Shoshoni Indians have lived in Death Valley for many years—migrating to
the mountains for the hot summer months and returning to the valley for
the winter. Their movements were related to supplies of food and water
and influence of temperature. It is more likely that areas such as these
sand dunes were visited for food gathering rather than as a place of
residence. To survive in the desert, the Shoshoni had to learn which
plants to eat, where they grew and when to harvest them. They also
learned which animals were reliable food sources—where they could be
found in abundance and when they were active.
Use your imagination—how well could you survive in this wild area? Where
and how would you find water? Which plants and animals would you eat?