What is Death Valley?
Death Valley is a fascinating desert area known for its extreme landscapes and special natural features. It’s a well-known tourist destination, attracting over a million visitors each year. In this article, we’ll learn about where is Death Valley, where to stay, and and more.
Death Valley
Death Valley is the lowest point in North America. It was declared a National Park later in 1994. It’s the hottest and driest place on the continent. In the summer, temperatures often go over 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The hottest temperature ever recorded in North America was 56.7 degrees Celsius or 134.1 degrees Fahrenheit at Furnace Creek Ranch on 10th July 1913. The National Weather Service says it gets about 2.36 inches of rain, each year. This desert is 140 miles long and 5 to 15 miles wide. The lowest part of the valley, Badwater Basin, is 282 feet below sea level.
Where is Death Valley?
Death Valley is located in eastern California, near the border with Nevada. It sits between the Panamint Range and the Amargosa Range, to the east of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. To the north is the Great Basin, and to the south is the Mojave Desert. Most of it is in Inyo County, California, but it also extends into Nevada.
Why is Death Valley called Death Valley?
Death Valley got its scary name during the California Gold Rush in the mid-1800s. A group of pioneers called the “49ers,” were trying to find a shortcut to the goldfields of California. During the winter of 1849-1850, several groups of these settlers traveled through the valley. They faced extreme heat, dry conditions, and very little water. Although only one person is believed to have died there, the pioneers called it “Death Valley” because of how dangerous it was.
The name stuck because the valley has almost no water, and a barren, empty landscape, making it very hard to survive there. Today, the name “Death Valley” reminds us of the tough conditions early settlers faced and how extreme this desert area can be.
Where to Stay?
When visiting Death Valley, there are several places to stay, from hotels to campgrounds. For a luxurious experience, The Inn has beautiful views, a spring-fed pool, and fine dining. The Ranch offers a more casual, family-friendly vibe with a golf course and a general store. Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel is another good choice, with comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and a pool.
For Campers, Furnace Creek Campground is open all year and has water and flush toilets. Mesquite Spring Campground is quieter and more remote but has similar amenities. Stovepipe Wells Campground is near the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, while Texas Spring Campground is open from October to April and is centrally located.
Another option is Panamint Springs Resort, a bit further west, which offers motel rooms, cabins, RV, and tent sites, along with a restaurant and gas station. It’s a good idea to book your stay in advance, especially during the popular spring and fall seasons when the weather is more moderate.
Interesting Facts
- In Racetrack Playa, rocks move across the dry lake bed and leave long tracks behind them. Scientists used to be puzzled by this, but now they think it happens because of wind, ice, and water, although they only figured it out recently.
- Even though it is a tough place to live, it’s home to lots of different animals like bighorn sheep, coyotes, bobcats, and many kinds of birds and reptiles.
- Because it’s recognized as a Dark Sky Park, it is one of the top spots in the United States for looking at stars. This is because the skies there are clear and dark at night.
- On rare occasions, it experiences a “Superbloom”. This happens when there’s a lot more rain than usual, making tons of wildflowers grow all over the desert. It’s pretty amazing to see.
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