Staying on a desert trail

Brian Lane, author of the Hikernut book series

Award-winning author Brian Lane published Hikernut�s Grand Canyon Companion, A Guide to Hiking and Backpacking the Most Popular Trails Into the Canyon in 2007. Brian hikes the Grand Canyon at least twice/year and has quickly emerged as the spokesperson and face of the canyon.

Staying on a desert trail

Sedona, AZ - Hiking in the desert southwest is very different from any other area of the country. In most climates the trail meanders through forests and green meadows and the brown trodden path is easily followed.

In the desert there is a lot of brown soil, with brown rock, between sparse vegetation. Quite often the trail looks just a little lighter in color, due to the soil particles that are ground into a fine dust from being continuously walked on.

If the trail is unfamiliar make sure you take a topographic map of the area, a compass, a good trail description, and some common sense. Even with all those tools you�ll need to take your time and pick up on the trail signs along the way.

Rock stacks (also called trail cairns), are one method used on established trails and they are a fairly reliable indication of were the trail goes, since nature tends not to stack rocks on top of each other. Rocks arranged in a line or short wall can also indicate that the hiker should not step over them, as they are used to mark the outside parameters of the trail.

Deadwood and cut brush is also indicative of where the trail does not go. In most instances it has been placed there specifically to keep you from stepping off the trail, (often onto a side trail taking you in a different direction from your planned destination).

Anytime you feel that you are off the trail, stop and quickly assess where you are, if you conclude that you have missed the trail turn around and head back to the last place you were sure you were indeed on the trail.

If hopelessly lost, don�t panic. Stay put, find what shade you can, and use the whistle that you should have with you. Remember, the international distress signal is three whistle blows (or flashes of light, or gun shots, etc.) in a row.

Hikernut's Grand Canyon Companion - A Guide to Hiking and Backpacking the Most Popular Trails Into the Canyon: Bright Angel, South Kaibab & North Kaibab Trails (Click to buy from Amazon)

About Brian Lane

Award-winning author Brian Lane published Hikernut�s Grand Canyon Companion, A Guide to Hiking and Backpacking the Most Popular Trails Into the Canyon in 2007. Chosen by USA Book News as a Best Book Award Finalist, the book offers practical advice honed from over fifteen years of experience hiking in and around the Grand Canyon and throughout the United States.

Brian hikes the Grand Canyon at least twice/year and has quickly emerged as the spokesperson and face of the canyon. He provides accurate and up-to-date information on canyon hiking conditions and other helpful tips on his blog at http://blog.asenseofnature.com/.

In addition to writing and publishing, Brian showcased his artistic and photographic skills by creating all of the images and maps in his first book. His academic studies include Clark University (fine art/photography) and Massachusetts College of Art (illustration/2-D design).

A member of the American Hiking Society, lifetime member of the Sierra Club, and a certified NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School -- the only school that focuses on wilderness skills, leadership, and environmental ethics) Wilderness First Aid alumnus, the author is also a horticulturist, forestry and wildlife conservationist, and master watershed steward, advocating for sustainable resource management. Born and raised in North Brookfield, Massachusetts, he now resides on a four-acre ranch in Sedona, Arizona.

Contact Brian at 928.282.9525, info@asenseofnature.com or www.asenseofnature.com. Purchase his book at www.asenseofnature.com or at www.amazon.com.