Southwest Hikes

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Hiker walking among giant saguaro cacti in the Sonoran Desert, representing the best trail runners and hiking shoes for desert hiking and backpacking in 2026.

Best Trail Runners and Hiking Shoes for Backpacking in the Desert (2026 Guide)

Looking for the best trail runners and hiking shoes for the desert in 2026? This guide covers the top footwear for backpacking, hiking, scrambling, and long hot miles in the Southwest.

Three people jumping into a mountain lake from a dock while another lounges in a swimsuit, capturing summer joy and outdoor fun—REI 2026 Fourth of July Sale.

Celebrate Summer With Huge Savings at REI’s Fourth of July Sale 2026

hiker wearing great hiking socks in 2026, representing lifetime-warranty hiking socks.

Best Hiking Socks with a Lifetime Warranty in 2026: Trail-Ready and Built to Last

Group of hikers standing on a mountain ridge at sunrise with bright sunlight over an alpine landscape.

Best Hiking Sunglasses of 2026: Trail-Tested Picks for Every Adventure

Ombraz Blue Mirror sunglasses tested during hiking and cycling in the Arizona desert and mountain landscapes.

Gear Review: Ombraz Blue Mirror Sunglasses

Person wearing Wiley X outdoor sunglasses while hiking in rugged desert terrain during morning hours.

Wiley X Sale: Save Up to 50% on Premium Outdoor Eyewear

Detailed view of the Mammut Aenergy Trail Speed trail running shoes on rocky ground during a mountain hike.

Gear Review: Mammut Aenergy Trail Speed Shoes

Gear

Hiker walking among giant saguaro cacti in the Sonoran Desert, representing the best trail runners and hiking shoes for desert hiking and backpacking in 2026.

Best Trail Runners and Hiking Shoes for Backpacking in the Desert (2026 Guide)

Looking for the best trail runners and hiking shoes for the desert in 2026? This guide covers the top footwear for backpacking, hiking, scrambling, and long hot miles in the Southwest.

hiker wearing great hiking socks in 2026, representing lifetime-warranty hiking socks.

Best Hiking Socks with a Lifetime Warranty in 2026: Trail-Ready and Built to Last

Group of hikers standing on a mountain ridge at sunrise with bright sunlight over an alpine landscape.

Best Hiking Sunglasses of 2026: Trail-Tested Picks for Every Adventure

Ombraz Blue Mirror sunglasses tested during hiking and cycling in the Arizona desert and mountain landscapes.

Gear Review: Ombraz Blue Mirror Sunglasses

Detailed view of the Mammut Aenergy Trail Speed trail running shoes on rocky ground during a mountain hike.

Gear Review: Mammut Aenergy Trail Speed Shoes

Detailed close-up of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pemi 15 Dyneema fabric and zipper pull on the ultralight backpack.

Gear Review: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pemi 15

Top-down view of Salewa Pedroc 2 hiking shoes on textured granite during a desert hiking adventure.

Gear Review: Salewa Pedroc 2 Hiking Shoes

Gear News

Three people jumping into a mountain lake from a dock while another lounges in a swimsuit, capturing summer joy and outdoor fun—REI 2026 Fourth of July Sale.

Celebrate Summer With Huge Savings at REI’s Fourth of July Sale 2026

REI’s Fourth of July Sale is back with up to 50% off outdoor gear, bikes, and summer essentials! Members enjoy exclusive perks like bonus cards, extra discounts, and more. Celebrate the season with savings both online and in-store. Learn more here!

Person wearing Wiley X outdoor sunglasses while hiking in rugged desert terrain during morning hours.

Wiley X Sale: Save Up to 50% on Premium Outdoor Eyewear

Cascade Designs 2026 Memorial Day Sale banner promoting 25 percent off sitewide on MSR Therm-a-Rest Platypus SealLine and PackTowl outdoor gear.

Cascade Designs 2026 Memorial Day Sale: Save 25% on MSR, Therm-a-Rest, Platypus & More

REI Anniversary Sale 2026 outdoor gear deals on hiking, camping, and backpacking equipment with discounts up to 25 percent

REI Anniversary Sale 2026: Save Up to 25% on Outdoor Gear

backpacker reaching for Farm to Summit dehydrated backpacking meal displayed on a rock surface, featuring compostable packaging and locally sourced ingredients.

Discount Code: Farm to Summit Dehydrated Backpacking Meals 2026

Hiker unfolding LEKI Black Series FX Carbon trekking pole outdoors in mountain terrain, showing quick folding design and lightweight carbon construction.

LEKI Black Series FX Carbon Trekking Pole Sale 2026

Rider on Bakcou Mule Jager eBike during 2026 sale, featuring 20 percent off Mule Jager and 15 percent off Scout eBikes for backcountry and trail riding.

Bakcou eBike Sales 2026: Save Big on Mule Jager & Scout eBikes Right Now

Expert Advice

hiking in extreme heat requires some expert advice. if you plan to hike in the desert or with saguaro advice is key 2026

How to Hike in Extreme Heat: Advice From An Expert

Stay safe while hiking in extreme heat with advice from an expert! If you can't resist the call of the desert in summertime, be sure to check out these tips! Refreshed for 2026!

a family with many kids going for a hike on a nice wild hiking trail and all the children look very happy.

How to Get Kids Excited for Hiking: Fun Tips and Trail Games

Best electrolytes for hiking in heat, including Skratch Labs, LMNT, Liquid I.V., Nuun, and Ultima tested in desert conditions 2026

Best Electrolytes for Hiking in the Heat: A 2026 Guide

an ultralight backpacker heads up a steep section of slick rock, happy to hae minimal gear and a lightweight setup!

What Is Ultralight Backpacking? A 2026 Beginner’s Guide to Lightweight Adventures

Ultralight solo backpacking tent set up on an alpine ridge at sunset, showing a lightweight pyramid-style shelter designed for solo backpacking

How to Choose the Best Ultralight Tent for Solo Backpacking (2026 Guide)

Female hiker wearing Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights while climbing over rocky terrain with a large backpack in misty mountain conditions.

The Complete Guide to Fjällräven Trekking Tights (2026): What’s the Difference Between All the Abisko Tights?

Person lying inside a camping tent reading a book while wearing a knit beanie, with a forest visible through the tent opening.

Best Books for Outdoorsy People: Top Adventure Reads for 2025

Stewardship

More

How to Responsibly Hike and Backpack With a Dog: A Guide for Good Trail Manners

PACT One Kit: The Ultimate Leave No Trace Bathroom System for Hikers

Why I Always Pack a Kula Cloth: Gear with a Big Leave No Trace Impact

Protecting Cryptobiotic Soil: A Hiker’s Guide to Preserving the Southwest’s Hidden Life

Inspiring the Next Generation of Hiking Stewards

Bikes

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Gear Review: 600ADX by Priority Bicycles

Gear Review: Bassett Base Layers by Wild Rye

Gear Review: Vacuum Insulated Cycling Bottle by tiibo

Wild Rye: Fun, Trail-Tested Clothing for Women Who Ride, Hike, and Adventure Hard

Explore Further with Bakcou: eBikes Built for the Wildest Trails and Off-Grid Adventures

Trail Reports

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Trail Report: Salt Flat and Big Spring Canyon Loop in Canyonlands National Park

Trail Report: Cactus Wren Trail To Signal Hill In Saguaro National Park

Trail Report: Crystal Forest Trail In Petrified Forest National Park

Trail Report: Reservoir Hill Trail System

Trail Report: Treasure Falls Trail