Death Valley National Park

Death Valley has hundreds of miles of backcountry roads to explore.

Badwater Basin's surreal salt flats

Death Valley's arid, and beautiful, landscape

Summer temperatures soar above 120 degrees F, but during the rest of the year campers and hikers find comfortable quarters in Death Valley's mountains and plains.

There are more than 1,500 campsites in the 3.4-million-acre park. Some campgrounds are in the desert, with planted shade trees and drinking water available.

Furnace Creek, the most developed section of Death Valley, features campgrounds, lodging, restaurants, a pool and horseback riding.

Death Valley attractions include a ghost town and remnants of gold and borax mining. There is also the grandiose Scotty's Castle, once the unique vacation retreat of Albert and Bessie Johnson. Death Valley Scotty, a famous Death Valley character, introduced the Johnsons to this desert canyon. Their ornate vacation home then became known as Scotty's Castle.

Death Valley's colorful landscape and many miles of hiking trails attracts hikers and artists alike. Artists' Drive winds through washes and clay hills streaked with brilliant shades of color. Red Cathedral and Golden Canyon are named for their natural hues.

Dante's View, at 5,474 feet, offers a vista of nearly all of Death Valley. Badwater, at 282 feet below sea level, is the lowest point in North America.

Mountain bikers may use established roads, but are barred from trails. The park service offers interpretive guided hikes, walks and evening programs.