Death Valley Daylight

Regarding Susan Spano’s “Leery of Long-Distance Driving? Roll On, With Some Precautions” (Her World, Feb. 27): On our first trip to Death Valley National Park, we also were surprised at the early darkness. I finally figured out why: The park is close to the boundary of the Mountain time zone, and many areas are below sea level, with the setting sun hidden by mountains.

GUNTHER DUMALSKI

Los Angeles