Page 6 | What to wear for hiking in Death Valley??

Appalonia · 2025-09-04T18:59:59+00:00

I'm not a hiking kind of person, but I've agreed to go on this holiday with a friend. I don't wear shorts and have no hiking trousers, and especially not for a desert type climate. I'm at a bit of a loss to wear but I need to find something, as I'm going beginning of October. Apparently it's too hot for jeans, which are the only kind of utility clothes I wear. I'm more of a long dress, linen trousers kind of person. Any ideas as to what I could wear, as I'm starting to panic a bit!

MollyButton · 05/09/2025 15:21

What you look like shouldn’t matter. I would make sure the car hire company knows where you plan to go and gives you a suitable car. I would recommend boots for the desert as it’s amazing how much sand can get in (why cowboys wore boots among other things).
Stock up on gallons of water. And then take some more. And I’ve only been to the Mojave desert which is civilised compared to Death Valley. Also check weather forecasts - normally predictable, but deadly if not.

MediumDwarf · 05/09/2025 15:52

Forgetsheepcountducklings · 05/09/2025 14:26

This thread is freaking me out.

We were planning to go to Death Valley early next week, aiming to get to the mesquite flats around 7.30-8am, do a brief trek (as in 10 mins max) away from the car to get a couple of photos, drive over to zabriskie point, badwater basin, artist's drive over the next couple of hours, then drive out, heading towards Los Angeles (so via Shoshone). I estimate we should hit Baker which I understood to be outside the park by about midday.

Could someone who knows the area advise on if that sounds safe enough or are we being silly? We haven't been before and are not experienced hikers, so a couple of brief jaunts from the car to the various view points but no real hiking planned. I had planned to bring lots of water, electrolytes, paper maps etc and leave details of the planned route (I've checked to make sure it's all on paved roads) with a friend, but hadn't figured on buying special clothing for it.

You’ll be fine as long as you’re sensible.

Know your route and plan where you will refuel.
Take a tonne of water per person with you, we took 7L as a couple...buy the water bottle packs from Walmart if you dont have enough flasks.

Check the vehicle over before you set off- e.g. fill the wiper reservoir as it is VERY dusty and you dont want to waste your drinking water cleaning the windscreen.

Be realistic about what you’re planning to do and dress accordingly. We never intended to wander far from the car. If we had planned to hike, I think we’d have changed our minds when we got there anyway, it was so hot, I could feel my eyes drying!! Similar to when you open a fan oven. But you’re in it 🤣

10-15 mins here and there to wander and admire the view at stops on the road was enough for us. And I say that as someone who regularly goes on 20km hikes in varied conditions.

It’s an amazing experience, don't let the horror stories put you off, but do be sensible!

Followthesunshine · 05/09/2025 17:28

Forgetsheepcountducklings · 05/09/2025 14:26

This thread is freaking me out.

We were planning to go to Death Valley early next week, aiming to get to the mesquite flats around 7.30-8am, do a brief trek (as in 10 mins max) away from the car to get a couple of photos, drive over to zabriskie point, badwater basin, artist's drive over the next couple of hours, then drive out, heading towards Los Angeles (so via Shoshone). I estimate we should hit Baker which I understood to be outside the park by about midday.

Could someone who knows the area advise on if that sounds safe enough or are we being silly? We haven't been before and are not experienced hikers, so a couple of brief jaunts from the car to the various view points but no real hiking planned. I had planned to bring lots of water, electrolytes, paper maps etc and leave details of the planned route (I've checked to make sure it's all on paved roads) with a friend, but hadn't figured on buying special clothing for it.

You'll be fine - thats the main tourist route of doing it and it is amazing! You can wear normal clothes for hot weather etc if just doing the main sites - its the reference to hiking which has caused the replies because hiking (hiking to most people meaning an extended walk away from the car) would definitely be a bad idea but doing the sites you have suggested is busy with tourists and nothing you need to worry about

Panama2 · 05/09/2025 17:46

There’s a clue in the name Death Valley

IvanaTinkles · 05/09/2025 18:10

Elbowpatch · 05/09/2025 14:26

While I certainly wouldn’t advocate long or even short hikes for the inexperienced and unprepared, driving through it really isn’t that bad, or bad at all. As I said earlier, when we drove through in a convertible with the roof down, it was 50 degrees. There were no Death Valley exclusions on our hired car (Alamo). The visitor centre car park was full of cars.

At one point we stopped to take photographs and a woman passed us on a bicycle. She had the long uphill climb out of the valley in front of her. We didn’t see her dead body on the side of the road, so I presume she made it.

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I’m not saying no-one should ever drive through Death Valley, I know thousands of people do with zero problems, but just trying to emphasise to the OP, who is clearly very unprepared, what kind of area they are going to.

Vitriolinsanity · 05/09/2025 18:11

Needtosoundoffandbreathe · 05/09/2025 15:13

Google it or ask chat gpt? You'll get plenty of useful information.

Whatever you do, don't stop in Barstow, CA. Lonely Planet describes it as, "a charmless pitstop" and it ain't wrong.

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Charmless is too kind.

You will be fine on the tourist trails in DV. Take a hat, loads and loads of water and preferably boots.

Don’t do as friend and I did aged 22 and drive it at night as a short cut from Vegas back to LA. That was stupid and dangerous. You spend a lot of time making sure the tail lights of pick ups that pass you don’t do a U turn.

Duechristmas · 05/09/2025 19:02

Where's your friend from? Americans call hikes what British call walks. If it's dry, trainers should be adequate, just go for whatever is most comfortable.
We were in that area last October and I would default to cycle shorts but if that's not your style go for practical clothes but nothing that will chafe.
Have you got an idea of what distance you'll be looking at?

Ponderingwindow · 05/09/2025 19:08

Sevillian · 04/09/2025 23:34

OP I lived there for two years (well, the next valley along). October will be fine but do buy loose clothing. People are being way over the top. July is hot; October just incredibly pleasant.

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It was the declaration that the first proposed clothing as unattractive that illustrated the need for some harsh truths.

Otherwise it would have just been take plenty of water and snacks, make sure some of them are salty, and have fun. Oh and always tell someone else what trail you are going on and when you expect to check in again just in case.

ResusciAnnie · 05/09/2025 19:50

I’ve been to Death Valley and had an amazing time, hiking is far from mandatory. In fact surely not recommended. Road trip all the way ✌🏻

BadActingParsley · 05/09/2025 20:00

You won’t be hiking in Death Valley, at the very most you’ll get put the car, stand in the heat for 2 minutes to go wow it’s hot, or do a 20 minute trail, I’m which case shorts are fine. Take a hat and lots of water. I hike a lot, in Death Valley we stopped the car, did a short trail, 15 minutes, and crawled back to the car.

yosemite hiking, just wear leggings. Don’t hike I. The grand canyon, people die.

Sevillian · 05/09/2025 20:59

BadActingParsley · 05/09/2025 20:00

You won’t be hiking in Death Valley, at the very most you’ll get put the car, stand in the heat for 2 minutes to go wow it’s hot, or do a 20 minute trail, I’m which case shorts are fine. Take a hat and lots of water. I hike a lot, in Death Valley we stopped the car, did a short trail, 15 minutes, and crawled back to the car.

yosemite hiking, just wear leggings. Don’t hike I. The grand canyon, people die.

Obviously it depends on the time of year. Spring, Autumn and Winter are perfectly doable.

meanderingthrough · 05/09/2025 22:10

We've been at this time of year, didn’t do a lot of walking, just normal touristy stuff in normal touristy clothes. Took a bit of extra water just in case there was a problem with the car, and nobody died. Zabriskie Point is fun, crazy colours and landscape. Also drove up to the White Mountains same day, -280 feet to 9,000 quite breathless up there!

ZenNudist · 05/09/2025 22:28

InSpainTheRain · 05/09/2025 14:35

I think people on this thread are imagining a 10 mile hike in Death Valley! What I'm getting is OP and her friend are parking the car, doing a sign posted walk of say 2km and back to car which will have air con. Should be entirely manageable.

If I were you I'd wear trainers and old linen trousers (so you don't have to buy new for a short walk) with a t shirt. Make sure you wear sun screen. My DS went recently he wore normal shorts and trainers, did like 3km max, took water, sunglasses, sunscreen and loved it.

I think the word "hike" is giving people the idea of a stomp through difficult terrain, no sign posts for >5km.

When OP says hike I think she just means short loops to the main tourist bits. Not a full day.

SkaneTos · 05/09/2025 22:35

Have you read about "The Death Valley Germans"?

Booboobagins · 05/09/2025 22:57

Are there snakes/scorpions? If so - full length trousers are needed. I bought some cooling joggers recently, they are quite silky feel and def cooling.

I hate to say it but look on Amazon and find some you like.

You will also need a 50 spf long sleeve top and something to protect your head and neck. To cool off buy a neck fan. They honestly work.

You will need 2x as much water as you think you'll need and protein/energy bars. Make sure you mark your route too.

Would I hike in death valley - no def not.

Throwntothewolves · 05/09/2025 23:17

Blackberrybrandy · 04/09/2025 21:41

I'd seriously recommend reading this blog to get some idea of what can happen when things go wrong in Death Valley. It's incredibly interesting and terrifying at the same time.
https://www.otherhand.org/home-page/search-and-rescue/the-hunt-for-the-death-valley-germans/
It's not a place for leggings and fashion statements. I'm not sure if even trust one of the bigger outdoor chains in this country to advise on suitable clothing.

I second reading this, it's really interesting, but also terrifying and shows just how dangerous the great outdoors can be

ThisChirpyLemonUser · 05/09/2025 23:54

I really really don't think you should go unless you are a very experienced survivalist and hiker and fitting fit. It's definitely not an adventure it's a struggle to survive. Go do some canoing or something if you want an adventure
I hope you have a good holiday :)

ThisChirpyLemonUser · 05/09/2025 23:56

Like it's called Death valley for a reason!

PeonyBulb · 06/09/2025 00:00

Death Valley was 55 degrees a couple of years ago so beware

PeonyBulb · 06/09/2025 00:05

Hike elsewhere not Death Valley

Wear gym leggings like Sweaty Betty, gym top, hiking boots or trainers depending on terrain. Seems to be what’s worn to hike in hot areas in the US.

ILoveWhales · 06/09/2025 00:09

If you're a city girl who doesn't like hiking, you need to back out now. Death valley is not a beginners hike.Even I wouldn't do it.

But if you do insist on going, leggings will be far too hot, just don't.

Cargo trousers, a widely available, just google hiking cargo trousers.

You'll need decent hiking shoes and socks too. Merrell moab 3 are pretty good.

ILoveWhales · 06/09/2025 00:10

PeonyBulb · 06/09/2025 00:05

Hike elsewhere not Death Valley

Wear gym leggings like Sweaty Betty, gym top, hiking boots or trainers depending on terrain. Seems to be what’s worn to hike in hot areas in the US.

Do not wear sweaty betty leggings in 30°c heat. You will be sweltering.

I wore them hiking when it was five degrees cooler, and it was still too hot.

BourgeoisBabe · 06/09/2025 00:13

Appalonia · 04/09/2025 20:56

you need breathable, lightweight clothing that can adapt for changing weather

Thank you, but like what? I have no idea what that means?

Go to an out door sports type shop. Buy something practical

RigIt · 06/09/2025 00:20

Appalonia · 04/09/2025 20:56

you need breathable, lightweight clothing that can adapt for changing weather

Thank you, but like what? I have no idea what that means?

Go to an outdoor clothing/pursuits shop and they will show you. You definitely want practicality over fashion. Death Valley has killed people. Take much more water than you think you’ll need, and a phone with satellite connection capability for emergencies. The newer iPhones do this. Not sure about android phones.

RigIt · 06/09/2025 00:22

RigIt · 06/09/2025 00:20

Go to an outdoor clothing/pursuits shop and they will show you. You definitely want practicality over fashion. Death Valley has killed people. Take much more water than you think you’ll need, and a phone with satellite connection capability for emergencies. The newer iPhones do this. Not sure about android phones.

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Plus make sure you let someone know the route you are hiking and what time you expect to be back. Tell them to raise an alert if you are not back by x time. Do not go off the route.