DEATH VALLEY
NATIONAL PARK

AREA - 3,422,024 ACRES

EST. 10 31 1994

CALIFORNIA

Planning a Trip to
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a stunning desert landscape located in the Mojave Desert of California. It is the largest national park in the contiguous United States and the hottest, driest, and lowest elevation park in the country. The park has a diverse array of unique features including sand dunes, salt flats, sandstone canyons, and a variety of wildlife. Visitors can explore the park's beauty by hiking, camping, and sightseeing in the numerous valleys and mountains. Death Valley also has a rich cultural history and was once home to the Timbisha Shoshone Native American tribe.

"the grandest of all special temples of Nature" and "the only one of the world's great parks that could not be improved."
- John Muir

"In God's wildness lies the hope of the world - the great fresh unblighted, unredeemed wilderness. The galling harness of civilization drops off, and wounds heal ere we are aware.
-Theodore Roosevelt

BEST TIME TO GO

The best time to visit Death Valley National Park is between November and March. During this time, temperatures are mild and the humidity is low, making it the perfect time to explore the park and experience its incredible beauty. During the summer months from April to October, temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it uncomfortable and dangerous to explore the park. Additionally, visitation to the park increases during these months, making it more crowded. For the best experience, it is best to avoid visiting Death Valley National Park during the summer months.

The best time to visit Death Valley National Park depends on what activities you plan to do. For camping, mid-October to mid-May is the ideal time to enjoy the cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. If you're looking to take a drive and take in the scenery, the spring is the best time to visit as the desert blooms with wildflowers. Hiking is best done in the winter months, when the temperatures are cooler, though the summer months can be great for star gazing and night photography. No matter when you visit, make sure to bring plenty of water and be prepared for the extreme conditions of the desert.

OVERVIEW

Death Valley National Park is one of the most iconic national parks in the United States. Located in California and Nevada, the park boasts stunning desert landscapes, abundant flora and fauna, and some of the most extreme temperatures in the world. Among the park’s best features are its iconic sand dunes, Badwater Basin (the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere), and Telescope Peak (the highest point in the park). Visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and sightseeing. Death Valley National Park is an unforgettable experience for all nature lovers.

WEATHER

Death Valley National Park is a desert oasis with a variety of climates, ranging from extremely hot and dry to cold and snowy. During the summer, temperatures can reach 120°F (49°C) and higher, making it one of the hottest places in the world. Winter temperatures drop to as low as 20°F (-7°C). Windy conditions are common throughout the year and can make the already hot temperatures feel even hotter. The dry air also increases the intensity of the sun’s rays, so visitors should be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat for protection. Occasional rainstorms bring much-needed moisture to the region and can lead to flash flooding. Snow is rare, but winter temperatures can drop below freezing, so visitors should be prepared for cold weather.

Death Valley National Park is home to a unique and diverse ecology of plant and animal life. The park encompasses 3.4 million acres and includes a variety of habitats, including the low-lying desert floor, rugged mountains, and salt flats. This diversity of habitats supports a variety of species, including desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, kit foxes, golden eagles, and kangaroo rats. The park also supports a variety of rare and endangered plants, including the Death Valley Pupfish, which can only be found in the park's saline springs. Through careful conservation and management of the park's resources, the National Park Service is working to ensure the continued health of Death Valley's ecology.

GEAR

If you are planning to camp in the extreme desert area of Death Valley National Park, be sure to bring the right gear! Here is a list of the top 10 must-have items to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:

1. Sun protection including a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen;

2. Proper clothing including long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and closed-toe shoes;

3. Enough water for the duration of your stay;

4. Flashlight and extra batteries;

5. A first aid kit;

6. A map of the area;

7. A compass; 8) A GPS device;

9. A whistle for signaling in case of an emergency;

10. A tent with a ground tarp and stakes.

With the right gear, you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable camping experience in Death Valley National Park.

Exploring Death Valley National Park is an adventure like no other. To make the most of the extreme desert conditions, it's important to be prepared with the right gear. Here are the top 10 pieces of gear to get for your trip to Death Valley:
1. Sun protection: a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and a high-SPF sunscreen.
2. Water: at least one gallon of water per person, per day.
3. Hiking boots: for exploring the rugged terrain of the park.
4. Flashlight or headlamp: for navigating in the dark.
5. First aid kit: for minor injuries and cuts.
6. A map or GPS: to stay on track and know where you're going.
7. A compass: to help you find your way if you get lost.
8. Binoculars: to get a close-up view of the wildlife and scenery.
9. A multi-tool: for any quick repairs or adjustments.
10. Extra food and clothing: to keep you comfortable and safe.

GEAR UP

HISTORY

Death Valley National Park has a fascinating history. It was first established as a national monument in 1933, and then as a national park in 1994. It is known for being one of the hottest, driest and lowest places on earth, and its landscape is dotted with ancient sand dunes, rugged mountains and extinct volcanoes. The area has been home to many cultures throughout the centuries, including Native Americans, prospectors and ranchers. Death Valley is also renowned for its unique and diverse wildlife, including the endangered Desert Tortoise. Its rich history and unique landscape make it a must-see destination for any nature enthusiast.

Death Valley National Park is home to some of the most legendary stories in the West. One of the most famous is the story of the Lost Gunsight Mine, said to be located somewhere in the Panamint Mountains. According to legend, two prospectors were searching for gold in the area and stumbled upon a rich deposit of ore. The two men quickly dug a mine shaft, but were never seen again. To this day, many people still search for the mine, hoping to find the lost treasure. Another well-known legend is the story of Death Valley Scotty, a larger-than-life character who supposedly built a castle in the desert and lived off the riches of his gold mine. While this story has never been proven to be true, it is still a popular tale among those who visit the park.

RECOMMENDED

Death Valley National Park offers a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy throughout the year. Here are our top 10 recommendations for each season:

Spring: Explore the Badwater Basin, go on a wildflower hunt, hike the golden canyon, explore the ruins of the Harmony Borax Works, and take a night sky photography tour.

Summer: Take a drive on the Artist’s Drive, go on a backcountry camping trip, visit the sand dunes, explore the salt flats, and go on a ranger-led hike.

Autumn: Hike through the Panamint Valley, explore the Ubehebe Crater, take a scenic drive through Titus Canyon, go on a wildflower hunt, and explore the ruins of the Harmony Borax Works.

Winter: Take a drive on the Artist’s Drive, explore the salt flats, go on a ranger-led hike, explore the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and enjoy the night sky photography tour.

1. Bring plenty of water. Death Valley is extremely hot and dry, so you'll need to stay hydrated.
2. Bring a tent or RV for shelter. Death Valley can be quite windy, so you'll need something to protect you from the elements.
3. Pack a cooler with snacks and meals. You'll want to have plenty of food and drinks to keep your energy levels up during the day.
4. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The sun is very strong in Death Valley and you'll need protection from the heat and UV rays.
5. Bring a map or GPS to help you navigate the area. Death Valley is a large park and it's easy to get lost.
6. Bring a flashlight and extra batteries. You'll need a light source to navigate the park at night.
7. Pack a first-aid kit in case of any emergencies.
8. Bring appropriate clothing for the conditions. You'll want to be prepared for cold evenings and hot days.
9. Make sure to bring insect repellent. Death Valley can be home to a variety of bugs.
10. Bring a camera and binoculars to capture the scenery and wildlife.

GET HERE

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Death Valley National Park offers some of the most stunning views and unique experiences in the United States. Here are the top 10 best things to do in this amazing park:

1. Explore the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes,

2. Tour the Badwater Basin,

3. Drive the Artist’s Drive,

4. Hike the Golden Canyon,

5. Take a scenic drive on Wildrose Road,

6. Stargaze in the park at night,

7. Tour the Scotty’s Castle,

8. Visit Ubehebe Crater,

9. Watch the sun set from Zabriskie Point, and

10. Visit the Devil’s Golf Course.

Whether it’s a day trip or a long weekend, Death Valley National Park is a must-see destination.

Death Valley National Park is home to some of the best campsites in the world. Here are the top 10 best campsites at Death Valley National Park:

1. Stovepipe Wells Campground,

2. Mesquite Springs Campground,

3. Texas Springs Campground,

4. Furnace Creek Campground,

5. Sunset Campground,

6. Wildrose Campground,

7. Thorndike Campground,

8. Emigrant Campground,

9. Mahogany Flat Campground

10. Panamint Springs Campground.

Each of these campsites offer stunning views, plenty of amenities, and easy access to all the park’s attractions. Whether you’re looking for a site for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, there is a perfect campsite for you in Death Valley National Park.

FIND A CAMPSITE

# OF VISITORS/MONTH

Death Valley National Park is a popular destination for visitors from around the world. Every year, the park attracts over 1 million visitors. During the peak season, from April through October, the park typically sees up to 300,000 visitors each month. In the off-season, from November through March, the number of visitors drops to around 30,000 each month. The number of visitors to Death Valley National Park fluctuates from year to year, depending on weather patterns and other factors. However, the average number of visitors to the park remains fairly consistent, with an average of 1.2 million visitors each year.