badlands bathed in pale pink and orange light from the setting sun
The warm light of sunset covers the badlands at Zabriskie Point. Ronald Gaddis

Death Valley National Park

National Park · California · National Park Service

In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet, each extreme has a striking contrast. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow. Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. Lush oases harbor tiny fish and refuge for wildlife and humans. Despite its morbid name, a great diversity of life thrives in Death Valley.

Plan your visit

Trails & hiking

Biking · Mountain Biking · Hiking

Camping

Camping · Backcountry Camping

Site types & reservations: see the official site.

Know before you go

Phone
7607863200
Official site
www.nps.gov
Managed by
National Park Service

Getting there

Directions on Google Maps →

Things to do

Highlights: Archeology · Asian American Heritage · Incarceration · Japanese-American Internment · Industry · Mining · Native American Heritage · Westward Expansion · The Gold Rush · Women's History · Animals · Birds · Fish · Tortoises and Turtles · Dunes · Foothills, Plains and Valleys · Fossils and Paleontology · Geology · Mountains · Night Sky · Astronomy · Scenic Views · Trails · Unique Species · Endangered · Wilderness

Activities & features: Astronomy · Stargazing · Road Biking · Car or Front Country Camping · Canyoneering · Food · Flying · Golf · Guided Tours · Backcountry Hiking · Front-Country Hiking · Horse Trekking · Living History · First Person Interpretation · Junior Ranger Program · Wildlife Watching · Birdwatching · Park Film · Museum Exhibits · Shopping · Bookstore and Park Store · Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Photos

  • Low, warm light skims across pale sand dunes.
    NPS
  • In the foreground, a narrow stream curves through clumps of green grass and low shrubs.
    NPS
  • A natural rock arch spans a narrow desert canyon. The viewer stands in deep shade beneath the arch.
    NPS
  • white salt flats with dark gray clouds
    NPS photo
  • Snowcapped mountains surrounded by bright blue skies and frames by gold wildflowers on a valley floo
    NPS
  • Morning light on the badlands below Zabriskie Point.
    NPS Photo
  • A dark, jagged mountain ridge runs along the bottom edge. Above it, a dense river of stars.
    NPS
  • Rugged gray mountains rise over a brown desert landscape under a gray sky.
    NPS

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Sources: National Park Service, Google Places · updated 2026-08-12