Death Valley National Park, California Nov. 2, 2023

Death Valley National Park, California

Stretching for kilometres below the desert sun, the salt flats of Badwater Basin shine in Death Valley National Park, California. This sweltering spot is the lowest point of elevation of North America, 86 metres below sea level. In this otherworldly landscape, the hardened, mineral surface glistens like a mirror as the scorching heat dances upon it, creating rippling waves in the air. Composed of sodium chloride, borax and other minerals, the flats" brittle crust conceals a treacherous mud layer beneath. For those who venture beyond the flats and up a mountainside, Dante"s View reveals a panoramic view of Badwater Basin from a height of nearly 1,700 metres. With its surreal landscapes, Death Valley National Park offers a truly unique experience where an odd beauty thrives despite the harshest of conditions.

© Jim Patterson/Tandem Stills + Motion

palette

Today in History

Beautiful from all angles
Nov. 2, 2024American bison
Nov. 2, 2025Maple and bamboo forests in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Stealthy pollinators
Oct. 27, 2025Thick-billed raven, Simien Mountains, Ethiopia
City of ice
Mar. 26, 2024Vinh Hy Bay, Vietnam
Trails leading to the gateway of nature.
Mar. 2, 2026Harbour and longtail boats at Ko Samui, Thailand
Jun. 19, 2024Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya
Colours of Colorado
Rocks rock!
A pair of high achievers
Apr. 5, 2025Gaztelugatxe islet at sunset, Basque Country, Spain
May 11, 2024World Migratory Bird Day
Apr. 9, 2024World Ski and Snowboard Festival
Unbe-leaf-able
Stop and smell the Sakura
Aug. 28, 2023Dubrovnik, Croatia
Nov. 5, 2024Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil
May 4, 2024Star Wars Day
Sep. 25, 2025Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan, India
Oct. 16, 2023Golden larches and Prusik Peak, Enchantments, Washington
Jun. 9, 2024Bardenas Reales Biosphere Reserve and Natural Park, Navarra, Spain
Jul. 11, 2024World Population Day
Oct. 1, 2025Clark Range, Yosemite National Park, California, United States
Jan. 6, 2025Flooded crypt, Basilica of San Francesco, Ravenna, Italy
Jul. 7, 2025Northern gannets, Shetland Islands, Scotland
Mar. 12, 2026Juvenile sunbittern displaying at nest, Ecuador
May 18, 2024International Museum Day
Mar. 24, 2026Cherry blossoms at East Lake Cherry Blossom Park, Wuhan, China
Apr. 10, 2024Siblings Day
Feb. 20, 2025Red deer, Canada