Since 1933, the valley area has been a Natural Monument. In October 1994, it became Death Valley National Park. The park covers an area of 13.628 square kilometers and includes a stony desert along with the lowest place in North America - Badwater Basin filled with cracked, saline crust. There are many interesting rock formations, ravines, and hills throughout the valley. The water found there is very salty and not suitable for drinking. It is an eminently dry place, with an average annual rainfall of less than 50 millimeters, and a relative humidity of less than one percent. The area is practically devoid of water and shade.
