Death Valley is a place of extremes. In the USA it holds records for these extremes: the hottest place (134°F / 56.7°C), the lowest place (86m below sea level), the darkest night sky in the USA. Since being designated as a National Monument, Death Valley has grown to 3.4 million acres, and is one of the largest protected desert wilderness areas in America. A hostile landscape, its beauty is unquestionable.