Death Valley: Breath-takingly Hot

Death Valley is known as the hottest spot on earth. In 1913, an unbelievable temperature of 134 °F (56.7 °C) was measured there. Death Valley holds even more records: In the central west, there is a place called “Badwater Bassin”, which is the point of the lowest elevation in North America with 86 meters below sea level. Death Valley is located in the Mojave Dessert in California, close to the border to Nevada. 

Even thought the heat makes this place a little forbidding, its surreal landscape has made it a world-famous tourist attraction. When you visit Death Valley, you should definitely visit the Zabriskie Point. This place offers an astonishing view over a surreal, lunar-looking landscape. The place is named after Christian Brevoort Zabriskie, who operated borax transports from mining operations in Death Valley.

Another place you should absolutely visit is the Artists Drive, a narrow road that leads through the Black Mountains. Actually, the rocky walls are not black as the name suggests, but they are beautifully colored. These colors come from the oxidation of different metals.

Dante’s View is a vantage point in the central part of Death Valley. With an elevation of 5,500 feet (1,700 m) above sea level, this place is perfect to enjoy the view over the Death Valley. If you can stand the heat, at least. Form Dante’s View, you can see Badwater Bassin, the lowest point in the Death Valley, and Telescope Peak, the highest point in the Death Valley.

If you and your car still can stand the head, the Racetrack Playa is worth a visit. This place is famous for the rocks called “sailing stones” that hysterically move across the sand and leave traces behind them.

Before you visit Death Valley, it is worth making some preparations, especially in the summer. Make sure that the cooling system of your car works fine and get some bottled water for the case of emergency. Make sure that your tank is full – the closer you get to Death Valley, the more expensive gas will get. If you have an air-cooled motorcycle, do not visit Death Valley in the summer. All the others: Can you stand the heat?