Leaving Only Footprints: How To Travel The High Desert Sustainably
The High Desert is a land of stark beauty, with its vast stretches of sand dunes, rugged mountains, and unique flora and fauna. Despite its rugged and tough appearance, the High Desert environment is equally fragile, and travelers must explore this stunning landscape responsibly, ensuring that their actions minimize harm to the environment and preserve its natural wonders for today and tomorrow. Here are some tips for sustainable travel while visiting the High Desert:
1. Respect The Wildlife & Habitat
One of the most critical aspects of sustainable travel in the High Desert is respecting the delicate balance of its ecosystem. Avoid disturbing wildlife and their habitats by observing from a distance and refraining from feeding or approaching animals. Stay on designated trails to minimize trampling on fragile vegetation, and never remove plants or rocks as souvenirs.
2. Conserve Water
Water is a precious resource in the desert, so practicing water conservation is essential. Carry a refillable water bottle and refill it at designated water stations or bring enough water with you to last your trip. Take short showers and turn off faucets when not in use. Additionally, opt for biodegradable soaps and toiletries to minimize pollution of water sources.
3. Pack Out What You Pack In
Leave no trace behind by properly disposing of all waste. Pack out all trash, including food wrappers, tissues, and cigarette butts. Avoid bringing single-use plastics and opt for reusable alternatives whenever possible. If you see litter left behind by others, consider picking it up to help keep the desert pristine.
4. Stick To Established Trails
While exploring the High Desert, stick to established trails to minimize your impact on the environment. Venturing off-trail can lead to soil erosion, damage to vegetation, and disturbance to wildlife habitats. Follow signs and maps provided by park authorities, and resist the temptation to create new paths.
5. Practice Leave No Trace Principles
Adhere to Leave No Trace principles while traveling. This includes respecting wildlife and habitats, minimizing campfire impacts, and being considerate of other visitors. Leave natural and cultural artifacts untouched, and avoid excessive noise that can disrupt the tranquility of the desert.
6. Support Local Conservation
Consider supporting local conservation organizations and initiatives working to protect the High Desert. Donate to or volunteer with groups dedicated to preserving its unique ecosystems and promoting sustainable tourism practices. By contributing to conservation efforts, you can help ensure that the Mojave remains a pristine wilderness for generations to come. One way to do this is to stay at vacation rentals who are giving back to the High Desert, like WKNDR (BOOK HERE) that donates a percentage of its profits to the Mojave Desert Land Trust, meaning every stay at the WKNDR supports the Trust’s mission "to protect the Mojave Desert ecosystem and its scenic and cultural resource values."
Exploring the High Desert is a privilege that comes with the responsibility of preserving its natural beauty and ecological integrity. By following these tips for sustainable travel, you can minimize your environmental impact and leave only footprints behind. Let's work together to ensure that future generations can continue to marvel at the wonders of the Mojave for years to come. Happy and responsible travels!
Tell us in the comments section other ways you have helped to preserve the High Desert.