Southwest Hikes

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

Gear Review: Ombraz Blue Mirror Sunglasses

We tested Ombraz’s new Blue Mirror sunglasses in both the Viale and Teton frames during hiking and cycling adventures across the Southwest. From harsh Sonoran Desert glare to long road rides, these armless sunglasses delivered!

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

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

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

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

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

Gear Review: Ombraz Blue Mirror Sunglasses

We tested Ombraz’s new Blue Mirror sunglasses in both the Viale and Teton frames during hiking and cycling adventures across the Southwest. From harsh Sonoran Desert glare to long road rides, these armless sunglasses delivered!

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

Smiling woman wearing Ombraz Refugio sunglasses and a helmet while hiking or biking in the desert.

Gear Review: Refugio Sunglasses By Ombraz

Hiker wearing Outdoor Vitals Skyline 30 Fastpack on rocky desert summit trail with expansive Sonoran Desert landscape in background.

Gear Review: Outdoor Vitals Skyline 30 Fastpack

BamBeds solo truck camping platform in Toyota Tacoma with open tailgate showing partial bed setup and extra cargo space.

Gear Review: BamBeds Solo/Full Sleeping Platform

Gear News

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

Save big on premium outdoor eyewear during the Wiley X sale from May 20–26, featuring 20% off sitewide, 30% off custom glasses, and up to 50% off select styles.

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

REI Trail Icons banner showing hikers overlooking a mountain valley.

Is REI Membership Worth It? The Ultimate Guide to Benefits, Savings & Why It Pays for Itself

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

More

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

More

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