Planning for a Desert Hike

Hiking in the desert can catch some people off guard. With extreme temperature shifts and sunny weather year round, packing well is important. In this activity, you are preparing to go on a hike for 2 hours and the temperature is 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. Look at the items below and choose what are you going to take for your hike. Try to pack light by only taking what you need.

What's best for a desert hike?

• You definitely need water. The park recommends that each person drinks 4 quarts or 4 liters of water per day. You don't want to get dehydrated.
• Food is good to have along, too. Certain foods can give you energy and replace the electrolytes that you lose when you sweat.
• A map is important, so you don't get lost. Review the map before you hike, so you understand it.
• You need protection from the sun, so you need to wear sun block, sunglasses and a hat.
• A light jacket or long-sleeved shirt is good to have in case the weather changes or you need more sun protection for your arms.
• A first aid kit is important to have along in case you get hurt.
• And last, but not least, you need a backpack to carry all of these items in.

Have a fun and safe hike!

Learn more!

• Start planning your hike in Arches National Park
• Be prepared with these desert safety tips
• Find out what current conditions are like at Arches National Park

Find more Arches National Park related activities on the Arches' Park Fun page.