Just got back from 10 days in the desert near Death Valley. Just awesome.
Of course things like hand-drill are much easier in the dryness!
Finding water, creating and managing water. Sun protection shelters. Insulated shelters for the sun and the cold. Firemaking. Wild food. Small-game hunting. Climbing. Natural navigation. Sand-storm and flash flood survival.
Oh yes...and Hot Springs - HOT MUD!
Desert starry nights.
Many many great experiences.