7 Can’t-Miss to Do in Death Valley National Park
Arriving at Death Valley National Park in California feels like you’ve landed on an alien planet. The views and varied landscapes here are unreal and borderline ridiculous. Located just a two-hour drive from Las Vegas and about a four-hour drive from Los Angeles, this remote park isn’t too far out of reach. However, this park is BIG. Massive actually. With so much ground to cover, it can seem a little overwhelming to decide which spots are a must-see. This list of the top things to do in Death Valley will help you plan your trip to this incredible park.
These are the things to do in Death Valley National Park that you just can’t miss!
Badwater Basin
At 282 ft. below sea level, Badwater Basin is the lowest elevation in North America. There are over 200 square miles of flats here, so you’ll have no problem finding a spot to yourself to take some epic photos and enjoy the iconic view.
Because temperatures here are so severe, it’s recommended to bring plenty of water with you and to avoid this spot at midday when the heat can be unbearable. The National Park Service also recommends avoiding hikes here past 10 a.m. in the summertime.
Read More: 11 Tips for Your First Trip to Death Valley
Fun Fact
Badwater Basin holds the record for the highest recorded temperature on Earth at 134°.
Dante’s View
Located near Badwater Basin, Dante’s View is considered one of the best overlooks in the park. Over 5000 ft. above sea level, this spot offers a wide overlook of the southern part of the park. From here, you can see both the highest and the lowest points in the contiguous United States – Mount Whitney and Badwater Basin.
The elevation change between Dante’s View and Badwater Basin is substantial. If you’re sensitive to altitude, be sure to come prepared.
Read More: Tips for Preventing Altitude Sickness
Zabriskie Point
The views here are truly stunning! Millions of years of erosion and volcanic activity have left behind an unreal landscape, unlike anything you’ve ever seen. This was my favorite viewpoint in the park! I loved this spot so much that I visited it two days in a row. After parking in the lot, a short walk up a paved hill to the overlook will reward you with a beautiful, panoramic view. Zabriskie Point should definitely be a can’t-miss on your list!
TIP: This is an excellent place to catch the sunset!
Devil’s Golf Course
The Devil’s Golf Course is certainly one of Death Valley’s most unique terrains. It got its name after a 1934 guidebook stated “only the devil could play golf” on such a surface. At certain times, if you listen carefully, you can hear little pinging sounds of salt crystals expanding and exploding in the heat.
This spot is accessible via a dirt road that most cars should have no problem driving. From there, you can park right up next to the salt formations and either gaze at them from the lot or try your luck at walking around on the jagged ground.
Watch your step here – the ground is sharp!
Falling on this jagged terrain will likely result in a cut, and you would literally get salt in your wounds. No thank you.
Artist’s Drive
Artist’s Drive is a nine-mile scenic road that winds its way through the mountains. The section at the beginning of the road can get pretty rough, so drive carefully. We made it through in our compact rental car, so you can totally do it, but there were times when we questioned whether we should turn around. I’m glad we didn’t because the road smooths out after a bit, and this drive ended up being one of our favorite parts of the trip!
Read More: 11 Tips for Your First Trip to Death Valley
Artist’s Palette
While the entirety of Artist’s Drive is impressive, about five miles in you’ll reach the highlight – Artist’s Palette. These technicolor rocks get their pigment from the oxidation of metals in the rock which leaves behind various hues of purples, blues, pinks, and greens mixed into the orange rocks. You can either view Artist’s Palette from the lookout spot off the road or take a short hike to get a closer look.
Mesquite Sand Dunes
Being at the Mesquite Sand Dunes is just surreal. At times, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported somewhere like Egypt or Morocco, but a look at the surrounding mountains reminds you that you’re somewhere else entirely. The whole area is just bizarre and doesn’t feel like reality.
There are no marked trails at the Mesquite Sand Dunes, which means you can explore them to your heart’s content. Keep in mind that hiking through sand dunes is harder than it looks, and walking a short distance takes longer than you might expect. Bring plenty of water with you, and remember to save time and energy for the walk back.
PHOTOGRAPHY TIP: The dunes are best photographed at sunrise. Not only will the lighting be better, but you’ll also get a chance to enjoy them before other hikers come along and leave their footprints (unlike in the photo below).
Bonus: Rhyolite Ghost Town
If you’re staying in Beatty, don’t miss the opportunity to stop and explore Rhyolite – a Nevada ghost town located just outside of Beatty near the entrance to the park.
Rhyolite was short-lived (lasting only from 1905 until about 1916), but remnants of this gold-mining boomtown remain. You’ll find crumbling walls of what was once the three-story bank, as well as the remains of the town jail and a still intact train depot. There’s now even an odd (and somewhat haunting) little open-air sculpture museum as you enter Rhyolite.
It’s altogether quite small, but for a little glimpse into the area’s history, it’s worth a quick stop if you’re near Beatty.
Death Valley is such a large park, it’s almost impossible to see it all. Nevertheless, if you’re able to hit these highlights, you’ll definitely leave feeling like you’ve experienced the magic this place has to offer.
Have any questions about these seven amazing things to do in Death Valley National Park? Let me know in the comments!
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