Death Valley National Park in National Parks

Death Valley National Park

Paradoxically, there is life everywhere in Death Valley, especially when spring rainstorms cause this 140-mile swath of desert to erupt in a colorful profusion of blooming wildflowers.

Plan Around Death Valley National Park

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Death Valley National Park Details

Death Valley National Park is a unique and diverse landscape that covers more than 3.4 million acres in eastern California. It is the largest national park in the lower 48 states and offers visitors a wide variety of activities and natural wonders to explore. What makes Death Valley National Park so unique is its extreme environment. It is home to the hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth, which was 134 degrees Fahrenheit (56.7 degrees Celsius). The park is also home to the lowest point in North America, Badwater Basin, which sits at 282 feet below sea level. These extreme conditions have created a landscape unlike any other in the world. Visitors to Death Valley National Park can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking, camping, scenic drives, and stargazing. There are numerous hiking trails that wind through the park, offering visitors the chance to explore canyons, sand dunes, and mountains. Telescope Peak, the highest point in the park, offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The natural history of Death Valley National Park is fascinating. The park is home to a variety of unique plant and animal species, including the desert pupfish, which is only found in a few locations in the world. The park's geological features are also impressive, with colorful canyons, towering sand dunes, and rocky peaks. Human history is also an important part of Death Valley National Park. The park has a rich mining history, with old borax mining operations scattered throughout the park. Visitors can explore the ruins of these mines and learn about the lives of the people who worked in them. Scotty's Castle, a 1920s mansion built in the park, is also a popular attraction for visitors. Facilities in Death Valley National Park are limited, but visitors can find everything they need at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. The center offers information on the park's history, geology, and natural features, as well as maps and souvenirs. Travel tips for visiting Death Valley National Park include staying hydrated, as the park can get extremely hot, even in the winter months. Visitors should also be aware of the park's remote location and plan accordingly. Nearby attractions include the Mojave National Preserve, which is just a short drive away, and the historic town of Beatty, Nevada, which offers visitors a glimpse into the Old West.

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Region

California

Nearby Parks Around Death Valley National Park

Compare nearby parks around Death Valley National Park when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

0.0 mi away

Death Valley

National Park · CA

163.8 mi away

Joshua Tree

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174.3 mi away

Yosemite

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220.5 mi away

Zion

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Great Basin

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239.6 mi away

Pinnacles

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Nearby Points of Interest Around Death Valley National Park

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0.0 mi away

Furnace Creek Visitor Center & Museum

The main visitor center for Death Valley National Park.

0.1 mi away

Furnace Creek Campground

The only National Park Service campground in Death Valley National Park that accepts reservations.

0.3 mi away

Sunset Campground

Sunset Campground has 270 sites, making it the largest campground in the park.

0.3 mi away

The Ranch at Death Valley

Set below sea level in the heart of the park, The Ranch offers a relaxed, resort style stay surrounded by some of the most dramatic desert scenery in the world.

0.3 mi away

Borax Museum

Indoor and outdoor exhibits include a mineral collection, information about borax mining and the valley's Native American inhabitants, prospectors and the legendary Twenty Mule Teams.