How to Survive in the Arizona Desert

Arizona's desert climate is harsh and dangerous unless you are adequately prepared. Even for seasoned hikers and adventurers, the Sonoran desert is hard to handle with its extreme heat, sandstorms and foreboding terrain. Knowing yourself and preparing physically and mentally will help you survive in the desert, whether or not you have adequate supplies. By learning about desert travel, climate, flora and fauna, you can survive and get out of the Arizona desert without serious damage to your health.

Instructions

• 1

  Evaluate your supplies when you enter the desert. In most survival situations, you will not be adequately prepared. Take note of the objects you have and discard anything deemed unnecessary. Keep all clothing, food, water, tools and flammable material that you can easily carry.

• 2

  Manage your body and your health. Treat any surface wounds or injuries as best you can based on your supplies. Heat cramps are common as your body loses salt through sweat. If your arms and legs begin to cramp, rest in shade if possible and drink water. Unless you have a large amount of water, try not to consume more than a few sips at a time, but make sure to have a little water every hour if possible. Without monitoring yourself and noticing heat cramps, you may experience heat exhaustion, which can lead to sickness and death. Even simply resting in the heat of the day, you will need almost 10 liters of water per day to survive any length of time.

• 3

  Travel at night when the temperatures are cooler. Your body requires less water when exercising in cool weather. Do not run, but move at a brisk pace to cover as much distance as possible. If you do not have warm clothing, traveling at night keeps your body temperature up.

• 4

  Manage the heat by keeping objects between your skin and the sun. When you rest, place something on the ground between you and the sand. Cover your body with extra clothing, cardboard or any other material you can find to lower your body temperature. Look for shade next to rocks, low-lying areas or ruins, if possible. Build a makeshift shelter to sleep in. Depending on what you come across in the desert, you may be able to use sticks and extra clothing to make a shelter.

• 5

  Rest frequently, even if you have water and don't feel tired. Prolonged exposure to heat can diminish your judgment and ability to assess yourself.

• 6

  Head in the opposite direction of how you entered the desert. If you entered from the east, head west. Remember, if you don't have a compass, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Before the sun sets, place sticks or make a note of the directions so you can travel at night. Keep an eye on landmarks so you don't walk in a circle.

• 7

  Signal for help if you are lost. A signaling mirror can reflect light and signal distress. Build a fire if possible. Many areas of the Sonoran desert are monitored by authorities, especially areas near the Mexico border; thus, signaling greatly increases your chance of survival.