What Are the Dangers of Hiking in the Desert?

Heat Exhaustion

• The climate in deserts is very hot and dry and requires that people stay hydrated while hiking. When hiking through a desert, take plenty of fluids, primarily water. Drink as much water as possible to avoid heat exhaustion. If you begin to feel cool, clammy, nauseous or dizzy, or if you suffer a strange headache or experience vomiting, you might have heat exhaustion. If this occurs, find shade and rest. Drink more fluids and avoid any fluids or foods that contain salt.

Lightning

• If you are hiking through a storm, lightning is a common danger that hikers experience. If it is possible, avoid hiking through a desert during a storm, but if a storm occurs, avoid high points and water. Find a flat location or low area and lie down until the lightning passes.

Creatures

• Many wild creatures inhabit the desert, and they can be dangerous to people. One of these creatures is the rattlesnake. This creature suddenly can appear out of nowhere, and it can be lethal to people if the snake bites. If a rattlesnake bites someone in your group, bind the bite and keep the bite below the person's heart if possible. Scorpions are another desert creature that can harm people, as well as skunks, bobcats, cougars, bears and black widow spiders.

Getting Lost

• One danger of hiking in a desert, or other areas, is the chance of getting lost. Before you plan a hiking trip in a desert, obtain maps of the area and study them. Look at the common paths hikers use, locate water supplies and find out the procedures for rescue activities in the area. Visit the desert's visitors center to find out all of this information.

Injuries

• Another danger of hiking is the chance of a fall. If a fall occurs, a hiker could experience a broken bone, sprained ankle or many other types of injuries. To prepare for this, take a first aid kit along on the hike. Make sure it has bandages, gauze, a wound-cleaning product and a splint.