The US has got some 64 designated national parks. These parks
are home to more than 60% of the nation's endangered species,
and represent some of the best remaining habitat for the country's
wildlife heritage. They are also seen as "touchstones
of shared history and culture." Visitors can opt for
fragile coral reefs to complex wetlands while some of the
most fascinating national parks are found underwater.
Death Valley National Park is a land of extremes and
subtle beauties. Morning light creeping across the eroded
badlands of Zabriskie Point to strike Manly Beacon, the setting
sun and lengthening shadows on the Sand Dunes at Stovepipe
Wells, and the colors of myriad wildflowers on the golden
hills above Harmony Borax on a warm spring day, are some best
sights of the universe. It is one of the hottest places on
Earth with summer temperatures averaging well over 100 degrees
Fahrenheit. At 282 feet below the level of the sea, it is
the driest place in the US with an average rainfall of only
1.96 inches a year.
The Park is located east of the Sierra Nevada mountain range
in Inyo County, California, with a small extension and exclave
(Devil's Hole) in Nevada. The park covers 5,219 mi² (13,518
km²), encompassing Saline Valley, a large part of Panamint
Valley, almost all of Death Valley, and parts of several mountain
ranges.
It is also home to many species of plants and animals that
have adapted to this harsh desert environment. Some examples
include Creosote Bush, Bighorn Sheep, Coyote, and the Death
Valley Pupfish. Within the park there are two major valleys:
Death Valley and Panamint Valley.
THINGS TO DO
Join a ranger (November through April) for an Interpretive
Program
Join a ranger for a costumed living history tour of the historic
Death Valley Scotty's Castle.
Auto Touring
Backpacking
Biking
Bird Watching
Camping
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Interpretive Programs
Nature Walks
Stargazing
Swimming
Wildlife Viewing
|
