Overview

Death Valley is a national park of superlatives - lowest, hottest, driest, largest in the lower 48 - and its dramatic landscape encompasses everything from sand dunes to mountains. With 3.3 million acres to explore, Death Valley can keep visitors busy indefinitely. It was established as a National Monument in 1933 and as a National Park in 1994. Badwater Basin, with an elevation of 282 feet below sea level is the second lowest point in the Western Hemisphere, after Laguna del Carbón in Argentina at 344 feet below sea level. Summer temperatures can soar to over 120 degrees on a regular basis - so don't forget your sunblock. The best time to visit the park is actually spring, before temperatures get to hot, and when there's a possibility of a spectacular wildflower bloom, if conditions are right. Campgrounds and lodging get quite busy during that time, so be sure to book ahead. Animal residents of the park include 37 reptile species, six kinds of amphibians, 58 species of mammals and 347 species of birds. Habitats range from sagebrush and sand dunes to canyons and mountains. Activities include backcountry camping, hiking and touring the famed Scotty's Castle.