Desert Precautions

To remain comfortable and safe, respect certain rules of the desert. Drink two quarts of water a day in winter, and one quart per hour in summer. Keep a jerrican (which holds five gallons) of water in your car, plus extra bottles. Water fountains found along the way don't always work. Flash floods pose an occasional danger from September through March, especially after rainfall farther north. If even a small amount of water is flowing across the road, wait for it to stop (it can take a while); it can be a sign of imminent flooding. Driving at night is not recommended; plan to reach your destination by 5 pm in winter and by 8 pm in summer.