Death Valley

In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet, each extreme has a striking contrast. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow. Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. Lush oases harbor tiny fish and refuge for wildlife and humans. Despite its name, a great diversity of life thrives in Death Valley.

Death Valley is one of the hottest and driest places on Earth, with an average temperature of 47°C (116°F) and receiving less than 2 inches of rainfall each year. The valley stretches over 3,000 square miles and lies below sea level, making it the lowest point in North America. Death Valley’s unique geological history spans millions of years and is shaped by various geological forces, including tectonic activity, erosion, and climate change.

TITLES:

• 701: The View from Zabriskie Point
• BADWATER BASIN: The lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level. Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States, is only 84 miles to the northwest
• DARWIN FALLS: Darwin Falls is one of only a handful of year-round waterfalls in Death Valley National Park