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.

Death Valley is a turnoff for many outdoor vacationers, and who could blame them? Miles of undeveloped desert, scalding heat and more than a few ways to injure yourself. Nevertheless, thousands of people travel to Death Valley National Park every year, so there must be something worth seeing.

In reality, Death Valley isn't much different from any other national park. It has campsites, inns, recreation, food and plenty of other ways to spend your days. The difference, of course, is that this outdoor vacation can be dangerous.

The main things you have to worry about in Death Valley are heat, dehydration, wildlife and flash floods. All four of these dangers can be avoided by simply staying smart and avoiding anything that could potentially get you killed. Don't touch the animals, bring plenty of drinking water, know your threshold for heat and stay away from arroyos and lowlands where flooding could potentially trap you.

When you visit Death Valley, you'll notice that just about every outdoor activity is different from anything you've ever seen or done before. The Golden Canyon is absolutely beautiful when the sun shines on the sand, reflecting individual particles and providing a hiker's dream. The half-mile Natural Bridge, a natural span of rock that crosses another beautiful canyon, is also exciting.

Photographers will definitely want to snap a few pictures of the sand dunes, where swirls in the sand mean every photograph is different. You'll also want to tour Scotty's Castle, visit the 700-foot Eureka Dunes and hike the Keane Wonder Mine Trail.

Before you go, however, make sure you have a detailed map of Death Valley for reference just in case you get lost. Bring a hydro pack rather than a regular backpack, such as the Outside Baby Hydro Pack, which comes with a 1.5-liter drinking system for constant hydration. This way, you won't be worried about replenishing bottles of water throughout your trip to Death Valley.

When planning a vacation in Death Valley, try to remember that the summer heat is unbearable for most people. The best times to visit are in autumn and winter, when the desert is moderately chilly and more conducive to exploration. The spring is also more pleasant than the summer, but ends before the start of May.