Best Things to See in Death Valley National Park

I had been living in Los Angeles for just under a month before my eldest brother came out to visit me. I wanted to make his 2 weeks in the US worthwhile so in our classic family style we hired a car and took to the road, attempting to visit a number of National Parks along the way.

We were staying in Las Vegas when we made the decision to spend a day exploring one of the largest and driest national parks in the United States, Death Valley National Park - approximately a 2½hr drive from Vegas (or a 4hr drive from Los Angeles). The night before we left to go on this spontaneous adventure we had come up with a brief list of things to see and do, not really knowing what to expect. All we knew was that the original Star Wars films had been shot in a few of the park's locations. And as big fans we had a feeling the day ahead was bound to be exciting. 

There is so much to see and do at Death Valley National Park. Incredible volcanic colours are pasted across the landscape, there are stunning views of snow capped mountains, creepy ghost towns to explore, and abundant adventures to undertake; from hiking to sand-boarding.

Although we only had one day it was still worth the trip as we got to see most of the touristy sites - the benefits of going in February. But I’d highly advise spending more than one day, it'll give you time to relax and explore further sections of the park up north. And always go during the winter months - weather for us reached about 25°C (77°F ) which then rose subtly when walking through the canyons.

Here is a list of the best places to see in Death Valley National Park.

Zabriskie Point

Zabriskie Point offers bright splashes of colours across a rabbit’s warren of badlands. Great for taking photos. You may have seen Zabriskie Point featured on the cover of U2’s album, The Joshua Tree or perhaps the 1970’s cult film, Zabriskie Point. Watch the colours change over the course of the day as the sun moves across the desolate valley. You can also hike the Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch Loop that runs via Zabriskie Point if you are looking for a moderate walk - around 5.8 miles - but always remember to bring water and only undertake the trail during the winter months. ​

Dante's View

Dante’s View is a 25km drive (16 mile) from Furnace Creek. This view has got to be one of the best I’ve ever seen so definitely bring your cameras or a pair of binoculars! Once at the top you’ll be able to look straight down onto the Badwater Basin salt flats (the lowest point in North America) and then look straight across at the stunning, snow-capped Telescope Peak (the highest peak in Death Valley). You’re also able to walk along the ridge of the mountain to witness spectacular 360 views of the valley. Dante’s View is peaceful. You really see just how massive, barren and isolated the park is. Bring a packed lunch, and depending on the weather, you can eat it in the comfort of your car, or outside on a rock, either way the surrounding scenery will make your food taste even better.

Golden Canyon

Golden Canyon is a Star Wars hotspot - see where R2D2 strolled before being snatched by the Sand People. We decided to undertake the Golden Canyon to Red Cathedral hike - a moderate 4.8km (3 mile) roundtrip which took about 1.5hrs. We were fine to start off with but as we walked deeper into the canyon, the sun’s heat began to take effect. What was initially 25°C soon felt like 35°. The silence when walking in this canyon was haunting, yet at the same time refreshing. All I could hear were my own footsteps treading on coarse gravel and echoing off rocky walls. The slightest sound of a pebble being kicked makes it seem like a boulder falling from above. Towards the end of the trail there are a few rocky sections you have to climb in and around before eventually reaching a striking crimson red rock formation known as Red Cathedral - seeing this is well worth the hike.

Badwater Basin

Badwater Basin is a place you must visit when exploring Death Valley National Park. You can finally tick off your bucket list that you've been to the lowest point in North America - with a depth of 282ft below sea level. Walk out onto the short boardwalks near the carpark or a further 400m onto the salt flats to gaze out at the polygon shaped salt that's naturally been etched into the bone-dry ground. 

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes were created from the wind picking up sand all over the park, eventually it became trapped between mountain ranges and thus staying in place over time.  These gigantic dunes were one of my favourite places to visit at Death Valley National Park. As the sun set, my brother and I climbed endlessly over these 100ft dunes. We took off our shoes and felt the cool sand between our toes. It was so refreshing after a long day of walking and driving. These dunes were honestly incredible and I’d never seen anything like it before, totally smack-bang in the middle of a desert. A great way to end the day is sitting atop a sand dune gazing out at the purple mountain scape around you, sun casting dark shadows over the ripple-like sand.
​All we need for next time are boogie boards to go sand-boarding!

Artists Palette

An easy stop along Artists Drive located 14km (9 miles) south of Furnace Creek on Badwater Road. At Artists Palette you’ll see rich, vibrant colours showered over layers of soil. The unique colours are formed from the oxidation of the metals found in the ground. Artists Palette is another great photo opportunity, and best time to visit would be as the sun is setting for the pop of colours to really stand out.

Rainbow Canyon

Head to Rainbow Canyon, also known as Star Wars Canyon, to witness more stunning red and orange hues come to life during sunset OR stay longer to catch a glimpse of a military fighter jet speed through. Unfortunately, there is no set schedule for when the jets pass so you'd be lucky if you did so one. I was unlucky this time around but if I had more time I would've found a quiet spot, sat with my camera (set to slow mo), and waited patiently for Luke Skywalker to race past in his X-wing Starfighter. 

That morning, as we were driving into Death Valley, we past a lone cyclist peddling along a road that stretched beyond the horizon. Sweat and utter exhaustion on display. His willpower and determination was motivating. On our way back to Vegas around 7pm, a night sky above us, we saw a flashing bicycle light - the same solitary cyclist. Finally he had made it into the park, his light signaling his arrival amongst millions of twinkling stars. What a ride! Hats off to you cyclist. 

If you plan on going be sure to check out www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm
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