Overview Death Valley National Park comprises more than 3.3 million acres of spectacular desert scenery, rare desert wildlife, complex geology, undisturbed wilderness and sites of historical interest.
Death Valley is unique because it contains the lowest, hottest, driest location in North America.
Nearly 550 square miles of its area lie below sea level. Ecologically, its plants and animals are representative of the Mojave Desert. Death Valley was named by gold-seekers, some of whom died crossing the valley during the 1849 California gold rush. The park is open 24 hours a day, year round. Visitor Center Located at Furnace Creek near the junction of California routes 178 and 190.