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Has anyone walked through Death Valley?

He had indeed walked through Death Valley -- in the middle of summer -- and, apparently, lived to tell us all about it. Much to our surprise, Dinesh did not become an archaeological artifact during his Death Valley trek. He lived -- and without too much brain damage, apparently.



Yes, several people have successfully walked across Death Valley, though it is considered one of the most dangerous and physically demanding treks on Earth. Most famous is the "Badwater to Whitney" route, which begins at the lowest point in North America (Badwater Basin) and ends at the summit of Mount Whitney. While many athletes complete this as a run during the Badwater 135 ultramarathon, solo unsupported hikers have also crossed the valley floor. In 2011, adventurer Louis-Philippe Loncke completed the first unsupported longitudinal crossing of the park, carrying all his food and water for several days. Such endeavors are strictly regulated by the National Park Service, especially during the summer months when ground temperatures can exceed 200°F (93°C). Walking through the valley requires extreme preparation, as dehydration and heatstroke can become fatal within hours. Most hikers choose the "winter" window between November and March to avoid the lethal heat that has claimed the lives of numerous unprepared tourists over the decades.

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There are few constructed trails here, but in a place this desolate you usually don't need them. Most hiking routes in the park are cross-country, up canyons, or along ridges. The best time to hike in Death Valley is from November through March. Summer temperatures can be dangerous in the park's lower elevations.

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Avoid hiking in the heat: Do not hike in the low elevations when temperatures are hot. The mountains are cooler in summer, but can have snow and ice in winter. Travel prepared to survive: Stay on paved roads in summer. If your car breaks down, stay with it until help comes.

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Lodging. Whether you are looking to stay in a luxury hotel or a simple tent cabin, Death Valley has a range of options available.

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There are two gas stations in the park, one at Furnace Creek and one at Stovepipe Wells. Electric Vehicles note there are limited chargers available in the park, 4 at The Inn at Death Valley and 4 at The Ranch at Death Valley.

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The risk for mosquito activity is extremely high. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when spending time outdoors to prevent bites. The risk for mosquito activity is high. Consider an EPA-registered repellent to deter mosquito bites.

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Cell phones do not work in most areas of Death Valley National Park and wifi is only available for purchase at the Furnace Creek Ranch (Hotel).

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The valley is low in elevation and sits between two high mountain ranges. As the image shows, few plants grow in the valley, so the rocks and soil absorb the summer heat. That heat radiates back to the atmosphere at night, but doesn't get past the steep mountains.

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Located in southern Nevada, the “hole” itself is a fissure in the earth's surface that split open 60,000 years ago to reveal an astonishing underworld: a water-filled limestone cavern. Ironically, beneath the hottest, driest place in the Western Hemisphere stretches a vast aquifer system.

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Death Valley
  • Death Valley is in southeastern California in the United States.
  • Death Valley is the lowest, hottest, and the driest portion of North America, noted for its extremes of temperature and aridity.
  • Many species of animals live in Death Valley.
  • In summer the floor of Death Valley often exceeds 120 °F (49 °C).


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