Where is Death Valley?
Learn More about
Death Valley
Learn More about
Death Valley
Learn a bit about Death Valley National Park through these fun and interesting facts
Origin
Death Valley became a national monument in 1933 and was later designated a national park in 1994. Its name dates back to the 1849 California Gold Rush when a group of pioneers barely survived crossing the barren valley, calling out, “Goodbye, Death Valley,” as they escaped.
Origin
Death Valley became a national monument in 1933 and was later designated a national park in 1994. Its name dates back to the 1849 California Gold Rush when a group of pioneers barely survived crossing the barren valley, calling out, “Goodbye, Death Valley,” as they escaped.
Topography
The park contains the lowest point in North America, Badwater Basin, at 282 feet below sea level — yet Telescope Peak in the Panamint Range towers over 11,000 feet high, just 15 miles away, creating one of the most dramatic elevation contrasts on Earth.
Topography
The park contains the lowest point in North America, Badwater Basin, at 282 feet below sea level — yet Telescope Peak in the Panamint Range towers over 11,000 feet high, just 15 miles away, creating one of the most dramatic elevation contrasts on Earth.
Wildlife
Despite its name, Death Valley supports more than 400 animal species and over 1,000 plant species. Desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, and kangaroo rats thrive here, while spring rains can blanket the desert floor in colorful wildflowers.
Wildlife
Despite its name, Death Valley supports more than 400 animal species and over 1,000 plant species. Desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, and kangaroo rats thrive here, while spring rains can blanket the desert floor in colorful wildflowers.
Record Heat
The park holds the world record for the hottest air temperature ever recorded — a blistering 134°F (56.7°C) at Furnace Creek in July 1913.
Record Heat
The park holds the world record for the hottest air temperature ever recorded — a blistering 134°F (56.7°C) at Furnace Creek in July 1913.
Shifting Sands
The Eureka Dunes, rising up to 680 feet tall, are among the highest sand dunes in North America — and when the wind moves them, they emit a mysterious low “booming” sound.
Shifting Sands
The Eureka Dunes, rising up to 680 feet tall, are among the highest sand dunes in North America — and when the wind moves them, they emit a mysterious low “booming” sound.
Cinematic Landscapes
Death Valley’s surreal scenery has been a Hollywood favorite, featuring as Tatooine in the original Star Wars trilogy and appearing in films like Zabriskie Point and Spartacus.
Cinematic Landscapes
Death Valley’s surreal scenery has been a Hollywood favorite, featuring as Tatooine in the original Star Wars trilogy and appearing in films like Zabriskie Point and Spartacus.
