I frequently hear things like “I really hate snakes!” or “I’m not going hiking because there are snakes out!” Well, I’m here to tell you that it is entirely possible to continue hiking during the months when rattlesnakes are not hibernating. With a little know-how, you won’t have to give up your summer hikes (hot […]
Odds and Ends
How to Camp Safely in Bear Country
Camping in the American Southwest means you’ll be in bear country at one point or another. I suppose if you stuck to desert-only areas you might avoid them altogether, but you’d be missing out on some really gorgeous places. The good news is that to learn how to camp safely in bear country you really […]
How to Hike Safely in Bear Country
Hiking in many parts of the Southwest involves being in bear country. While a lot of folks only think of the desert parts of the Southwest, there are actually quite a few active bear areas throughout the Southwest. In my home state of Arizona alone – much of the northern and eastern parts of the […]
How to Set Up a Tent – In Pictures
Every time I mention to people that I love to tent camp – I get looks of dismay. Of course it’s a whole different story when you tell a kid you love to tent camp. They’re usually right there with you. But I find that when I dig down into the why that people don’t […]
National Geographic is Giving Away Free Topos
Here at Trek Southwest, we love free stuff. Camping and hiking gear is expensive, so whenever we find something that doesn’t drain the bank account, we take full advantage. National Geographic is now allowing you to download and print free USGS Topographic Quads covering virtually every inch of the United States, right off of their website. One […]
How to Remove Cactus Thorns
If you spend any time hiking in the desert, it’s almost a guarantee that it’s going to happen. You’re going to end up grabbing or brushing up against a cactus. It’s helpful to know how to remove cactus thorns the right way to help you maintain your sanity while hiking in the desert.
Campfire Etiquette – Don’t Be That Guy
When we went up to Colorado for our honeymoon, we found an amazing little spot on some Forest Service land that didn’t have throngs of visitors. It was one of those places that you don’t want to tell anybody about because you know that once word gets out, it’ll end up being overcrowded, and eventually destroyed […]
16 Things To Do on a Long Road Trip
Sometimes getting to the great outdoors requires a drive…and in a lot of areas it requires a LONG one! But who says that can’t be part of the fun of your great outdoor adventure? I’ve spent MANY hours in the car as both a child and an adult on road trips. As long as you […]