trash can be packed out and human waste can be buried, if you are like me consider pickking up trash left by others too. The desert is a wonderful place, do not destroy it for the next generation.
The Sonoran desert encompasses a large area of the southwest, if you follow these simple rules, it opens up all of the western United States. So many national parks, wildlife areas and public lands to explore that your life time would never be enough, teach what you know to the next generation and never stop exploring.🌵