At Death Valley National Park, summer temperatures can reach as high as 130 to 134 degrees. For some travelers, that would be reason enough not to visit. But for others, it’s the exact motivation for a trek to Death Valley during the summer: The novelty of experiencing temperatures you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere around the globe.
“Some folks are seeking out what they consider to be a rare experience,” Nichole Andler, a park ranger with the U.S. National Park Service, said during a media briefing.
But it should go without saying that when heat is that extreme, it can easily be a life-or-death situation. “This time of year, when you’re preparing for coming to Death Valley, it’s important to know what you’re getting into,” emphasized Andler, who stressed not only having enough water on hand all times, but staying near your vehicle. In fact, in extreme heat conditions, it may even be best to stay in your vehicle amid the comfort of air conditioning and explore the park by car, said Andler.
Her comments were part of a larger National Park Service media conference call, during which officials from parks across the country shared tips for safely visiting this summer. If one of the 400-plus national parks is on your radar for the months ahead, here are the tips NPS officials would like you to keep in mind. 1.
Select activities that align with your capabilities There’s all manner of activities available across the U.S. National Park system — from hiking .
