Death Valley National Park lies in the United States, spanning parts of California and Nevada in the desert of North America. It is the country's hottest, driest and lowest national park, and its extreme landscapes make it one of the most striking places a visitor can see.
What you will see
- Salt flats stretching across the valley floor, pale and wide under the sky.
- Colorful badlands, where eroded hills show bands of varied hues.
- Open desert scenery that feels remote and expansive, with few signs of settlement.
What kind of visit it makes
A trip here is best suited to people who enjoy big, quiet landscapes and the sense of being somewhere unlike most places. Because the park is so hot and dry, the environment itself shapes the visit: plan for heat, carry water, and keep in mind that services can be far apart. The scale of the desert is the main attraction, and many visitors come to drive through it, stop at viewpoints, and take in the stark beauty of the terrain.
Around the park
The park's position across two states means it can be combined with other journeys in the American West. Those interested in the desert will find that the surrounding area offers a chance to experience the same dry, open country beyond its boundaries.
