Death Valley National Park sounds as extreme as its namesake, it is the driest and hottest spot in North America. Situated on the border of California and Nevada, Death Valley was established as a National Park in 1994.

It is the largest national park in the contiguous United States, consisting of 5,269 square miles, only trailing a few other national parks that are found in Alaska. The park is also the lowest point in North America, sitting at 282 feet below sea level.

Human life dates back to 7000 BC, with four different Native American tribes inhabiting the land in the last 10,000 years. Due to its drastic weather, the tribes would migrate to the valleys during the winter months and make their way to the mountains during the summer months.

There are tons of activities to keep you busy during your visit to Death Valley. Whether you want to see the colorful rocks at Artist’s Drive, check out the must-see Badwater Basin, learn about the park's history at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, or just gaze at the stars, the options are endless.

In order to fully experience the park and really explore its grounds, it is recommended to spend more than one day on a visit. With nine campgrounds found throughout the park, visitors can choose from a variety of places to stay at.

The best time to visit Death Valley is during the offseason from mid-October to mid-May. It is common for daytime temperatures to reach up to 130 degrees during the summer, so plan your visit accordingly.