Don’t Make These Mistakes in the Chihuahuan Desert Like I Did

The first few days if a thru-hike are an absolute whirlwind. Finally, all the preparation and anticipation are culminating to this moment: the start of an epic journey across the country on foot.

It’s frustrating to realize you’re not having fun. Thru-hikes aren’t meant to be fun all the time, I don’t think, but the hope that my excitement would carry me through to Lordsburg was a false one. The Chihuahuan Desert is a harsh place, even in April, and it capitalized on many of my weaknesses. I made some easily-preventable/fixable mistakes in those first few days, so let me help you have a better trail experience between Crazy Cook and Lordsburg.

Water

The shuttle from Lordsburg to the southern terminus is about 3 hours long. The expectation is that you bring all the water you’re going to need for the first at least 12 miles, where there’s an off-trail source, or 14 miles, where the CDTC sets up a water cache. You’re starting around 10:00 a.m., and trust me when I say you’ll be overheating in the exposed desert. Water continues to be sparsely-located along the trail.

My Mistake

I did not bring enough water at the onset of the trail.

Solution

Don’t be an idiot like me! Bring at least (at least) 3 liters of water to the terminus. It’s better to have sore shoulders than nausea, lightheadedness, and a 0.1L/mile ration toward the end of the stretch.

My Mistake

I was drinking from one of my water bottles on the shuttle ride.

Solution

Bring a spare, disposable water bottle from the gas station to drink from on the shuttle. Ideally, fill it back up in Hachita, and ask the shuttle driver to throw it away when they return to Lordsburg.

My Mistake

I don’t drink often while physically hiking, even though water is easily accessible to me on my pack.

Solution

Take more frequent breaks to drink water. Camel up at water sources. Drink more water than you want to, because you need to.

Heat Mitigation

I know this may be a surprise, but there aren’t many trees in the desert that can provide on-trail shade. Sun burns, dehydration, and overall energy zap are common symptoms of being in the sun too long. Even if it is cloudy or windy, the heat can get pretty intense.

My Mistake

While hiking in the midday hours is unavoidable the first day, I spent too much time hiking in those sweltering afternoon hours.

Solution

Take frequent breaks in the afternoons. Even if it’s just 20 minutes, find some shade and sit to get out of the sun for a bit.

My Mistake

I was smart to bring a sun umbrella, and I highly recommend you do the same, but if I’m not using it, my face is in danger of getting extra sun.

Solution

Bring a hat of some kind to shade your face.

My Mistake

I only brought a sun stick and sun lotion, which was a hassle to put on and didn’t always result in full coverage.

Solution

Bring spray sunscreen, as well as lotion for your face.

Foot Care

When staying in Lordsburg for a few days leading up to the trail, I met a bunch of hikers who were taking time off to nurse their feet back to health. I actually did an ok job taking care of my feet, so let me help you do the same.

Mistake

Some people didn’t have any protection from the sand and grit getting into their shoes.

Solution

Wear gaiters. Please. Even though plenty of small particles will find their way in, it’s way better than having nothing!

Mistake

Bandaids and moleskin will fall right off your feet when you take your socks off. You need something more adhesive.

Solution

Leukotape is the best blister care! Make sure you have enough.

Mistake

During breaks, it can be tempting to leave your shoes and socks on to avoid an extra chore before hiking.

Solution

Take your shoes and socks off at every single break! Giving your feet time to air out and get some sand out of your shoes is huge.

 

I hope these tips help you get through your first section of the Continental Divide Trail intact and ready for the next bit of trail!

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