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 morbid name, a great diversity of life thrives in Death Valley.
The main road transecting Death Valley National Park from east to west is California Highway 190. On the east in Nevada, U.S. Route 95 parallels the park from north to south with connecting highways at Scotty's Junction (State Route 267), Beatty (State Route 374), and Lathrop Wells (State Route 373).
The warm light of sunset covers the badlands at Zabriskie Point.
Zabriskie Point is a popular place to view sunrise over the badlands.
Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America at -282 feet.
A mile above the salt flats in the valley below, Dantes View provides breathtaking vistas.
Higher elevations provide a respite from the heat in this alpine ecosystem.
Nearly a century and a half old, these are some of the best preserved kilns in the western U.S.
About once a decade, rains at the right times can lead to a rare superbloom!
Summers are infamously hot, as for 6 months of the year temperatures above 120 degrees are regularly recorded.
There are numerous canyons to explore across this vast park.