Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
point (Badwater, 282ft below sea level) and largest national park outside Alaska (over
5000 sq miles).
Peak seasons are winter and the springtime wildflower bloom. From late February until
early April, lodging within a 100-mile radius is usually booked solid and campgrounds fill
before noon, especially on weekends. In summer, when the mercury climbs above 120°F
(49°C), a car with reliable air-con is essential and outdoor explorations in the valley should
be limited to the early morning and late afternoon. Spend the hottest part of the day by a
pool or drive up to the higher - and cooler - elevations. Most of the park is served by
paved roads, but if your plans include dirt roads, a high clearance vehicle and off-road tires
are essential.
CALLING DEATH VALLEY HOME
Timbisha Shoshone tribespeople lived in the Panamint Range for centuries, visiting the
valley every winter to gather acorns, hunt waterfowl, catch pupfish in marshes and cultiv-
ate small areas of corn, squash and beans. After the federal government created Death
Valley National Monument in 1933, the tribe was forced to move several times and was
eventually restricted to a 40-acre village site near Furnace Creek, where it still lives. In
2000 President Clinton signed an act transferring 7500 acres of land back to the
Timbisha Shoshone tribe, creating the first Native American reservation inside a US na-
tional park. Learn more at
www.timbisha.com
.
Sights
Furnace Creek
At 190ft (58m) below sea level, Furnace Creek is Death Valley's commercial hub, with the
park's main visitors center, a general store, gas station (super expensive!), post office,
ATM, internet access, golf course, lodging and restaurants. Cleverly concealed by a date
palm grove is a solar power plant that currently generates one-third of Furnace Creek's en-
ergy needs.
Borax Museum
MUSEUM
760-786-2345;
9am-9pm Oct-May, variable in summer)
