Arizona is one of the most amazing places to offroad in the country. Its rich tapestry of landscapes encompasses mountains, valleys, forests, deserts, lakes, and rivers, promising an adventure like no other. However, the scorching heat that blankets the state during summer may seem daunting. Don’t let that detour you. There are ample strategies to conquer the heat and continue off-roading throughout the summer and all year long. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable off-roading experience amidst Arizona’s summer heat.
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1. Night wheeling – Night wheeling offers a unique and captivating experience, allowing you to witness the mesmerizing silhouettes of plants and mountains against the backdrop of the moon and stars. But best of all, you don’t have the relentless sun beating down on you, offering a cooler and more comfortable off-roading adventure. All the trails that you run during the day can make for great night wheeling too, from mellow forest trails to hard-core rock crawling.
Lately, we’ve been having evening happy hour in the middle of the desert. Gathering with friends after work is a wonderful opportunity to unwind and socialize all while enjoying the tranquility of the desert while beating the heat and getting some trail time in. You can hang out at the bar or in the desert. We chose the night desert.
2. Visit a lake, river, or water hole – Visiting a lake, river, or water hole presents an excellent opportunity to cool off and enjoy activities such as swimming, jumping, and splashing around. To make the most of this experience while minimizing exposure to the harsh sun, consider planning your visits early in the morning or later in the day when the sun’s rays are less intense. Bring along a camp chair and sit in the water, immersing yourself up to your midsection. This not only provides relief from the heat but also allows you to relax and soak in the tranquil surroundings of the water body.
3. Visit the high country – Exploring the high country offers a welcome respite from the sweltering heat of Arizona’s lowlands. Venturing northward, you’ll discover a cooler climate and a plethora of breathtaking trails waiting to be explored. Some trails include FR300, The Cinders, Broken Arrow, Edge of the Road trail, Newman Park, and Hart Prairie. If you have a few days, I highly recommend checking out the back roads of Greer and camp on BLM.
4. Water– Water is an essential component of any off-roading excursion, especially during the scorching summer months in Arizona. It’s crucial to carry more water than you think you’ll need. Carry water for drinking and then carry water for other uses such as washing or dousing campfires. I have two 2.5-gallon Scepter water jugs. I use hose water for one container and then pick up some water at the water store for the other container. The Scepter containers are very good quality and the smaller size makes carrying easy and store in the truck and I highly recommend them. I also refill my disposable water bottle with the water store water and put them right behind the driver’s seat, to have handy quick access to water. Remember, the plan should never be to use up your water supply entirely. If you find yourself running out of water, it means you didn’t carry enough and need to carry more containers.
Here are the Scepter containers I use: https://amzn.to/3UrQgzO
5. Sun shirts – Sun shirts are a game-changer when it comes to staying protected from the relentless Arizona sun while outdoors. Not only do they shield your skin from harmful UV rays, but they also help keep you cooler by preventing direct sun exposure. A quick tip for an instant refresh: wetting your sun shirt provides a welcome cooling sensation, offering a revitalizing break from the heat. I like the Columbia Omni-Shade clothing line for its excellent sun protection and comfort. With a variety of options ranging from shirts to pants, I find their hoodies particularly useful for shading my neck and face when needed. Additionally, the pants are perfect for keeping pesky mosquitoes at bay during evening excursions while ensuring I remain cool and comfortable.
Columbia Shirts I like:
Women’s Omni Shade hoody shirts https://amzn.to/3QyMh3r
Women’s Omni Shade pants: https://amzn.to/3QyMh3r
Mens Omin shade hoody shirts: https://amzn.to/3JOagaR
6. Drink electrolytes– Maintaining proper electrolyte balance is crucial when embarking on off-roading adventures in Arizona’s intense summer heat. Without it, you will feel fatigued and rundown. To ensure you stay at your best throughout the day, incorporate electrolyte supplements into your hydration routine. One highly recommended option is LyteShow Electrolyte Drops. These drops offer a clean hydration solution without any added sugar, providing the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs. Although they have a slightly bitter taste reminiscent of lemon juice, it’s refreshing when served over ice. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add stevia drops to enhance the flavor. Another favorite electrolyte supplement is Liquid I.V., which contains clean sugars to provide an energy boost while delivering a great taste. By replenishing your electrolytes along with staying hydrated, you’ll ensure you’re mentally ready to tackle any off-roading adventure with energy and vitality.
If you want to go old school, try a homemade electrolyte drink.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups of water
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/8 to ¼ teaspoon of sea salt, Himalayan salt, or Celtic sea salt
- A big drizzle of honey (around 1 tablespoon)
INSTRUCTIONS
Add to a mason jar or Hydroflask and shake it up.
Add ice
TIPS
Prepare 5 or 10 water bottles and store them in the fridge for a quick grab-and-go. Keeps well for a week in the fridge.
Electrolytes I like:
LyteShow Electrolyte Drops – https://amzn.to/3we1uQy
SweetLeaf stevia drops to sweeten up Lyteshow drink: https://amzn.to/4doAazF
Liquid I.V. – https://amzn.to/3UMxKDB
7. Keep Electrolyte Fast Chews Handy – Keep SaltStick Electrolyte Fast Chews handy for an electrolyte quick hit. Stash them in your backpack or center console for quick access when needed. Often, you may experience subtle signals indicating dehydration, such as feeling “off” or not quite yourself. These early warning signs can escalate to irritability, frustration, and fatigue if not addressed promptly. When you notice these symptoms, don’t hesitate to grab a handful of SaltStick chews to suck on. Much like a neglected plant revives with water, you’ll find yourself rejuvenated and back on track. Your day will be saved.
I keep this in my backpack and console:
SaltStick Electrolyte Fastchews – https://amzn.to/4b42sxJ
8. Avoid super cold air conditioning – Transitioning repeatedly between super cold air conditioning in your truck and the scorching heat outdoors can take a toll on your body and leave you feeling uncomfortable. help your body acclimatize to the heat more effectively, it’s advisable to maintain indoor temperatures closer to outdoor temperatures. Keep the air flowing by rolling down windows whenever possible to catch a refreshing breeze (unless it’s excessively dusty). Additionally, seek shade whenever feasible and wear sunshirts to shield your skin from the sun’s harsh rays. By minimizing drastic temperature fluctuations, you can enhance your comfort
9. Preparedness – never go anywhere off-road without being prepared, especially during the intense heat. Keep your truck in optimal condition, carry supplies, and carry recovery gear. And get experience with your recovery gear before you need it for real. Additionally, carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is non-negotiable. With today’s advanced technology readily available, it’s silly not to take advantage of it. There are so many to choose from nowadays. If I were to buy a replacement today, I might buy the Garmin inReach Mini 2 or the Zoleo. These PLBs provide a crucial lifeline in emergencies, allowing you to summon assistance and ensuring your safety during off-roading adventures. By prioritizing preparedness and leveraging modern technology, you can embark on your off-road excursions with confidence and peace of mind.
Zoleo- https://amzn.to/3yeeQfY
Mini 2 – https://amzn.to/3wqbbvd
10. Keep a cooler with frozen drinks – There is nothing like grabbing a frozen bottle of lemonade on a scorching day and slowly nursing the drips that tinkle out of the bottle as it unthaws in the heat. Pick your favorite drink and pop it in the freezer overnight. Beforehand, it’s wise to unscrew the cap and take a small sip to prevent any mishaps like exploding bottles or messy spills in the freezer as the liquid expands. Additionally, consider pre-cooling your cooler with spare ice before loading it up for your trip. This ensures that when you add fresh ice just before departure, it won’t be wasted on cooling down a warm cooler. While cooler ice packs are an option, I’ve found that nothing beats the cooling power of regular ice cubes. That’s why I keep a large bucket of ice cubes in my freezer, replenishing it daily with ice from the ice maker in anticipation of weekend adventures.
In closing, the off-road trails of Arizona in the summer demand careful preparation and a strategic approach to beat the heat. From embracing night wheeling and exploring the cooler high country to staying hydrated with electrolyte supplements and enjoying frozen drinks from a pre-cooled cooler, each tip serves as a vital tool in your off-roading arsenal. Moreover, prioritizing safety through preparedness, including carrying recovery gear and a Personal Locator Beacon, ensures peace of mind during your adventures. By adhering to these practices, you not only enhance your comfort and enjoyment but also cultivate a deeper connection with the awe-inspiring natural wonders that Arizona has to offer. No need to let the heat deter you from having a great adventure. With the right mindset and preparation, you’ll have a great time and create some memories.
