One wk in Death Valley - too much?
 

Hi
We would like to camp in Death Valley in early April. A few questions: Is a week too long? How is April for camping (the first week of April)? And what other parks are nearby that we can add to the trip? We are avid hikers/runners and look forward to some warm weather and good trails.
Thanks!
Alare

With a week, I wouldn't confine myself to just Death Valley. There are plenty of wonderful places to hike.

You will be very close to Mt Whitney, tallest peak in the continental 48. Plenty of hiking just to view Mt Whitney.

You could drive all the way up to Mono Lake, plenty of hiking off 395.

Or you could circle around the south end and come up to Sequoia National Park and do some hiking there.

Wonderful nature country!

hi, death valley will probably be nice in early april. i would venture out to one other park too, such as the ones listed, but there may still be snow in early april in the higher elevations in kings canyon.

how about mojave national preserve just south of death valley?

Unless you are on a geology field trip, or studying desert flora and or fauna, I think stomping around Death Valley for a week would be a bit much.
There is not a whole heck of a lot there in terms of creature comforts, and a high potential for discomfort.

It may be early April, but historically the average temperature for that time of year is in the 85 to 90 degree range with highs ranging up to 100.

The average minimum is down around 58 for early April, so daily temperature swings of 30 or more degrees are common.

You might want to look at this site for a review of average and maxium/minimum temperatures. http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/lasvegas/dea...ey_records.htm

The climate is so dry that dehydration is a major problem, but I am sure you know that.

ttt

I agree with the others -- a week is too long with the other wonderful nat'l parks in So Cal. Definitely check out Sequoia / Kings Canyon, and don't forget Joshua Tree Nat'l Park -- its AMAZING! When there, be sure to go through the entire park to see the Big Rock area.

Thank you for the help! We will check out Sequoia, Mojave, and Kings Canyon this week. Has anyone stayed at any of the campgrounds around Death Valley? (Red Rock Canyon or Texas Spring)?
We'll get back to you with our itinerary. Thanks for the great ideas! Looking so forward to this trip!