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Know before you go: Death Valley

How to stay safe here, what to pack and what to leave at home.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

Today at Death Valley

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Alerts: National Park Service, checked hourly. Forecast: National Weather Service, for Furnace Creek Visitor Center. Always confirm on the official park site before you set out.

Stay safe

  • Wildlife: Keep at least 25 yards (23 m) from all wild animals, and 100 yards (91 m) from bears and wolves where they live. Never feed wildlife. Use pullouts to watch animals from the road.
  • Heat and water: Carry and drink at least one gallon (4 liters) of water per person per day, more when hiking in heat. Hike early or late in summer, eat salty snacks, and turn back when half your water is gone.
  • Cell service: Coverage is patchy in most parks. Download offline maps and the park’s info before you lose signal.

What to pack

Start with the park service’s ten essentials:

  • Navigation: a paper map or offline map, plus a charged phone and battery pack
  • Sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat
  • Layers: a warm layer and a rain shell, even in summer
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • First aid kit
  • Fire starter (matches or a lighter) for emergencies
  • Repair kit and tools (a small knife, tape)
  • Extra food
  • Extra water and a way to treat it
  • Emergency shelter: a space blanket or tarp

For Death Valley also bring:

  • At least one gallon of water per person per day, plus electrolyte drinks or salty snacks
  • Lightweight long sleeves and a wide-brim hat
  • A cooler and shade for the car
  • A red light and a blanket for stargazing
  • Binoculars for wildlife watching from a safe distance
  • Camping: tent, sleeping bag rated for night temperatures, camp stove and fuel bought locally

What to leave at home

  • A drone: launching, landing or flying drones is banned in almost every national park site.
  • Firewood from home: it can carry tree-killing pests. Buy it where you burn it, ideally within 10 miles.
  • Pets: of the 3 hikes the park service lists here, 2 allow pets (some with limits). Where pets are allowed they must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
  • Anything you plan to take home from the park: rocks, plants, antlers, artifacts and fossils must stay where you find them.
  • Food that wildlife can reach: store it as the park directs, in your car or a locker, never in a tent in bear country.

Weather

SPRING is the most popular time to visit Death Valley. Warm and sunny days with the possibility of spring wildflowers is a big attraction. SUMMER starts early in Death Valley. By May the valley can be scorching hot. AUTUMN arrives in late October, with warm but pleasant temperatures and generally clear skies. WINTER has cool days, chilly nights and rarely, rainstorms. With snow capping the high peaks and low angled winter light, this season is especially beautiful for exploring the valley.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What should I pack for Death Valley?
The ten essentials (map, sun protection, layers, light, first aid, fire starter, tools, extra food, extra water and emergency shelter), plus at least one gallon of water per person per day, plus electrolyte drinks or salty snacks.
Can I fly a drone in Death Valley?
No. Launching, landing or operating drones is prohibited in national parks unless the superintendent approves it in writing.