Deserts In The Winter - Adventure Journal's 11 Favorite Things About The Desert

Spring is almost upon us. Or is winter in full swing? Either way, some folks are looking forward to the days of one less layer and a pint on the porch, instead of a mug by the fire. If you're not one of those, keep enjoying the powder. If you are looking forward to warmer days and... shorts, Adventure Journal gives a timely reminder that the desert is still there, waiting for you.

Out west, many of the US National Parks (11, by Adventure Journal's count) have enough sand and scree and sun to make you completely forget that you were wearing tights and gloves on your run last week. So, shrug off your anxious twitch and get some inspiration with AJ's 'The List: The 11 Best Things About The Desert.'

Our favorite from The List? The Rivers (#6). Nothing feels more like summer that sunning on the burning-hot side of a whitewater raft in nothing but a swimsuit and life jacket, and there's no better way to cheat Old Man Winter out of his due than by grabbing a mid-winter raft trip in the American Southwest.

Enjoy the read, pack a bag, and get ready for your out west road trip (don't forget oft overlooked Canyon de Chelly). Or you could always go to Thailand.