2 hours from S. California

[Siggie]

Re: 2 hours from S. California

On this one point, we are different. I would try to go to death valley on the hottest day of the year.
Also, as one can only acclimate to a certain point in the extreme cold before other measures are mandatory (proper clothing etc. so it is with the heat.
Don't know if you've ever read the short story (very short) by Jack London titled " To Build A Fire". The cascading sequence described thereof is actually a common finominon that occurs in extreme elements.
Still , you sound quite capable so am looking forward to your discription of death valley.
Been a long time for me & so many things have changed. Used to be one of the most desolate roads & quietest.
Enjoy

Thanks for the vote of confidence.

With proper conditioning, the human body can accomplish amazing things...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badwater_Ultramarathon

I wouldn't go from living an air conditioned life and working out in a gym to Death Valley on a 130 degree day and go on a 10 mile hike with no shade. That's just stupid. But if you hike regularly and slowly increase exposure with the changes in the climate, you do adjust. It would also help to spend time at higher temp without exerting oneself with much activity to further acclimate safely. Also going early enough or late enough to avoid the worst of the sun/heat, with proper cooling clothing, and double the water one thinks will be needed, can be safe enough. As always, the other general good practices apply as well about what to carry, how to navigate, leaving a route with time info with someone, etc. but I'm not trying to write a guide. A little bit of thought, planning, and forethought can go a long way.
To say there are limits to acclimatization is obvious to the point of not needing saying, isn't it? Obviously one can't acclimate to the point of not needing to hydrate, not needing to take a map or compass, etc.