Death Valley is considered geologically one of the best examples of the Basin and Range configuration. It is the principal feature of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts Biosphere Reserve. Surprisingly, the highest point in the contiguous United States, Mount Whitney, is just 76 miles (123 km) west of Death Valley.

Temperatures in the Valley can range from up to 130°F (54 °C) in the day in the summer, to below freezing at night in the winter. This is among the widest temperature spreads in North America.

Many of Death Valley's roads were built in the 1930s. They are narrow and serpentine and cannot be driven at high speed. Contrary to popular belief, the most dangerous thing in Death Valley is not the heat. It is the "single car rollover."





Badwater, located within Death Valley, is the specific location of the lowest point in North America. At 282 feet (86 m) below sea level, it shares most of the characteristics found in other places around the world that lie below sea level. Generally, the lower the altitude of a place, the higher the temperatures tend to be. This is especially true in Death Valley, due to the mountains that encircle the valley. The valley radiates extreme amounts of heat, creating temperatures that are among the hottest on earth. The hottest temperature recorded in the U.S, was 134 °F ( 56.7 °C ) at Furnace Creek on July 10, 1913. The highest average high temperature in July is 116 °F (47 °C) with temperatures of 122 °F ( 50 °C ) or higher being very common. The valley receives less than 2 in (50 mm) of rain annually. The Amargosa River and Furnace Creek flow through the valley, disappearing into the sands of the valley floor.

While very little rain falls in Death Valley, the valley is prone to flooding during heavy rains because the soil is unable to absorb the bulk of the water. The runoff can produce dangerous flash floods. In August 2004, such flooding occurred, causing two deaths and shutting down the national park.



During the late Pleistocene, the valley was inundated by prehistoric Lake Manly. The valley received its name in 1849 during the California gold rush by emigrants who sought to cross the valley on their way to the gold fields. During the 1850s, gold and silver were extracted in the valley. In the 1880s, borax was discovered and extracted by mule-drawn wagons.