Staying On the Desert Trail

Hiking in the desert southwest is very different from any other area of the country. In most climates, the trail meanders through forests and green meadows and the brown trodden path is easily followed.

In the desert there is a lot of brown soil, with brown rock, between sparse vegetation. Quite often the trail looks just a little lighter in color, due to the soil particles that are ground into a fine dust from being continuously walked on.

If the trail is unfamiliar, make sure you take a topographic map of the area, a compass, a good trail description, and some common sense. Even with all those tools, you’ll need to take your time and pick up on the trail signs along the way.

Rock stacks (also called trail cairns), are one method used on established trails, and they are a fairly reliable indication of were the trail goes, since nature tends not to stack rocks on top of each other. Rocks arranged in a line or short wall can also indicate that the hiker should not step over them, as they are used to mark the outside parameters of the trail.

Deadwood and cut brush is also indicative of where the trail does not go. In most instances it has been placed there specifically to keep you from stepping off the trail, (often onto a side trail taking you in a different direction from your planned destination).

Anytime you feel that you are off the trail, stop and quickly assess where you are. If you conclude that you have missed the trail, turn around and head back to the last place you were sure you were indeed on the trail.

If hopelessly lost, don’t panic. Stay put, find what shade you can, and use the whistle that you should have with you. Remember, the international distress signal is three whistle blows (or flashes of light, or gun shots, etc.) in a row.

Hike Smart & Have Fun!
Brian