Death Valley super bloom is a once-in-a-decade opportunity

Death Valley is the hottest, driest place on Earth and home to the lowest point on the western hemisphere. Named and known for its desolation, this national landmark has a reputation for being uninhabitable and nearly lifeless, but once every ten years or so, Death Valley comes back from the dead with a super bloom.

Every ten years or so, after unusually heavy winter rainfall, a surge of wildflowers shoot up from the earth, dusting the valley with rich yellows, oranges, and purples.

The last time this happened was 2005, and before that 1998, making this year’s super bloom something you won’t want to miss.

There are many types of flowers which are now thriving in Death Valley, the most common being the Desert Gold. The Desert Gold (pictured above), appropriately named for its bright yellow petals, covers much of the valley’s low altitude areas, like those surrounding Bad Water Basin. As you drive through the valley there is a carpet of yellow thanks to these gorgeous little flowers.

Other plants are more difficult to find, but are just as beautiful. The Indigo Bush and Purple Mat, are easier to spot in the high altitude areas of the park. These plants have the strongest contrast with the dusty ground that covers Death Valley making them especially awe-inspiring.

Unfortunately these flowers won’t survive long as summer grows nearer and temperatures begin to rise, so don’t miss out on the rare opportunity to experience this stunning natural phenomenon.