Because there are no designated camping areas, you are free to choose a canyon floor or a flat, quiet ridge as your campsite. Hiking in the desert is a challenging yet rewarding experience. To fully enjoy your hike, remember that desert hiking requires time and preparation. Trails have been left undeveloped in order to preserve and enhance the wilderness experience. Carrying a topographic map and compass is highly recommended.
Climate is hot and dry in the summer, cold and dry in the winter.
Temperatures may range from over 110 F in summer to near 0 F in winter. Temperatures may change as much as 50 F in 24 hours. Summer rains may bring flash flooding in canyon bottoms. In the higher elevations of the park you may be lucky enough to see golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, western diamondback rattlesnakes, elk, or the tracks of cougar. After a spring rain you may see the desert come alive with flowers.