Death Valley National Park

Perhaps the most ominous name of any location on Earth, Death Valley is located near the border of California and Nevada and East of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Death Valley constitutes much of Death Valley National Park and is the principal feature of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts Biosphere Reserve.  The beauty of Death Valley is that in such a harsh environment, life finds a way and thrives in this rugged landscape. Death Valley 4×4 trails offer the explorer opportunity to explore this wonderful arid landscape.

Death Valley runs from north to south between the Amargosa Range on the east and the Panamint Range on the west; the Sylvania Mountains and the Owlshead Mountains form its northern and southern boundaries, respectively. It has an area of about 3,000 sq mi. Death Valley shares many characteristics with other places below sea level.  

A land of extremes, Death Valley holds the record of being the second lowest place on the planet at 282 feet below sea level.  Located Just 100 miles to the west, Mt. Whitney in the High Sierra is the highest location in the lower 48 states and gives insight as the the geographic diversity of the area.

Death Valley frequently experiences temperatures over 120° F and in addition to holding the all time hottest temp (134° F – July 10, 1913) Death Valley routinely records some of the hottest days on the planet year after year. All to frequently, a visitor will die in this area due to the very extreme heat, plan your trip with care.

Despite the rugged country and harsh environment, Death Valley remains a popular destinations for all off roads.  The combination of scenery, history and remote locations offer main opportunities for adventure

The park has a very rich history, including abandon mine sites, ghost towns, charcoal kilns, Scotty’s Castle in grapevine canyon, movie sites, and in 1969 the infamous Charles Manson was captured in Goler Wash.

The southern and central areas of Death Valley are the more populated areas, with Stovepipe Wells and Furnace Creed offering lodging, food, fuel and water.  The northern section only really had Scotty’s castle, which offers limited food, water and no fuel, which is huge consideration.

Due to the long distances and remote locations, Death Valley 4×4 trails remind one, that it is always important to fill up and watch your fuel consumption and water when travelling the back roads of Death Valley.

Death Valley 4×4 Trails

Death Valley Campgrounds

Death Valley Ghost Towns

Death Valley Points of Interest

Death Valley Personalities

Further Reading

Resources

• National Park Service
• https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/deva/section3a3.htm