Death Valley

Welcome Oh, Ranger! readers and travellers!

North America consists of three large nations and one large island territory: Canada, United States of America, Mexico and Greenland.

With a surface area of 24,221,490km² (9,351,969 square miles), between the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean and to the north of South America. North America’s highest point is Alaska’s Mount McKinley, which rises to 6,194m (20,320 ft) above sea level. There are also seven smaller nations at its southern extreme (collectively known as Central America), around two dozen island nations and territories of various sizes in the Caribbean, and one isolated French territory off the Canadian Atlantic coast.


Uniquely California

It’s usually considered a winter park, but it is possible to visit Death Valley all year long. Spring is actually a fantastic time to visit as the days are warm and sunny, while the wildflowers are in bloom. The impressive flowers peak in late March to early April.

Autumn is another great option as temperatures are warm but not too hot, and camping season begins.

Winter days are cool and nights are chilly at Death Valley. Snow caps the high peaks so it is a particularly beautiful time to visit. Peak winter visitation periods include Christmas to New Year’s, Martin Luther King Day weekend in January, and Presidents’ Day weekend in February. Summer starts early in the park. Keep in mind that by May the valley is typically too hot for most visitors, so may tour the park by car.

Unusual Places to Consider Visiting

The low, salty pool at Badwater, just beside the main park road 18 miles south of Furnace Creek, is probably the best known and most visited place in Death Valley. The actual lowest point (-282 feet) is located several miles from the road and is not easily accessible - in fact its position varies, but a sign in front of the pool proclaims it too to have an elevation of -282 feet, and it is here that everyone comes to take photographs. An enlarged parking area and other new facilities were constructed in fall 2003 to cope with the ever increasing visitor numbers at the site.