Despite its ominous-sounding name, Death Valley, located in California near the border of Nevada, is a popular tourist destination. Offering a plethora of both indoor and outdoor attractions, this 3.4 million acres of desert is a fun place to visit, as well as a photographer’s dream: The region’s natural beauty comes from a varied landscape, and there is a lot to see. If you want to see something out-of-the-ordinary and would like to visit Death Valley, here are some things you should know:
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Plan your trip for the cooler times of the year. With record-breaking heat this summer, Death Valley can be a dangerous place to visit at certain times of the year. Daytime highs can get into the 110s or even the 120s during the summer, and the arid desert climate can dehydrate you quickly. This is not the time to go if you are planning on spending your days hiking or otherwise frolicking outside, unless you are particularly hardy and adventurous. Daytime temperatures begin to fall to more comfortable levels around October, and will stay fairly mild until April, when it will begin to heat up again. Even in the middle of the winter, daytime highs stay in the 60s most of the time, falling to the high 30s and 40s overnight.
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You’ll have your fill of outdoor activities, if that suits your style. There are few hiking trails, but many hikers find it exciting to simply go without a marked trail. The footing is rough, so be sure to wear hiking boots, and you should check with a ranger to find out if there are any road closures or places to avoid, but the possibilities are endless. During the warmer months, stick to the higher elevations; winter is really the only safe time to venture into the lower elevations in most cases. If you want to camp, check at the ranger’s station to find out where it’s allowed, because there are many places where it’s not. There are also many areas to bicycle; be warned, however, that some of the trails are narrow and that there are places where bikes are not allowed. When in doubt, check with the ranger. Birdwatchers often find that Death Valley is sort of a paradise; many types of birds travel in and out of the Valley as they migrate north and south with the seasons.
- On days when you don’t want to spend a lot of time outside, you can visit one of the museums or visitor centers in Death Valley. The Furnace Creek Visitor Center offers ranger programs during the peak season (November through April), evening programs, exhibits, a park film, a gift store and more. Scotty’s Castle and Visitor Center is in a mansion built in the Spanish style in the 1920s. There are tours available, as well as a museum and a bookstore. Finally, the Borax Museum offers a glimpse at the mineral collections and mining history of Death Valley.
Death Valley, California, promises to be a fascinating vacation destination! Whether you are up for the adventure of camping in the Valley, or you’d prefer to stay outside of the area and travel in for a day trip or two, the region has something for everyone. Be sure to take common-sense precautions when it comes to keeping yourself safe in this extreme desert, and you’re sure to have a great time exploring.
Feel free to visit our site for travel information on this region, as well as the beautiful US National parks.
Death Valley offers a uniquely dramatic American landscape unlike anywhere else. Our advisors’ Bucket List Worthy Destinations guide highlights more extraordinary natural experiences worth experiencing in person.
