The name sounds very dramatic but accurately depicts the valley’s characteristics. Why would you want to visit a place called Death Valley? There are a abundance of reasons. First, the name may seem unwelcoming and not create the nicest image in your mind. Horror and death may come to mind instead of a nice place to visit. But Death Valley has much to appeal to all types of tourists. You may want to know where the name originates.

It is one of the hottest places on earth, in the summer the sun and heat are absolutely scorching. The name’s origin began way back in 1849 when groups of Europeans were heading out to the gold rush. Most took the safe and well traveled Spanish trail and arrived easily. There were those who were looking for a short cut, so they ended up passing through and being stuck in what is now Death Valley. As they were trapped, one of the men went out to get help, he managed to save the group, but as they turned away from it, one of the women turned around and said bitterly “good-bye death valley.” Though no one died in Death Valley most thought they would. Due to its harsh climate and unbearable conditions, the name stuck and now it is widely known as the Death Valley.

The Death Valley is a large and exciting place for all kinds of ecological surprises. The area covers almost 3000 square miles and is viewed as a large natural museum. The harsh conditions including great forces of water, wind and gravity have played an important part in sculpting such a beautiful spot. Because of its unfriendly conditions the plants and animals that survive are unusually specialized. The average rainfall is very minimal, less than 2 inches per year. Plants have specialized means of obtaining and preserving water since they grow even in areas far away from springs, pools or other water supply. At every inch of valley change in elevation or temperature, vegetation has also made necessary adaptations to its environment. Death Valley is a place full of genuinely unique and specialized wildlife that cannot be found elsewhere.

If you plan on visiting this exciting and different valley make sure you do your homework beforehand. The conditions are harsh, so forget about a luxuriously pampered vacation. Death Valley is perfect for those intrepid nature adventurers. Take care to notice weather conditions for the temperatures become unbearably high in the summer, running above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Take measures to protect yourself from the sun and heat. The best time for camping, hiking and exploring are late fall to early spring (November to March). This time of year the weather is quite mild and pleasant. During the rest of the year, find activities that have less exposure to the sun and heat.

In addition to the usual tourist attractions, because of Death Valley’s make-up, the availability of off the beaten track adventures is countless. The backcountry roads, canyons and desert provide plenty to explore. Death Valley is an exciting place to visit. If proper measures are taken you will not regret your trek through Death Valley. The experience will be incomparable to anything you could experience elsewhere.