Desert Hiking Safety: Heat, Water, and Flash Floods
The red-rock desert is unforgiving if you're unprepared — how to handle heat, water, flash floods, and wildlife on a St. George hike.
Desert Hiking Safety: Heat, Water, and Flash Floods
The red-rock country around St. George is stunning — and unforgiving if you're unprepared. A little planning keeps a desert hike from turning dangerous. Here's what every hiker should know.
Heat is the #1 danger
- Summer temperatures regularly top 100–110°F, and slickrock radiates even more heat
- Hike early or late — start at sunrise, or save hikes for evening; avoid midday in summer
- Watch for heat exhaustion: dizziness, nausea, headache, cramps. Stop, cool down, and rehydrate
Carry more water than you think
- Aim for at least a liter every 1–2 hours, more in heat — there's rarely water on the trail
- Bring electrolytes, not just plain water, on long or hot hikes
- Turn around when you've used half your water
Flash floods
- Slot canyons (the Narrows, Kanarraville, area slots) can flood from rain miles away
- Check the forecast and flash-flood potential before any canyon; never enter if storms threaten
- Washes can go from dry to deadly in minutes
The essentials
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, long sleeves), sturdy shoes with grip for slickrock, and a charged phone
- Tell someone your plan; cell service is spotty in the backcountry
- Watch for rattlesnakes, and give desert tortoises a wide berth — they're protected
Respect the desert and it rewards you — one of the most beautiful places to hike anywhere.