We often think of visiting national parks as a visual experience, the scenery drawing us in, the spectacular sights, where every moment presents yet another photo opportunity. And certainly this is true, even at Death Valley National Park. Every harshly sculpted desert landscape is a unique vista, a marvel of nature. But the conditions at Death Valley in the summertime remind us that the national parks can be experienced through senses other than sight. We primarily think of parks as something we see, but truly, if we’re experiencing a place fully, we should engage all five senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. This episode of America’s National Parks podcast is not a story, but rather a sensory journey.

Written By: Lauren Eisenberg Davis

Narrated By: Abigail Trabue

Edited By: Peter Xiong

Hosted By: Jason Epperson