Death Valley National Park

OPEN YEAR-ROUND

Regardless of when you come, Death Valley is always open. Death Valley, the largest national park in the lower 48 states, is a fascinating study in topographic contrasts. Marvel at Telescope Peak towering 11,049 feet, while Badwater, North America’s lowest point, sits at 282 feet below sea level. Death Valley is a popular destination during the spring desert wildflower bloom. Summer temperatures can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit. For more info, visit Death Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Death Valley National Park is 5,216 square miles (3.3 million acres) and is the largest National Park in the lower 48 states.

DEATH VALLEY AT A GLANCE

In 1849, a party of pioneers nearly perished while attempting to cross this desert valley.  Upon being rescued, one turned and exclaimed, “Goodbye, Death Valley,” so naming it.  Today, a million people say hello to Death Valley National Park, each year.  The national park is the largest in the lower 48 states at 3.3 million acres (1.3 million hectares), and with the southeastern corner of Inyo County, comprises more than half the landmass of the county.

Death Valley attracts photographers, rock hounds, hikers and geologists to its fascinating and austere landscape.

Favorite sights include the nine-mile, looping Artist’s Drive with its many-colored rock formations.  Popular trails pass through the Golden Canyon, Mosaic Canyon and Wildrose Peak trail.  Each of these leads to amazing views and other-worldly formations.  The Badwater Basin salt pan is the lowest point in North America — 282 ft/86 m — below sea level, and the highest point in the national park is Telescope Peak at 11,049 ft./3,315 m.

Death Valley has more than its share of intimidating places: the Funeral Mountains, Rhyolite Ghost Town, Badwater, Stovepipe Wells, Salt Creek and Furnace Creek, among them.  Yet, despite these notorious-sounding names, several species of wildlife inhabit the park and it’s so popular that for much of the year (late fall to late spring) available rooms and campsites are far and few between.

Park lodging centers at the Oasis (formerly Furnace Creek Resort) whose famous Inn was opened in 1927 by the Pacific Coast Borax Company of 20 Mule Team fame.  The Furnace Creek Inn was meant to save the company’s failing railroad.  As the value of mining faded, so did the railroad, but the Furnace Creek Inn thrived.  It is today among the most highly sought and refined oasis to be found within the National Park System.  Nearby The Ranch is a popular destination for families and RV campers.  The park’s visitor center is located here and the Borax Museum displays artifacts, Borax wagons and other historic equipment from the park’s past.

Each season in Death Valley has its attraction.  In winter, snowflakes tumble until they evaporate near the valley floor; near the end of winter, showy blooms of wildflowers appear; and in summer, temperatures often reach 120° F/49° C.

In 1849, a party of pioneers nearly perished while attempting to cross this desert valley.  Upon being rescued, one turned and exclaimed, “Goodbye, Death Valley,” so naming it.  Today, a million people say hello to Death Valley National Park, each year.  The national park is the largest in the lower 48 states at 3.3 million acres/1.3 million hectares, and with the southeastern corner of Inyo County, comprises more than half the landmass of the county.

Death Valley attracts photographers, rock hounds, hikers and geologists to its fascinating and austere landscape.  Favorite sights include the nine-mile, looping Artist’s Drive with its many-colored rock formations.  Popular trails pass through the Golden Canyon, Mosaic Canyon and Wildrose Peak trail.  Each of these leads to amazing views and other-worldly formations.  The Badwater Basin salt pan is the lowest point in North America (282 ft/86 m) below sea level, and the highest point in the national park is Telescope Peak at 11,049 ft./3,315 m.

Death Valley has more than its share of intimidating places: the Funeral Mountains, Rhyolite Ghost Town, Badwater, Stovepipe Wells, Salt Creek and Furnace Creek, among them.  Yet, despite these notorious-sounding names, several species of wildlife inhabit the park and it’s so popular that for much of the year (late fall to late spring) available rooms and campsites are far and few between.

Park lodging centers at the Furnace Creek Resort whose famous Inn was opened in 1927 by the Pacific Coast Borax Company of Twenty Mule Team fame.  The Furnace Creek Inn was meant to save the company’s failing railroad.  As the value of mining faded, so did the railroad, but the Furnace Creek Inn thrived.  It is today among the most highly sought and refined oasis to be found within the National Park System.  Nearby Furnace Creek Ranch is a popular destination for families and RV campers.  The park’s visitor center is located here and the Borax Museum displays artifacts, Borax wagons and other historic equipment from the park’s past.

Each season in Death Valley has its attraction.  In winter, snowflakes tumble until they evaporate near the valley floor; near the end of winter, showy blooms of wildflowers appear; and in summer, temperatures often reach 120° F/49° C.

Stovepipe Wells

A motel, restaurant, pool, campground with RV sites and convenience store and gas station are located here. Old charcoal kilns and the ghost town of Leadfield are worth visiting.

Scotty’s Castle

a Moorish mansion, built by wealthy Chicago businessman Albert Johnson, is a must stop at the north end of Death Valley for anyone who values interesting architecture, interiors and tales. This remarkable retreat comes with a great story that came from an old miner’s gift for wild exaggeration.

Armargosa Opera House

Marta Becket was an accomplished, touring 42-year-old dancer when she and her husband stopped in Death Valley Junction in 1967 to repair their car. While waiting for the work to be completed, she strolled down the street and came upon an abandoned adobe theater with interesting architectural bones.  She rented the theater, began painting its walls and ceilings with fantastic, fanciful murals and has been performing for appreciative audiences, since.  Now 83, Marta is still dancing and says, “I am grateful to have found the place where I can fulfill my dreams and share them with the passing scene…for as long as I can.”   This authentic and artistic slice of American life is worth going out of the way to experience.

Panamint Springs

They really mean it, when they say “Last Gas” at Panamint Springs at the national park’s western boundary. You’ll drive 30 miles before you find the next gas or water.  Remember, you’re in Death Valley!  Continue east on CA-190 to cross Towne’s Pass into Death Valley, south on CA-178 to Trona and west on CA-190 to Olancha and Lone Pine (CA-136).

Shoshone

This desert town to the southeast of the national park was once a railroad center and rest area for local miners. It still serves as a service hub with food, gas, lodging, supplies and RV sites.

Tecopa

Named after Paiute-Shoshone Indian chief Tecopa was a hard-rock mining camp in the late 1800s, though today, it is best known for its hot springs. Natural hot water is contained in separate bath houses for men and women, operated by a concessionaire with RV sites and a small store.  A surprising sight in this desert is Grimshaw Lake, a favorite of water skiers.  Nearby marshes attract migratory birds and were a stopping point along the Old Spanish Trail, a National Historic Trail that passes through Tecopa.  A treat five miles south of Tecopa is China Ranch where you can buy all kinds of treats made from dates… date shakes, date baked goods and take your date on a hike beside the federally recognized Wild and Scenic Armargosa River.  At Dumont Dunes, 4-wheelers, dune buggies and dirt bikes get airborne in the dunes and take more terrestrial tours through scenic canyons.

Heat Tips

Enjoy The Heat

Death Valley is the hottest place on Earth. In the summer months (May-September) temperatures average over 100°F (38°C), and often exceed 120°F (49°C). The world’s hottest temperature, 134 °F was recorded here in 1913.

Death Valley National Park, however, is perfectly safe to visit in the summer with some caution.

Drink and carry plenty of water: Carry with you and drink at least one gallon (4 liters) of water per day to replace loss from sweat, and drink more if you are active. Fluid and electroyte levels must be balanced, so have salty foods or sports drinks too.

Travel prepared to survive: Stay on paved roads in summer. If your car breaks down, stay with it until help comes. Carry extra drinking water in your car in case of emergency.

Watch for signs of trouble: If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or get a headache, get out of the sun immediately and drink water or sports drinks. Dampen clothing to lower body temperature. Be alert for symptoms in others. Heat illness can be severe and even deadly.

Most visitors in the summer choose mostly to tour by car. The main points remain open, but it is highly recommended to stay on paved roads and close to your vehicle.