Welcome to
Death Valley National Park
Nestled within the arid expanses of Eastern California and parts of Nevada, Death Valley National Park stands as a testament to extremes. Covering over 3.3 million acres, it is the largest national park in the contiguous United States and one of the hottest places on Earth. This vast desert landscape boasts an array of geological wonders, from expansive salt flats to rugged mountains, deep canyons, and unique dunes.
Badwater Basin, at 282 feet below sea level, marks the lowest point in North America, and its salt flats shimmer like a surreal, crystalline landscape. On the other hand, Dante's View offers a stark contrast with its panoramic views of the valley floor and the distant Black Mountains.
The park's diverse terrain includes the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, where winds sculpt elegant ripples in the sand, and the Artist's Palette, a colorful palette of mineral-rich rocks. Zabriskie Point provides an otherworldly vista of eroded badlands and sedimentary rock formations.
Information
Death Valley teems with life despite its name, particularly during rare wildflower blooms. The park's adaptations include the hardy creosote bush and the iconic Joshua tree.
Visitors can explore the park's unique features through scenic drives, such as the Artist's Drive, and discover the historic remnants of the Harmony Borax Works and Scotty's Castle.
While summer temperatures can be extreme, the cooler months offer an ideal time for exploration. Death Valley National Park, with its harsh beauty and stark contrasts, captivates those seeking to witness the resilience of life in one of the most inhospitable environments on the planet.
Official name - DEATH VALLEY National Park
Location - Death Valley is located in the most sparsely populated area in the western United States, two hours from Las Vegas, and is considered one of the hottest and driest places in the world.
Address - Death Valley, CA 92328
GPS coordinates - 36°14′31″N 116°49′33″W
The park was founded on Oct. 31, 1994
Attendance - 1,678,660 people per year
The easiest way to get to Death Valley is from Las Vegas. Death Valley Junction is 87 miles away. You can also get to Death Valley on Route 190, which departs from Route 395 (runs along the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada ridge and is convenient for those traveling from Yosemite Park or Los Angeles). You can also enter from highways 395, 168, and 95 on dirt roads (it is recommended to do this in a car with four-wheel drive).
Death Valley National Park, with its vast and diverse landscape, offers a variety of hiking trails showcasing the park's unique geological features and stunning vistas. Here are some of the best hiking trails in Death Valley National Park:
Golden Canyon Trail: This popular trail begins at the Golden Canyon Trailhead and leads hikers through colorful badlands, past towering red rock formations, and eventually to the Red Cathedral. The hike is particularly striking during sunrise or sunset.
Badwater Basin Salt Flats: Accessible from the Badwater Basin parking area, the salt flats of Badwater Basin provide a surreal landscape. Hiking out onto the salt flats allows visitors to experience the lowest point in North America.
Telescope Peak Trail: Starting at Mahogany Flat Campground, this challenging trail ascends to the summit of Telescope Peak, the highest point in the Panamint Range. Hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of Death Valley and beyond.
Zabriskie Point: While not a long hike, the short trail to Zabriskie Point offers one of the most iconic views in Death Valley. The overlook provides stunning vistas of the colorful badlands, especially during sunrise.
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: Accessible from the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes parking area, this relatively easy trail takes hikers into the mesmerizing dune field. Sunrise and sunset are optimal times for photography, as the sun casts dramatic shadows on the dunes.
Dante's View: Accessible by car, Dante's View offers breathtaking panoramic views of Death Valley. For a more extended hiking experience, you can explore the Telescope Peak Trail from Dante's View.
Mosaic Canyon Trail: This short trail in the Panamint Range leads to a narrow, polished marble slot canyon. The smooth walls and unique rock formations make it a fascinating hike.
Desolation Canyon Trail: Beginning at Dante's View, this trail leads hikers through a diverse landscape of canyons and ridges, providing stunning views of Death Valley and the Funeral Mountains.
Always check trail conditions, carry sufficient water, and know the park's regulations. The hiking trails in Death Valley National Park offer a range of experiences, from easy walks through colorful canyons to challenging ascents with panoramic vistas of this remarkable desert landscape.
