Water: Drink at least one gallon (4liters) of water per day to replace loss from perspiration. Carry plenty of extra drinking water in your car and while hiking.

Heat & Dehydration: If you feel dizzy, nauseous or a headache, get out of the sun immediately and drink plenty of water. Dampen clothing to lower your body temperature. Heat and dehydration can kill.

Hiking: 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.

Summer Driving: Stay on paved roads in summer. If your car breaks down, stay with it until help comes. Be prepared; carry plenty of extra water.

Flash Floods: Avoid canyons during rain storms and be prepared to move to higher ground. While driving, be alert for water running in washes and across road dips.

Mine Hazards: Do not enter mine tunnels or shafts. Mines may be unstable, have hidden shafts, pockets of bad air and poisonous gas.

Dangerous Animals: Never place your hands or feet where you cannot see first. Rattlesnakes, scorpions or black widow spiders may be sheltered there.

In Case of Emergency: Dial 911 from any telephone or cell phone. Cell phones may not work in many parts of the park, do not depend on them.

Hiker Dies Near Popular Viewpoint

Ingrid and Gerhard were only a few days into their summer vacation in the United States when they arrived in Death Valley. A guidebook they had brought from home described the hike from Golden Canyon to Zabriskie Point, which proved irresistible to Gerhard. The trail was only a few miles from developed Furnace Creek so it seemed safe. Although he would be getting a late start at noon and the temperature was already more than 100° F (38° C) in the shade, Gerhard believed the hike would take only half an hour to complete. He was mistaken. Even on a mild winter day the nearly three mile hike over highly eroded badlands takes 1½ to 2 hours. He was also mistaken to think he would need less than a liter of water to complete the hike on the hot June day, which was becoming hotter by the minute.

Ingrid agreed to drive around and meet him at Zabriskie Point. From the viewpoint she could watch for Gerhard to cross over the colorful landscape. Three hours after their arranged rendezvous time there was still no sign of him; she became worried enough to seek help. She told rangers at the visitor center about her overdue husband and a search was begun in 112° F (45° C) heat. A quick overflight in the park airplane revealed a figure fitting his description in lower Gower Gulch, the next drainage south of Golden Canyon. Although rangers reached Gerhard only 1½ hours after he was first reported missing and only 5 hours after he had started his hike, he was dead. Heat stroke proved to be the culprit.

Stranded Motoris Dies in Attempt to Summon Help
1.1.2001

A stranded motorist on the Warm Springs Canyon Road contacted the park by cell phone on the evening of June 1st and reported that her 83-year-old husband had gone from help around 12:30 p.m. and had failed to return. The day's high temperature reached 121 degrees. Rangers found the body of Zeron Bell just over a mile from the disabled car. His wife was transported to Furnace Creek and reunited with family members.

Death Valley Primer - Death Valley facts and information at a glance.

Day Trip Guide - Only have a day or two to visit the largest National Park in these 48 contiguous states? These quick trip suggestions might help you make the most out of your brief glimpse of Death Valley.

Death Valley Safety - Don't lose your cool or your life when visiting Death Valley. Here are some safety tips and reminders to help you plan a safe visit to Death Valley National Park.