Photo. Stein Morten Lund, Norway, in Death Valley.
The valley offers remarkable geology, weather, and history. This makes it a place of curiosity for adventurers, scientists, and nature lovers alike. Even filmmakers! Star Wars was filmed there in 1977 (Wikipedia): it served as one of the filming locations for the desert planet Tatooine, Luke Skywalker's home world.
It`s a thin line between life and dead there. The name "Death Valley" reflects its formidable nature. The delicate balance between survival and extinction is constantly present. I really wondered how animals can endure an environment that seems nearly inhospitable. At the same time, for humans, the risk of heatstroke, dehydration, and disorientation makes the desert a place where life can be fragile.
Hiking in Death Valley is an incredible, but challenging experience due to its extreme conditions and unique landscapes. Crossing Death Valley on foot was not in my mind at all. Even though I had better time, it was totally out of the scope. The heat and harsh terrain almost took my breath. A short walk around - not so far from my car - is far good enough.
Crossing the valley on foot was never part of my plan in 1987 - nor did it need to be. Even though I had more time, venturing deeper into this harsh terrain seemed far beyond my limits. The intense heat and unforgiving ground made every step feel like a challenge, and a short walk, not far from my car, felt more than enough.
Death Valley is located in eastern California within the Mojave Desert, near the border with Nevada in the United States. It is part of Death Valley National Park, which spans both California and Nevada. Specifically, it is situated in Inyo County, California. The valley lies east of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and is roughly 160 km west of Las Vegas, Nevada, and about 435 km northeast of Los Angeles, California.
Death Valley is notable for being the lowest and hottest place in North America. Its lowest point, Badwater Basin, is 86 meters below sea level.
What fascinates me most about Death Valley is the stark contrast between life and desolation. It’s a place where survival seems impossible, yet life still finds a way to thrive amid the extremes.
Is the hottest place on earth. The highest temperature ever recorded in Death Valley was 134 degrees in 1913. It`s even hotter than in a Finnish sauna. The park came close to breaking the record on 7ht July in 2024 (CBS News US), when temperatures reached an astonishing 129 degrees.
Hiking in Death Valley can indeed feel like being in a sauna, especially during the summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 43°C and can reach as high as 54°C. The temperature in Finnish saunas is usually 80–90 °C. The combination of extreme heat, low humidity, and barren landscapes can create an intense, dry heat similar to the feeling of being in a sauna. However, unlike a sauna, the heat in Death Valley can be relentless and dangerous, with little to no shade in many areas.
The experience of hiking in such conditions requires caution, as heatstroke, dehydration, and sunburn are serious risks. It’s recommended to hike early in the morning or in the cooler winter months, stay hydrated, and wear proper sun protection to avoid the more intense "sauna-like" feeling.
Death Valley is home to the Timbisha tribe of Native Americans, formerly known as the Panamint Shoshone, who have inhabited the valley for at least the past millennium.
Death Valley is also a home to over 400 animal species, each uniquely adapted to survive in its harsh, unforgiving climate. Among these resilient creatures, the largest is the desert bighorn sheep, standing three feet tall at the shoulder and reaching up to five feet in length. These remarkable animals owe their survival to their adaptability and access to a vital, year-round freshwater spring, which sustains their watering hole amidst the arid desert landscape. This natural resource is a lifeline for the bighorn sheep, allowing them to thrive in one of the most extreme environments on Earth.
Death Valley’s resemblance to a moon-like landscape has even made it a location for space exploration simulations, adding to its mystique. Its extreme, barren beauty and stark contrasts make it a place where many visitors feel like they are stepping onto another world.
Hiking in Death Valley is an awe-inspiring yet demanding experience, shaped by its extreme conditions and strikingly unique landscapes. Hiking in the national park there, you will find a wealth of relics from its long history. That offer a glimpse into the harsh life of the area’s early settlers and native inhabitants, including metal ore mines, charcoal kilns, ghost towns, petroglyphs, and ancient Shoshone foot trails. Whether you’re venturing out to Death Valley for historical journeys, unparalleled views, or challenging hikes, you’ll find the adventure of a lifetime.
Stein Morten Lund
October 2024
Additional information
Death Valley National Park just had its hottest summer on record
By Mary Cunningham, 6th September 2024 CBS News US
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