If you're one of millions of people visiting a National Park this summer, you're going to want to pack your . An excessive heat warning in place across most of the western US has been blamed for at least two deaths in recent weeks, with a third death yesterday is under investigation. Meanwhile, firefighters have been battling blazes in several parks including Alaska's Katmai and Denali, which was closed for four days due to a .
Temperatures well in excess of 100 degrees have been sweeping across the western states, which is where the majority of the country's lie, and with summer vacation season in full-swing, most parks are seeing peak crowds. The scorching temperatures of 120 degrees in drove people to the park who were keen to experience the phenomena and one motorcyclist near Badwater Basin on Saturday. “While this is a very exciting time to experience potential world record-setting temperatures in Death Valley, we encourage visitors to choose their activities carefully, avoiding prolonged periods of time outside of an air-conditioned vehicle or building when temperatures are this high,” warns Superintendent Mike Reynolds.
That death came just a week after a 69-year-old on the River Trail in the . Yesterday, the National Park Service announced had taken place on Sunday when a 50-year-old male was attempting to return to the Bright Angel trailhead after an overnight hike to Havusapai Gardens. He died 100 feet from the .
Though the cause of death has not yet been announ.