Death Valley Pictures
California Photos, USA

Trek America run a wide range of good value, small group tours in west USA. e.g. Discounts | Best of the West | Wild West Canyon Adventure | National Parks Walks | Western Highlights

Click on the image for more Death Valley Photos or go to Zion Canyon Pictures

Heading for Badwater in Death Valley National Park, California.

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Death Valley National Park is something of a surprise. Firstly is a lot bigger than most could imagine - bigger than most of the USA's other parks, so don't take a drive lightly, especially if you choose the long, less travelled north/south route. There are also a number of steep mountain roads involved and air-con can play hell with your engine power and with the motor's ability to keep cool.
Secondly the scenery is a lot more diverse and attractive than you would think, with mountains and rock outcrops in differing shapes and hues, scrubby 'corn' rows, sand dunes, salt pinnacles and the famous salt lake Badwater. There's also a surreal mansion, Scotty's Castle, that's popular with tour groups, and a visitor centre at Furnace Creek.

The hottest place on the planet due to its location, elevation - a couple of hundred feet below sea level - lack of water and greenery, Death Valley averages 112F [45C] in summertime so if that's when you visit, try to go in the early morning or late afternoon. Alternatively spring and autumn will be a lot more user-friendly.
And don't forget to carry plenty of water!

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