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.
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.

Mars? No, it's the Devils Golf Course of Death Valley
Don't Underestimate the Heat
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!
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
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: (as of 12/10/2009)![]()
List Price: $199.99
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.

Coyote on the outskirts of Death Valley
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.
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.-
Yosemite National Park
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The Crown Jewel of the Sierra Nevada There are over 3.5 million visitors yearly that come to take in the awe-inspiring panorama of Yosemite National Park. The California National Park of the High Sierras is one of the best places to camp, kayak, sig...
The Death Valley Sand Dunes

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.-
Las Vegas Hotels
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Spend Some Time in Paradise! No really! If you're headed to Las Vegas, you're technically headed to Paradise. Tell your friends. The majority of the Las Vegas strip is in an unincorporated town called "Paradise," which is right beside the city of La...
Death Valley Links

- 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 12/10/2009)![]()
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.
Guestbook
If you've been to Death Valley (or would like to go) tell us about it!

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- AlishaV AlishaV May 7, 2009 @ 3:03 am
- Great lens! Death Valley is one of my favorite places in the world. There's so much beauty there.
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- awelldressedbullet awelldressedbullet Feb 14, 2009 @ 10:10 pm
- Beautiful, just beautiful, thank you for the trip! Definitely more than a boring desert! The pictures blew me away! - Kathy
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- Tipi Tipi Jan 7, 2009 @ 7:11 am
- 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.
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- EverythingMouse EverythingMouse Dec 9, 2008 @ 2:04 pm
- 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
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- naturegirl7 naturegirl7 Nov 24, 2008 @ 6:58 pm
- Welcome to the Naturally Native Squids group. Don't forget to add your lens link to the appropriate plexo and vote for it.
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- KimGiancaterino KimGiancaterino Jun 9, 2008 @ 12:28 pm
- Brilliant, as usual! Welcome to All Things Travel.
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- MiaBellezza MiaBellezza Jun 8, 2008 @ 7:20 pm
- Kiwi, what a wonderful lens!
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- Lady_Gotrocks Lady_Gotrocks Jun 8, 2008 @ 8:05 am
- Great lens! Lots of good info. Ihave been to Death Valley several times and it is always fasinating!
Cool, Unique Death Valley Stuff
Planning a Road Trip?
Be sure to check out these cool lenses on road trips for some handy facts, pictures and tips.-
Northern U.S. Road Trip
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When planning a road trip in the United States, there are two popular options: the northern route and the southern route . We'll be analyzing the northern route here, covering the states from Maine to Washington state. If a road trip is in your futur...
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Planning a US Road Trip: The Southern Route
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If you love warmth and sunshine, this is the perfect US road trip for you where you'll get to see 8 different states. Some of the most unique areas of the country are all easily accessible from I-10, a highway that begins in Los Angeles and ends...
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What to Bring on a Road Trip
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There are the necessities for road trips, and there are the items that will improve the quality of your road trip. Both can be equally important to have a good time on your trip...from technological help like navigation systems to old, trusty road at...
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How to Plan a US Road Trip
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There's nothing like taking a road trip across the USA. Going by car gives you a greater appreciation for the vastness and wide array of parks, forests, cities, museums, beaches and cultures the United States has to offer. By taking a cross country r...
Recommended Death Valley Books
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.
One of America's most beloved treasures is Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Read here why this is an absolute must to travel to.
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Yellowstone National Park
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First established as a National Park in 1872, Yellowstone remains America's best-known National Park for its geothermal features, array of wildlife and stunning scenery. It covers three states--Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana--however, most of the park l...
More Cool National Parks Apparel
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National Parks T-Shirts
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Looking for some unique, cool National Parks apparel? A retro style National Parks t-shirt? A vintage feeling shirt from Yellowstone? A trendy new design featuring the Everglades? Here you'll find all of that, plus cool gift National Parks gift ideas...




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