Death Valley National Park

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Death Valley: Attracting Visitors Even in the 120 Degree Heat

For over a hundred years, visitors have been flocking to the strange, secluded desert of fascinating Death Valley. Sharing sections of California and Nevada, this massive National Park is the largest in the lower 48 states by far, covering 3.4 million acres.

Considered inhospitable between the months of May and October, this park still draws thousands of eager visitors even then. Peak season is generally considered to fall between November and early April, when temperatures are the most welcoming and make for an enjoyable hike.



Picture by 4gott.

Death Valley Dunes 

The famous, beautiful rolling dunes of Death Valley NP

Some of the most famous and recognizable photography of Death Valley are its prized sand dunes. Located in various spots in the valley, they make for especially interesting pictures in the late day hours before sunset, or very early morning hours just before the sun comes up or immediately after. Driving winds have deposited these dunes grain by grain to these locations, piling up into what we know as the Panamint Dunes, Eureka Dunes, and Saline Valley Dunes.

Death Valley Dunes Sunset by enlightphoto

Sunset light and storm clouds over sand dunes at Stovepipe Wells, Death Valley N...

A Return to Death Valley Dunes by red321

Death Valley Dunes, Sunrise by G Dan Mitchell

Death Valley Dunes, Sunrise. Death Valley National Park, California. April 4, 20...

Death Valley Dunes #150 by TommyJ / Pictin.com

Visiting Death Valley reminded me of Ansel Adams' famous black and white shot of...

12-30-05 Death Valley Dunes-1 Sunrise by Picture_taking_fool

I have visited Death Valley before, but this was the first time I checked out &a...

Death Valley Dunes Sunrise by KPieper

Taken from Stovepipe Wells, Death Valley National park. A manual blend of four ...

More than Just a Dry, Boring Desert!

Death Valley is filled with rolling sand dunes, weird rock formations, ancient dry salt beds, abundant wildlife, snow capped mountains, spring wildflowers, castles, palm trees and some of the most unusual sites in the world, like Badwater, the lowest elevation in North America.

Devils Golf Course 

Strange formations in the dessert floor of Death Valley

Not an actual golf course, this large salt pan is comprised of ancient salt lake remnants that were leftover after the lake dried. Large salt spires stick into the air at low levels, making for a rocky hike...and a dangerous one! These spikes can hurt, and seriously cut you if you're not careful. If you gaze over the entire "course," you may think you are on another planet...the terrain is remarkable and unlike any other.

Devil's Golf Course by Leviathor

The Devils Golf Course is located in Death Valley National Park, California, USA...

The Devil's Golf Course by acastellano

Death Valley National Park, California.Pools of water collect between the salt...

Devils Golf Course by JohnnyBallgame

The insane terrain at Devil's Golf Course, Death Valley. This is ALL salt. I k...

Devil's Golf Course by Aram K.

Day 3: A visit to Devil's Golf Course yields interesting terrain.

Moonlit Dreams by Phantom Knight

This multiple exposure photograph was taken with two camera and only minutes apa...

Mars? No, it's the Devils Golf Course of Death Valley

Scotty's Castle 

aka Death Valley Ranch

On the north side of Death Valley lies the huge Spanish style villa known as Scotty's Castle. Construction on Scotty's Castle began in 1922, and was halted due to some disputes over land rights with the US government. Built on land that was not actually part of the owner's property, the "castle" became entangled in legal battles. Today, the castle remains in the possession of the National Park Service, enjoyed by thousands of visitors annually.

Scotty's Castle, Death Valley by bridgepix

Scotty's Castle by _gk_

Scotty's Castle in

View from Scotty's Castle by sjb5

Scotty's castle was built by Albert Johnson, a millionaire from Chicago in the i...

Scotty's Castle by MaxGirin

Scotty's Castle in Death Valley

Scotty's Castle by MaxGirin

Scotty's Castle in Death Valley

Scotty's Castle by MaxGirin

Scotty's Castle in Death Valley

Don't Underestimate the Heat 

Heat kills in Death Valley!

Heat Kills in Death Valley!

The swealtering heat of Death Valley is not to be messed with. The comfort of car air conditioning can often mislead travelers when they step out of the car. 4 liters of water per day to replace sweat loss minimum is required in the desert. Hiking in the early morning hours is highly recommended because of the cooler temperatures. Besides, the sunrise shots of Death Valley often make the most amazing photos. The desert heat can kill in only an hour without the proper equipment and hiking at the proper times.

Before making your journey into Death Valley, be sure to check your tire pressure and fluid levels of your car, including the car radiator. If you have not-so-dependable car, consider renting one from a local dealership. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Badwater 

The lowest elevation in North America

The lowest elevation in North America is Badwater, a section of Death Valley National Park. Easily accessible via the park's main roads, you can get out and plan a quick hike to the salt flats. If you're lucky, this area will be a little wetter in the weeks after a winter rain. Large geometric patterns are etched into the highly concentrated salt bed and make for an interesting view.

Beauty and the Approaching Calm by realkuhl

I really loved this moment... the clouds were very cooperative and the playa at ...

Death Valley NP - Badwater by Tortoise Trail

Badwater is a basin in California's Death Valley, noted as the lowest point in N...

Badwater Death Valley by Desert Queen

Standing at Badwater (282 feet below sea level) in Death Valley at sunrise.

Badwater, Death Valley by ransomriggs

Sunset at the lowest point in the United States: the saltpan floor of Death Vall...

Badwater Lake, Death Valley by Buck Forester

This is a unique image in terms of location. This is Badwater Lake (unoffical na...

Sea level by breun

Sea level sign on a mountain near the lowest point in North America.Wikipedia:...

Dante's View 

The beautiful view of Death Valley from this mountain peak

Dante's View is an impressive panoramic view of parts of Death Valley. Off Rt 190 you will find the marked turn near the eastern entrance.

Dante's View a/k/a Srcohiba's View by srcohiba (Arizona Bound)

Dante never saw the new world and never saw America and never visited Death Vall...

Dantes View by marj k

Sunrise, Dante's View

DV_Dantes_view_2 by skew78

dante's view: maybe my favorite place among all the amazing places in death vall...

Wildflower at the Top - Dante's View of Death Valley by Old Shoe Woman

Taken during our June 2006 vacation. See the set:

Dante's View by Cybergabi

Death Valley from Dante's View, September 1996

Dante's View HDR by ClownBurner

The HDR version of the vista from Dante's View at sunset.Have a look at the ...

HOT HOT HOT!

Death Valley is well known for its record breaking heat. The highest temperature ever in the valley was recorded on July 10, 1913, topping out at 134 degrees Fahrenheit. That's the hottest temperature in North America and the 2nd highest in the world. Who's #1? El Azizia in Libya at 136 degrees.

The Current Weather in Death Valley  

death valley dunes

Take it from the Reviewers... 

Take the best photos possible on your trip to Death Valley!

Canon PowerShot SD1000 7.1MP Digital Elph Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Silver)

Amazon Price: $499.95 (as of 07/13/2009)Buy Now
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Over 700 reviews strong give this trusted Canon digital camera nearly a solid five stars. Ease of use, cool features, lightweight, easy storage, easy shots and reliability make this the perfect camera for a desert adventure. Perfect size for on-the-go people.

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Artists Palette 

A suprisingly wonderful collage of impressive colors in Death Valley

A beautiful array of colors are displayed in the area known as Artist's Palette in Death Valley. The Artist's Drive will take you directly to this area. A combination of greys, browns, reds, greens, blues and oranges will be apparent when you have reached this mountainside destination.

A Death Valley palette of color by Walt K

as found at Artist's Palette overlook along Artist Drive in Death Valley Nationa...

Artist's Palette, Death Valley by bridgepix

The Color of the Hills by Phijomo

Artist's Palette is part of the result of massive volcanic activity some six to ...

Artists Drive by Wolfgang Staudt

Artist's DriveArtist's Drive rises up to the top of an allu...

Drive to Artist's Palette, Death Valley by sanyal08

Death Valley - Artists Palette by sar_m

Death Valley, California - Artist's Palette by katesometimes

Coyote on the outskirts of Death Valley

The Racetrack at Death Valley 

The fabled, mysterious, hard to get to area of the valley

In the Panamint Mountains section of Death Valley is the mysterious area known as "The Racetrack." The deep impressions of strangely placed rocks onto the playa (the ancient, dry lake surface) move every few years...mostly unnoticed, leaving a track behind it. These stones have fallen from a nearby mountain, leaving the deep grooves when they unexplainably move. 4 wheel drive vehicles with high clearance are a must to visit this region.

Storm gathering at Death Valley by Ozyman

RacetrackOnce a ocean, then a lake, and now ...Added to

The Racetrack Playa by melastmohican

Deep in the heart of the California desert lies one of the natural world's most ...

Mystery rock by Tomas Kaspar

Dry lake in Death Valley national park, called Racetracks. You can see more of m...

The Racetrack in Death Valley by KellyBear1

The sailing stones are a geological phenomenon found in the

Walking in Racetrack, Death Valley by snaperture

The Racetrack is a unique attraction of Death Valley National Park that not many...

Racetrack in Death Valley 5 by snaperture

The Racetrack is a unique attraction of Death Valley National Park that not many...

Death Valley Natural Bridge 

Precariously perched photo opportunity in the dessert

Four miles to the south of the Artist's Drive scenic loop is the Natural Bridge Canyon area of Death Valley. Wind and water erosion have created this natural bridge over the canyon, making for a great photographic opportunity.

Guru & Martin: Natural Bridge by loic.segapelli

Natural Bridge, Death Valley

Natural Bridge Canyon @ Death Valley by Simon-And-You

Natural Bridge canyon dry waterfall by jmurphy95437

Lorraine at the base of a dry waterfall-Natural Bridge in Death Valley, CA

Natural Bridge by storynature

Natural Bridge, Death Valley National Park [California (USA)]

Peeking through the window of the Natural Bridge in Death Valley - devils26 by mlhradio

Natural Bridge Trail, Death Valley. Turn around and look back the way I came t...

Under the arch of the Natural Bridge in Death Valley, CA - devils33 by mlhradio

Natural Bridge Trail, Death Valley. Okay, turn around and head back the way I c...

California's Most Visited National Park 

Lush waterfalls, towering trees, and ice capped peaks: the opposite of Death Valley!

If you're in the mood to escape the heat of Death Valley, not too far away are the clean, cool mountain forests and waterfalls of Yosemite National Park. One of the most visited and popular parks in the country, it boasts grand, cascading falls, large granite domes, unbeatable hiking, large open meadows, and of course, the splendor of Yosemite Valley.

The Death Valley Sand Dunes

death valley sand dunes

Death Valley Wildlife 

Unique wildlife that survives the harsh conditions of this inhospitable National Park

A Golden Eagle near Death Valley

The wildlife in Death Valley is usually contained to the areas where they are more comfortable. Higher in the mountains and along tree and cacti-lined highways, you can find coyotes, desert hare, ravens, quail, bighorn sheep and even the occasional sidewinding snake.

Death Valley Voyage by astrovine

Wild Life near Charcoal Kilns

Coyote in Death Valley by Wiggum03

A coyote in Death Valley National Park, California. This is a slightly revised ...

Raven, Death Valley by justinjohnsen

FrankenBunny by PixrNuggets

Black Tail Jacks are all over Death Valley, not so much on the dunes or salt fla...

Wild Burro family by California4Life

Wild Burros in Happy canyon, near the Panamint Mountains. Death Valley Nationa...

Bighorn Ewe by California4Life

We hit the jackpot on this trip: an encounter with 14 wild Burros in the morning...

Not too Far Away... 

..is Las Vegas. Vegas is often the starting point for Death Valley roadtrips. Relatively close at only 141 miles or 2.5 hours of driving, it can be easily reached via US I-95 in Nevada, then taking route 373 to the final route of 190.

Death Valley Links 

Death Valley Satellite View

NPS Death Valley
A land of extremes: Death Valley National Park official home page.
Death Valley WebCam
Get daily updates on what's going on live from Death Valley on this webcam!
Death Valley Chamber of Commerce
Find out what's new at Death Valley, what there is to do, road closures, tours and more.

The Best Death Valley Guide 

Road Guide to Death Valley National Park, Updated Edition

Amazon Price: $6.95 (as of 07/13/2009)Buy Now
List Price: $6.95

The largest National Park in the lower 48 states will deserve your utmost attention and some prior research. This easy to read guide is full of maps, facts and best of all, beautiful full-color photography focusing on the finer points of the park. Don't miss out on some of the hidden gems tucked away in the park, get this guide.

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Guestbook 

If you've been to Death Valley (or would like to go) tell us about it!

Death Valley Wildflowers

AlishaV wrote...

Great lens! Death Valley is one of my favorite places in the world. There's so much beauty there.

ReplyPosted May 07, 2009

awelldressedbullet wrote...

Beautiful, just beautiful, thank you for the trip! Definitely more than a boring desert! The pictures blew me away! - Kathy

ReplyPosted February 14, 2009

Tipi wrote...

I didn't know that Death Valley was a national park, lens-roll! Great information 5*'s
It would be fun going out on a dune buggy on the dunes.

ReplyPosted January 07, 2009

EverythingMouse wrote...

I visited about 10 years ago in October and it was still very very hot. It is certainly an amazing place. The contrast in landscapes is incredible. Angel Blessings to you

ReplyPosted December 09, 2008

naturegirl7 wrote...

Welcome to the Naturally Native Squids group. Don't forget to add your lens link to the appropriate plexo and vote for it.

ReplyPosted November 24, 2008

KimGiancaterino wrote...

Brilliant, as usual! Welcome to All Things Travel.

ReplyPosted June 09, 2008

MiaBellezza wrote...

Kiwi, what a wonderful lens!

ReplyPosted June 08, 2008

Lady_Gotrocks wrote...

Great lens! Lots of good info. Ihave been to Death Valley several times and it is always fasinating!

ReplyPosted June 08, 2008

Cool, Unique Death Valley Stuff 

Kiwisoutback: Cool, Unique Kiwi Shirts, Gifts and Clothing for Kiwis and Kiwi Lovers!
Hand picked by us, here are some of the most unique Death Valley items for sale out there. Enjoy!
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Planning a Road Trip? 

Be sure to check out these cool lenses on road trips for some handy facts, pictures and tips.

Recommended Death Valley Books 

Death Valley is a beautiful place, and with the right preparation, you can have an outstanding trip. Try these recommended guides and books for more information on Death Valley. All have received excellent reviews.

Geology Underfoot in Death Valley and Owens Valley

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Amazon Price: $13.50 (as of 07/13/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $18.00

Death Valley and the Northern Mojave: A Visitor's Guide

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Amazon Price: $17.90 (as of 07/13/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $22.95

A FalconGuide to Death Valley National Park (Exploring Series)

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Amazon Price: $11.21 (as of 07/13/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $14.95

Hiking Death Valley: A Guide to Its Natural Wonders & Mining Past

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Amazon Price: $17.95 (as of 07/13/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $19.95

The National Parks of America

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Amazon Price: $26.37 (as of 07/13/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $39.95

Las Vegas is the Closest International Airport... 

...and your best bet to fly into. At only 2 1/2 hours drive time, you can make it to Death Valley in no time.

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Death Valley Shirts on eBay 

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