An essential primer for hiking through desert terrain. Learn the character of desert backcountry and how to adventure well through prickly flora, amidst often poisonous fauna. Stay hydrated even miles away from fresh water sources, find the right gear, and set up camp for what can be a magical night under the desert sky.

Bruce Grubbs has written more than twenty FalconGuides, including Best Easy Day Hikes to Albuquerque, Tucson, and Phoenix, as well as Hiking Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park Pocket Guide, and Basic Illustrated: Using GPS. He lives in Flagstaff, Arizona.