Death Valley is a deep, arid basin in the southeast of California and the southwest of Nevada. The valley is 225 km (140 miles) long. It is bordered by the Panamint Range on the west and the Amargosa Range in the east. Death Valley was named by gold seekers, who undertook to cross this desolate region in 1849 on their way to the California gold fields. The valley yielded gold and silver in the 1850's and three decades later, borax was discovered and taken out by mule-drawn wagons.
Death Valley holds the record for some of the world's highest temperatures. In summer, air temperatures of 57° C (134° F) and ground temperatures of 74° C (165° F) have been recorded. Apart from the extreme heat, the valley receives less than 5 cm (2 inches) if rain each year. One may understand that the name 'Death Valley' refers to the harsh climate. The valley is not completely 'dead'. A large variety of small animals and desert plants are found in Death Valley. Scientists are very interested in learning to understand how these life-forms can sustain themselves in the region. Native Americans of Panamint descent, an offshoot of the Shoshone, are the only group ever to be self-subsisting in the barren region.
Some water is provided by the small Amargosa River and Furnace Creek, but they both disappear into the sands. Around these waters, some salt and alkali flats, unique rock formations and briny pools can be found. Badwater, in the south-central part of Death Valley, is 86 m (282 feet) below sea level, making it the lowest point in the Americas. The highest peak in the region is Telescope Peak, in the Panamint Range, which is 3,368 m (11,049 feet) high.
Death Valley was much publicized by the American adventurer Walter Scott and it remains a popular tourist attraction. Death Valley National Park is a protected region of the valley. It covers 1,363,412 hectares (3,367,628 acres) and was originally established as a national monument in 1933. It was designated a national park in 1994.
Death Valley is 480 km southeast of Sacramento and 3500 km west of Washington D.C.
Travel Guides for Death Valley
Find a flight to Death Valley