What to wear for hiking in Death Valley??

[Appalonia]

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!

It was slightly surreal. An actual old fashioned ice cream parlour, beautifully air conditioned, right there in the desert, with no-one in it but us. We didn’t want to leave.

I’ve been to Death Valley. You don’t have to hike. It’s a lovely spot with some interesting places to visit
there are sand dunes
I used very sturdy lace up leather shoes . Hope you enjoy this part and let him go off
Death Valley can be very hot in summer months
It was warm in March

That sounds amazing! Also like a dreamlike apocalyptic movie scene ...

Pretty much! www.oasisatdeathvalley.com/dine/ice-cream-parlor/

Maybe the most considerate thing to wear is a body bag 🤣

I've never hiked and I too am a city girl but I've seen hikers and it's serious stuff. Things can go wrong even with serious hikers. This sounds terrifying if you're not prepared and experienced.

Surely there's something else you can do/experience to get away from Vegas for a little bit?

I’ve recently been on holiday to the US doing a lot of walking in Oregon and Washington (most days we got 30-34 degree temperatures, 6-8 miles a day) i wore running shorts from decathlon that are cycling shorts underneath with loose shorts over, high waisted, flattering, comfortable and easy wash and quick drying, footwear i wore Asics trail running trainers, top was a walking Tshirt, again dried very quickly and it’s breathable and rolls up very small so super easy to pack

What goes to Vegas stays in Vegas. That's my advice. Send your friend Bear Grylls off on his own little Death wish Valley adventure, and you go to the strip in your city clobber. You know that's the best way. Then have a mahoosive cocktail awaiting the Bear when he gets back. Win Win.

I've spent months hiking in America - I'd say I'm very experienced with wild camping, ultra marathons, treks, basically I'm very outdoorsy.

I'd never consider hiking in Death Valley. Please don't. You can easily visit the sites via car, ensure to keep LOTS of water on hand.

There are warnings to tourists everywhere.

You'll be fine in Yosemite, just stick to easy trails.

Honestly, if you're not a big hiker, I wouldn't do this.

You don't know how you will respond to heat, and if you're on any medication, overweight, or have an underlying heart condition, this could be very dangerous.

I say this having been to the Death Valley area. We stepped out of our (air conditioned) car, and it was intense. Not just the heat, but the intensity of the sun, was like nothing else I've ever experienced in Europe. I've been on holiday every year to the centre of France in midsummer at 40 degrees, but the lack of any shade means you have literally no respite. I almost physically felt a sensation of shrivelling and dessicating in the sun.

I would definitely play this cautiously. A temperature of 30 degrees combined with that relentless dssert sun had me lightheaded within moments. 😬

There are other ways to enjoy the beauty and adventure of this part of the USA. It'd be a shame to waste it in an (expensive) US hospital. Or worse. 😬

If you must go, please tell us youre going with a local guide. Brits are notorious for underestimating heat - look at Michael Moseley.

If you do go, make sure your travel insurance is comprehensive and that you're covered for adventure sports.

To be fair I don't think hypothermia would be too high on my list of concerns in Death Valley.

I was in mountain warehouse today and they had some summer stuff in the sale that might be suitable. You need lightweight, quick drying fabrics that have UV protection of factor 50+. Ideally trousers or quarter length, not shorts because you need to protect yourself from the sun. You are not going to look fashionable, but as others have said in that sort of climate the right clothes help you survive.

PS - If you're in Las Vegas you can book trips to the Grand Canyon where you walk in groups. That sounds a lot more suitable than going into Death Valley unaccompanied!

So just to clarify, we're we're not doing a 10 mile hike, just driving there for a day and having a look around. Apologies if the word ' hike' got pp overly concerned.

Oh dear this thread does seem to have made some pp very alarmed. Apologies again. But do appreciate all the concern and advice from experienced hikers. X

Jesus. We are hikers. We did the Grand Canyon, hiking. We visited Death Valley and walked around a bit here and there - but we knew we were not kitted out for a longer hike in that heat.

You’ll love it, it’s a beautiful and otherworldly place. And the main tourist circuit is perfectly safe. In terms of clothes don’t buy anything too special. Closed toe trainers are a must for both Yosemite and Death Valley. For Death Valley linen trousers and a loose top would be fine, or a light dress even. Would recommend a sunhat. Yosemite could be cold and wet or glorious autumn warmth, so take some layers.

I read the thread title

I read the first line I'm not a hiking kind of person,

and I started to giggle

Well that’s a bit of a…. Back pedal!!