Spanning the arid expanse of eastern California and Nevada, Death Valley National Park is a stark, striking landscape that showcases the extreme beauty and resilience of nature. This vast park, renowned for its extreme temperatures and dramatic contrasts, offers visitors a chance to explore a world of surreal desert vistas, colorful rock formations, and hidden oases that have captivated the human imagination for generations.

Established as a national park in 1994, Death Valley is the largest national park in the contiguous United States and one of the hottest, driest, and lowest places on Earth. The park's diverse geological features, from the sweeping salt flats of Badwater Basin to the vibrant hues of Artist's Palette, tell a story of immense forces that have shaped the land over millions of years.

In addition to its geological wonders, Death Valley National Park is home to a wide array of plant and animal life, adapted to thrive in the park's harsh conditions. From the hardy creosote bush and the iconic Joshua tree to the elusive kit fox and the resilient bighorn sheep, the park's inhabitants showcase the incredible adaptability of life in this unique environment.

Visitors to Death Valley National Park can partake in a wide range of recreational activities that highlight the park's natural beauty. The park offers an extensive network of hiking trails, ranging from short interpretive walks to challenging backcountry routes, which allow visitors to experience the park's diverse landscapes up close. Scenic drives, such as the Artist's Drive and Dante's View, provide a leisurely way to appreciate the park's breathtaking vistas, while stargazing under the park's exceptionally dark skies offers a dazzling view of the cosmos.

The nearby communities of Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs serve as gateways to Death Valley National Park, offering a variety of accommodations, dining options, and local attractions. These welcoming oases ensure that every visitor can experience the park's remarkable beauty in comfort and style.

MUST SEE SITES

1. Badwater Basin: This is the lowest point in North America, and features a unique salt flat that stretches for miles. Visitors can explore the basin by walking out onto the salt flats, or taking a guided tour to learn about the area's geology and ecology.

2. Artist's Palette: This stunning overlook features a variety of colorful rock formations, caused by volcanic activity and erosion. Visitors can explore the area by driving the scenic Artist's Drive, or taking a short hike to the overlook.

3. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: This scenic area features towering sand dunes, which can reach up to 100 feet tall. Visitors can explore the dunes by hiking or sandboarding, or simply taking in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

4. Zabriskie Point: This stunning overlook offers sweeping views of the surrounding badlands, including colorful rock formations and unique geologic features. Visitors can explore the area by taking a short hike to the overlook, or attending a ranger-led program to learn about the area's history and geology.

5. Dante's View: This stunning overlook offers panoramic views of Death Valley, including the salt flats, mountains, and surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore the area by taking a short hike to the overlook, or attending a ranger-led program to learn about the area's geology and ecology.

GETTING THERE

The most popular ways to arrive at Death Valley National Park are by car and air. If you're driving, the park is located in eastern California and can be accessed via several routes. From the east, you can take State Route 190 to the park entrance. From the west, you can take State Route 136 to the park entrance.

The closest airport to Death Valley National Park is the Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, which is about two hours away by car. The airport offers flights from several cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Denver.

Once you arrive at Death Valley National Park, the best way to get around is by car. The park has a scenic drive that offers stunning views of the park's many geological formations, and there are also several hiking trails to explore, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes.

GATEWAY COMMUNITIES

The towns of Beatty, Lone Pine, and Panamint Springs serve as primary gateway communities to Death Valley National Park, offering various accommodations, dining options, souvenir shops, and outdoor recreation equipment rentals. Other nearby communities, such as Pahrump and Furnace Creek, also provide lodging and amenities.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Visitors can find various lodging options in the surrounding communities, including hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. The park itself features accommodations at the Furnace Creek Resort, Stovepipe Wells Village, and Panamint Springs Resort. Additionally, campgrounds are available within the park, such as Furnace Creek Campground, which provides both tent and RV sites.

CAMPGROUNDS

Death Valley has several campgrounds, including Furnace Creek Campground, Stovepipe Wells Campground, and Mesquite Spring Campground. These campgrounds offer tent and RV sites, as well as basic amenities like restrooms and drinking water. There are also more primitive campgrounds within the park, such as Emigrant Campground and Wildrose Campground, which provide limited facilities.

WEATHER/CLIMATE

Death Valley has a desert climate, with scorching summers and cool winters. Average summer temperatures can exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures can range from the 40s to 70s. Visitors should be prepared for potential extreme heat during the summer months and occasional cold snaps in the winter.

RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES

Numerous recreational opportunities await visitors, including hiking, scenic drives, stargazing, and wildlife viewing. The park's most popular hike is the Badwater Basin Salt Flats Trail, which leads to the lowest point in North America. Other notable hikes include the Golden Canyon Trail and the Natural Bridge Trail. Wildlife viewing is also popular, with a variety of bird species, desert bighorn sheep, and other desert-adapted animals inhabiting the area.

VISITOR CENTER

Death Valley National Park has two visitor centers: the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, located near the park's primary entrance, and the Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station, situated in the northern part of the park. Both provide information about the park's history, geology, wildlife, and recreational opportunities. Rangers are available to offer guidance and answer questions. The visitor centers are open daily, year-round, except for major holidays and with reduced hours during the off-season.