Death Valley National Park

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic by 14 people | Log in to rate

Ranked #1,173 in Travel, #45,435 overall

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!

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  

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: $549.95 (as of 11/11/2009)Buy Now
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.

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

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.

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

curated content from Flickr

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

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 11/11/2009)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.

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

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!
Powered by CafePress

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

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $12.24 (as of 11/11/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $18.00

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

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $22.95 (as of 11/11/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $22.95

A FalconGuide to Death Valley National Park (Exploring Series)

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 11/11/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $14.95

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

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $17.05 (as of 11/11/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $19.95

The National Parks of America

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $26.39 (as of 11/11/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $39.99

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.

powered by Orbitz

 

One of America's most beloved treasures is Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Read here why this is an absolute must to travel to.

Death Valley Shirts on eBay 

Loading Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
eBay

More Cool National Parks Apparel 

by kiwisoutback

Death Valley is an incredible place to visit. With the right preparation, you can have the trip of a lifetime! (more)

Explore related pages

Create a Lens!