DEATH VALLEY, CA – As scorching summer temperatures return to Death Valley National Park, officials are warning motorcycle riders and other visitors to avoid traveling through the area during the hottest months of the year, citing past fatalities and severe heat risks.
While the park remains a popular destination for motorcyclists, the National Park Service (NPS) is urging riders to visit instead between October and April, when conditions are cooler and safer. Starting June 6, temperatures are forecasted to reach between 102 and 110 degrees—and they’re expected to climb higher as summer intensifies.
Deadly Heat Threatens Summer Travelers
Summertime in Death Valley brings dangerously high temperatures that create serious risks for travelers:
- Daytime highs often exceed 120°F; temperatures as high as 130°F have been recorded
- Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable, as protective gear traps heat, raising the chance of heatstroke
- When the heat index surpasses 99°F, riding at speed provides no cooling relief
- Many areas of the park lack cell service, and road shoulders are limited, making emergencies more dangerous
- In July 2024, a motorcyclist died of heat exposure near Badwater Basin, where temperatures reached 128°F
The tragic death is a sobering reminder of the extreme climate riders face in this iconic park.
What Experts Are Saying
“Motorcycle riders are injured or killed due to the extreme conditions every year in Death Valley,” said Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds.
“Your safety is our priority, and we want you to return home safely so you can ride for the long haul.”
Reynolds emphasized that even experienced riders should avoid the park during summer and instead plan visits for fall or spring.
Safety Tips for Summer Visitors
For those who still choose to ride through Death Valley this summer, the NPS recommends these precautions:
- Check park alerts for weather conditions and closures before arrival
- Plan routes in advance—cell service is limited
- Ride before 10 a.m. to avoid peak heat
- Take breaks in air-conditioned or shaded areas
- Stay hydrated and carry extra water
- Travel in a group and use reliable navigation tools
- Slow down on curves and ride single file to maintain control
Mark Lane, 55, of Barstow, echoed these tips, recalling advice from his father, Claude: “Always travel in a group… carry water, supplies, and a compass.”
What’s Next for Death Valley?
Park officials are:
- Continuing to educate visitors on heat-related dangers
- Monitoring conditions and issuing alerts for temperature spikes
- Exploring ways to improve safety signage and information access at entry points
- Considering expanded outreach to motorcyclist groups and tour operators
As the park braces for another intense summer, officials stress that prevention is key.
