p.2 #1 · Need info on Death Valley - Race Track Playa
Can't add much except to point out that, even at 3700 ft, the Racetrack could be downright hot. Figure a 10~15F reduction vs. Furnace creek, but also consider that FC may well be 110~115! (FC's average high in late May is in the low 100s, but "Climate is what you expect, weather is what you get!") Here's some climate data for F.C. http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?ca2319
p.2 #2 · Need info on Death Valley - Race Track Playa
Anand,
Go for it...make sure you have lots of liquids, not just water but gatorade and such. Large brim hat, Full sleeve shirt that is light and airy...good walking boots, it takes awhile to find the right rock and the right composition.
p.2 #3 · Need info on Death Valley - Race Track Playa
Always my choice as well. Although a mid summer Telescope Peak hike can be pleasant. But lots of people don't have a choice as to when they go...
If you do it "right" and set sane goals it isn't bad at the 4000 ft elevation in May. I spent one summer (Jul/Aug) doing a lot of late afternoon outdoor activities near Ridgecrest (2000 ft) - temps 100 to 105 - and with the right clothing, shade and lots of water it was surprisingly bearable.
Oh yeah. Seemed like every June I'd do a Sierra hike and forget there would be snow fields reflecting UV right back under my hat. High altitude way worse for sunburn. But for solar loading (heat) the low elevations are just as bad as the high.
