Death Valley National Park is urging motorcycle riders to reconsider traveling by bike through the park during the hottest months of the year. Death Valley is a popular destination for motorcyclists but extreme temperatures can make summer travel especially hazardous.
“Motorcycle riders are injured or killed due to the extreme conditions every year in Death Valley. 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.” – Superintendent Mike Reynolds
Official temperatures reach up to 130°F during the hottest times of the year. Once the heat index reaches above 99°F, the ambient air no longer provides cooling relief even when riding at speed. These temperatures combined with the protective gear motorcyclists wear to keep themselves safe in the event of an accident make heat-related illness more likely.
If you still choose to visit by motorcycle this summer, park officials encourage you to review active park alerts, map your route in advance, ride during the the cooler times of the day, take frequent breaks, stay hydrated, slow down on curves, and ride in the center of the lane and single file.
Motorcyclists should check out the NPS Motorcycle Safety page before visiting a National Park. More information on safety in Death Valley National Park is available here. Resources to help visitors plan their trip are available here.
