Death Valley Tour: Self-Guided Drive

While there’s no official record corroborating it, the most popular explanation is that the name came from the 49er pioneers who had just crossed the valley at great cost. Supposedly, as they finally left the valley behind, one man turned and said “Goodbye, Death Valley,” thus giving the area its name.

Death Valley really is the hottest place on earth, at least as far as surface temperatures go. It’s also the driest place in North America. Despite this, the Timbisha Shoshone people actually lived here hundreds of years ago!

Death Valley is perfectly safe to visit during the summer as long as you take proper precautions! Always bring more water than you think you need, make sure your car’s A/C is functioning properly, and don’t embark on any long hikes. If you keep all this in mind, you’ve got nothing to worry about!

While pets are allowed in all developed areas of the park, like roads and overlooks, they are not allowed on trails. That includes popular trails like the Salt Flats!

The standard $30 per vehicle pass gets you into Death Valley for 7 days, but if you plan to visit other national parks this year, you should definitely opt for the $80 American the Beautiful pass. It’s good for 12 months and gets you into any national park in the country!

What you’ve heard is true: Death Valley really IS the hottest place on Earth! In 1913, the Furnace Creek thermometer measured an air temperature of a sweltering 134 degrees fahrenheit, the highest ever recorded.

If you want to expand your trip beyond Death Valley itself, you can always visit Las Vegas! It’s only a couple hours away and offers plenty of lively activities to break up your national park exploration.

Despite its harsh climate, there are actually animals in Death Valley! Everything from jackrabbits to desert bighorn sheep and even mountain lions can be found in the valley!

Contrary to what you might expect, life is actually quite plentiful in Death Valley, including all manner of mammals, reptiles, and insects. There’s also a thriving micro ecosystem known as the “cryptobiotic crust,” which means “hidden life”!

As you might expect, the weather in Death Valley is HOT, especially during the summer. During the cooler months, however, the valley becomes quite temperate, and can even get chilly at night! Rain is rare, so you probably won’t need to pack an umbrella!

While it’s possible to visit Death Valley in one day, it’s recommended to spend more time to fully explore and appreciate the park’s diverse landscapes and attractions. To see everything the park has to offer, plan for at least 2-3 days.

Cell phone coverage in Death Valley can be limited due to its remote location. While some areas may have reception, there are also areas with no signal. It’s a good idea to check with your service provider and plan accordingly.

The coldest month in Death Valley is typically December. While the park is known for its extreme heat, temperatures can drop significantly during the winter months, especially at night. Read more here.