The Best Things To Do In Death Valley National Park
Nestled in California’s Mojave Desert, Death Valley National Park is an awe-inspiring destination. Not only is it the lowest, driest, and hottest place on the continent, but it’s renowned for its unique landscapes and rich history.
And as the largest national park outside of Alaska, there’s much to do. As always, Shaka Guide’s got you covered. Get ready for a day driving through vast landscapes and incredible desert terrain.
Here are the best places to visit in Death Valley on our tour route.
1. Visit Badwater Basin
Your journey to Death Valley isn’t complete without visiting Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America.
Stand on the vast salt flats and immerse yourself in the beauty of this surreal landscape, where crystallized salt creates mesmerizing patterns against the backdrop of rugged mountains.
2. Explore Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Shutterstock Image
This may be the desert, but there’s nothing else in Death Valley quite like the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Lose yourself in the Sahara-like landscape, capturing stunning photographs as the light plays on the dunes.
3. Hike at Zabriskie Point
One of the most popular spots in Death Valley is also one of the easiest to visit. It’s a short walk up a sidewalk to Zabriskie Point, a breathtaking panorama of eroded badlands, golden hues, and intricate geological formations.
The vibrant colors and dramatic landscape have made this spot an iconic viewpoint in Death Valley.
4. Discover Golden Canyon
Image from Flickr by John Fowler
Towering golden walls and narrow ravines create a surreal experience in one of the park’s most popular hiking spots. Looming ahead is the Red Cathedral rock formation, an eroded cliff with a rusted hue.
5. Take a Scenic Ride at Artist's Drive
Image from Flickr by Thank You (24 Millions ) views
Embark on a leisurely drive along the scenic Artists Drive, a nine-mile loop showcasing the vibrant and diverse hues painted across the rocky landscape.
The highlight of Artist’s Drive is a spot in the mountains called Artists Palette.
Caused by various minerals that have oxidized over time, the colorful hills showcase nature's artistic prowess.
6. Enjoy the view at Dante's View
Image from Flickr by Nicolas Lh.
Climb over 5,000 feet in elevation as you drive to the summit of Dante's View, a viewpoint perched over the valley floor. The expansive panorama of Death Valley is the perfect place to enjoy some early morning light, or even better, a sunset.
7. Learn about Harmony Borax Works
Image from Flickr by sam may
Death Valley’s pioneer days started with the mining industry, whose impact is still dotted across the desert. You can explore the remnants of the Harmony Borax Works, the first major mining operation in Death Valley.
8. Drive through 20 Mule Team Canyon
Image from Flickr by sam may
One of the most exciting things to do in Death Valley is to drive through the desert on a dirt road. Our vote for the best one is 20 Mule Team Canyon, named after the famed 20 Mule teams that pulled wagons of borax.
The road is driveable for most vehicles, and winds through a tight canyon of eroded badlands.
9. Visit Furnace Creek Visitor Center
The park’s main visitor center features a giant thermometer, for that prime photo opp with the day’s temperature. But inside, you’ll find a great museum and a movie narrated by actor Donald Sutherland. And next door, the Furnace Creek area has restaurants and shopping.
Other Exciting Things to Do in Death Valley
As the biggest national park in the continental U.S., there are more highlights beyond the tour route. Some are only accessible on dirt roads on a 4x4 vehicle but are mesmerizing places to see.
10. Explore Ubehebe Crater
Image from Flickr by streetlight
With a diameter of about half a mile and steep walls, Ubehebe Crater is a far-flung but worthwhile highlight of the park.
Visitors can hike along the rim and marvel at the colorful layers of rocks, evidence of the volcanic activity that shaped this impressive natural wonder.
11. Witness the mysteries of Racetrack Playa
Image from Flickr by David Fulmer
It’s a long way from a paved road to reach Racetrack Playa, but this remote section of the park is also one of the most evocative. Racetrack Playa is home to the mysterious "moving rocks" phenomenon.
These large rocks seemingly glide across the dry lakebed, leaving long tracks behind them, creating an enigmatic sight.
With incredible vistas, wide open landscapes, and otherworldly desert terrain, Death Valley is a wonder to behold.
Come prepared with lots of water, a car with good air-conditioning, and an open mind, and you might be surprised how much you love Death Valley National Park.
Visiting Death Valley? Download Shaka Guide’s Death Valley National Park Tour!
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We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.
For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Death Valley National Park Itinerary and Know Before You Go article.
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