DEATH VALLEY: A GUIDE TO STUNNING VIEWS AND UNIQUE ATTRACTIONS
Death Valley is the hottest, driest, and lowest point in the United States, known for holding the record for the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth at 134°F.
You can experience the park’s highlights in a single day, but for an ideal visit, plan for two days. Driving the entire length of the park, excluding stops, takes about four hours.
DANTE’S VIEW
25-minute drive from Nevada park entrance.
This is one of the best viewpoints in the park. Somehow, I don’t have a photo from this spot, but it’s definitely worth stopping by. You’ll experience sweeping views of the heart of Death Valley.
You can access this viewpoint from the parking lot or by taking one of the short trails that head in either direction.
TWENTY MULE TEAM CANYON
This is a one-way road winding through yellow and white mudstone hills. Be sure to stop and explore the short trails along this road for some great scenery.
It’s a 45-minute drive from Dante’s View. Driving through the canyon and its hiking trails takes another 30-45 minutes.
ZABRISKIE POINT
Another stunning viewpoint in the park with short trails and a perfect sunset view. This spot tends to be quite crowded. To maximize your time exploring other parts of the park, I’d suggest skipping the hikes here.
Devil’s Golf Course
This is a fun little stop to see the lumpy salt flats known as the Devil’s Golf Course. I only suggest stopping here since it’s on the way to Badwater Basin (which is much cooler).
BADWATER BASIN
Badwater Basin is the lowest point in the US, sitting at 282ft below sea level.
Be sure to take the trail from the parking lot that heads out into the salt flats. This is a great spot for photos.
ARTISTS DRIVE AND ARTISTS PALETTE
5-miles from Badwater Basin.
This 9-mile scenic drive takes you through one of the best areas in the park. The one-way road runs from south to north.
There are many spots to stop along the way, but the best is Artists Palette, where you’ll find the colorful rainbow hills shown here.
These pastel hills are a result of the oxidation of metals in the soil.
GOLDEN CANYON AND GOWER GULCH
4.4-mile hike, easy.
Here, you can hike through sandstone canyons, enjoy views from Manly Beacon, and explore the unique mudstone hills.
This wraps up day 1 in the park.
WHERE TO SPEND THE NIGHT
The easiest places to stay would be the Furnace Creek Campground, a room at The Oasis in Furnace Creek, or the Stovepipe Wells Hotel.
We traveled to and from various areas during our journey through Death Valley. We stayed at an Airbnb in Lone Pine one night and the Shady Lady Bed and Breakfast for a truly unique experience at a once-famous brothel. Keep an eye out for the wild peacocks roaming the property!
UBEHEBE CRATER
1.5-mile hike, easy.
This was once an active volcano. You can view the crater from the parking lot, hike down into it, or walk around the rim.
RACETRACK PLAYA
This is the place where you can witness the mysterious sailing stones, which gracefully glide across a dry lakebed, leaving distinctive trails in their wake.
We didn’t get a chance to go here because we don’t have a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle (which is required), but it’s definitely on my list.
From Ubehebe Crater, it’s a 27-mile drive on a rough, rocky road, taking 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
MESQUITE FLATS SAND DUNES
It’s about a 3 hour drive to get back to the center of Death Valley from Racetrack Playa.
From the Mesquite Flat parking area, you can explore the dunes to your hearts content.
Beautiful crispy dunes with a purple mountain backdrop. One of my favorite areas in the park.
Don’t forget to make a sand angel!
MOSAIC CANYON
4-miles, moderate.
This trail is located near Stovepipe Wells. You’ll need to drive 2-miles down a gravel road to reach the trailhead.
Fun hike with rock scrambling and beautiful canyon walls.
VIEW THE NIGHT SKY
Death Valley has some of the darkest night skies in the US. Definitely don’t miss out on some stargazing while you’re there. I’d say head to Badwater Basin or the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes for the best views.
WITH MORE TIME
There is so much more to see in Death Valley. On my next visit, I plan to check out the following:
- Grotto Canyon Hike
- Eureka Sand Dunes
- Darwin Falls
- Telescope Peak Trail
- Aguereberry Point
