No summer heat road closures at Death Valley: what applies in 2026?

Direct answer

No summer heat road closures - the park stays open, with a stay-on-pavement advisory

Exact conditions

Status: Not required; the stated access rule still applies
Applies to: all visitors
Place or corridor: Low-elevation areas including Badwater Basin, Furnace Creek and the Mesquite Sand Dunes
Effective dates: January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026
Release model: unpublished

Exceptions and limits

This is advisory only. NPS does not close roads or points of interest because of heat.

Official source

National Park Service · reviewed August 27, 2026

Many visitors come here in the summer specifically to experience the extreme heat. The main points of interest remain open, but it is highly recommended to stay on paved roads and close to your vehicle. ... We do not recommend hiking in the lower elevations in the summer.

Death Valley Summer Guide