Death Valley National Park • CA,NV

badlands bathed in pale pink and orange light from the setting sun

Low, warm light skims across pale sand dunes.

In the foreground, a narrow stream curves through clumps of green grass and low shrubs.

A natural rock arch spans a narrow desert canyon. The viewer stands in deep shade beneath the arch.

white salt flats with dark gray clouds

Snowcapped mountains surrounded by bright blue skies and frames by gold wildflowers on a valley floo

Morning light on the badlands below Zabriskie Point.

A dark, jagged mountain ridge runs along the bottom edge. Above it, a dense river of stars.

Rugged gray mountains rise over a brown desert landscape under a gray sky.

a sunset overlooking a valley filled with white salt

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.

The warm light of sunset covers the badlands at Zabriskie Point.
Ronald Gaddis

The Mesquite Dunes are known for dramatic shadows at sunrise and sunset, as ripples and edges in the dunes stand out in greater contrast.
NPS

Home to some of the most unique and fascinating fishes in the world – the pupfish!
NPS

A short walk up a canyon brings hikers to a natural rock bridge formation spanning the canyon.
NPS

Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America at -282 feet.
NPS photo

Golden flowers cover a typically rocky and dry valley floor in the spring.
NPS

Zabriskie Point is a popular place to view sunrise over the badlands.
NPS Photo

With little light pollution, Death Valley National Park is an excellent place to view the Milky Way.
NPS

Sweeping views of mountains surround the valley.
NPS

A mile above the salt flats in the valley below, Dantes View provides breathtaking vistas.
NPS / Jan Vanderlay

Ripples of sand curve across the top of a sand dune under a blue sky.

Your go‑to guide for beating the heat: essential tips to stay safe and make the most of your summer adventure.

An individual in a t-shirt and ball cap watches the sunset over the distant mountains as light beams

If visiting Death Valley in the summer, follow these tips to stay safe. The park is over 3 million acres with limited cell service; prepare

male and female fish swim next to each other in shallow water

These charismatic little fish of Death Valley are full of surprises!

The remains of a weathered wooden building with a sagging roof stands before the remains.

Visit our park's history page or stop by the visitor center for deeper insights into the mining heritage of Death Valley.

The photograph showcases a barren landscape covered in dark, jagged rocks.

Discover how Death Valley’s otherworldly landscapes help NASA prepare for exploring distant planets, click to uncover the connection.

Person sitting in a camp chair in front of a green dome tent.

Explore campground options from primitive to full hook-up.

Uniformed ranger smiles while giving a tour in a yellow canyon to visitors wearing hiking gear.

What is there to do in Death Valley? Click here to find out.

A bright red Jeep, slightly raised on its suspension, drives toward the camera down a dusty road.

Current information about roads and closures in the park.

A child takes a picture of a woman at the wooden Badwater sign reading: 282 feet below sea level

Information on accessible parking, where to go, and campsites.

A dusty portrait of horseback riders along a valley trail into the sunset.

Do you need a permit? Commercial use authorizations, special use and research permits are available.

Last updated: July 3, 2026

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 579
Death Valley, CA 92328

Phone:

760 786-3200

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Fossils and Paleontology

Arches, Buttes & Rock Formations