Tips for Safely Exploring Joshua Tree

Desert Travel

Early desert explorers included Jedediah Smith, Kit Carson, John C. Frémont and the Spanish missionaries. They had little idea of what to expect during their desert crossings. Traveling without detailed maps, high-tech equipment, or freeze-dried foods, they still managed to make the overland trek toward the coast.

Today, we enjoy the benefit of all sorts of undreamed-of modern accoutrements, making desert journeys more comfortable than they were in days past. But the most important aids to desert travel remain as simple as they were 200 years ago—common sense, advance planning and packing the right supplies.

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Planning Ahead

Individuals accustomed to spending their days in air-conditioned comfort are in for a surprise when they venture into the desert. It’s a harsh environment that demands adaptation by inhabitants and visitors alike. Daily extremes of hot and cold are the norm; a 100-degree day can become a 50-degree night. It’s important to be prepared—not simply for comfort, but for survival.

The unforgiving desert does not allow visitors to make many mistakes. Those ill-prepared may be unable to deal with threatening situations. Desert dangers are real, and using common sense is essential.

Planning ahead is the first rule of desert travel. Study maps and know where you’re going. Become informed about weather patterns, and know what temperatures and climatic conditions to expect. Use this information to plan your trip.

As you study your maps, determine where to obtain services—food, water, gas, ice, etc. Anticipate when you’ll need to replenish fuel and supplies, and purchase them whenever you have the chance, since gas stations and stores are few in the vicinity of most desert parks.

Before you depart on a desert journey, leave a detailed itinerary with a friend or family member. Be sure to indicate when you expect to return; call later if your plans change.

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Water

Water is the essential life-sustaining substance in the desert. It’s in short supply in this arid environment, and most natural water sources are probably unsafe to drink. Therefore, it’s imperative that desert travelers be prepared at all times with sufficient quantities of water. An absolute minimum to carry is one gallon per person per day. Remember that a gallon of water weighs about eight pounds.

Anytime you venture out into the desert on foot, for even a short period, bring a bottle of water. Plastic bottles sold in backpacking and outdoors shops are convenient and easy to carry. It’s far better to carry water and not need it, than to be stuck in an isolated area without a drop to drink. Bring enough water for each member in your party.

The key to staying properly hydrated outdoors is to drink before you become thirsty; take a few sips every 10 to 15 minutes or so. Don’t ration your water, and don’t waste it. Fill up when you have the opportunity (at campgrounds and at roadside rest stops; purchase water at stores when you can); it’s a good idea to have more than you think you’ll need.

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Food

When packing food for desert travel, consider the dry climate, heat and cold you’ll encounter. Additionally, consider nutritional requirements, tastes and appetite. Leave the junk, the sugary “treats” and empty calories at home. Better yet, leave them in the store, and choose instead healthy, high-quality fuel foods that are simple to pack and transport and easy to prepare.

You needn’t go the dehydrated food route unless you’re planning a backpacking trip where weight is a major concern.

Pack plenty of trail mix, dried and fresh fruit, cut-up vegetables, whole-grain crackers and low-sugar cookies for trail snacks and light lunches. Cereal straight from the box, peanut butter sandwiches and other simple foods are camp staples. Boxes of juice pack and travel well. Remember that foods—especially bread, bagels and rolls— dry out quickly in the arid desert environment. Always wrap foods well before storing them.

Always pack and carry some food with you when you venture out into the desert.

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Clothing

Heat, cold, wind and rain, cactus and rugged terrain characteristic of the desert combine to make proper dressing essential for protection and comfort.

Pack simple, sturdy clothing that doesn’t show the dirt. Natural fabrics, especially cotton and wool, are favorite choices because of their breathability and durability.

The simplest approach to desert dressing is to layer your clothing, adding to or subtracting from the layers as the temperature and wind allow. Make sure you choose roomy, comfortable clothing that doesn’t bind anywhere. Classic long-sleeved button-front shirts and sweaters, T-shirts and tank tops are all smart choices, as are jeans and khakis. In general, long pants are preferred in the desert for the protection they offer from cactus and the sun, but long socks and hiking shorts may be more comfortable. Sweats are comfortable and warm in the early morning and evening hours.

What you wear on your extremities is as important as your body wear. In warm weather, head protection is a must. Popular choices include baseball caps, broad-brimmed canvas or straw hats. In cold weather, however, a knitted watch cap is best for keeping in your body heat; mittens or gloves make winter desert trekking more pleasant.

Selecting the proper footwear is always a question for outdoor adventurers. Desert hiking requires more substantial footwear than a pair of lightweight running shoes. The terrain is rough, and the temperature of the sand can really heat up during the day, making even short hikes literally a blistering experience. Sturdy hiking boots or the hiking shoes manufactured by running-shoe companies are good choices. Since waterproof materials are rarely required for desert hiking, the fabric-and-leather construction of these running shoe-hiking boot hybrids is ideal. These lightweight boots breathe, and can be much more comfortable than heavy-duty waffle-stompers. Look for long-wearing soles and stiff shanks for comfort and support.

Pack running shoes or other comfortable footwear to wear around camp.

Above all, when selecting footwear, get a proper fit. Improperly fitting boots or shoes will never be comfortable. Period.

Outerwear is largely a matter of personal choice. Synthetics such as Synchilla, Gore-Tex, Polarplus and Thermax have been fashioned into jackets, pullovers and pants. They offer maximum protection from the elements, with minimal weight or bulk. Down jackets and vests are also popular and comfortable for cool weather or nighttime desert wear. Windbreakers offer inexpensive protection from the almost ever-present winds in the Mojave Desert; they are easily stuffed into a day pack or fanny pack.

Many desert rats swear that their most valuable piece of clothing is a bandanna. These brightly colored squares of cloth can serve as a handkerchief, neckerchief, towel, washcloth, headband, loincloth, bikini top, sweatband, head scarf, tablecloth, napkin—well, the list is limited only by your imagination. . . .

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Gear

• Flashlight Bring extra batteries, bulb.
• Compass The indispensable tool for geographical orientation. If you know how to use it, bring a compass. If you don’t know how to use one, learn how; outdoors shops and many organizations frequently offer map and compass classes. Increasingly outdoors adventurers are taking along various GPS (Global Positioning System) devices to help them stay oriented.
• Phone  Cell phone coverage is expanding rapidly but the California desert but don’t count on reaching out from every remote desert locale. For example, your basic cell phone could call out from less than one-half of Mojave National Preserve at last estimate. Remember, Mojave is a desert of mountains, so don’t expect miraculous coverage.
• Sunglasses They protect from the intense light, glare and wind so characteristic of Mojave. Polarized lenses and UV ratings between 50 and 80 ensure real protection, not just stylish looks. Attach a leash to your glasses for convenience.
• Pocketknife What comes in handy more frequently than a trusty Swiss Army knife? Enough said.
• Emergency Supplies Extra food and water, which you may wish to keep in your vehicle all the time. Waterproof matches, fire-starting tablets, a well-stocked first-aid kit and a couple of blankets. Replenish as needed. One of the best ways to be prepared in a medical emergency is to have taken a Red Cross CPR class.
• Toilet paper and tissues
• Sunscreen Get the SPF rating that’s right for you, and use it. Reapply frequently.
• Lip balm To protect from chapped lips, look for one containing a sunscreen for best protection.
• Skin lotion To counteract the drying effects of the desert.
• Camera Always bring more film or memory chips than you think you’ll need, along with an extra battery.
• Insect repellant Keeps the critters off you.
• Sewing kit Buttons pop off when you least expect it.
• Notebook or journal and pen A good place to scribble your thoughts and take notes about your desert observations.
• Daypack or fanny pack Easy to carry on a day hike; keep an extra water bottle in each for convenience.
• Binoculars for bird-watching
• Telescope for sky-watching
• Any prescribed medications
• A good book

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