Death Valley National Park
Ranked #4,430 in Travel & Places, #132,376 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!
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: $499.99 (as of 02/14/2012)
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!
The Death Valley Sand Dunes
Not too Far Away...
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 02/14/2012)
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!
-
Reply
-
Trender_
Nov 30, 2011 @ 8:20 am | delete
- Such great lenses. I'll have to come back later and take notes for trip-planning =D
-
-
Reply
-
ShamanicShift
Dec 7, 2010 @ 10:41 pm | delete
- I am planning a bucket list tour of California parks centering around national parks & covering state and local parks too -- Death Valley is a must for the itinerary.
-
-
Reply
-
theraggededge
Mar 22, 2010 @ 4:47 pm | delete
- Wow... the immenseness and variety America is astounding to us Brits. The nearest thing to Death Valley here would be... er... Dartmoor? Great lens!
-
-
Reply
-
Pukeko
Jan 16, 2010 @ 11:00 pm | delete
- I've been through death valley twice, but not in the summer!
-
-
Reply
-
AlishaV
May 7, 2009 @ 3:03 am | delete
- Great lens! Death Valley is one of my favorite places in the world. There's so much beauty there.
-
-
Reply
-
awelldressedbullet
Feb 14, 2009 @ 10:10 pm | delete
- Beautiful, just beautiful, thank you for the trip! Definitely more than a boring desert! The pictures blew me away! - Kathy
-
-
Reply
-
Tipi
Jan 7, 2009 @ 7:11 am | delete
- 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.
-
-
Reply
-
EverythingMouse
Dec 9, 2008 @ 2:04 pm | delete
- 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
-
-
Reply
-
naturegirl7
Nov 24, 2008 @ 6:58 pm | delete
- Welcome to the Naturally Native Squids group. Don't forget to add your lens link to the appropriate plexo and vote for it.
-
-
Reply
-
KimGiancaterino Jun 9, 2008 @ 12:28 pm | delete
- Brilliant, as usual! Welcome to All Things Travel.
-
-
Reply
-
MiaBellezza
Jun 8, 2008 @ 7:20 pm | delete
- Kiwi, what a wonderful lens!
-
-
Reply
-
Lady_Gotrocks
Jun 8, 2008 @ 8:05 am | delete
- Great lens! Lots of good info. Ihave been to Death Valley several times and it is always fasinating!
-
Cool, Unique Death Valley Stuff
Hand picked by us, here are some of the most unique Death Valley items for sale out there. Enjoy!
Planning a Road Trip?
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.
Death Valley Shirts on 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!
- 437 featured lenses
- Winner of 29 trophies!
- Top lens » Planning a US Road Trip: The Southern Route
Explore related pages
- California Road Trip California Road Trip
- Las Vegas Travel Destinations Las Vegas Travel Destinations
- Yosemite National Park Yosemite National Park
- The Virgin's Guide To Joshua Tree Climbing The Virgin's Guide To Joshua Tree Climbing
- Great Basin National Park Great Basin National Park
- The National Parks of USA in an RV The National Parks of USA in an RV
Drive to the Best Spots in Death Valley
Road Guide to Death Valley National Park, Updated Edition
Amazon Price: $6.95 (as of 02/14/2012)
Death Valley National Park is a place like no other, and with this inhospitable terrain, you'll need a guide for a number of reasons. Do you know the answers to these questions? When should you go? When will it be crowded? Where are the best vantage points within the park? What wildlife can I see, and where can I camp? When is it hottest, and where should I stay nearby? Is there gas inside the park? How many days should I stay? This highly recommended guide will organize your trip, give you an estimate of how much you'll see, and provide easy to read maps while on the road. Death Valley must be seen by road in the hot months. It's simply to hot to in the peak summer to do anything but drive, except early in the day.
