Death Valley

A vast wilderness area, Death Valley National Park is among the hottest and driest places on earth! A foreboding landscape made up of deep canyons, imposing valleys, picturesque sand dunes, and immense mountains, the arid desert environment of the park is humbling in its scale. Located in eastern California - adjacent to the Nevada border - Death Valley National Park boasts an incredibly unique variety of geological formations, including volcanic craters, lifeless salt flats, and continual erosion and deposition. Each year, visitors come from around the world to experience the solitary immensity of one of the world's most enchanting ecosystems.

And yet, contrary to what its name would imply, Death Valley National Park is a landscape filled with life! Coyotes and foxes prey upon the many gophers and cottontails that inhabit the park, while a large variety of desert snake and lizard species slither and crawl their way through the barren landscape. Fish and amphibian species - such as bullfrogs and salamanders - reside in the rare but sublime oases found within the park, and bighorn sheep traverse the park's mountains and feed upon its hearty vegetation.

A wilderness playground like no other, Death Valley National Park has no shortage of ways to experience its majesty. Hiking is popular in the park, and both day and backpacking routes are plentiful. Road and mountain biking are also common activities, while trail running is becoming more prevalent. Night activities such as star gazing also draw many to the area, as Death Valley National Park is almost entirely free of light pollution. Whatever outdoor activity you're into, Death Valley National Park has something for you!