Temp 134 Gift Shop in Baker, California, is a small but memorable roadside attraction that offers a variety of souvenirs and a glimpse into the town’s iconic landmark, the World’s Tallest Thermometer. Built in 1991 by local businessman Willis Herron, the thermometer stands at 134 feet tall, honoring the record temperature of 134 degrees set in nearby Death Valley in 1913. Although the precise accuracy of the thermometer’s temperature reading can be questioned, it remains a notable symbol and a fun photo opportunity, especially during the hot summer months when temperatures threaten to reach new records. Visitors frequently stop here to take photos, buy souvenirs, and learn about the thermometer’s history and the Herron family, who took ownership of the landmark in 2014 and re-lit it to honor its significance. The gift shop itself is bright, clean, and more like a small museum for the town, filled with friendly staff eager to share stories about the landmark and the area. It offers a selection of souvenirs such as T-shirts, caps, magnets, and books, including desert-themed children's books and a rock and minerals guide for kids. Visitors can also purchase a refrigerator magnet with a working alcohol thermometer, and even mail postcards with local stamps—an enjoyable keepsake for travelers. The shop features interesting displays like currency from visitors around the world, guest books for signatures, and a plastic cast-iron frying pan used for fun desert experiments. Overall, Temp 134 Gift Shop is a cool, welcoming stop that celebrates Baker’s unique history and landmark, making it a must-visit for those traveling through Death Valley and the Mojave Desert.
The thermometer and gift shop should get some publicity this summer of 2023 as temperatures threaten to reach 130. Newscasters are already calling 130 world record-breaking, but Baker's thermometer says 134 and even if there is a question about the precise accuracy of this, I accept it:: a record with an asterisk is still... read full comment
January 2026
They might have anything and everything you might need 🤔. In the middle of nowhere.
August 2025
We love going to the gift shop. We stop twice a year on our way to Vegas