A group of pioneers named the valley for its desolate desert environment after they crossed it in 1849. It is part of the Death Valley National Park. The lowest elevation in the Western Hemisphere is near Badwater in Death Valley. The Panamint Mountains stand west of the valley. The Amargosa Range, composed of the Grapevine, Funeral, and Black mountains, rises to the east.
Faults occur when the earth's rocky outer shell breaks and the rock along the break slips.
Erosion of the steep cliffs has formed beautiful canyons. In the northern part of the valley is Ubehebe Crater, a small volcano on the west side fault. Flows of lava issue from the faults in the southern part of Death Valley. During glacial times, the climate was moister, and a large lake occupied Death Valley. The valley's geological attractions and warm winter sunshine have made it a popular winter-resort area.