Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is located in southeastern California and also parts of it are in southwestern Nevada. It is between the Amargosa Desert in Nevada and the Inyo National Forest in California. The park is transected from east to west by California Highway 190. On the east in Nevada, Highway 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).Desert, vast valleys, harshly sculpted peaks, garish colors, superbly adapted plants and animals - all these are visible expressions of the geologic time reckoned in millions of years. The driest, hottest climate imaginable - this is Death Valley; an immense, wild land that man has never tamed. Capture the view of the vast valley from Dante’s View at 5475 feet above sea level then visit Badwater at 282 feet below sea level. Majestic mountains, colorful canyons, volcanic craters and salt pinnacles all make this trip a photographer’s dream come true.
Climate
Death Valley is generally sunny, dry and clear throughout the year. The winters are mild with occasional winter storms, but summers are extremely hot and dry. In fact, Death Valley is one of the hottest places on earth, attaining the highest temperature ever recorded in the U.S., 134 degrees F. on July 10, 1913. Summer high temperatures commonly run above 120 degrees F. Comfortable clothing providing sun protection and a broad brimmed hat are recommended in summer. Winter requires warmer clothing and light to medium jackets. Sturdy walking shoes are important year round.
Geographic setting
Within the park there are two major valleys: Death Valley and Panamint Valley, both of which were formed within the last few million years and both bounded by north-south-trending mountain ranges. These and adjacent valleys follow the general trend of Basin and Range topography with one modification: there are parallel strike-slip faults that perpendicularly bound the central extent of Death Valley. The result of this shearing action is additional extension in the central part of Death Valley which causes a slight widening and relatively more subsidence there.
Activities at Death Valley National Park:
Hiking, sightseeing, driving tours.
On your way you can stop at the Pahrump Winery and have a taste of Nevada wine. It’s usually open from 10 am to 4:30 pm. From Las Vegas you should go through the town of Pahrump as you travel on SR 160. One more thing to see as you travel to Death Valley is the Amargosa Opera House in Death Valley Junction. The murals on the walls of this small theatre are impressive and shows are held every Saturday night.
Leisure in Death Valley
The next stop is at Furnace Creek, the park’s headquarters. It’s still a severe place, but it’s much more developed. You’ll find a visitor center, hotels, RV parks, museum, restaurants, market, gas station and a golf course, of all things.
