Death Valley National Park

One of the things that makes travel so exciting is being able to see places that are completely different and unique to your hometown. The world is full of glorious wonder –  from the lush depths of the green jungles to the stark, arid beauty of the desert.

Death Valley National Park is definitely a location that falls into the latter category, and has been fascinating visitors for decades, particularly since it became a national park in 1994. Famous for its notoriety as the ‘hottest place on Earth’, it welcomes over a million visitors per year, despite the scorching temperatures, all wanting to experience the unique landscape for themselves.

Three things that make Death Valley National Park a bucket list experience

The unique geology

When you hear about Death Valley, it’s often because it’s hit another high on the thermometer. The hottest temperature the park has ever experienced was 134℉ in July of 1913, but the park often tops 120℉ in a regular summer, with an average rainfall of under 2 inches. However, flash flooding in recent years has caused a small lake to form in Badwater Basin – perhaps an indication of the impact that climate change is having here.

Thanks to the extreme conditions, visitors to this arid place can enjoy seeing where ancient seas once flowed, vividly colored volcanoes, sand dunes, salt deposits on lost lakes and peculiarly shaped mountains and craters. It’s truly like nothing else on Earth, earning it a well-deserved spot on your bucket list. 

Some of the best stargazing in America

Sometimes, looking up at the stars can serve as a timely reminder that we are all part of something bigger. It’s our duty to protect our planet, respecting those who came before us and paving the way for future generations. Stargazing can also be incredibly peaceful, offering a chance to reflect and appreciate the beauty of the world we live in.

Luckily, Death Valley offers some of the best stargazing in America. A designated Gold Tier Dark Sky National Park, you won’t be short of spots to get a moment or two of peace.

Wildflowers and the superbloom

It’s not all about sand and heat in Death Valley – if you time it right, there’s plenty of life here. In the spring, the park bursts into flower, with a flood of wildflowers making a welcome change from the baked landscapes usually on display. If you’re truly lucky, you might witness the superbloom phenomena, where the wildflowers put on an extra-special show to create a carpet of blossoms as far as the eye can see.

You might not think that seeds can survive in such a dry place, but they hibernate for years, waiting for just the right time to appear. The last superbloom was in 2016, so there’s no guarantee that you’ll see one on your trip – but even a regular year of floral activity is a thing of wonder.

These are just a few of the reasons why Death Valley is such an awe-inspiring destination – it’s fully deserving of a place on your must-visit list.