Death Valley is a land of extremes. It is one of the hottest, driest and lowest places on Earth. Death Valley National Park protects 3.4 million acres of spectacular desert scenery and diverse wildlife habitats. The park includes parts of Inyo, Mono and Tulare counties in California.
The world’s record highest air temperature, 134 degrees Fahrenheit (56.7 degrees Celsius), was recorded at Furnace Creek Ranch in Death Valley on July 10, 1913. The extreme heat combined with low humidity creates a unique environment that supports a variety of rare plants and animals.
Death Valley is home to more than 1,000 species of plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. The park also contains numerous natural features such as sand dunes, canyons, badlands and mountains. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, backpacking, photography and ranger-led programs year-round.