The American Southwest is home to some dramatic desert landscapes — such as these attractions that can be hit via an epic road trip — but few possess the mystique of California’s colorful Death Valley. The name alone conjures images of a vast arid wasteland where the relentless daytime heat is enough to sizzle an egg. This isn’t far off the mark, since the highest temperature ever recorded on the planet was in Death Valley on July 10th, 1913, when the thermometer nearly burst at 134 degrees Fahrenheit.
Death Valley could indeed be called a wasteland, but within its forbidding environment (that reaches depths of more than 200 feet below sea level in spots) lies a raw, stark beauty. At 3.4 million acres, it’s the largest national park in the U.S. outside of Alaska, and it is served by around 300 miles of roads that allow visitors to access much of the reserve’s sun-scarred, otherworldly landscape.
These roads range from sealed blacktop to primitive tracks made up of sand and sharp rocks, and while you may be tempted to pilot your own vehicle into the hottest and driest place in North America, you’d be wise to reconsider. Death Valley is not only harsh: It’s extremely remote. If you run into car trouble, a tow may set you back thousands of dollars. Money, however, may be the least of your concerns, as becoming stranded in the park could also threaten your well-being. Dehydration and heatstroke are legitimate concerns, so it pays to have a solid plan in case of an emergency.
Consider renting for peace of mind
Other dangers in Death Valley
Between 2007 and 2023, 68 people died in Death Valley National Park, and while exposure to the heat and elements certainly took its toll, the greatest number of these fatalities were due to motor vehicle accidents. These were mostly fatal single roll-over incidents, usually caused by excessive speed and the park’s long, twisty roads. It’s also wise to keep in mind that much of the area has no cell phone service, so a visit to Death Valley is — in a sense — a trip back to the past.
Even though Death Valley sees very little annual rainfall on average, flash floods are a danger. Sudden storms — especially in the summer — can see as much as nearly an inch and a half of rain deposited in a single day — blasting out ravines and inundating low lying areas. Make sure to stay out of canyons if there are thunderstorms brewing, and any time the rain starts coming down hard, immediately head to higher ground.
Given Death Valley’s inhospitable nature, it should also come as no surprise that it’s home to some extremely venomous creatures — especially rattlesnakes, scorpions, and black widow spiders — so be careful where you step and put your hands. Also, ore extraction was a big part of the region’s history, resulting in hundreds of abandoned mines. These shafts and tunnels may be prone to collapse, so stay out. There may also be poisonous gas pockets and toxic chemicals left as residue, so it’s best to keep your distance. For more California desert goodness, check out the largest state park in the state for incredible hiking adventures.
