About Desert Prowl

Desert Prowl is an independent desert travel and culture publication focused on the American Southwest. Founded by “Bandit” Belanger DaMori, the site documents desert landscapes, Wild West destinations, abandoned places, Southwestern homestead life, RV travel, wildlife, and desert-inspired food through original photography and travel writing.

About Bandit Belanger

I've never really felt like I belonged anywhere. But if I've ever experienced even the slightest feeling of home, it's been in the most desolate of places. I've also always been drawn to two things: the open road and a life surrounded by animals. Desert Prowl is where those two callings come together… traveling the American Southwest while building a 5-acre desert ranchette in the Sonoran Desert.

This digital magazine-style travel publication  is for the lovers of the desert…but also for those whose love for desolate lands has yet to blossom.

Southern hospitality meets Wild West.

Having desired the desert…and even dreamt of it long before ever journeying westward, I finally made my way to Arizona by way of North Carolina coast in 2011. I’m very accustomed to being near the ocean. The solace found in the desert, to me, is similar to that of the sea…
I adore the drama and magic of both.

Explorer’s Blood

Having solo driven through 31 states, I’ve a great love affair with many of America’s open roads…but these lonely highways of Saguaro country have the upmost hold on me. Seeing the sun set and the moon rise while listening in on the coyotes…all the while surrounded by saguaros and mountain silhouettes… It’s all such an energy-intense form of bliss and kill-grief.

The Alias

Many years ago… When I first arrived in the desert I was a part of a group of people who imagined ourselves as Wild West outlaws and desert people. We gave ourselves alias as we journeyed, hence, Bandit Belanger. They kind of trailed off and went back into the real world but I’m still at it.

Hat Tip

I hope this content will be a “tonic” for anyone who dilly dallies across it. After taking a 5+ year hiatus from social media, I’m more than refreshed now and ready to once again share my love for these desert lands. Thanks for stopping in!

Cheers,