Inferno Hike 2026

June 23, 2026

I intended to go earlier in June but I was not prepared. Fortunately it was hotter, 105F (40.6C), on the 23rd.

I neglected to take my infernometer so I don’t know the temperatures during the hike. It is typically 5F to 10F hotter than in town. On a typical Inferno Hike early in June humidity is very low so sweat evaporates instantly. This provides efficient cooling and dry comfort. Higher humidity on this hike added some challenge.

My GPS from around 2000 had damage from a corroded battery. I’ll repair that but to hike without it required a different strategy. I used a compass to go northeast. On the return I went southwest. This also explored part of the way to Lost River in the northeast corner of the civilian accessible zone. That is a hike for cooler weather.

Places along Dunes Drive have descriptive names like Yucca Picnic, Amphitheater, Group Use. Area 19 is an unexpected name. I parked nearby, walked in, and found these instruments. Another instrument was some distance from there. Why is this on the map?