Death Valley National Park

Zabriskie Point is a popular place to view sunrise over the badlands.
In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet, each extreme has a striking contrast. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow. Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. Lush oases harbor tiny fish and refuge for wildlife and humans. Despite its morbid name, a great diversity of life thrives in Death Valley.
Map showing location of park.
water flowing several feet into the air from a broken blue pipe in a dug out gravel ditch
Death Valley National Park to Modernize Critical Water and Wastewater Infrastructure through $69.5 Million Great American Outdoors Act Investment
The National Park Service announced today that Death Valley National Park will begin an $69.5 million infrastructure project this fall to modernize two critical water systems and a wastewater system. Funded through President Donald J. Trump’s Great American Outdoors Act’s Legacy Restoration Fund, the three-year project will improve essential infrastructure responsible for providing safe drinking water and reliable wastewater treatment for park visitors, employees, hotels, campgrounds and the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe.
A white vehcile with red stripe is in the foreground. In the background a person in tan clothing holds a firehose near a smoking vehicle.
Van and Trailer Destroyed by Fire on SR-190 in Death Valley National Park
Firefighters responded to a vehicle fire on State Route 190 in Death Valley National Park on June 20, 2026. All six occupants escaped without major injuries, but the van and attached trailer were destroyed.
A man in green pants and gray shirt stands in front of a vertical dirt wall. Above and behind it a paved road leads between green bushes.
Lower Wildrose Road Reopens
On June 2, 2026, the National Park Service reopened Lower Wildrose Road, which was closed for nearly three years due to extensive flood damage. The narrow, unpaved road is restricted to vehicles shorter than 25 feet. Also known as Trona-Wildrose Road, it provides access to high-elevation areas of Death Valley National Park.
Visitors walking along a paved path on a hillside of bare brown earth.
Death Valley National Park Welcomed More Than 1.32 Million Visitors in 2025
Death Valley National Park welcomed more than 1.32 million visitors to the park in 2025. This was the park’s fourth-highest visitation year, despite extended closures of large sections of the park due to flash flood damage. 
Single-story flat-roofed tan building with white awning, thermometer displaying 71 degrees F, and building name: "FURNACE CREEK VISITOR CENTER."
Death Valley National Park Seeks Input on Plan to Improve Accessibility
The National Park Service is opening public comment on an evaluation of accessibility across Death Valley National Park. The “Accessibility Self‑Evaluation and Transition Plan” includes restrooms, walkways, interpretive exhibits, ranger programs, and other visitor services.
badlands bathed in pale pink and orange light from the setting sun
Photo by Ronald Gaddis
Low, warm light skims across pale sand dunes.
Photo by NPS
In the foreground, a narrow stream curves through clumps of green grass and low shrubs.
Photo by NPS
A natural rock arch spans a narrow desert canyon. The viewer stands in deep shade beneath the arch.
Photo by NPS
white salt flats with dark gray clouds
Photo by NPS photo
Snowcapped mountains surrounded by bright blue skies and frames by gold wildflowers on a valley floo
Photo by NPS
Morning light on the badlands below Zabriskie Point.
Photo by NPS Photo
A dark, jagged mountain ridge runs along the bottom edge. Above it, a dense river of stars.
Photo by NPS
Rugged gray mountains rise over a brown desert landscape under a gray sky.
Photo by NPS
a sunset overlooking a valley filled with white salt
Photo by NPS / Jan Vanderlay