Death Valley National Park Travel Forum

Will I be too crazy to visit Death Valley in August?
This will probably be my only chance since I will be travelling from Europe, but I am slightly worried about the heat.
How bad can it be? Coming from the South Mediterranean I am used and I enjoy hot temperatures but Death Valley is supposed to be too hot!

Also, I will be travelling with an RV-motorhome. Is there a campground where I can park in the Death Valley?

Thanks!!!!

i'd guess you'd be looking at temperatures of 45C at least.

you will need at least 15-16 liters of water per person per day at that temperature.

Lots of people visit Death Valley in August... mostly Europeans, because they're the only ones who are crazy enough.

As long as you avoid any strenuous outdoor activity between about 10am and 3pm (when the temperatures will probably be close to 50C) you should be OK. And make sure you always have PLENTY of water in your vehicle.

Shalom, Shalom:
Speaking from 25+ years of experience of rescue work in the Dead Sea area, you have only two problems when you will be in the Death Valley.
1) Enough intake of water. Each persons individual need for water is just that, individual. In the dry desert heat it is sometimes not realized how much moisture you are loosing. Figure on 8-10 liters of water per day if you are not hiking... and to make sure you drink at least this amount, take several bottles and mark them with your name on each bottle, this way you can keep track of how much you actually drink, so drink often and make sure you consume all the water.
2) Exposure...the sun can cause damage other than actual water loss, you can have heat stroke. This is a colapsing of the bodies ability to regulate its heat. You cannot overcome this by drinking alone. Several things to do are have a hat with a wide brim. Wear light colors to reflect the heat. If you have extra water (a good idea in any case), then you can every few minutes spray your clothes and hat, the wicking effect of the drying water will cool you.

Last but not least, travel in the desert is NOT dangerous, but lack of knowledge is....if you take precautions August is fine for the desert, I ride, hike, and have done rescue for 25 years and am still here, have fun the desert is a beautiful place.
Martin

HI,

We had not been there, but we are visitng this august too. Yes another par of crazy europeans LOL.

Follow Martin advises, he is an expert in rescues (I keep note of it, thanks Martin) but in another forum, we were also suggested to visit late in the afternoon and early in the morning, thats why we will spend the the night there so we can be awake at 6.00 ready to visit and enjoy the sunrise, that many people recomend on their tips of Death Valley, so by 11.00 or 12.00 we are off.

check this web site

http://www.nps.gov/deva/

for the accomodation and other tips.

Hope this helps.

carmen

This is only the end of June, today's temp. in degrees was 110high / 78 low. August is hotter. Stay on the travelled paths and you will be fine. Water, shade, and if in a vehicle make sure you do not overheat the engine. Bring a cell phone for emergencies, if they should occur. Let's hope you have a great time, and let us all know how cool it really is in the desert, on your return home.

Carmen I thought you guys were going to delay your trip to come with us NEXT year to raft the Grand Canyon....or are you going to do BOTH ^O^.

Yes the desert can be "cool" in both senses of the word. For sure the desert can be a beautiful place.
Martin

Thank you all for your prompt answer and precious help!

The way you describe it sounds very challenging and I think I wouldn't like to miss Death Valley during my trip to California. Anyway, it is as the LP guide says...a desert to die for! :-)

Thanks!

If the Death Valley is as beautiful as the Dead Sea, then you will not regret visiting.
Martin

we were just there in march and loved it. we stayed at the furnace creek ranch which we thoroughly enjoyed. if camping, i'd recommend staying at the furnace creek as there are a couple of restaurants there and a general store. the motel had a swimming pool - if it doesn't come with your campground fee i think you could pay $5 to get in. don't know if scotty's castle is open in the summer but we enjoyed that tour. very interesting.

I'm going to Death Valley for the first time this August also...It should be quite an experience! I live in the Southeast U.S., where we have to deal with 90+ degree heat AND humidity. I'm anxious to find out how I'll handle the extreme dryness/heat of the desert. It will be interesting to see how many other crazy people will be there...

I'm also curious about how to dress. Shorts and light clothing or in layers? Probably the former. Also, will it be possible to spend time outside during the heat of the day? I'm really looking forward to the twilight and nightime hours as well!

John

Loose, light-colored clothing is best. You'll be much more comfortable in a lightweight cotton button shirt than in a T-shirt or tank top. Don't forget a sun hat (no baseball caps), sunblock, and lip protection!

As for hiking in the midday sun, try it for 15-20 minutes at first. Fill your daypack with bottled water and drink it constantly. If it gets too hot, you can simply douse yourself with it -- your shirt will be dry in no time, but in the meantime the evaporation will help you feel much cooler.

Another strategy would be to stick to the higher-elevation areas of the park during the heat of the day, then move on to the low areas in late afternoon.

Hi, We went to Death Valley in September a few years ago, we stopped to take photo's and to touch the dessert sand, and we stopped at a museum, it was really beautiful. We were easily able to drive through from Las Vegas to Yosemite in one day. Yosemite is the most beautiful place I've ever seen. Both are so beautiful and so very, very different. It would have been nice to experience more of the dessert, but I'm glad we chose to spend the time instead in Yosemite. Have a great trip. Regards Elizamanda.