Unit Closed - Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park terrain—closed to hunting, extreme desert landscape spanning vast elevation and temperature ranges.

Hunter's Brief

This is Death Valley National Park, a closed hunting area managed by the National Park Service. The terrain spans from below sea level to over 11,000 feet, creating dramatic desert and alpine zones. Access is limited to established park roads and trails. Hunting is prohibited throughout the entire park. Visitors can explore the landscape for non-hunting purposes only, experiencing some of the most extreme topography in North America.

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Terrain Complexity
9
9/10
?
Unit Area
172 mi²
Compact
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Public Land
100%
Most
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Access
0.0 mi/mi²
Limited
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Topography
26% mountains
Rolling
?
Forest
11% cover
Sparse
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Water
0% area
Limited

Terrain Deep Dive

Landmarks & Navigation

Key geographic features include Grapevine Peak and Bullfrog Mountain as prominent high-country summits offering sweeping vistas of the surrounding basins. The Amargosa Range forms the eastern boundary with significant elevation. Phinney Canyon provides notable drainage through the terrain.

Several springs including Alkali Spring, Brier Spring, and Cave Rock Spring mark reliable water sources in an otherwise arid landscape. Wahguyhe Peak and other summits serve as distant navigation references across the open country.

Elevation & Habitat

The park's extreme topography creates dramatic elevation transitions from desert basins to high mountain terrain. Lower elevations feature barren salt flats and sandy desert with minimal vegetation. Mid-elevations transition through sparse creosote and saltbush scrubland.

Higher elevations support piñon-juniper woodland and scattered desert shrub communities. The terrain is characterized by exposed geology, minimal tree cover, and harsh desert conditions across most of the landscape. Water scarcity and temperature extremes define habitat conditions.

Elevation Range (ft)?
3,5208,707
02,0004,0006,0008,00010,000
Median: 4,879 ft
Elevation Bands
8,000–9,500 ft
1%
6,500–8,000 ft
16%
5,000–6,500 ft
30%
Below 5,000 ft
54%

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Access & Pressure

Death Valley National Park maintains only a limited road network of approximately 6.7 miles of maintained roads within the closed area. Access is restricted to official park roads and established trails only. Visitor use is regulated by the National Park Service and concentrated in developed areas.

The combination of limited road infrastructure, extreme terrain, and park closure means hunting access is completely prohibited. The park's remote location and harsh conditions limit general visitation to designated facilities.

Boundaries & Context

Death Valley National Park encompasses a vast closed area in southeastern California and Nevada, centered on the lowest point in North America. The park boundaries contain the Amargosa Range and surrounding desert basins, with elevations ranging from below sea level to over 11,000 feet. This is federal land managed exclusively by the National Park Service under strict conservation and protection mandates.

Access is limited to designated park roads, trails, and visitor facilities. Hunting is completely prohibited throughout the park.

Land Cover Breakdown?
Mountains (forested)
9%
Mountains (open)
18%
Plains (forested)
2%
Plains (open)
72%

Water & Drainages

Water is extremely limited throughout the park, confined to scattered springs that sustain isolated oases within the desert. Named springs include Alkali Spring, Brier Spring, Cave Rock Spring, and McDonald Spring—these represent critical water sources in an otherwise parched landscape. The Amargosa Range drainage system channels seasonal runoff, though most flows are ephemeral.

Permanent water exists only at established springs and park facilities. Water scarcity is the defining constraint on movement and use throughout the terrain.

Hunting Strategy

Hunting is strictly prohibited throughout Death Valley National Park. The area is closed to all hunting activities by federal law under National Park Service management. While the landscape historically supported mule deer, mountain sheep, pronghorn, and mountain lions, no hunting opportunities exist.

The park is managed for resource protection, scientific research, and non-consumptive recreation only. Visitors interested in the terrain must visit for hiking, photography, geology study, or scenic enjoyment exclusively.