Death Valley National Park

For anyone interested in experiencing the natural beauty of North America, visiting Death Valley National Park is a must. With 3.4 million acres to explore, it is the largest national park in the United States and has a little something for everyone.

Camping

There are nine campgrounds in Death Valley National Park, most of which have water, flushing toilets and fire pits. They range in price from free to $18 per night. Most are first-come, first-serve, but check http://www.recreation.gov for more information. If you are interested in back country camping, you can obtain free permits and learn more at the visitor center or any ranger station.

Exploring the park

There are plenty of great hiking opportunities in Death Valley National Park. If you are up for something more strenuous, backpacking is another great way to experience the beauty of the park on foot. Backpackers are required to obtain a free back country permit from the Furnace Creek Visitor Center or the Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station. If you prefer to explore the park on a bicycle, there are hundreds of miles of roads where mountain-biking is permitted. Lastly, visitors can see the park from the comfort of a vehicle; there are almost a thousand miles of roads in the park.

Sightseeing in Death Valley

For wildlife enthusiasts, bird-watching is a great activity in Death Valley. View a diverse range of birds nesting in their natural habitat. The spring and fall migrations make Death Valley the temporary home to hundreds of different bird species. There are also many historic sites to visit. These include several ghost towns, as well as the Harmony Borax Works and Wildrose Charcoal Kilns.

Indoor activities

For visitors interested in getting out of the sun for a while, there are guided tours of Scotty's Castle. The mansion, which has a system of underground tunnels, also has a museum and bookstore. The main visitor center is Furnace Creek Visitor Center, which is open year-round. Here, visitors can peruse the bookstore and talk to rangers, or even attend a ranger program in the auditorium.

There is a little something for everyone in beautiful Death Valley National Park. Whether you are interested in back country camping or seeing the sights via guided tours led by park rangers, there is plenty to do and see in Death Valley.