As summer approaches, Death Valley National Park officials urge motorcycle riders and others to think twice before traveling in the park during the hottest months of the year.
While the park remains a popular destination for motorcyclists, extreme temperatures make summertime travel for visitors, especially those on two wheels, park officials stated.
In May, park officials began emphasizing the serious risks motorcyclists face during summer visits.
“Motorcycle riders are injured or killed due to the extreme conditions every year in Death Valley,” Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds said. “Your safety is our priority, and we want you to return home safely so you can ride for the long haul.”
Reynolds encourages riders to visit the park between October and April when temperatures are significantly cooler and safer for motorcycling.
Beginning June 6, the park is expected to reach high temperatures between 102 and 110 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
Summertime in the national park is characterized by extreme heat, with official temperatures reaching 130 degrees.
Once the heat index exceeds 99 degrees, ambient air no longer offers any cooling relief—even while riding at speed, park officials warn.
“These intense conditions are compounded by the protective gear motorcyclists must wear to stay safe in the event of an accident, making heat-related illnesses more likely,” park officials stated.
Motorcyclist Mark Lane, 55, of Barstow told the Daily Press that his father, Claude, taught him about driving safety tips in the Mojave Desert and Death Valley.
“His No. 1 piece of advice was to always travel in a group,” Lane said. “He also said to carry plenty of water, supplies and a compass.”
In July 2024, authorities investigated after a motorcycle rider died of heat exposure at Death Valley National Park as temperatures broke a record high in the region, USA Today reported.
National Park Service Rangers reported the death took place near Badwater Basin, when the temperature at Death Valley reached a record 128 degrees. The salt flats in Inyo County are not far from the California-Nevada state line, about 130 miles west of Las Vegas by motor vehicle.
For those who still choose to visit by motorcycle this summer, park officials offer the following safety tips:
For Death Valley National Park resources, visitor information, park conditions, and more, visit nps.gov., nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit, or nps.gov/articles/motorcycle-safety.
Note to readers: If you appreciate the work we do here at The Daily Press,please consider subscribing yourself or giving the gift of a subscription to someone you know.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
