Death Valley Is Having A Rare And Magical 'Super Bloom'

Death Valley is the hottest, driest place on the entire North American continent.

But once every 10 years or so, something magical happens: The valley explodes with a rare floral "super bloom," in which its native plants literally spring to life.

Death Valley started showing signs of a super bloom in early January after heavy rains pummeled the region in fall, according to the Death Valley National Park website. 

Travelers are driving in from all around to catch what some experts call a once-in-a-lifetime event, a rare chance to see an arid valley covered in brilliantly-colored flowers. According to the Los Angeles Times, it's been 11 years since Death Valley was so "full of life." 

To see the super bloom for yourself, hitch a ride to eastern California, where the park straddles the state border with Nevada. Once inside, take a scenic drive to some of the park's preferred flower-viewing spots, or grab a campsite and spend a night under the desert stars. The National Park Service continually updates a Death Valley flower map to guide your journey.

Park rangers aren't sure how long this year's bloom will last, but flowers typically bloom in the park until mid-July.

Happy travels!

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