by Michael Hodgson

• Avoid heading out in the summer. In most cases, spring and fall are the best seasons to visit. Time your walking in the early morning and late afternoon when the sun is not as intense. Hit the trail early, then take a long siesta in a shady place until the temperatures drop.

• Know what the water conditions are and where you might be able to find water. Don't count on finding water, however, as a spring that is listed as running and of good quality may have dried up since the last field check. In general, carry one gallon of water per person per day.

• Keep a weather eye skyward. Thunderstorms in the distance may mean flash flooding in a canyon through which you had planned on hiking. If there are thunder clouds visible anywhere near your vicinity, stay out of washes and gullies!

• Biting flies can be bothersome. Carry a good insect repellent of 30% Deet.

• The sun is usually intense. Wear a hat with a visor and light, loose, long sleeve shirts and long pants. Sunscreen all skin that is exposed. Remember to reapply sunscreen periodically, especially to bare legs after a stream crossing.

• OK, so it may look altogether funky, but if you are more concerned about staying cool while you walk and less concerned with looking cool, take a page from the British desert explorers who traveled upon the hot sands of the world under a "brolly" or umbrella. There's a lot to be said for always walking in the shade.

• Carry a multi-tool with you at all times. Should you suffer the misfortune of direct contact with a yucca plant or other desert cactus and have to resort to a bit of "spine plucking," you'll be grateful for the gripping and pulling power of a needle-nose plier.

• Hydration systems that rely on one large bladder of water stored inside a pack or other carrying container are all the rage these days, and I must admit, they are convenient. Most have a drinking nozzle so that all you have to do is walk and sip, sip and walk. There is one minor risk with such as system, however, that could turn into a full-blown nightmare--what if the container develops a leak? While I do rely on a bladder system myself, I also back it up with two or more "hard" bottles, such as the wide mouth one quart Nalgene variety. If I do spring a leak, at least then I have some reserves to keep me alive while I work my way out of the pinch.

© 1999 Michael Hodgson; All Rights Reserved