Into The Valley Of Death Trivia Quiz

Answer: Southwest

Four major mountain ranges lie between Death Valley and the Pacific Ocean: the Amargosa Range, the Panamint Range, the Sylvania Mountains and Owlshead Mountains. Death Valley lies on the border of California and Nevada.

Answer: 1994

Death Valley can be found on the border between the states of California and Nevada. It covers more than 3.3 million acres of land. It was given its name by gold prospectors who lost many of their friends while trying to survive there.

In 1984 the area was proclaimed a biosphere reserve but it wasn't until 1994 that Death Valley National Park officially came into being.

Answer: 5,300

This National Park is bigger than Yellowstone Park! In the far north of the valley, Scotty's Castle can be found. Walter Scott claimed to have built the castle with the proceeds of secret mines he owned in the valley. It was, in actual fact, built by Albert Mussey Johnson, who was a friend of Scott's. It was built as a holiday home for Johnson and his wife.

Answer: 300 feet

This measurement was made at Badwater Basin, the lowest spot in the valley. The valley is the 'home' of the Harmony Borax Works, which was the first successful Borax works in the valley. Teams of twenty mules pulled heavy loads of 46,000 pounds over 160 miles to the railroad in Mojave.

Answer: Telescope Peak

This peak measures over 11,000 feet. From the top of it, one can see Death Valley spread out below.

Answer: Less than 2 inches

Since the late 1970s, the average rainfall has risen slightly. We can only speculate whether this is tied to global warming.

Answer: Hunter-Gatherers

Rock drawings, camp site remains and foot trails have been found as evidence of ancient humans hunting and gathering for survival in Death Valley. There are many interesting (and slightly scary) names on a map of the valley. These include names such as Funeral Mountains, Coffin Peak and Starvation Canyon! These imply a lot about its deadly past and the difficulties people faced in order to survive there.

Answer: Christmas Day 1849

The group of pioneers became known as the 'Forty-Niners'. These people were looking for a short-cut to the gold 'fields' of California. Not only did they have the hardships of the desert to contend with, but they also had to deal with the Panamint Indians who were the indigenous inhabitants at that time.

The 'Forty-Niners' did not survive as a group, but rather separated into smaller groups as survival became more difficult.

Answer: 154

In 1996, there were 40 days when the temperature was over 120 degrees Fahrenheit and 105 days when it was over 110 degrees Fahrenheit! However, there have been wet periods in the history of the valley. In January 1995, a record rainfall of 2.59 inches was recorded. Between 1997 and 1998 there was 6.09 inches of rain--making it the wettest season ever recorded at the time.

Answer: True

Some plants have roots that are only just below the surface, but stretch out in all directions searching for water. The majority of wild animals found in the valley are small, nocturnal creatures who are more active when it is cooler. Larger creatures, such as the desert bighorn sheep, survive in higher areas where it is cooler.