Welcome to Death Valley, the kind of place that guarantees both jaw-dropping views and a sunburn at the same time.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most beautiful places to discover in this natural wonder.
A guide to discovering 12 must-see places in Death Valley
#1 Dante’s View
This is one of the best viewpoints in Death Valley National Park.
Stretching out before you is the heart of Death Valley, and below lies Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the United States. If you look closely, you can spot a road crossing the valley all the way to Badwater Basin.
Here, you can simply admire the view from the parking area or walk along the short trails branching off in both directions for a different perspective.
#2 Devil’s Golf Course
Near Badwater Basin, you’ll find rugged salt flats known as Devil’s Golf Course.
It’s worth making a quick stop because you can see them directly from the parking area.
The salt crystals are very sharp—sharp enough to cut your skin or clothing—so be careful.
#3 Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch
This is a short and easy hike that offers wonderful views of Death Valley.
Here, you can walk through sandstone canyons and, from this point, enjoy the view from Manly Beacon while exploring the golden sandstone hills that make this part of Death Valley so interesting.
You can shorten the hike by going up Golden Canyon only, but the most interesting part of the trail is around Manly Beacon, which offers spectacular views similar to those at Zabriskie Point.
Read also: Skeleton Coast is incredible! Find out how to visit it on a tour around Namibia
#4 Zabriskie Point
This is another viewpoint in Death Valley that you shouldn’t miss. From the parking area, you can reach the overlook with a short and easy walk, and along the way you can follow the short trails leading into the hills.
Zabriskie Point is also an ideal place to watch the sunset.
#5 Racetrack Playa
If you’re looking for adventure and the chance to see something unusual, a visit to Racetrack Playa is one of the best things to do in Death Valley National Park.
This is the place to see the mysterious sailing stones—large rocks that somehow slide across the dry lakebed, leaving tracks behind them.
#6 Badwater Basin
As we mentioned earlier, Badwater Basin is the lowest point in the United States, located 86 meters below sea level.
A visit here can last 30 minutes or more, depending on how far you walk and how much time you want to spend admiring this spectacle.
#7 Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Surrounded by purple mountains, the sand dunes create a natural playground and a wonderfully photogenic landscape for photography lovers.
Walking on the loose sand is tiring, but the farther you go, the more solitude you’ll find among the dunes.
If you have a sandboard or a sand sled, you can use it here. Snow sleds work too.
#8 Ubehebe Crater
Ubehebe Crater is a volcanic crater in Death Valley that is absolutely worth a visit, especially if you’ve never seen a caldera before.
This was once an active volcano, and the surrounding landscape is still scattered with charred earth and rock.
#9 Artists Drive and Artists Palette
Artists Drive is a 15-kilometer scenic road that winds through one of Death Valley’s unique landscapes.
The road is one-way, running from south to north, but along the route there are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the view.
Artists Palette is a must-see stop on Artists Drive. These pink, aqua, and purple hills are the result of the oxidation of metals in the ground.
#10 Darwin Falls
Darwin Falls is a year-round waterfall in Death Valley National Park.
To reach it, you pass through an oasis—a very different landscape from what you see in the rest of the park. It’s a hike of about three kilometers round trip and takes around one to one and a half hours.
Darwin Falls is located at Panamint Springs, on the western side of Death Valley National Park.
#11 Telescope Peak
Telescope Peak is the highest summit in the park, at 3,366 meters.
From the top, you can enjoy views of Badwater Basin and Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States (4,421 meters).
#12 Scotty’s Castle
Hidden in the green oasis of Grapevine Canyon, in the far north of Death Valley, lies Death Valley Ranch—or “Scotty’s Castle,” as it is more commonly known—a window into life during the Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression of the 1930s.
It was, and still is, an engineer’s dream home, the vacation house of a wealthy matron, and the hideaway of a mysterious man.
Scotty’s Castle was built in the 1920s, but it was never completed. Unfortunately, the castle is closed due to damage caused by a flood and, later, a fire.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Death Valley offers a range of fascinating and unique places well worth exploring. From the breathtaking views of Dante’s View and Zabriskie Point to the razor-sharp salt flats of Devil’s Golf Course, there is something extraordinary around every corner of this desolate valley. The hike through Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch offers a striking experience among sandstone canyons and golden hills, while Racetrack Playa captivates visitors with its mysterious sailing stones etched across the ground.
Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the United States, and the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes offer spectacular scenery and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. The impressive Ubehebe Crater and the scenic Artists Drive with its Artists Palette provide even more surprising discoveries.
Darwin Falls, nestled in a charming oasis, and the epic Telescope Peak offer unforgettable hiking experiences and views. Finally, Scotty’s Castle, despite being closed, tells an intriguing and fascinating story of times gone by.
In any case, Death Valley is a place that captures the imagination and offers incredible natural wonders.
By the way, did you know that we’ve organized a tour that stops there? Take a look at the full itinerary!
