Death Valley is a living place, a place of contrasts. Only a few miles from one of the hottest spots on earth (or at least on the continent of North America) are forested mountains with snow-covered peaks. The terrain that appears too harsh for life has a wide variety of plants and animals adapted to its environment. Even humanity has dwelled here continuously for nearly 10,000 years. (One man built a $2 million vacation home here, now owned by the National Park Service and open for tours.)

Death Valley National Park has more than 3.3 million acres of spectacular geological formations and undisturbed wilderness that is home to rare forms of animal and plant life. It has also been home to many mining operations, including gold, silver, copper and lead. All are now closed, but several ghost towns remain.

Death Valley boasts the lowest point in the western hemisphere - Badwater, at 282 feet (85.95 meters) below sea level. The desert is bounded on the east by Dante's View (5,475 feet/1,668.78 meters) and on the west by Telescope Peak (11,049 feet/3,367.74 meters).