Scottsdale experiences about 330 days of sunshine a year, and it’s surrounded by the picturesque Sonoran Desert. With both of those facts in mind, it probably doesn’t come as a surprise that many visitors choose to take hikes through the desert during their stays. If you’re planning to visit Scottsdale, and you’re thinking about exploring the surrounding desert, there are a few helpful guidelines to remember to make your expedition safe and enjoyable.

Start with carefully planning your route. Not only should you know exactly where you’re headed, but you should understand the difficulty of the path you’d like to take. Honestly assess your current fitness level before you set out to avoid straining yourself in an unfamiliar and often unforgiving environment. Once you have chosen a route, be sure to carry a trail map with you to help keep your bearings straight and to judge the pace at which you’re hiking. Also, let someone know where you’re headed as well as what time you plan to return so they can alert the authorities if you’re gone longer than expected.

You should also be sure to pack appropriate clothing to wear during your trip. Although the sweltering summer heat might prompt you to look for T-shirts and shorts to wear on your hike, consider donning light-colored pants and long-sleeved shirts instead. At the outset, these clothes might seem like an unbearably warm choice for wearing into the desert, but the benefits of reflecting the sun off the skin will soon become apparent. A wide brimmed hat also makes an excellent addition to your desert-going attire. No matter how you decide to dress, however, you need to carefully apply a layer of sunscreen to all exposed skin before your journey and reapply it frequently throughout the day. With the ever-present sunlight, it’s essential that you protect your skin.

As for provisions, the most obvious thing to tote along with you is water – dehydration is closely associated with the desert. What’s less apparent is how much water you should bring with you. For very short trips, a quart per person is usually sufficient, while a gallon or more is needed for trips lasting longer than two hours. You should also bring along dried fruit, nuts, jerky, or other food that won’t spoil during the trip because you’ll need to refuel after expending the energy needed to hike your trail. Be sure to take the time to keep yourself hydrated and to replenish your energy, especially if you begin to feel fatigued.

In addition to these basics, you also need to take along items that will be helpful in case you get into trouble. For example, although you’re likely going on a hike to get away from it all, it’s important to pack a fully charged cell phone because it is the easiest way to call for help in an emergency. A whistle is also useful in cases where assistance is needed as it doesn’t require as much effort as yelling to attract the attention of nearby people.

The key to discovering Scottsdale’s desert surroundings is to simply be prepared. Knowing where you’re going and having the right items on hand are vital to a successful trip.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to travel.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to travel. http://www.laserspinelocations.com/scottsdale/

Author Bio: Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to travel.

Category: Travel
Keywords: scottsdale travel, visiting scottsdale, scottsdale desert, arizona desert, visiting arizona