Pros & cons
PROS
- Iconic photo stop with a large digital temperature display
- Dual Fahrenheit/Celsius readout with an interpretive tile mosaic about heat and elevation
- Right outside the Visitor Center, easy to pair with exhibits and ranger info
CONS
- Little to no shade at the display; it’s a brief, in-the-sun stop
- Readings can run slightly hotter than official temps due to radiant heat
Overview
This is the park’s classic “hotter than anywhere” photo spot: a big outdoor thermometer right in front of the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. It’s simple, bold, and popular—the place people go to document triple-digit heat and kick off their Death Valley day.
What You’ll See
A prominent digital display shows the current temperature in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. An interpretive tile mosaic explains how temperatures shift with elevation across the park—handy context for planning a cooler afternoon up high. Expect a steady trickle of people snapping photos, especially when the numbers soar.
Why It Matters
The exhibit leans into Death Valley’s identity as one of the hottest places on Earth. It ties the moment’s reading to the park’s heat history and nudges you to think smart about your route: lower equals hotter, higher equals cooler. The thermometer was upgraded in 2021 to add Celsius and clearer safety/education content.
What’s Nearby
It sits steps from the Visitor Center’s entrance, making it an easy add-on before or after the film, museum displays, bookstore browsing, or a ranger chat. All the real services are inside; the outdoor thermometer itself is just the exhibit and photo-op.
Practical Notes
There’s no dedicated shade or seating at the display, and in summer the heat is brutally real. The reading can run a bit hotter than the official air temperature thanks to radiant heat off nearby surfaces, but it’s a fair snapshot of what your body feels on that pavement.
Best Time to Visit
- For dramatic photos: mid to late afternoon on hot days, when the display peaks.
- For comfort: early morning for cooler temps and fewer people.
- Weekdays are typically quieter than weekends; any time the Visitor Center opens is convenient since you can combine both stops.
Safety Snapshot
Use the exhibit’s heat-safety guidance as a planning cue: carry plenty of water, wear sun protection, and consider higher-elevation stops when the valley floor bakes.
Quick Verdict
Fun, fast, and undeniably on-brand for Death Valley. Swing by for the photo and the heat/elevation lesson, then head inside to plan the rest of your day.
Where it is
36.4615, -116.8665Tips for Furnace Creek Thermometer
- 01For the most impressive numbers, drop by during the hottest part of the day.
- 02Pair this stop with the Visitor Center film and a ranger chat to plan cooler, higher-elevation escapes.
- 03Bring extra water and strong sun protection; there’s no shade at the display.
- 04If you want a quieter moment, go early—then circle back later for the big readout photo.
Amenities
Near Furnace Creek Thermometer
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayFurnace Creek Visitor Center SignQuick photo stop with the famous giant thermometer out frontParking · Visitor Center
0 mi awayDeath Valley National Park Visitor CenterHub for rangers, exhibits, AC, and the giant thermometerVisitor Center · Exhibit
0.1 mi awayFarrabee's Jeep RentalsJeep rentals and tours to reach the park’s remote backroadsParking
0.1 mi awayFurnace Creek Fuel and Auto ServiceThe park’s central lifeline for fuel, at a steep premiumGas Station · Restroom
1.4 mi awayHarmony Borax Works Interpretive TrailA bite-size, paved loop around the 1880s borax works ruins.Easy · 0.4 mi · 30 min
1.4 mi awayMustard Canyon LoopShort loop through glowing yellow hills beside Harmony Borax WorksEasy · 3.4 mi · 1.2 hr
3 mi awayGolden Canyon to Red CathedralGolden walls to a red-rock amphitheater with a fun, short scramble.Moderate · 3 mi · 1.5 hr
3 mi awayGolden Canyon and Gower Gulch LoopDesert classic: golden narrows, badlands, and big views in one loopModerate · 4.4 mi · 2.5 hr
