DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK – Motorcycle riders are urged not to visit Death Valley National Park this summer.
This comes as temperatures begin to soar and nearly one year after the death of a motorcyclist who died from heat exhaustion, while five members of the same riding group were treated for heat illness.
Temperatures can reach 130°F (54°C) in Death Valley. Once the heat index is at 99°F (37.2°C), there’s no cooling relief from the wind. In addition, riders often have helmets, thick coats, gloves, and pants, which increase their chances of heat-related illness.
“Motorcycle riders are injured or killed due to the extreme conditions every year in Death Valley,” said Death Valley Superintendent Mike Reynolds. “Your safety is our priority, and we want you to return home safely so you can ride for the long haul. We encourage riders to visit between October and April, when temperatures are significantly cooler and safer for motorcycling.”
If you do choose to risk a ride, the National Park Service advises to go when it’s cooler, before 10 a.m., take regular breaks in the AC or under the shade, drink plenty of water, and map your route in advance with the understanding that there is no cell phone signal in most of the park. Also keep in mind that rescue helicopters cannot fly when the temperature exceeds 120 degrees.
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