Quick Answer
Yes, there are signs of water that you should ignore in the wild, such as dry riverbeds that look promising but have no water, or areas with recent animal tracks that don't lead to a water source, and certain types of desert vegetation that don't indicate the presence of water.
Desert Water Signs to Ignore
When searching for water in the desert, it’s essential to know what signs to ignore to avoid wasting time and energy. One common mistake is to follow dry riverbeds that look promising but have no water. These dry riverbeds, known as “washes,” can appear to be water channels but are often just dry, sandy riverbeds that have been carved out by flash flooding. If you’re not careful, you might follow a wash for miles, only to find that it leads nowhere.
Vegetation Signs to Ignore
Some types of desert vegetation can be misleading when it comes to water. For example, the creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) is a common plant in the desert that thrives in dry conditions. While it often grows near water sources, it’s not a reliable indicator of the presence of water. In fact, it can grow in areas with no water at all. On the other hand, plants like mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and paloverde (Cercidium floralia) are more likely to indicate the presence of water.
Animal Signs to Ignore
Recent animal tracks can be misleading when searching for water in the desert. If you see animal tracks that don’t lead to a water source, it’s likely that the animals are following a water source that’s already been used up, or they’re following a seasonal water source that’s no longer present. For example, if you see coyote tracks that lead to a dry wash, it’s likely that the coyotes are following a dry riverbed that has no water. In contrast, if you see animal tracks that lead to a dense thicket of vegetation, it might indicate the presence of a water source.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.