Death Valley National Park lies chiefly in California. Its northeast corner extends into Nevada. The park is a hot, dry region of scenic and historic interest. It is named for Death Valley, which lies within the park. Death Valley includes the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere. This location, near Badwater in California, is 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level. In addition to Death Valley, the national park includes mountainous areas and remains of old mining settlements.
The area became a national monument in 1933. In 1994, the boundaries were expanded and it became a national park. For the area of the park, see National Park System (table: National parks).
