"The mere mention of Death Valley conjures a strong sense of intrigue, imminent danger and desolation. Hardships of life in Death Valley are recounted in colorful stories about the Panamint Indians, California Gold Rush prospectors and once flourishing mining areas now reduced to ghost towns. Thanks to our treasured national park system, it is possible to revisit some of this rich history and also safely explore the 3,336,000 acres of Death Valley National Park in western California."


Marcus W. Reinkensmeyer & Steve Stilwell, From Rock to Sand: Death Valley Landscapes.