Expect high temperatures of 100°F to over 120°F (38°C to over 49°C). Drink plenty of water and carry extra. Avoid hiking (after 10 am). Travel prepared to survive. In the case of a heat related illness, get to a cool place and seek help ASAP!
Scotty’s Castle CLOSED until further notice due to flood damage.
Flooding in Grapevine Canyon from a severe thunderstorm on Oct. 18, 2015 has destroyed the road to Scotty’s Castle, damaged infrastructure and some out-buildings in the Castle complex.
Badwater Road CLOSED to through traffic
The southern end of Badwater Road (CA Hwy 178) is CLOSED due to flood damage. The northern section of the road is OPEN from CA190 at Furnace Creek to Badwater and beyond to Ashford Mill. Live road updates on Facebook @ Death Valley Roads page.
Lower Wildrose Road CLOSED
The Lower Wildrose Road is closed between Wildrose Campground and the Panamint Valley Road. You can still reach the historic Charcoal Kilns and campground via Emigrant Canyon Road. Follow live road updates on Facebook @ Death Valley Roads page.
Scotty’s Castle Road Partial CLOSURE
Part of Scotty’s Castle Rd/North Highway is closed. It is open from CA190 to the Ubehebe Crater. Ubehebe Crater is open and accessible. Closed from the Ubehebe Crater Rd to the park border (NV-267). Road repairs scheduled for 2017.
1 thought on “Death Valley Alert – Extreme Summer Heat”
Sawbuck Steve
Warning! In temps exceeding 120 degrees it is nearly impossible for the average person to carry enough water to walk any great distance, which you should not try to anyway. STAY PUT! Let the rangers know what area you will be in and when you expect to be back. Then let them know when you do emerge.
If events get REALLY extreme, set fire to your spare tire as it will make an excellent beacon and rangers always investigate smoke. This does not work well at night but they could come to check out the light of flames if you burn it on a hill. Be very careful of doing so around dry vegitation as it is hard to outrun a brush fire!
Carry a minimum of two gallons a day of water per person. The one gallon standard advice is only good if you do not move and then just barely.
Don’t conserve your water. Drink as you get thirsty. It works fine in your belly, not in a bottle. Bottles don’t get thirst/
Warning! In temps exceeding 120 degrees it is nearly impossible for the average person to carry enough water to walk any great distance, which you should not try to anyway. STAY PUT! Let the rangers know what area you will be in and when you expect to be back. Then let them know when you do emerge.
If events get REALLY extreme, set fire to your spare tire as it will make an excellent beacon and rangers always investigate smoke. This does not work well at night but they could come to check out the light of flames if you burn it on a hill. Be very careful of doing so around dry vegitation as it is hard to outrun a brush fire!
Carry a minimum of two gallons a day of water per person. The one gallon standard advice is only good if you do not move and then just barely.
Don’t conserve your water. Drink as you get thirsty. It works fine in your belly, not in a bottle. Bottles don’t get thirst/