Death Valley
Death Valley is one of the world's hottest and lowest places, where extreme heat, saline flats, and stark erosion define the landscape. Expect high summer temperatures and abundant deserts; visit in cooler months for hiking, stargazing, and scenic drives.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | California-Nevada border |
| Subregion | Southwestern United States |
| Country | United States |
| State | CaliforniaNevada |
| County | Inyo CountyMono CountySan Bernardino CountyNye CountyEsmeralda County |
| Timezone | AmericaLos Angeles |
| Latitude | 36.5323 |
| Longitude | -116.9325 |
| Maps |
6:15 PM LOCAL TIMEDeath Valley lies within Death Valley National Park and straddles the California-Nevada border. It is famed for record-breaking heat (with highs over 130°F / 54°C), the Badwater Basin salt flats, and Furnace Creek resort area. The park's landscape is a mix of deep basins, granite peaks, and dune fields like those at Mesquite Flat. Visitors come for extreme weather experiences, wildlife adapted to harsh conditions (such as Kangaroo rats and desert bighorn sheep), and scenic drives along routes like Baker-to-Death Valley and the Nevada-National Park border perimeter. The best time to visit is during winter and spring, when daytime temperatures are more moderate and nights are clear for stargazing. Outdoor activities include road trips, photography, backcountry hiking (with proper preparation), and quick visits to key points; facilities and services are concentrated at Furnace Creek and similar campgrounds.
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