Most hikers don't consider sandstorms as a potential hazard in the U.S. Sandstorms attack our troops in Iraq, and sweep the Sahara desert; our deserts are hard and dry, not sandy, right? Wrong.

Sandstorms can hit throughout west Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and into Death Valley. They're caused by a dry wind of almost hurricane strength, which picks up any loose sand, and keeps carrying it as it continues to add more sand to it. In other places this wind has a name. In North Africa, it's the simoom or simoon, while in the Sudan it's the haboob. It doesn't happen often enough in the southwestern U.S. for us to give it a name, but it's one great wind that can move a sand dune to an entirely new place.

Some of the very worst are in Arizona. On July 16, 1971, a sandstorm hit the Tucson area and cut off visibility for miles. Another on July 17, 2007, covered the Phoenix area. Both of these sandstorms caused highway closures. Besides the reduced visibility, the windborne sand and dust can strip the paint from cars and houses - so imagine what it can do to a surprised hiker. In Death Valley, they are frequent and can be deadly. Despite the Arizona July dates, most sandstorms occur in the spring.

When you're hiking in these areas, be sure to wear light hikers for traction and to keep your feet dry, and a cap with a bill to shade your face. If you see a wall of sand headed your way, take whatever shelter you can find, whether it's behind rocks or brush or a hillside (leeward to the wind). If there is no shelter, circle your group and put your backpacks around you on the outside. Cover the top with sleeping bags or groundsheets if you have them, or clothing if you don't.

Keep a little room for air, and don't move until the storm ends. Then dig yourselves off, drink some water, and consider heading for home, you just survived a sandstorm.