Death Valley National Park
Death Valley poses a formidable and intriguing challenge to all comers.  The vastness, the rugged landscape, and the extreme climate cast decisively for any visitor during any time.  History tells of perilous challenges for travelers or any who sot to stay.  Today recreation propels most visits to The Valley.  Winter visitation may see more than 40,000 people on peak days.  Summer may see a few dozen in a day.

Geology coupled with location define this remarkable place.  The lowest point in Death Valley also marks the lowest elevation in the Western Hemisphere of 282 feet below sea level at Badwater.  The accumulation of minerals deposited by eons of erosion from well beyond the 3.3 million acres of The Park has concentrated in the low-lands.  Here annual moisture amounts to less than 2 inches.  In the surrounding highlands on Telescope peak at 11,049 feet about 15 inches of precipitation falls each year.

Such incredibly dry conditions reflect in  the extremely demanding ecology of Death Valley.  Desert typifies this place.  Sparse vegetation exposes the earth to the full intensity of the sun.  The meager vegetation offers little food for animals.  Like wise, the lack of cover (shade) dramatically influences animal behavior.   All of this creates a very intriguing and starkly beautiful photographic opportunity.  Scenes of this beautiful area can be enjoyed in my American Deserts Screen Saver, American Sand Dunes Screen Saver and  National Parks CD-ROM Screen Saver.

Link to Death Valley National Park Home Page ►