"Kai's Death Val ..." a Death Valley National Park Travel Page by KaiM

When I was there in 1993 Death Valley was still a National Monument, not a National Park. But it sure deserved to be upgraded. On October 31, 1994 it finally happened: Death Valley National Park was founded.

What a special place this park is:

1. it is hot - summer temperatures average more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas of the valley.

2. it is low - actually the lowest point of the Western Hemisphere with 282 feet below sea level lies within the park's borders.

3. it is dry - just 1.96 inches of average annual rainfall. That is the lowest number of North America.

But in contrast to those facts, floodings may also occur at Death Valley. Why? The surrounding mountains are high and often snow-capped. During the melting period and after some rainfall in the higher areas the water streams down into the valley and might flood areas and especially some canyons. The soil is so dry that the water can not be soaked up. Be aware of those dangers during your visit.