Desert plants and animals eke out a precarious existence in dry climes. If you're going to hike in their habitat, here are a few things you can do to minimize your impact.

1. Choosing a campsite: Don't camp close to water sources. As in all camping, your tent should be at least 200 feet away, and not in the path of obvious game trails. Note that in some arid areas, the law requires you to camp at least + miles away from water. This helps prevent the pollution of scarce water sources. And it ensures that you won't disturb the vulnerable animal life that depends on them.
2. No campfires: Fires can leave scars that last hundreds of years in a desert. In addition, there is rarely plentiful downed wood in a desert area. Many desert parks do not permit fires. Avoid needing one by carrying a backpacking stove.
3. Disposing of human waste: Catholes are the most appropriate method of human waste disposal in the desert. Be sure to locate catholes at least 200 feet (about 70 adult steps) from water.

Backpack: Bear Country: Basics

Backpack: Bear Country: Camping & Food Security

Backpack: Bear Country: Hiking & Bear Encounters

Backpack: Desert: Basics

Backpack: Desert: Hazards

Backpack: Desert: Hiking

Backpack: Desert: Water & Food: Dry Camping

Backpack: Desert: Water & Food: Finding & Carrying

Backpack: Desert: Water & Food: Food

Backpack: Finding Water

Backpack: Fitness

Backpack: Food & Water: Plan Meals

Backpack: Food & Water: Repackage

Backpack: Fording Rivers

Backpack: Highcountry: Basics

Backpack: Highcountry: Camping Considerations

Backpack: Highcountry: Hazards

Backpack: Highcountry: Hiking on Scree & Talus

Backpack: In Camp: Bathing

Backpack: In Camp: Campfire: Basics

Backpack: In Camp: Campfire: in the Rain

Backpack: In Camp: Campfire: Low-Impact Fires

Backpack: In Camp: Cooking/Camp Kitchen

Backpack: In Camp: Food Storage

Backpack: In Camp: Ideal Campsite

Backpack: In Camp: Making Camp in Adverse Conditions

Backpack: In Camp: Managing Human Waste

Backpack: In Camp: Sleeping Warm

Backpack: In Camp: Tent or Tarp?

Backpack: In Camp: Washing Dishes

Backpack: In Camp: Women's Sanitation Concerns

Backpack: Packing Your Pack

Backpack: Plan Your Trip

Backpack: Putting on Your Pack

Backpack: Staying Found: Emergency Signaling

Backpack: Staying Found: How to Use a Compass

Backpack: Staying Found: Why Carry a Compass?

Backpack: Treating Water

Backpack: What to Bring: Clothes