Is it Stupid to Visit DEATH VALLEY in Summer?! (SUV Camping/Vanlife Adventures)

In this first video from a two-week-long trip through Nevada and California, I spend a couple of days in infamous Death Valley National Park. Is it worth visiting in the insane summer heat??
DATE FILMED: Late June 2021
► Adventure Know-How: adventureknowh...
► The SUV RVing Website: suvrving.com/
► My online store (SUV camping/vandwelling/overlanding accessories & SUV RVing merch): KamchatkaGear.com
GPS COORDINATES, LINKS, etc.
** Devils Hole: 36.425324, -116.291434
** Devils Hole info: www.nps.gov/de...
** Devils Hole earthquake/tsunami video: www.nps.gov/me...
** Dante's View: 36.220551, -116.726708
** Dante's View Peak: 36.226226, -116.725538
** Hat sun shade attachments on Amazon: amzn.to/3hOooUF
** Zabriskie Point: 36.420010, -116.812265
** Badwater Basin: 36.229954, -116.767500
** Campsite: 36.34133, -116.65561
** Natural Bridge trailhead: 36.281216, -116.769728
** Natural Bridge: 36.28464, -116.76585
** Some of my other (older) Death Valley videos: • A Crazy Slot Canyon Hi... and • Hiking Gear, Horse Sku...
** Alabama Hills potential campsite: 36.60004, -118.11284
** Mobius Arch trailhead: 36.611381, -118.125050
** Mobius Arch: 36.613550, -118.125763
** Alabama Hills arches book: amzn.to/3rlxpYo
OTHER LINKS
** Gear I use: suvrving.com/gear
** SUV RVing the Book: amzn.to/2SUrtme (Affiliate link)
** The blog: suvrving.com
** The company I use for my web hosting: www.a2hosting.com?aid=5dd04ea50f139 (Affiliate link)
** Instagram: / suvrving
** My other KZbin channel: / tenkaraaddict
#deathvalley #camping #vanlife

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching! So I went into the ER a few days ago for severe abdominal pain and vomiting. Turns out I had a kidney stone. Not fun. I passed the stone the next morning, and all is well now. Just wanted to keep you updated on what's going on in my life lol! 💉🪨🤢 -Tristan

[@privateinvestigator8607]

Oh man...that’s sounds painful. Glad you’re doing better now. Stay safe out there!

[@martinjcamp]

Hope you feel a whole lot better, Tristan. I heard it must be similar to Giving Birth! But worse. Love your Videos!

[@RicG.]

Sorry you had to go through that. And glad to hear you're doing better. 👍 😎

[@shellchenonceau6987]

Dont know if this will help you for future, but the healer called Medical Medium says that daily drinking of FRESH SQUEEZED celery juice (16 to 32 oz) works on DISSOLVING any stones in the gallbladder, kidney etc. lots of other healing remedies via FOOD in his books & podcasts.

[@Deanna52ish]

OMGosh Tristan. I hope you weren't on the road when this happened. Thank you for keeping us in the loop.

[@Back2SquareOne]

Just a word of caution. Travelling in remote desert areas in the summer is inherently dangerous. If your car breaks down, you can easily be dead before anyone finds you. Gas stations are far apart and may not be operational in the off season. Cell coverage can be spotty at best. There is no safety net. If you get in trouble, you had better be prepared to get yourself out of it. It is MUCH safer if you can get someone with a second vehicle to travel with you. A satellite locator beacon and the recovery service to go with it are a good idea.

[@carlosgrajales44]

I have seen videos of people traveling to death valley in really shitty cars , insane !!

[@richardb7063]

Well you generally will have a car or cars pass you by on the main road Highway 190 between Star Wars Canyon, through Panamint Valley, backup over-the-hill into Death Valley then over to Highway 178. it's when you go north of the Beatty Nevada turn off and go towards Titus Canyon, The Crater, Mesquite campsite, and of course the Racetrack & Scotty's Castle, which has been closed for close to six years now, there's a pretty good chance you will not see a vehicle or persons for quite some time on that road in the summertime

[@andrewr62]

I agree. Truthfully I don't think I would ever travel to an area so remote without arming myself with some sort of protection as well. One never knows who they might meet and in such a remote location or what their intentions are. It's possible not everybody is out there to enjoy the stars at night.

[@Kevin_Borr]

I'm going to second this... I went out a couple years back to photograph the milky way and Perseid meteor shower, and I thought I'd be fine to walk the dunes in the morning, prior to 10am (this was early August)... That heat is NO JOKE.. I had straight up heat exhaustion, and I didn't go all that far... Just to the dunes and back. I happened to take 8 gallons of water with me, and used THREE of those to do some rapid evaporative cooling. Speaking to a park ranger that moved to Big Bend after working Death Valley for 7+ years, he told me his reason for leaving was that, other than the general heat, he grew tired of all the bodies they'd find out there. That's pretty telling right there.

[@Nyc99]

@@Kevin_Borr wow cool but good you was prepared, not cool about people that perished

[@ThatOneDudeNick]

I love Death Valley. I can't think of many parks where summer is the off season. The benefit of no people adds 10-15 degrees to my heat tolerance lol. Walking around Badwater Basin at night during a new moon is incredible. Being under an absolute sea of stars in a huge sky, it feels almost fake. I like to camp (or stay at a hotel in Beatty with air conditioning) then go out after dark to find good places to sit under the stars or get night sky photos.

[@SUVRVing]

"The benefit of no people adds 10-15 degrees to my heat tolerance lol." That is an excellent way of putting it! And that sounds like an awesome experience. I'll have to try that on my next visit. Thanks for watching.

[@hmcvalesano]

Agree with Tristan…that night sky with no light pollution has to be amazing!!

[@andromeda121]

Do you camp when you go in summer? Are campsites available easily?

[@maggiesfarm7970]

Staying in a motel and venturing out into the night sky sounds like a great idea!

[@superstringsbro]

@@andromeda121yes dude, no one wants to be there when it’s scorching.

[@mr.waynes7555]

i like your informational videos, i hadn't been to Death Valley for many years, but when i saw you standing in the HOT WIND, it all came rushing back to me....that hot wind is not my favorite mother nature experience, but i agree with you on the beauty of the HARSH landscape....love it.

[@hmcvalesano]

I watch quite a few camping, adventure videos and my husband could care less but when he hears your narrative he will stand behind me to watch. It cracks me up!

[@SUVRVing]

Lol got him! Thanks for watching-both of you 😁

[@linh8997]

Even my older brother, who was an extreme skier in his youth and would not watch a hiking video if you paid him.... I actually got him to admit that he watches yours.

[@maggiesfarm7970]

@@linh8997 Lol!

[@MeiraV-]

My mind is BLOWN at the idea of an earthquake in Japan affecting water levels in this tiny spot. We really are one earth, eh?

[@keithbrookshire]

I work in Water treatment (drinking water). Several years ago our system (in North Georgia) experienced some mystery turbidity problems. As it turned out reverberations from an earthquake in Alaska were the cause.

[@sierrachoco5271]

You're from Canada, yes?

[@garrycole9187]

Reminds me of a movie where two gods wanted to be koi fish that swam in a little pond in a cave way up in the mountains. Maybe those fish just chose to stay there for 10,000 plus years because they wanted that serenity.

[@robgardner1951]

I think it’s a hoax

[@carlosgrajales44]

@@r.a.tackey3230 put down the pipe ,you fool

[@TheRock-xj7hs]

Tristan, spent 16 yrs in the ER as a RN,seen many folks with kidney stones of all sizes and shapes...not a fun experience,once we get your pain under control, we are hero’s. Keep hydrated.

[@designunlimited6215]

So excited to watch this episode. I remember the incredible stillness, the powerful landscape, and the colours at sunrise and sunset. Death Valley is my favourite NP. Went there about 18 years' ago in similar temperatures. Other guests at the motel there thought we were nuts! No, we were just Australian! Ha ha. Here where I live in Australia it's often over 40C in the summer (104F +) and I remember one year it reached about 48C+ (118F). We had 12 consecutive days in the 40s once; it never dipped below the 30s even at night. Even with aircon it was near impossible to sleep. Thanks for your awesome videos, Tristan, and for awakening this particular memory.

[@drivehard2395]

I can't tell you how many things I got to see "unobstructed" during the 80s and early 90s. Slowly but surely, things got gated, caged, and locked.. because we can't have nice things.

[@Marc-King777]

You know why we can't have nice things? Have you seen how disrespectful humans can be when they visit national parks? Approaching wildlife; leaving trash; overcrowding; causing wildfires; poaching; and the list goes on. It's a wonder they even allow people into national parks at all these days.

[@rynndodds6374]

There is NOTHING stupid about this fish story. You find the greatest oddities. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@cpkarkow663]

The fact that the Supreme Court had to make a ruling in 1976 to save these guys just adds to the fascination.

[@tomortale2333]

Moral of story....stick with gold fish

[@Barley150]

Tristan, this was terrific. One of your best.

[@saginawdan]

I agree...one of his best!

[@cindylou2313]

I love how informative and interesting you make your videos. Thanks for sharing!

[@tychosnova2896]

thank you for another amazing and meditative arm-chair tour! Please don't ever stop bringing these to us! I had the experience of driving thru Death Valley in early May, several years ago. I'm not heat-tolerant, at all. I got to about the lowest point and it was an oven, and I started to get heat stroke. I turned around to drive back and just happened to see the tiny sign to 'Beatty' that led to a gas station. I was thanking God b/c I was rationing water, my heart was racing, and I was finding it hard to think and breathe. I'm saying this for anyone who decides to pass through there between May and September. If you're heat-sensitive, think twice, b/c heat stroke will sneak up on you - especially the last half of the trip toward Nevada which is an incline, where the signs tell you to turn off your A/C to save your engine from overheating. I hope this helps someone. 💙

[@deanwinchester6654]

Thanks for adding the temperature in Celsius. Awesome looking park.

[@SUVRVing]

Yeah it was necessary for something like this where I keep mentioning the temperature. Thanks for watching!

[@ednafronkelbarger8601]

It really depends on what you're acclimated to, and what you do to deal with the heat. When I was younger, this kind of heat would have knocked me out. I was living in a place that averaged about 125 inches of snow per year, and I was nowhere near acclimated to this kind of heat. Now that I've been living in Las Vegas for two decades, the temperatures in the video wouldn't be anything special. There have been at least 10 days so far this summer where the external temperature gauge in my car read more than 120. (The official temperature at the airport was 116 - 117, but of course that was in the shade. Good luck finding shade in the Mojave Desert). I love Death Valley and I visit 2-3 times a month, year round. Of course, I take precautions, just like this gentleman with his sunshade hat. I drink a lot of water (drink more than you think you need; you're dehydrating faster than you realize), and take it much easier than you normally would as far as any exercise. Do most of your hiking very early in the morning. In Las Vegas in July and August, I do my daily walk starting at 4:30 a.m. Whatever you do, don't try to be a hero. Know the signs of heat exhaustion and take remedial steps as soon as you see the signs. Do not let it progress to heat stroke. When you get that far, your perceptions are badly warped and you probably won't even know you are in danger.

[@ednafronkelbarger8601]

PS: Regarding Devil's Hole, it wasn't one guy, it was three guys. They were drinking, but that's not why they did so much damage. They went there with the intention of trashing the place. They destroyed security cameras, but left perfect closeups of their faces on the security video as they did so. (They weren't the brightest bulbs on the circuit). They didn't just flop down in the pool, they relieved themselves in it. Also caught on security cameras. And yes, all three idiots went to prison.

[@superstringsbro]

What a bunch of losers. How much time did they get, do you know?

[@mosasa1307]

how long are they imprisoned for? dik heads

[@terririggle6106]

Awesome, awesome video, Tristan!! Fabulous footage of Death Valley, mountains, arches, etc. I love the pupfish saga….I did not know a thing about them. They’re beautiful and to think they exist in such a fragile environment amazes me! Thanks for the grand adventure!

[@samanthadodd8112]

Been there with the kidney stones. I keep one of those little plastic lemons with lemon juice in it. I add a bit to my water and it seems to help my kidney issues.

[@mikeday62]

Fresh squeezed lemon juice is great for several ailments and general health. But as soon as the juice is squeezed out (i use a $3 juicer from walmart) and exposed to the air, the health benefits begin to degrade. I mix it with 4 parts water and drink immediately, 3 times a week. I use 2 small lemons or 1 large per serving.

[@samanthadodd8112]

@@mikeday62 Good to know

[@Klapauzius-369]

Achterbahnfahren auch. Ist von 2 amerikanischen Ärzten ausprobiert und erwiesen.

[@Klapauzius-369]

@@mikeday62 Schon 3 Jahre her, ich weiß: ist ja auch für die heutigen Mitleser. So viel Zitronensaft ist wieder nicht so gut für die Zähne, oder?

[@paul2587]

If you love beautiful landscapes and don't mind the constant feeling of what seems like a fan blowing at you from inside a hot oven then it is not at all stupid to visit the geological wonder that is Death Valley in the peak of summer.

[@joybeekingston6472]

Like I've mentioned before, I'm a 43 year resident of Las Vegas and have camped most everywhere in the southern state. I love the Valley of Fire in the spring time. Thanks, Tristan, for showing all the beauty of Nevada other than the Strip.

[@bythesea550]

Your language/communication skills create a superb narration on your travels. Hope your health is returning quickly! God bless!

[@kathrynb715]

Yes!

[@mset510]

I camped in Death Valley for a week just before the pandemic and got to see a lot! Twas EPIC!!! GO IN WINTER!!!!!!

[@steadmanuhlich6734]

Tristan, I really enjoy your videos, your presentation style, your narration, your observations about what you see. I liked this video and especially like how you spoke about the extreme heat, something that can be difficult to express, but you did a great job on the whole video. I also like how you mention the sites you chose and why, the elevation and temperature differences you saw, and when you described the access roads to the campsites (rough or passenger car passable comments are VERY helpful to know), and your short clip showing the rough road with your SUV going over the surface. I think those kinds of details (views and comments and comparisons) can be especially helpful to other travelers who may be using a passenger car or SUV. I wish more vloggers would mention that or show it in the videos. I am subscribed and will continue to watch and like your videos. Happy Trails!

[@gerhardtratter4336]

Death Valley is my favorite play ground. I started exploring pushing the limits of my Subaru, and later in life explored most all of the available back ways in my FJ cruiser. I live in the desert (near Palm Springs) and like you have a pretty high heat tolerance and a healthy respect of the murderous environment. With the right gear, supplies and attitude a trip to DVNP is possible at all times of the year as you clearly illustrated. I also lived in Lone Pine for a time, so the Alabama Hills were my backyard. Great memories and a story well told! Cheers, glad you passed that kidney stone

[@Wonderhussy]

Bro!! Why didn't you camp on top of the mountains near Telescope Peak at Mahogany Flat? It would have been WAY cooler up there! But I did enjoy the fact you included Devil's Hole... Personally one of my favorite places in the whole desert because of its fascinating characteristics!

[@Herbie11]

Hi Wonderhussy!

[@daily6633]

How would you even get up there??

[@Wonderhussy]

@@daily6633 you drive... There's a road that his SUV could definitely handle!

[@roadtripswithroadrunnerric7192]

Devil' hole cool place . I have been there ....

[@turkey4957]

@@daily6633 Yeah she's right! The road up there is doable for any suv or truck and the mahogany flat campground doubles as the trailhead for telescope peak

[@lvglen]

It's pretty easy to simulate those temperatures. Just turn your oven on about 500°, wait a few minutes, and open the oven door with your face right in front of it! 😱

[@TeodoraTheFlowerLady]

Been there in the springtime when the air is so clear you can see across. Also when they had the last wildflower superbloom a few years ago - so beautiful! Anything above 90° is too hot for me. Glad you’re feeling better!

[@mickeybrumfield764]

Yes the orange stuff you see is a fire retardant that Cal Fire uses. What people who visit Death Valley don't always realize is the extreme stress that is imposed on your vehicle. It is not just the temperatures but also the extreme inclines over the mountains in the heat as you might have experienced as you drove to the Alabama Hills area from Death Valley. If you haven't climbed Telescope Peak it is a great hike with fantastic views and really nice camping spots up near the trailhead at about 8000 ft. Thanks for the video.

[@julial1938]

That heat is extraordinary. I took a trip to BC (from Saskatchewan) a couple of weeks ago and had to stop and get gas. It was 47C and a strong wind was blowing. I decided I'd rather my snot freeze than my eyeballs melt.

[@cpkarkow663]

no way. I'd rather bake than freeze. You can always pour water on your head to cool off, but when it's minus 20, there's not much you can do....

[@MHdollrevievs]

@@cpkarkow663 Heat kills more people than any other weather event.A man died in Death Valley last week,He was on a 12 mile hike.

[@cpkarkow663]

@@MHdollrevievs both heat and cold can kill. I grew up in MN, and every winter, there were deaths from exposure, hypothermia, etc. I raced in cross country skiing- spent many many hours training in the cold, and then coaching in the cold . Have had frostbite in 6 toes, earlobes, even froze my eyeball once. This is why I love the heat and that’s why I go to Death Valley every summer. I’m still trying to thaw out from my winter stress

[@cpkarkow663]

@@MHdollrevievs also, he might not have properly hydrated, and taken in enough electrolytes. You do gotta be careful. I feel bad for the guy and his family

[@carmenmartinez2882]

@@cpkarkow663 electrolytes are a must in these conditions.

[@louisepotier2784]

Beautiful. But deathly. I think one has to be very prepared. The barren inhospitable landscape - just beautiful. And the SILENCE... is golden. Thank-you very much for the hard work of preparing the video 🙂

[@escapeartist8581]

If you haven't seen it, Ayers Natural Bridge in Wyoming (between Casper and Douglas) is one of only 3? natural bridges with a creek running under it! Great video. Death Valley is on my bucket list! Thank you! Glad you're ok!

[@Chris-lc4bo]

My husband and I lived in the Mohave Desert for around 40 years before we moved to Florida. I laughed when you said it was 122 degrees out and your face was stringing from the heat. People would ask about the heat and I would say "If you want to know what it feels like, turn your oven on high, open the oven door and stand in front of it.

[@jimbeam-ru1my]

those people in florida think they know hot but they don't. They'll always say "yeah, but it's a dry heat". They don't understand that 110 with 10% humidity is waaaay hotter than anything they are exposed to in florida, and that's a fairly average day in the low desert.

[@tomortale2333]

OR book a flite to Hawaii...

[@jeffhandlin6262]

Having lived in Vegas for a decade I can attest to what the heat can do to things in your car. I've had multiple pens essentially melt, ink on your car seat doesn't get out, and NEVER EVER leave unopened carbonated drinks inside when the temp gets over 90...they will always explode. I learned a few lessons my first summer there lol. Death Valley and the Mojave are so beautiful, as Tristan said...hostile...stark beauty, but I do not miss those temps even a teensy bit. Tristan, if you read this I wonder if you noticed the Spring Mountains (MT Charleston) to the east.

[@geezerpleasers_OG]

One classic Las Vegas thing is keeping a pair of oven mitts in your car so you don't burn your hands on the steering wheel when you first get into the car.

[@bobbowie9350]

Yup I grew up in las vegas. I experienced it as well

[@thewanderingtraveler8984]

I love Death Valley. I have been to most of the places you video. It is always fun to watch your videos because I get to live out my trip again. I hope you are feeling better.

[@ericyister]

Last been to death valley in Winter 2018 coming back from Las Vegas to San Diego....Not sure if I can brave the summer in the hottest/lowest place on earth. Thanks for sharing this,,,I've been to Dante's Inferno as well as the natural bridge. It's a unbelievably beautiful & rugged place indeed,

[@1WillyK]

I'm like you. I have a high tolerance for heat as well. I think I got it when I was stationed at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas years ago. We would be out working on aircraft in the dead of summer. With all the aircraft around on all that concrete with jet engines seemingly always running somewhere on the flight line it would get amazingly hot. We once measured the temperature at 140 degrees about five feet off the concrete and I'm fairly sure it was hotter than that at times.

[@patsykluting-lucas3804]

My mother lived in Lone Pine California for 30 years and I spent a great deal of time exploring the Death Valley area. I'd be extremely concerned about vehicle tires as well as your shoes on pavement. Be safe

[@martinep6293]

I am on the road with long term plans, I try no to destroy my vehicle on purpose while also endangering myself. This really points out how travelling with an animal companion keeps you sane, as their well being becomes priority one. I have lived in Texas for 30 years, I know my limitations...and where to see skylines not to to die for. I also believe that if you chose to put yourself in danger you should never expect others to risk their lives to save you.

[@cchoi108]

This video is a testament to both you and your Toyota 4Runner.

[@bradfordpepping8434]

I visited for the first time in spring of 2020 and was really impressed. Great weather in spring and so much to see/do. It really feels like you do a great job of capturing the feel of the park and what makes it so unique.

[@janedelaney7]

As a native of central California, I've visited DV during each of the seasons...Fall being my favorite. I have always felt a greater connection to the land when experiencing extremes, including temperature. Death Valley is defined by the extreme heat. As long as one is prepared...it's an experience worth having. I can't get enough of the barren landscape....very extraordinary!

[@linh8997]

Wow. That was truly amazing. Once again, I told myself he must have survived, since he uploaded the video. That was much scarier than your tallest mountains. Beautiful though. Thank you again for expanding my horizons!

[@wwisaacson4807]

I'm of Finnish descent and often take saunas of between 150-180+. However, in the sauna you are just sitting there throwing water on the rocks. This summer in Minnesota we have had many 90+ days. I can't imagine trying to do anything productive in temperatures over 100 degrees. Thanks for the tour. I really enjoy your travels.

[@thebigcountry8518]

The best part you asked ? The whole video. Fascinating and thank you !

[@Thinkforyourselves64]

You better not be alone, Man!! Taking a huge chance!!

[@dougbourdo2589]

I was last in Death Valley approx 30 years ago. There were NONE of the paved roads, etc. We drove a rental car along a western road as I recall, along the area of Bad-water leaving a trail of dust for many miles. It was incredible. When we turned the rental car in the staff all came out to look at it as it was plastered with salt & dust from the valley adventures. Will have to go back & revisit. Great video.

[@kimsargeant8126]

This has been a great reminder of my one trip to Death Valley. I think there was more water at Bad Water Basin, which allowed for a wonderful reflection of the mountains. I knew of the pupfish and I appreciate that you checked them out to share with us. Great video.

[@Worldofourown2024]

Incredible car camping trip! I was looking at your motor temp gauge every time to see it was miraculously staying at half way which is normal operating temp. I'm so paranoid about that when driving in triple digit weather for I've had lots of problems over the years with thermostats and fan relays causing motors to overheat. This is one car trip I could not do unless I had a fairly new vehicle I'm pretty much 100% confident to hold up for needing help is very last thing you'd want to need. Amazing how they installed this cage and solar powered high tech in a tiny fish hole!

[@marklettow6610]

This is really informative stuff about Death Valley. These are places most of us will never get the opportunity to visit. Thank-you!

[@dannyli9424]

I am a outdoor guy and have been to a lot of places you covered on your videos, but I still enjoy watching your video, the way you talk, the the way you explain things...... even your video may not the best in the world in terms of resolution, video quality and all that, but I just enjoy watching it. keep up the good work man. and yes, Death Valley did get its name for a good reason, LOL, i was there hiking in 125 degree hot sun too, crazy experience.

[@cindythecatwoman1601]

You're a brave man Tristan. I don't do that well in the heat so I don't think I'd ever go there. It's better you go than me. I'll just enjoy watching it.

[@norsefalconer]

The desert has a beauty all its own. Thanks for the education and the tour Tristan.

[@mkkrafts9261]

I love when you enlighten us with info like the Devil's Hole Pupfish! The depth of that hole and how sensitive it is to seismic activity....awesome! Life can be precarious and yet it persists! A good reminder. I am just in awe. Thank you! I'm no good in the heat. Low 90s is my limit outdoors. I can't sleep if it's higher than 80 degrees. I'm about to head to Colorado so I'm hoping I can handle it!

[@koslund11]

I was in Death Valley a couple times but the hottest was 117 with a 30mph wind. Like you said, it was by far the hottest wind I felt. Sorry to hear about the kidney stones. Ive been producing them for the 40 years. Almost have a film canister full of stones. Three times they went though my back to suck them out because they were so big. Thank goodness its been 13 years since my last one. Drink lots of water and don't ever get dehydrated. I wouldn't wish stones on my worst enemy. Biggest one I passed was after they tried to basket it out and the stone made it to the bladder. 3/8" by 1/4" oval shape. Lost my voice for a day from the massive scream as it passed. Very sharp points sticking out of the stone. Be aware of your fluid intake, you've made one, so there will very likely be more someday.

[@ritat1]

I live vicariously through your videos! Your voice and narration combined are very soothing! Also, I think you're fearless! You seem to be cool, calm and collected despite the 122 degree heat! Amazing. Glad you're feeling better. It must be hard to eat healthy on the road, but diet is so important.

[@margreetanceaux3906]

Very, very, very inhospitable place. That’s to put it mildly, I guess. Thanks for filming it!

[@margreetanceaux3906]

Never realized Death Valley is basically a pit (irt sea level)

[@sociopathmercenary]

I used to work in a ceramics factory that had huge kilns so I can imagine how it feels there. Pretty sure I don't want to re-experience that time in my life but it is beautiful!

[@merg2928]

122°F that is an insane temperature, let’s go outside. I love that comment, I’m from Arizona and I like the heat. No we don’t have to shovel sunshine like everybody else shoveling snow. Low humidity high heat no big deal. I will be going through here and checking this place out but probably when it’s a little cooler. Love your videos keep it up.

[@californiahiker9616]

Some years ago I visited Zabriskie Point in July for a fantastic sunrise. I then went on a short hike to an arch. I was done by 10 AM. When I left the visitor center at noon it was 105. I got out of there and spent time in Bishop in a swimming pool. The next day I hiked in the ancient Bristlecone Forest at 10,000 feet. Very doable. Don’t do anything strenuous in Death Valley after 10 AM.

[@anitamitchell3452]

If the wind is blowing, it's like being chased down by a giant blow dryer. If there is no wind ... you now know what it's like to be inside an oven. If I didn't have the river, I'd never make it. This year the humidity level has been horrible. Very happy to hear you are feeling better. Take care out there.

[@carlaifera5254]

.... let's just say I was relieved when you left the park .... ☀️

[@dustytrailhead4633]

I’ve been to Death Valley NP a few times in Fall and Winter. Death Valley is a small part of the park. It’s a huge area. Elevation differences are dramatic. You can get yourself into deep trouble there any time of year.

[@cathybutler4532]

I went in February and it was cold and very windy. Daytime was nice. The constant wind made it hard to car camp. My little canisters for my stove froze even though I put them in my sleeping bag with me. Still loved it!

[@markpashia7067]

Tristean be careful and think about six ply truck tires if you are going here in summer. Passenger car tires are not made for those rocks in the road especially at those temperatures. A break down could be deadly out there. Actually have been many deaths from such. If you cannot justify the cost, then at least have a satellite phone on you to call for help. Next video of your fishing spot??? Or is it top secret and private? Hope you caught a bunch.

[@digitalcamera3237]

Thanks for enduring all that heat so I don't have to! Now I know what its like to visit Death Valley in the summer without actually having to go there in the summer!

[@Luigi13]

Honestly you have one of the best videos I have watched in a long time. I enjoyed the information you give, the fact that you have practicality of a simple journey to a place, and it is awesome your challenge to a difficult circumstance of extreme heat and place in Death valley National park. I definitely commend your challenges and all that I see in this video. I subscribed to it and look forward to more. I am planning to visit this place and more. Thank you.

[@Klamath1970]

I have to Death Valley twice during the Thanksgiving Holiday. It is was about 75 degrees and very comfortable. Winter time is nice there too.

[@sandracimonetti5307]

I’m glad you are feeling better. Kidney stones are no fun. Thank you for taking me back to Death Valley.

[@lilysgma2852]

I have lived in the PNW all my life, so love stories and views of the desert! Thanks for all you do!!

[@brandonroach2097]

exploring great places sometimes requires enduring extreme circumstances. Your a true adventurer!

[@stevewhalen6973]

Thanks!

[@BearRiverBooks]

Thanks for the tour! Thanks for facing the heat on our behalf! Never been to DV. Now I'll have a strong image in mind next time the Weather Channel tells us how the hottest place in the US is doing.

[@wendyphillips5002]

113 degrees is a seriously hot day. We go into the Sierras visiting the mountains in the summer when it is in the maybe 80s at most above 7,000 feet elevation where it gets below the 50s at night. We meet so many europeans traveling in the USA to see Yosemite NP. They are on their way to Death Valley NP to experience the over 110 degree temps. They have no idea how dangerous it is to be driving you vehicle in temps over 110 degrees. If your car breaks down in Death Valley you better be ready to live in temps over 110. You need lots of water and shade to prevent rapid dehydration and over heating. Your body is not made to live for long periods of time over 100. Every summer people die in Death Valley NP. Most of the people that live and work in Death Valley NP leave in the spring to return in the late fall in October or November. It is way too hot to live in Death Valley NP in the summer. The nights often are over 90 or 95 just under 100. I was in Death Valley maybe 3 or 4 years ago in late October and it was in the high 90s during the day and only into the mid 70s at night. I slept with only a sheet over my body with no sleeping bag. Be very careful in the summer Death Valley NP can easily hit 50 C or over 110 F. That can and will kill you.

[@alexbiro262]

Thanks for the video and great vocabulary. Rarely hear someone speak with interesting words anymore these days, well done 👍🏻

[@kathrynb715]

I was thinking the same. Delightful. Makes me want to study and implement better word choices.

[@Blubirdmoon111]

Hope you are well. I cant go out camping anymore due to health so am getting very attached to your adventures. ;-) Stay well! I love to watch your trips and I hipe you get to Alaska soon. ; )

[@salinwa7105]

I discovered your videos this evening, enjoyed them very much. Easy watching. I hope you stayed well hydrated out there. Crazy temperatures! I’m one of those who wilts over 90°. Husband and I just bought a van last Friday to do a build on. I like your simplicity. I discovered you from the van tour you did with Simply Lesa. Thank you for sharing!

[@JS-qn8qr]

Bro, amazing work! We appreciate you. Love the Nature in every aspect. Thanks for sharing.

[@suzannelanthier6970]

I hope you are feeling better. Your videos are so pleasant and you show us places that I did not even know r istdd. Thank you again and I hope you will keep producing these extraordinary videos. Merci braucoup!

[@saginawdan]

Tristan, one of your best videos - Thanks! 👍

[@1ACL]

I guess sometime after you left there it got up to 130+. I heard it was the hottest temperature on Earth.

[@kimsargeant8126]

I had heard that too, but just did a search and the Lut Desert in Iraq seems to be hotter. I thought I remembered that Death Valley had the largest temperature range.

[@carmenmartinez2882]

Try Baja, Mexicali, last year got to 132 F with extremely high humidity because of the proximity of the Sea of Cortez. San Felipe where I have a place was way cooler, only 128. Lol. And people keep working construction in the sun, I don’t know how they do it.

[@deetrvl4life875]

Tristan, I somewhat understand how painful that can be. I’ve watched my oldest son writhe through that pain and it hurt me so, as a mother, I didn’t think I could stand it. But he got through it and you’re probably almost over it, guessing at your fortitude. So on to the video… You’ve probably heard me say “This is my favorite video!” before, but “This is my favorite video! And I can relate; I arrived at Lake Mead NRA end of March and loved the beautiful and seemingly barren desolation of it instantly. I stayed there for 2 months and 1 day. When I left the temps had been up to 112. I absolutely loved it but it was time to move on. I haven’t been to Death Valley yet, but it’s now moved up in priority on my list of places to visit.because of your video. I enjoy your point of view on things you view! ;). Happy healing to you.

[@Aquilashaw-lo8de]

We were just ther in May, pretty wam then too.. The views are spectacular.visited NewOrleans the grand Tetons, Dover dam,Sequoia park, Yellow Stone, Yosemite Park Cali. , Texas, Arkansas, Savana. We had a National park pass. It saved us a lot of money,. Beautiful rivers and water falls and rushing water in the rivers.. Enjoyed my bucket list vacation, 27 days. The Holiday Innswere very comfortable. Also Mt, Rushmore. Also it snowed and this was my fist time and I am 88 years old. To

[@charlesb4267]

I asked myself the same question back in 2007 when I went through Death Valley as it was on the route I was taking heading up to Yosemite ( did the half dome hike ) and thought this will be something else going through this hottest recorded place on earth during the hottest time of the year as it was past the middle of July. Also driving up from Laughlin through the desert was a visual experience as well. I didn't have any map or information to know where these lookouts were but I was at Bad Water and the park headquarters and looked at the old mining equipment and wagon train on display. The official temp for that day was 118 and there was quite a high wind on the valley floor that it was creating drifts across the highway that crosses the valley. They told me at the office that its a good thing I wasn't there the week before as it had hit 129. I struggle in heat far far less then what I experienced there as I am from northern Canada and I didn't dare use my air conditioning just to be on the safe side and a black pickup to boot. I wasn't feeling too good later in the afternoon after that ordeal LOL. I left the valley late in the evening after it cooled down some so I could make the climb to the west and not have a vehicle melt down. I was shocked to see a certain amount of other vehicles there which told me I wasn't the only one who was nuts for experiencing it and then I come across two vans that had marathon runners and they were out there "practising" in that heat. Its desolate and beautiful at the same time, I was glad I had the chance to experience it even thought I obviously missed other sights in the park. I saw a raven perched on a stone sign and was blown away, we have them up here and we can get -40f or colder as I read later that they are one of the most adaptable creatures on earth. Anyway I'm glad you took us along for this crazy adventure Tristan as I can see some of what I had missed now.

[@cosmiccoyotedog-doreenb9605]

Great video, as you normally make. Thank You. I love DV. Yes that orange is fire retardant, eventually it washes away.

[@robertwagner7867]

You're a wild man and that's why I love your channel!

[@TBoy1247]

Great job. Really enjoyed the video.

[@dixielambrecht7009]

So sorry about the kidney stone. I have heard they are awful painful. Very glad your ok now. Very interesting about the depth and the fish. I never realized the lowest and the highest areas in the U.S. are so close to each other. Thank you for the info.

[@Eyes0penNoFear]

I remember camping as a kid with my family and cousins at Death Valley around Easter time. Once it hit about 2 AM the temperature dropped below 90° F and we could finally sleep for a few hours. My older brother had gotten a really nasty sunburn a few days before the camping trip so he didn't go. He had 2nd degree burns along his entire back and shoulders. We still complained to our parents that he was the lucky one 🥵

[@davidgipson7347]

Great Video! I toured Death Valley several years ago. It has to be one of the most interesting places on Earth.

[@michaelsonleitner5724]

Thanks for another great video. Glad you’re on the mend. Went to Death Valley in 1990 when it was still a National Monument and cars didn’t have temperature displays. Looking forward to this series as we spent our vacations camping the Eastern Sierras around June Lake back in the 60’s.

[@JohnAnderson-hl5mq]

Tristan..a vivid lifelong outdoor type of 67 years of age that still very actively engages the backpacking and hiking life..Comanche Indian family tree probably explains the connection with Mother Nature ..I enjoy your concise interpretations of your videos as a subscriber..I’ve worked at the north rim of the Grand Canyon..Zion National Park..as well as Furnace Creek at Death Valley..as an employee of the concessionaire of the particular time and place but also in search and rescue..AND UNFORTUNATELY I’m also a veteran of numerous kidney stone adventures..and yes, at least a couple of those have been while well into a hike miles away from any medical help..park rangers have saved my sorry butt more than once..IT IS THE ABSOLUTE WORST PAIN EVER..and this is coming from someone who’s had numerous other painful injuries and trauma..NOTHING ELSE COMES CLOSE TO A STONE..so just a couple of things..I’m sure they told you that once you pass one, the chances are very good that you will revisit this..I myself am a veteran of more than I can or care to remember.. but there’s one thing I started doing a few years ago that does seem to help..I have a Honda Element that is my road trip warrior and whether I’m at home or on the open road, I always have a bottle of lemon juice concentrate on hand and I pour a liberal amount of it in water any and every time I hydrate..this does work..there’s medical studies and science that backs this up..it helps to break up any stones you might have and is a good prophylactic or preventative measure to keep new ones from forming..it more or less chemically changes the environment in your kidneys so it’s not as conducive to stone development..anyway..I’m empathetic to this particular thing as someone who has suffered through this more than once! Keep up your very professional and high quality work..and we’ll keep watching..happy trails and stay safe brother..👍

[@enndee989]

Important information, about stone formation, the acid certainly dissolves them and prevents formation, but you have to know more about the factors in building the stones, you can't be too acidic, gotta know how to keep the balance. The same goes for temperature, what ph is best for temperature, what caloric intake, how much can you sustainably handle, that would be interesting if some scientist had this genius idea to tackle the questions and make an informative video, instead of these ridiculous titles "is it safe, maybe yes, maybe no, but be warned, afraid, because fear makes you sweat and this keeps you cool, but raises your temperature to begin with, so be warned, it's a vicious circle, it'll kill you before you know it"

[@brucewooley8694]

That natural arch is such a cute little thing. And to think that you could be there alone for an extended time absorbing the beauty and allow the stillness to quiet the mind for a memory that will last a lifetime. As far as your question concerning the worthiness of going in summer . . . for you, yeah. Because you are so prepared for the summer heat and have a relative high tolerance level for being active in heat which I wouldn't recommend for anyone. But look at you - the park appeared to be your very own private playground for a couple days. Thanks for the tour!

[@ceetee2021]

I'm retired USFS and as soon as you put the camera on the burn area I was sure it was fire retardant. They make it red, orange, or sometimes pink to help the pilots know where is has been dropped. There can be impacts such as retardant being washed into lakes or streams which can pollute the water and kill fish. They try to stay clear of waterways but the objective is to stop the fire. It's not pleasant to be on the fire-line and and have a drop on top of you!! Another great video, the terrain and textures of Death Valley are beautiful. Cassie was smart enough to stay home - or go to class!!

[@prational]

Great video! Death Valley is my favorite National Park. When I retired I move to Pahrump Nevada so that I could be closer to Death Valley. I was a camp host at stovepipe Wells for four years and loved it. I spend as much time as I possibly can camping either at Furnace Creek or Stovepipe Wells. As long as the temperature is below 110 I'm good to go.

[@DanielFCutter]

118 degrees when I was there in August-no flowers, no shade. But no people. The experience is well worth it. A wet terry cloth worn under a hat covering the face and neck is amazing-a lesson in evaporative cooling. Of course if you run out of water…..

[@solosaga5091]

Common theme: Visit parks and attractions as off-season as possible/tolerable. Another great vid, Tristan. Love the sarcasm at 6:15, lol.

[@vikingmike8139]

I thoroughly enjoyed this trek through the park. My favorite part was the whole thing. Very nice, Cheers!

[@rujeepn]

Absolutely. There is a reason it’s called “Death Valley”. It was 130* a couple days ago! 🤷‍♀️

[@demetriusreynolds8178]

Ironically the name comes from the pioneers who died there in freezing temperatures in Jan 1849 during the gold rush. I live in this Mojave desert where Death Valley is in. The heat sucks

[@rujeepn]

@@demetriusreynolds8178 Yes, the extremes at either end of the spectrum are brutal!

[@user-kd2xu6uh4d]

You’re my kind of person. Thanks for the vicarious adventure!!

[@Terraducky]

Ugh! What a horrible side trip for you! Hope you are recovered and adventuring onward! I always enjoy your videos and make notes about visiting someday. Thanks for your observations and excellent photography! Stay well!

[@BrendaHaltom-cs6ck]

I can’t do heat Triston! I liked the sun coming up over those colorful mountains! Beautiful!