The Amargosa Range is a mountain range in Inyo County, California, San Bernardino County, California and Nye County, Nevada. The 110-mile (180 km) range runs along most of the eastern side of California's Death Valley, separating it from Nevada's Amargosa Desert. The U-shaped Amargosa River flows clockwise around the perimeter of the range, ending 282 feet (86 m)[1] below sea level in the Badwater Basin.

Amargosa Range
From Telescope Peak trail
Highest point
PeakGrapevine Peak
Elevation8,738 ft (2,663 m)
Coordinates36°30′27″N 116°38′4″W / 36.50750°N 116.63444°W / 36.50750; -116.63444
Dimensions
Length110 mi (180 km)
Geography
Death Valley landmarks

The mountain range is named after the Amargosa River, so-named for the Spanish word for bitter because of the bitter taste of the water.[2]

In order from north to south, the Grapevine Mountains (including the range's highest point, 8,738 feet (2,663 m) Grapevine Peak), the Funeral Mountains, and the Black Mountains form distinct sections. Many of Death Valley National Park's most well-known features, such as Zabriskie Point and Artists Drive are located in or are part of the Amargosa Range.

The Amargosa mountains are also home to Corkscrew Peak, so named because it resembles a corkscrew.

References

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  1. ^ "Highest and Lowest Elevations". United States Geological Survey. Retrieved April 26, 2021.
  2. ^ Gudde, Erwin; William Bright (2004). California Place Names (Fourth ed.). University of California Press. p. 11. ISBN 0-520-24217-3.