Death Valley National Park: Epic Landscape of Extremes
Death Valley National Park
“An epic landscape of extremes—earth’s hottest, driest, and lowest national park, where towering peaks rise beside salt flats, dunes, and ancient life.”
Park Overview
Death Valley National Park is the largest national park in the contiguous U.S., spanning over 3.3 million acres across eastern California and a portion of Nevada. It's renowned as North America’s hottest, driest, and lowest point—with Badwater Basin lying at −282 ft below sea level. Despite its harsh conditions, the park supports surprising biodiversity. It was designated a national monument in 1933 and elevated to national park status in 1994.
Fast Facts
| Location | California & Nevada border (Mojave & Great Basin Deserts) |
| Established | 1994 (as National Park); Monument in 1933 |
| Area | ~3.3 million acres (~3,000 sq mi) |
| Lowest Point | Badwater Basin, −282 ft |
| Highest Peak | Telescope Peak, 11,049 ft |
| Extreme Temperature Record | 134 °F (1913) |
| Dark Sky Status | International Dark Sky Park |
| Wilderness Area | ~93% designated wilderness |
What to See & Do
- Badwater Basin – Walk the dramatic salt flats at the lowest point in North America.
- Artist’s Drive & Palette – One-way scenic loop through colorful volcanic hills.
- Deep Canyons & Sand Dunes – Explore Mosaic Canyon, Golden Canyon, and the Mesquite Flat Dunes.
- Telescope Peak Hike – Summit the park’s highest point with sweeping valley views.
- Historic Mines & Ghost Towns – Discover borax-era sites like Harmony Borax Works and Dunn’s Town.
- Superblooms & Stargazing – Rare wildflower blooms and dark night skies make unforgettable experiences.
Geology & Landscape
Death Valley is a graben—an ancient sunken block between mountain ranges—showcasing dramatic relief from −282 ft at Badwater to Telescope Peak above. The valley's salt flats, playa beds, and moving rocks trace back to Lake Manly. Its complex geology includes ancient metamorphic rocks and active faults shaped by Basin and Range extension.
Wildlife & Ecosystems
Despite the harsh environment, Death Valley supports surprising biodiversity. Desert bighorn sheep, wildflowers after rare rain, oases with pupfish like Devils Hole’s critically endangered species, and resilient life forms thrive here.
Human History & Culture
Home to the Timbisha Shoshone (Tümpisa), Death Valley was named during the Gold Rush after a group nearly perished crossing it. Native lifeways, mining, and conservation advocacy shaped its preservation. Expanded to national park status in 1994 via the California Desert Protection Act.