A Day in Death Valley

It’s quiet . . . too quiet. All you hear is the whistling of the wind. Sweat is dripping down your face. The bottoms of your boots begin to burn. 

You’re in the middle of a scorching hot desert. But this isn’t just any desert. It’s the hottest place on Earth. You begin to panic. Without water, you won’t survive for long. 

But then you hear a crowd of people. Tourists from all over the world are here to visit. Phew. You’re not alone. You’re in Death Valley National Park!

It’s quiet . . . too quiet. All you hear is the sound of the wind. Sweat is dripping down your face. The bottoms of your boots begin to burn. 

You’re in the middle of a very hot desert. But this isn’t just any desert. It’s the hottest place on Earth. You begin to worry. You won’t survive for long without water. 

But then you hear a crowd of people. Visitors are here from all over the world. Phew. You’re not alone. You’re in Death Valley National Park!

Death Valley is one of the largest national parks in the country. It’s a dangerous place to visit alone—or without supplies. People have gone missing here. Some have even died.

But even though it’s called Death Valley, it’s a wondrous place filled with amazing animals and beautiful sights. More than 1 million people visit every year­—including you! You check that you packed all your supplies. Then you set out to explore this mysterious land. 

You gaze up and see colorful mountain peaks sparkling in the sun. They’re dazzling shades of blue, green, and purple. You’re at the famous mountaintops of Artists Palette!

Next you visit a dry area covered in rocks. Suddenly, one of these giant stones begins to move . . . all by itself! These strange rocks are called the sailing stones. Winds move them when the ground is wet or slippery. 

Everywhere you look, you see something new. In one direction, sand dunes sizzle in the heat. In another, snowcapped mountains shoot into the sky. You pass a field of yellow wildflowers, then begin to climb down a steep, rocky canyon—toward the bottom of Death Valley.

Death Valley is one of the biggest national parks in the country. It’s a dangerous place to visit alone. It’s also a dangerous place to visit without the right supplies. People have gone missing here. Some people have even died.

But even though it’s called Death Valley, it’s a special place. It’s filled with amazing animals and beautiful sights. About 1 million people visit every year­       . . . including you! You check that you packed all your supplies. Then you set out to explore this mysterious land. 

You look up and see colorful mountains sparkling in the sun. They’re bright shades of blue, green, and purple. You’re at the famous mountaintops of Artists Palette!

Next you visit a dry area covered in rocks. All of a sudden, one of these giant stones begins to move. The stone is moving all by itself! These strange rocks are called the sailing stones. Winds move them when the ground is wet or slippery. 

Everywhere you look, you see something new. In one direction, you see sand dunes that are sizzling hot. In another direction, you see snowy mountains in the sky. You pass a field of yellow wildflowers. Then you begin to climb down a steep, rocky canyon—toward the bottom of Death Valley.

Luckily, the sun will set soon. It’s time to head home. Sssss. Something slithers by your feet. Aaah! It’s a rattlesnake! Your day may be ending, but some animals are just waking up. 

Your cheeks are sunburned, and your throat feels dry. But you’re smiling too. You can’t wait to visit this strange and beautiful place again. Who knows what you might see next? 

Luckily, the sun will set soon. It’s time to head home. Sssss. Something moves by your feet. Aaah! It’s a rattlesnake! Your day may be ending, but some animals are just waking up. 

Your cheeks are sunburned. Your throat feels dry. But you’re smiling too. You can’t wait to visit this strange and beautiful place again. Who knows what you might see next?