World's Tallest Thermometer
- Admission
- Free
- Hours
- Open 24 hours daily
- Duration
- 15-30 minutes
- Parking
- Free parking lot on site
- Access
- Wheelchair accessible paved viewing areas and gift shop
Rising 134 feet above the Mojave Desert, this towering landmark commemorates the record-setting 134-degree Fahrenheit temperature recorded in nearby Death Valley in 1913. It is a classic, must-see roadside photo-op for travelers driving between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. At night, its neon lights glow brightly, visible from miles away.
Read more
Rising 134 feet over the Mojave Desert, the World's Tallest Thermometer stands as a towering tribute to the record-breaking 134-degree Fahrenheit temperature recorded in nearby Death Valley in 1913. Built in 1991, this giant landmark has survived extreme desert winds and periods of dormancy before being fully restored to its glowing state.
Visitors today will find the giant digital monument soaring next to a dedicated gift shop, serving as a literal beacon of the region's extreme heat. The site offers a quick, classic roadside photo opportunity and a small visitor center packed with retro memorabilia and local history exhibits.
At night, the thermometer illuminates the desert sky with bright neon digits that can be seen from miles away along Interstate 15. It remains a quintessential pit stop for travelers journeying between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, perfectly capturing the eccentric spirit of American roadside culture.
Ratings
roadside attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Stop by during the peak of summer if you want to see the thermometer climb to eye-popping triple digits.
- ◆ Visit the adjacent gift shop to purchase unique thermometer-themed souvenirs and enjoy some air conditioning.
- ◆ Take your photos from the far side of the parking lot to fit the entire 134-foot structure into a single vertical frame.
- ◆ Combine this quick photo stop with a visit to the nearby Alien Fresh Jerky store just down the road.
Heads Up
- ◆ Summer temperatures in Baker routinely exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit; limit your time outdoors and stay hydrated.
- ◆ The asphalt parking lot gets hot enough to burn pets' paws and melt thin-soled shoes during the midday heat.
Common questions
Does the World's Tallest Thermometer actually work?
Yes, the thermometer is fully operational and displays the current temperature in real time using digital LED lights.
Can you go inside the World's Tallest Thermometer?
No, the thermometer is a solid tower structure and does not have an interior or observation deck open to the public.
Why is the thermometer exactly 134 feet tall?
The height of 134 feet was chosen to commemorate the record-high temperature of 134 degrees Fahrenheit recorded in nearby Death Valley on July 10, 1913.