The name Death Valley was given to the area by a group of pioneers who got lost here in 1949. Only one of their group actually died on their unfortunate expedition, but as they were rescued by a pair of fellow pioneers, one turned back and said "goodbye, death valley". And so the name stuck. That's not to say it's totally safe here, mind. There are increasing numbers of deaths in the national park each year due to cliff falls and dehydration.

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US national parks: the stories behind their names