‘Tis the Season to Take a Hike
Winter in the Sonoran Desert brings its own set of natural wonders. Sunny, warm days and clear, crisp nights mean animals are more active and visible. Occasional winter rains bring new sprouts to creosote bushes and other plant life. And, late in the season, desert wildflowers such as lupines and owl-clover begin to show their colors. All in all, it’s the perfect time for a hike! Here are a few tips to help you explore Scottsdale’s beautiful Sonoran Desert on foot this winter:
Stay hydrated. Even on mild winter days, be sure to bring and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. For longer hikes, also pack some healthy snacks to keep you fortified.
Hike only on marked trails. Not only will this protect the desert’s delicate ecosystem, but it also will help minimize the chances of painful human-and-cactus encounters. Click here to a list of Scottsdale’s most popular hiking trails.
Share the trail. Many of Scottsdale’s public trails are designated as shared-use paths for hikers, cyclists and horseback riders. The universal rule of trail courtesy is for all trail users to yield right-of-way to horses and for cyclists to yield to all other types of users.
Admire desert wildlife from a distance. Desert creatures are wary of humans, so if you are lucky enough to spot a javelina, coyote or covey of quail, resist the temptation to get too close as you may frighten them away. It’s also good to keep in mind that although most desert animals don’t pose a threat the humans, some, like rattlesnakes, are poisonous and others can cause serious injury if they feel cornered or threatened.
Leave it as you found it. Removing anything from the desert disrupts the habitats of plants and animals, since most rocks and wood provide shade and shelter for tiny plants and creatures. It also is against the law to take away any natural or cultural objects from public or private land without the permission of the owner.
Don’t hike alone. It’s safer and more fun to hike with a friend! It’s also wise to tell someone where you will be hiking and when you expect to return.
Practice “Leave No Trace” exploration. Be sure to carry out everything that you carry in – take only pictures, leave only footprints!
And, the most important tip of all – have fun! The Sonoran Desert is yours to enjoy, so get out and explore!
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