How Much Water to Carry Desert Hiking
The actual math for desert hydration — liters per hour, temperature adjustments, electrolyte strategy, and what to carry it in. No vague advice.
Desert Hiking, Done Right
Trail guides, gear tested in 100°F heat, and skills to keep you safe in the American Southwest.
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Getting Started
Your first desert hike, what to wear, how much water — and why it's worth every step.
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Desert Gear
Field-tested reviews for boots, sun hoodies, hydration packs, and more — for real desert conditions.
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Where to Hike
Trail guides for the Sonoran, Mojave, Chihuahuan, and Colorado Plateau deserts.
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Desert Skills
Heat management, navigation, wildlife, and the knowledge that makes the difference out there.
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Desert Photography
Golden hour technique, gear for extreme heat, and the locations that actually deliver.
Recent Guides
Desert Hiking for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know
The complete beginner's guide to desert hiking in the American Southwest — when to go, what to bring, how much water to carry, and which trails to start with.
Best Sun Hoodies for Desert Hiking (2026)
The top UPF 50+ sun hoodies tested on Sonoran Desert trails — ranked by breathability, coverage, durability, and value. One clear winner for most hikers.
Best Hiking Trails Near Tucson for Beginners
Five beginner-friendly trails in and around Tucson, Arizona — with distance, elevation, parking info, and what to bring for each one.
Affiliate Disclosure
HikeDesert participates in affiliate programs. Here's what that means, which programs we use, and how it affects our recommendations.
About HikeDesert
Who writes HikeDesert, our credentials in the Sonoran Desert, and our editorial standards.