Krause
Ontario, Canada
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We will be in Vegas next summer and we thought it might be our one opportunity to visit Death Valley. Couple of questions:
1) Is it possible to take a day and do a tour from Vegas through Death Valley in one day? Miles wise it seems like it wouldn't be a problem.
2) Once in Death Valley, obviously you can't take a nice stroll unless you want to melt, but what would be the best way to experience the park- driving through?
3) Finally- what would be the best route? I always try to drive a loop if possible but if that is not feasible what is the suggested route?
4) Depending on the route taken, how much time would this day trip take?
Lots of questions but I know you guys have the answers...
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Golden_HVAC
Fulltime, CA, USA
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Joined: 08/19/2003
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Hi,
Considering that it might be over 120 F or 50C, you might want to reconsider and just visit the desert near Lake Mead. It is a lot closer, cooler and looks about the same in the summer. Just a bunch of sage brush, and if you get a flat tire in the summer you are pretty much cooked.
Death Valley and nearby Baker have had record temperatures over 125. Nothing to play around with. I was there in May one year, and it was over 105. The air conditioner belt on my car was squeaking, and not working well at all.
Good Luck,
Fred.
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SCVJeff
Santa Clarita, CA.
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I'd go with Fred. DV is so huge that with the commute and the heat you really won't be able to see anything with the possible exception of Scotty's Castle. Think about taking the Hoover Dam tour instead, and go for the extended tour IF you are not claustrophobic.
Jeff - WA6EQU
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maryshus
san antonio, texas
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Death Valley shows itself best in winter or spring. Summer is NOT the time to drive through there. You may check out a helicopter tour but I am not sure if it is even offered. Sorry just not the place to be in the summer. You'll understand what we say when you are in Vegas in summer.
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Thunder Mountain
Estes Park, Colorado
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Skip DV in the summer. It is named that for a reason. We were there in March for the wild flowers and it was beautifu.
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coolbreeze01
Redding, Ca
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One thing about DV in the summer, LV will be cool in comparison 
If you are dead set on it, I would head for Scotty's Castle first Hwy 95 to 267. If you haven't had enough heat after that, you can continue into the park and head south.
Personally, from Vegas in summer, I would go up to Mt. Charleston or over to Lake Mead. Have fun.
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elh0146
Sioux Falls, SD
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I agree with others who say that Death Valley is not the place to visit in the summer.
However, if you DO plan on going, make sure your vehicle is in tip top shape and that you take LOTS OF WATER with you. I can't stress this enough!!! If your vehicle breaks down in Death Valley, there is no cell phone service there, so you'd have to wait until someone comes by. And, don't even think of trying to walk any place if you do have a vehicle breakdown...stay with your vehicle, sit in the shade, and stay well hydrated.
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Lauren
Sahuarita, AZ (or on the road!)
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Ho boy, DV in the summer! HOT! Having been there twice and covered it from north to south I would say this - forget driving it the full length! There are things to do on the north end but I would pass on those.
The drive of the length is pretty I guess - we got bored with it.
I would do the overlooks on the approach on the south end and make the drive to Badwater Basin, etc. Limit your time on the valley floor and, as others have said, make sure both you and your vehicle are prepared.
Even a brief visit at the south end is one you will remember.
See www.laurenbarbara.com Click the Wanderings link and click Death Valley under California for some pix.
Be safe. Enjoy the day.
Lauren - -
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Mike W
San Diego
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They named Death Valley after someone went there in the summer.....lol
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c.traveler2
Moreno Valley,Ca.
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Krause Death Valley isn't the place to be during the summer, DV holds some of the highest temperature records with many days between 110-120 degrees. I would suggest going to the Valley of Fire State Park,it's 55 miles north of Lost Wages while DV is 123 miles one way To Furnace Creek in DV.Going to the Valley of Fire would met all your requirements. here's some photo from our trip there.
The other posters are giving you good advise about not going to DV during the summer time.
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