Death Valley National Park
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Death
Valley National Park is
the hottest, driest, lowest place in the nation. The
best time to visit is winter or spring when the
temperature is not too extreme. Some tourist like to visit
in the
summer just for bragging rights about experiencing the
100 degree plus heat. People
from all over the world come to see this desert valley.
For Southern Californians the trip is about a four hour
drive.
Its possible to visit for a
day but to experience all that Death Valley Park has to
offer an overnight trip is recommended. During the spring
the valley floor can be covered with wild flowers. Winters
are freezing cold and summers are scorching hot. Before
you leave on a trip to Death Valley make sure to bring
ample water in your vehicle and while hiking. Avoid activity
in the
hottest
part of the day or in the low elevations during the hot
seasons. While driving through the valley, keep your speed
down and enjoy the view.
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Things
to do and see in Death Valley: Scotty’s
Castle is
a must see part of any visit
to Death Valley. Living History Tours are led by park rangers
dressed in 1930s attire
who take visitors back to the year 1939 at the Castle. Visitors
will see intricate details of the iron-work and
hand-carved redwood and experience
the opulently furnished rooms including
the Upper Music Room where
they are treated to the sounds of a
1,121 pipe theater organ. Titus Canyon Narrows Follow
a gravel road up
wash 1.5 miles through narrows or
continue to Klare Springs and petroglyphs
at 6.5 miles. Badwater Salt Flats Follow the
path out from Badwater Pool into the purity
of white salt and the nation’s lowest
elevation at 282 feet below sea
level. Salt Creek Boardwalk along small
stream. Good for viewing rare pup fish
and other wildlife. Best in late
winter and early spring. Darwin Falls Year-round
waterfalls and lush vegetation tucked into a
rugged canyon. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Graceful
desert dunes, numerous animal tracks. Walk cross country
to 100 ft. high dunes. Best
in morning or afternoon for dramatic
light. Mosaic Canyon Popular walk up a
narrow, polished marble-walled
canyon. Some slick rock scrambling
necessary. “Mosaics” of fragments
of rocks cemented together in canyon walls. Bighorn sheep
sighted occasionally.
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Places to stay in
Death Valley: Hotels are available at Stovepipe Wells
Village, Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resorts and Panamint
Springs Resort. Camping; There are several campgrounds
in Death Valley including Furnace Creek, Stovepipe
Wells and Wildrose.
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