11 Sizzling Facts about Death Valley

First published 9th April 2020 Robin James

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With a name like Death Valley, how could you resist taking a closer look? That’s about all there is to say by way of an introduction… so sit back and enjoy these 11 fun facts about Death Valley:

1. It’s actually a National Park!

Death Valley National Park is located in California, USA.

2. There is literally nowhere more arid in the states.

It’s the driest place in the whole of America.

3. There have been long stretches without rain.

1929 was the year in which not a single drop of rain fell!

Death Valley, Cailfornia, United States

4. Badwater Basin is a very low place indeed!

Death Valley is home to Badwater Basin — the lowest point in the nation. Badwater Basin lies 282 ft below sea level.

5. Leave the frying pan at home…

It’s also known as the hottest place on Earth. You can fry an egg on the ground here with ease!

6. It’s actually pretty floral!

Despite its name, the valley floor is covered with yellow flowers in the spring months.

7. The rocks are alive…

700 lb rocks have been leaving trails for years as they apparently move by themselves. These huge rocks actually move due to intense night temperature freezing the flash flood water.

Strong following winds then blow the rocks across the mud thanks to the lack of friction provided by the thin sheet of ice underneath.

8. The singing dunes are enormous!

The Eureka Sand Dunes are a staggering 680 ft high.

The sand then slides down so fast that it causes a high pitched noise which sounds like the desert is singing to you.

The Californian Roadrunner

9. Meep, meep!

Roadrunners are one of the few animals who call Death Valley ‘home’.

10. In fact, it’s a largely avian habitat.

Virtually all the other animals who live there are also birds who fly down to seek refuge in the shade

11. Head here for inspiration!

Artists Drive is a section of Death Valley which features vibrant, multi-colored hills as a result of the various oxides in the soil.

FAQs about Death Valley

Is Death Valley hotter than the Sahara Desert?

Yes - massively so. Temperatures in the Sahara can reach around 104 F… the highest temperatures recorded in Death Valley spiked at more than 134 F!

Does it rain at all in Death Valley?

Yes - but very sparingly. You’re only likely to see around two inches of rain per year in Death Valley!

Are there any plants that live in Death Valley?

Yes, surprisingly, there are more than 1,000 different plants that live and thrive despite the super dry climate here!

Do you know any fun facts about Death Valley? Share them in the comments below!

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4 Comments

Harsha Garine says:
17th June 2020 at 18:44

I know few things about death valley .It lies below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet, each extreme has a striking contrast. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow. Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. Lush oases harbor tiny fish and refuge for wildlife and humans. Despite its morbid name, a great diversity of life survives in Death Valley.

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Nick Schwarz says:
23rd February 2021 at 10:28

The hottest overnight low in Death Valley was 107. The hottest ground surface temperature ever recorded on earth was 201 at Furnace Creek in 1972. The coldest overnight low ever recorded at Furnace Creek was 14. The highest point within the National Park is Telescope Peak over 11,000ft. A portion of the National Park is in Nevada. At Zabriski Point one can see Badwater, the lowest point in North America and Mt Whitney, 14,500+ ft, the highest in the contiguous United States. There are fish in Death Valley. Visitors need to see Scotty’s Castle, if it ever opens again

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cathy Renee hinkle says:
31st October 2023 at 20:00

why do they call it death valley?

Reply
cathy Renee hinkle says:
31st October 2023 at 20:02

ok, thank you.

Reply