Article Overview: Best Things to Do in Death Valley National Park
I’ve spent the past decade exploring the national parks and there are few that I’ve spent more time in than Death Valley. Why? This place is endless and folks who tell you there isn’t much to do here or that it’s “meh” aren’t your friends. Death Valley spans over 5,000 square miles of otherworldly vistas and is the largest national park in the continental United States – there are endless amounts of things to do here.
Death Valley holds the record as the hottest place on earth, the record for the lowest place in North America, and the driest place in the United States. Driving from one end to the other takes nearly 5 hours. Oh, and if that isn’t enough, it’s also the largest National Park outside of Alaska.
All this to say, trust me when I tell you that there’s a plethora of amazing things to do in Death Valley National Park. Over the years this list (which is basically my personal favorite things to do in Death Valley) continues to grow as I find new gems worth mentioning here. I’ve included a mix of activities for everyone, most of which are quite approachable to any old newcomer.
So, sit back, scroll, and let years of my years of fun (like sprinting to the top of Eureka Dunes to catch the last rays of sunset and immediately vomiting from the heat/exhaustion) in Death Valley give you some inspiration for your trip to the desert.
If I missed something please drop me a comment!
Overview of Death Valley Activities
Table of Contents: Things to Do in Death Valley National Park
Table of Contents: Best Things to Do in Death Valley National Park
- Overview of Death Valley Activities
- Top 25 Best Things to Do in Death Valley
- Top 20 Best Things to Do in Death Valley
- 20. Witness Sandstorms (from afar!)
- 19. See Death Valley’s Elusive Burros
- 18. Ascend Telescope Peak
- 17. Take a Scenic Drive
- 16. Hike Through Surprise Canyon
- 15. See Panamint Dunes from Afar
- 14. See the Charcoal Kilns (by Night)
- 13. Walk Under the Natural Bridge
- 12. Venture Across Ibex Dunes
- 11. Play a Round at the Devils Golf Course
- Top 10 Death Valley National Park Activities
- Top 5 Best Things to Do in Death Valley National Park
- FAQ – Things to Do in Death Valley
- Interesting Death Valley Facts
- Map of Things to Do in Death Valley
- Summary of the Top 10 Things To Do in Death Valley National Park
- Visiting Death Valley National Park
5 Quick Things to Know Before Visiting Death Valley National Park
- Entrance Fees are $30 per vehicle but we recommend the America the Beautiful Pass.
- Here’s my favorite guidebook, map, sunscreen.
- Bring and drink way more water than you think you’ll need.
- Food options are limited in Death Valley so plan accordingly. There is a general store at Stovepipe Wells, Panamint Springs, & Furnace Creek. There are a couple of restaurants but keep in mind they are located hours apart from each other.
- Here’s my favorite place to stay in Death Valley National Park!
Top 25 Best Things to Do in Death Valley
25. Marble Canyon
Starting our list of the best things to do in Death Valley National Park is one of the coolest activities (literally) and a hidden gem. The hike through Marble Canyon is a great hot daytime activity (so long as you’re prepared) as there is typically ample shade and places to rest. This hike is a short and cool jaunt winding through Marble Canyon with some fairly narrow passageways.
The canyon walls are composed of colorful marble, ranging from white and green to pink and purple. These vibrant hues are a result of various minerals, including iron oxide and manganese.
The entire trail is extremely long at about 31 miles so I recommend just walking a mile or two into the canyon and then picking a point to turn around. Make sure to pack plenty of water for the hike as even though there is shade, the extreme temperatures are not to be messed with here.
24. Find the Abandoned Historical Remnants
If rusty old abandoned cars are your thing then add this one to your list of things to do in Death Valley. Death Valley National Park is chocked full of abandoned remnants of bygone eras in the land’s history. You can find all sorts of interesting artifacts from abandoned cars to mining equipment, tunnels (do not enter these), and more.
You are legally required to leave these objects and artifacts just as you found them. Please resist the temptation to take any of these things from the park or move them from their current positions.
23. Explore Little Ubehebe Crater
A lot of folks don’t even know there is a Little Ubehebe Crater so it often gets totally overlooked on lists of things to do in Death Valley. Personally, I found it to be the more interesting of the Ubehebe craters.
With a diameter of around 400 feet and a depth of about 150 feet, Little Hebe is significantly smaller than Ubehebe. Despite its size, it still packs a punch in terms of geological significance. Unlike Ubehebe’s maar origin (formed by a phreatic explosion), Little Hebe is a spatter cone, built up by the accumulation of ejected lava fragments during eruptions.
To get to Little Ubehebe Crater start at the parking lot and follow the rim trail to the right. Eventually, you’ll find a turnoff for Little Ubehebe which is less than a mile walk on a nice path. We found Little Ubehebe to be the more photogenic of the two and were glad we made the extra effort to hike over to it!
22. Venture Out to Saline Valley Dunes
If you’re looking for some of the more isolated things to do at Death Valley National Park, Saline Valley dunes are perhaps the most remote in the park. Spanning a larger area than Mesquite Flat, the Saline Valley Dunes consist of gently rolling waves of sand, creating a mesmerizing visual expanse. Compared to the towering dunes of Mesquite Flat, the Saline Valley Dunes reach a maximum height of around 100 feet, offering a more approachable and less physically demanding exploration.
Located in Saline Valley, these dunes are beautiful but probably the least striking of all the dune fields in the park. Death Valley actually has 5 separate dune fields to choose from – my favorite is the Eureka Dunes located on the north end of the park.
21. Find the Famous Death Valley Mud Cracks
Finding the best mud cracks was high on my list of things to do at Death Valley National Park as the photos I’d seen before visiting seemed almost fake. Death Valley is famous for scenes like the ones below – a valley floor beautifully cracked with geometric shapes. There are many places all over the valley where different shapes, colors, and sizes of mud cracks can be found.
Where I Found the Best Mud Cracks in Death Valley
People are very protective of these places and out of respect to the park I won’t say exactly where I found my favorite ones. I can say that driving down Badwater Road south of Furnace Creek there are lots of great spots. Check out the photos you see and try to match them with the mountains and topography.
Top 20 Best Things to Do in Death Valley
20. Witness Sandstorms (from afar!)
One of the coolest and most mesmerizing things to do in Death Valley is watching a sandstorm during magic hour. The way the light illuminated the sand as it hurdled across the valley floor was spectacular. It also hurt quite a bit as it got close so make sure to take cover if you see one approaching. High winds can sometimes pick up in the valley. When this happens seek higher ground and you just might get lucky!
19. See Death Valley’s Elusive Burros
This is one of those things to do in Death Valley that probably won’t be around for much longer. Imported by miners during the 19th century, burros are actually an invasive species to the National Park. As such the park service is actively working to reduce/remove the current population in the park.
Eventually, these feral donkeys will be completely removed. Until then they are pretty cool to spot in the park. We saw several in Surprise Canyon and near the Wildrose area. Drive slow and keep a keen eye out and there’s a good chance you’ll see some!
18. Ascend Telescope Peak
Elevation: 11,049ft
Telescope Peak is the highest point in Death Valley National Park and is regularly snow-capped! I never thought I would see snow in the park so this was a real shocker for me! Beyond the snow there’s much that’s different about this area. As you ascend, you’ll notice pinyon pines and junipers – quite a difference from the valley floor! Keep an eye out for the ancient bristlecone pines, some of the oldest living organisms on Earth.
For those interested in hiking, be prepared for a hearty trek. The Telescope Peak Trail is an out-and-back route spanning roughly 14 miles with an elevation gain of around 3,200 feet. It’s considered a strenuous hike due to the steep incline, loose scree, and high altitude. Be prepared for a physically demanding journey that will take between 5 and 7 hours to complete.
One of the best places to see the sunrise over Telescope Peak is from just past the Lee Flat Joshua Tree Forest off Hunter Mountain Road (more on this coming up). Add this to your list of things to do in Death Valley if you’re looking for an unexpected experience.
17. Take a Scenic Drive
A lot of folks don’t realize that Death Valley is the largest national park in the US outside of Alaska. As such, there happens to be some very, very long drives throughout the park. In fact, there are over 1,000 miles of roads located in Death Valley National Park! 300 miles are paved, 300 are improved, and the rest are 4WD roads.
These drives can be split up between the ones that require 4WD and the ones that don’t. Regardless of whether you have 4WD capability, there are so many great roads to explore in the park. If you love scenic drives then add this to your list of things to do in Death Valley National Park.
Driving Tips in Death Valley
Make sure you have a good spare tire if you’re heading off-roadd and have a plan in case you break down. Service is spotty at best throughout the park and it can be a very long time before someone else comes across your vehicle. Pack plenty of food & water and drive safe!
Planning a trip to Death Valley National Park? Learn how to do it right with our comprehensive Park Guide that covers what to see, campgrounds, lodging, dining, seasons & weather, and so much more.
> Death Valley National Park Guide <
16. Hike Through Surprise Canyon
Looking for another unexpected activity then add this one to your list of things to do in Death Valley National Park. The aptly named Surprise Canyon is a real treat for park visitors featuring a lovely creek, some small waterfalls, and even burros! To get to the trailhead visitors must drive outside the park and then back up the canyon. As such, I’d say this is an activity to add to a second or third visit to Death Valley.
Suprise Canyon Hike
Distance: 6.3 miles roundtrip
Time: 3-4 hours
The hike itself is mostly uphill on the way up and mostly downhill on the way back. Every turn features new sites and adventures.
To learn more about this location check out our Surprise Canyon post.
15. See Panamint Dunes from Afar
The Panamint Dunes are a less-traveled dune field in Death Valley National Park covering about 4 square miles that most visitors see from afar rather than actually visit themselves. The dune field is located in Panamint Valley and the trailhead for the dunes is accessed off of a long dirt road.
The tallest dunes in the Panamint Dunes reach around 200 feet high. This may seem small compared to the 400-foot giants in Mesquite Flat, but it’s still an impressive figure, especially considering the surrounding desert landscape.
One of the things that sets the Panamint Dunes apart from the others in Death Valley is their unusual star-shaped formation, unlike the linear ridges found in other Death Valley dunes. This unique shape is attributed to the specific wind patterns that sculpted them over time.
Panamint Dunes Hike
Distance: 7 miles roundtrip
Time: 3-4 hours
The hike to the dunes is a longer one at 7 miles and should only be attempted during cooler temperatures as the heat can turn life-threatening in a hurry.
To learn more about this location check out our Panamint Dunes post.
14. See the Charcoal Kilns (by Night)
If you’re looking for cool things to do at Death Valley National Park at night then add this one to your list! The Charcoal Kilns is a cool spot to visit, easily mistaken for an abandoned village of windowless conical, beehive-shaped homes.
Built in 1877, the Wildrose Charcoal Kilns were constructed by the Modock Consolidated Mining Company to provide fuel for their silver and lead mines located about 25 miles west in the Argus Range. Back then, charcoal was a crucial fuel source for smelting metals, as it burned hotter and cleaner than wood.
These kilns were meticulously crafted from local stone and mortar, designed to efficiently convert wood into charcoal. Here’s how the process worked:
- Filling: Large quantities of pinyon pine logs, abundant in the surrounding hills, were meticulously stacked inside the kilns.
- Sealing: Once filled, the kilns were tightly sealed with mud and other materials to create an airtight environment.
- Burning: A controlled fire was ignited at the base of the kiln, triggering a slow and smoldering burn that could last for days.
- Cooling: After the burning process, the kilns were left to cool for several days to prevent spontaneous combustion.
- Harvesting: Finally, the cooled charcoal, a black, brittle substance, was extracted and transported to the smelters by pack animals or wagons.
We decided to visit the kilns at night under a waxing moon to try and grab a cool night photo. The kilns are located in the Wildrose section of the park. The road leading to the Charcoal Kilns is notoriously bad and high-clearance vehicles are a MUST, if not 4WD.
To learn more about this location check out our Charcoal Kilns post.
13. Walk Under the Natural Bridge
Seeing the Natural Bridge is another hidden gem activity at Death Valley. The bridge itself is a 35-foot-tall and 35-foot-thick archway carved by flash floods over thousands of years. It’s a wild thought to imagine the powerful torrents of water rushing through ancient rock, slowly eroding it, to create this impressive bridge.
I really enjoyed this hike and didn’t find it too difficult but those with mobility issues may want to avoid it as the incline might be a bit much. This is a great hike to avoid direct sun by walking on the shadowy side of the canyon (depending on the time of day.
Natural Bridge Hike
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Time: 1-2 hours
The hike to the bridge is all uphill to the bridge and all downhill back to the parking lot, 1 mile each way. Once you get to the bridge the view back down the canyon is pretty cool giving one a great view of the valley in the distance.
To learn more about this location check out our Natural Bridge post.
12. Venture Across Ibex Dunes
If you’ve got a few days then I highly recommend adding Ibex Dunes to your list of things to do in Death Valley National Park. Ibex Dunes are perhaps the most photogenic dunes in the park (right up there with Eureka Dunes) and almost as remote. These dunes are located on the southern end of the park off of a rough, high-clearance road.
Ibex Dunes are a blast to explore but make sure to do so early as they heat up fast, even in winter, and can create dangerous situations for hikers. One of the coolest parts of exploring Ibex Dunes is finding the abandoned mine on the far side set against the mountains. This eerie spot is a remnant of a bygone era for the park and makes for a great photo opportunity. If you plan on hiking across the dunes then be sure to pack way more water than you think you’ll need along with a hat, and snack to re-energize!
As you explore the warm sand, keep an eye out for Ibex Spring, a small oasis nestled on the eastern slope of the hills. This hidden gem boasts palm trees and a small pool of water, a stark contrast to the surrounding aridity.
To learn more about this location check out our Ibex Dunes post.
11. Play a Round at the Devils Golf Course
Death Valley National Park is the king of things with morbid and foreboding names, like Devils Golf Course. But don’t let that deter you! Devils Golf Course is many park-goers’ favorite spot in the whole park. The name “Devil’s Golf Course” comes from a 1934 National Park Service guidebook that described the terrain as so uneven and treacherous that “only the devil could play golf on it.”
The entire area is covered in large, crystallized halite salt formations, the remnants of an ancient lakebed that dried up thousands of years ago. These salt formations are constantly being eroded by wind and rain, creating new and ever-changing shapes.
NOTE: The salt formations are delicate and can be easily damaged by human touch. It’s important to stay on the designated trails and avoid walking on the salt crystals.
To learn more about this location check out our Devils Golf Course post.
Top 10 Death Valley National Park Activities
10. Sunrise at Aguereberry Point
If you’re looking to beat the crowds at sunrise then add Aguerberry Point to your list of things to do at Death Valley National Park. The most popular sunrise spot in Death Valley National Park is Zabriskie Point. However, if you want to see the most spectacular (says us) sunrise in the park you’ll have to cross the valley and view it from the other side at Aguereberry Point.
Perched at an elevation of 6,433 feet, Aguereberry Point offers stunning panoramic views of the vast desert landscape, comparable to the popular Dante’s View on the opposite side of the valley. The point is named after Jean Pierre “Pete” Aguereberry, a French miner who discovered gold nearby and lived in the area from 1905 until his death in 1945. The remnants of his cabin and the Eureka Mine, where he worked, can still be seen near the viewpoint.
Whereas Zabriskie & Dante’s face away from the sun, Aguereberry Point looks directly at it creating a more dazzling display of colors and light to usher in the day. Aguereberry is certainly more remote than the other points as well, and as a result far less crowded. When we visited we were the only ones there versus Zabriskie which is always packed. Visitors can drive right up to the point without a hike.
To learn more about this location check out our Aguereberry Point.
9. See Darwin Falls
Darwin Falls is a great addition to your list of things to do in Death Valley just for the sheer improbability of a waterfall existing here! When we first heard there was a year-round waterfall in Death Valley National Park we thought it was too good to be true too.
The main attraction is a series of cascading waterfalls, with the upper falls reaching about 75 feet and the lower falls around 20 feet. These falls plunge into a crystal-clear pool, creating a picture-perfect scene. The spring-fed water nourishes a vibrant landscape of trees, ferns, cattails, and other greenery, contrasting starkly with the surrounding desert terrain.
The trailhead to this waterfall starts just down the road from the Panamint Springs area of the park. The whole way in keeps the suspense alive as to whether there is actually any water to be seen in the hottest place on earth.
Shortly down the trail, however, a creek appears and the suspense builds. Seemingly out of nowhere, song birds start singing, crickets start chirping, dragonflies begin buzzing, and even frogs start to croak!
Darwin Falls Hike
Distance: 1.9 miles round trip
Time: 1-2 hours
Looking down at what started as a tiny sliver of water one realizes that they are looking at a full-blown creek now. And then it’s there – Darwin Falls in all her beauty. We highly recommend this hike to everyone visiting the park as a great way to refresh, cool off, and witness a desert miracle firsthand.
To learn more about this location check out our Darwin Falls post.
8. Gaze Upon Ubehebe Crater
Ubehebe Crater, pronounced “YOU-BE-HE-BE”, was not created by a meteor strike but rather by volcanic activity. Located toward the northern end of Death Valley National Park near Scotty’s Castle, this site is worth the stop.
This half-mile wide behemoth, formed by a phreatic explosion (molten lava meeting groundwater), boasts vibrant hues of reds and oranges in its exposed layers. Hike the rim for panoramic views or venture down (prepare for a challenging climb back!) to feel the crater’s immensity.
Make sure to visit Little Ubehebe Crater while stopping by as many visitors (including myself) find it more photogenic and stunning than its larger namesake.
Distance: 2.2 miles roundtrip
Time: 1-2 hours
To learn more about this location check out our Ubehebe Crater post.
7. Discover the Lee Flat Joshua Tree Forest
When most folks think about the park for Joshua Trees, Joshua Tree National Park is the one that comes to mind. Well, it turns out Death Valley has massive Joshua Tree forests and perhaps none as large as the Lee Flat Joshua Tree Forest located near the west entrance to the park.
Lee Flat is situated at a much higher elevation than the valley floors and as such has a very different feel. Temperatures can be 20 or more degrees different from what visitors find at Badwater Basin. Sunset is an especially beautiful time to visit this area to watch the light turn colors and sweep across this vast landscape.
To learn more about this location check out our Lee Flat Joshua Tree Forest post.
6. Play in Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
This one is on just about everyone’s list of things to do in Death Valley National Park so expect crowds! Mesquite Flat Dunes is the most popular of the five dune fields located in the national park. Seemingly endless golden dunes roll off toward the horizon with a backdrop of purple mountain majesty.
While not the tallest dunes in Death Valley, Mesquite Dunes cover a vast area, spanning over 40 square miles. This translates to a massive playground for exploration and activities. The tallest dunes reach around 400 feet (122 meters), offering impressive height and panoramic views from the summit.
Located next to Stovepipe Wells village, Mesquite Flat Dunes is an easy stop and a must-see for anyone visiting Death Valley. Make sure to layer up with sunscreen before hiking into the dunes and bring plenty of water. There is no natural cover from the sun and the sand can be extremely hot to the touch.
To learn more about this location check out our Mesquite Flat Dunes post.
Top 5 Best Things to Do in Death Valley National Park
5. Kaleidoscopic Cliffs at Artists Palette
Pretty much all of the things in our top 5 are must-see additions to your list of things to do in Death Valley National Park. Artists Palette is a technicolor, kaleidoscopic display of multicolored rock in Death Valley National Park that must be seen to be believed.
The vibrant colors of the Artist’s Palette are caused by the oxidation of different metals in the rock. Iron oxides produce reds, pinks, and yellows, while manganese minerals create lavender and purple hues. The decomposition of tuff-derived mica adds green tones to the palette. This unique combination of colors creates a mesmerizing and otherworldly landscape.
Located near the hub of Furnace Creek, Artists Palette is one of the most photographed spots in Death Valley. The colorful colors visible in the soil are the result of the presence of rich metals and minerals.
The best time to visit Artists Palette is in the evening when temperatures are cooler and the sun hits the rocks “just so” to really make their color pop. Harsh midday sun mutes the vivid colors and should be avoided if possible. Cloudy days make for great photos at Artists Palette.
To learn more about this location check out our Artists Palette post.
4. Mysterious Rocks at Racetrack Playa
The Racetrack Playa at Death Valley National Park features rocks that mysteriously move across the cracked desert floor leaving long trails and lots of intrigue. This was at the top of my list of things to do in Death Valley for a long time.
The playa’s defining feature is its collection of rocks, varying in size from a few pounds to hundreds of pounds, that appear to have moved across the surface, leaving distinct trails behind them. These trails can extend for hundreds of feet! The reason for this movement has long been a mystery, with many theories proposed, including wind, ice, and even algae mats. In recent years, researchers are pretty certain that the movement comes from a combination of factors, including rare flooding events and thin ice sheets, might be responsible.
It is strongly advised that if you are planning to go the Racetrack Playa you do so using a high clearance vehicle as the road is pretty rough. Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, water, & a snack as the closest services (or service) are a minimum 2-3 hour drive from the Racetrack Playa.
Damage to Racetrack Playa
This location is special and sadly has not always been treated as such. In recent years incidents have occurred with park visitors driving a vehicle on the Racetrack Playa. Despite extensive efforts to repair the damage done the scars are still visible and will be for many years to come.
DO NOT drive off marked roads here or anywhere else in the park. If you see someone doing so be sure to take photos, record their license plate number, and file a report at the closest ranger station.
To learn more about this location check out our Racetrack Playa post.
3. Sunrise from Zabriskie Point
Elevation: 5,744 feet (1,751 meters)
Zabriskie Point is one of the most iconic locations in all of Death Valley National Park. This location is perhaps the best place in the park to watch a sunrise in Death Valley. The badlands below, formed by millions of years of erosion, showcase a mesmerizing palette of yellows, browns, and purples. The stark contrast between the colorful hills and the vastness of the salt flats in the distance creates a truly awe-inspiring scene.
This iconic location features panoramic views of the valley and stunning rock formations. As one of the park’s most popular locations crowds here can be quite large especially during the popular seasons. Be sure to show up early for sunrise to get a good spot! There is a short, steep paved pathway that takes visitors from the parking lot to the viewpoint.
Fun Fact: The point is named after Christian Brevoort Zabriskie, a vice president of the Pacific Coast Borax Company who supported Death Valley preservation efforts
NOTE: Zabriskie Point is located at a much higher elevation than the valley floor so depending on the time of year you may want to bring a jacket.
To learn more about this location check out our Zabriskie Point post.
P.S. You might enjoy this video on Death Valley (it took a month to film!)
2. Explore Badwater Basin
At 282 feet below sea level, Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America, reason alone to visit. This salty wonderland features dazzling geometric shapes and boasts record temperatures in the summer. Thankfully it is ripe for exploration and pretty easy to get to.
Simply park your car at the Badwater Basin parking lot (get there early, parking is limited) and walk across a wooden boardwalk to the salt flats. Make sure to read the informative plaques at the start of the hike to learn more about the interesting lifeforms that have learned to thrive in this desolate landscape.
When you reach the salt flats, take your time admiring the fascinating jumble of geometric shapes that create this sea of salt. Exploring Badwater Basin is one of the best things to do in Death Valley National Park simply because it’s so otherworldly, it’s an experience you have to see to believe.
Tip: Most visitors just hike out a few steps beyond the short boardwalk but to truly get a sense of the scale of the salt flats one can do the entire 1.8-mile path.
To learn more about this location check out our Badwater Basin post.
1. Hike Eureka Dunes
Located in the remote Eureka Valley and situated at 3,000 feet elevation, Eureka Dunes is the most stunning dune field in the park. As such, I consider exploring Eureka Dunes as one of the best things to do in Death Valley National Park.
Eureka Dunes are the tallest dunes in California and perhaps the tallest in North America. The tallest peaks reach a staggering 680 feet (207 meters). But what makes this dune field even more impressive is the jaw-dropping backdrop of the colossal Last Chance Mountains.
And if that wasn’t enough to entice you to visit, did I mention they sing? No, really. Eureka Dunes sing underneath your feet. The phenomenon has puzzled scientists for years but under the right conditions, there’s a bassy resonance resembling that of a pipe organ.
But take warning, these dunes are deceptively tall, and climbing them requires quite an effort. It’s a difficult challenge and can be downright dangerous during the summer months when temperatures are blazing.
However, of all the best things to do in Death Valley National Park, hiking Eureka Dunes is my personal favorite, which is why I listed it first.
If you fall in love with dunes as we did, put White Sands National Park on your bucket list. Climbing and sledding the sands are must-do activities.
Interested in learning more? Eureka Dunes | How to Visit Death Valley’s Best Dune Field
FAQ – Things to Do in Death Valley
Some of the best things to do at Death Valley are: see Eureka Dunes, explore Mesquite Flat Dunes, hike into Badwater Basin, sunrise at Zabriskie Point, discover Darwin Falls, see Lee Flat Joshua Tree Forest.
Iconic Views: Zabriskie Point, Dante’s View, Badwater Basin (lowest point in North America)
Geological Wonders: Artist’s Palette, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Mosaic Canyon, Natural Bridge
Unique Features: Racetrack Playa (mysterious moving rocks), Salt Flats, Scotty’s Castle
Hiking: Trails for all levels, from short overlooks to challenging treks
Stargazing: Unforgettable night skies due to minimal light pollution
Photography: Capture stunning landscapes, colorful rock formations, and desert wildlife
Sandboarding: Mesquite Flat Dunes and Eureka Dunes offer thrilling slopes
Exploring ghost towns: Remnants of Death Valley’s mining history
Fall (October-November) and spring (March-May) offer pleasant temperatures, but be prepared for crowds. Winter (December-February) boasts sunny days and fewer crowds, but nights can be chilly. Summer (June-September) is brutally hot, limiting outdoor activities.
Interesting Death Valley Facts
The Name of Death Valley: Death Valley got its name in 1849 – 1850 when a group of pioneers traveling through Death Valley thought they would die here (one of them did). Upon leaving the valley one of them referred to it as Death Valley and the name stuck.
Hottest Ever Temperature: Death Valley has the record for the hottest temperature ever recorded at 134°F (57°C) at Furnace Creek on July 10, 1913.
The Lowest: Death Valley is the lowest place in the United States. Badwater Basin is the lowest place in the United States at 282 feet below sea level.
The Driest: Death Valley is the driest place in the United States. Less than 2 inches of rain reach the park every year.
The Hottest: Death Valley is the hottest place in the United States.
The Largest: Death Valley is the largest national park in the US outside of Alaska at 3.4 million acres.
Star Wars: The planet of Tatooine of Star Wars fame was filmed in Death Valley.
National Park Designation: Death Valley officially became a national park on October 31, 1994.
Stargazing at Death Valley: The park is an International Dark Sky Park, with stunning night skies throughout the year.
For more interesting facts about Death Valley check out our article: 15 Fascinating Death Valley National Park Facts
Map of Things to Do in Death Valley
Summary of the Top 10 Things To Do in Death Valley National Park
- Eureka Dunes
- Badwater Basin
- Zabriskie Point
- Racetrack Playa
- Artists Palette
- Mesquite Flat Dunes
- Lee Flat Joshua Tree Forest
- Ubehebe Crater
- Darwin Falls
- Aguereberry Point
- Devils Golf Course
- Ibex Dunes
- Scenic Drive
- Sandstorm
- Burros
- Telescope Peak
- Surprise Canyon
- Panamint Dunes
- Charcoal Kilns
- Natural Bridge
- Mud Cracks
- Saline Valley Dunes
- Little Ubehebe Crater
- Abandoned Remnants
- Marble Canyon
Visiting Death Valley National Park
There are many ways to get to Death Valley National Park. One of the most popular is flying into Las Vegas and making the 2-hour drive to the park. The second closest major city is Los Angeles 4 hours away.
Four-Wheel Drive: Four-wheel drive isn’t an absolute *must* in but it sure opens up your options as to the things you can see. I’d recommend renting a 4WD vehicle but you’ll be able to see plenty of amazing things without one. Check out this helpful article for the best places to see in Death Valley with 4WD.
The Award-Winning Death Valley Video
We created this 3-minute video based on our travels to Death Valley. It won some awards and was even featured by National Geographic.
If you’re planning a trip to the park we encourage you to take a few minutes and watch our film. To make this film we spent weeks in the national park, mostly in February and March when the temperatures are more manageable.
We traversed hundreds of miles hiking most of the park’s trails to capture the park like never before.
My Travels to Death Valley National Park
I visited Death Valley National Park for the first time on a whim in 2008 while on a road trip with friends. It was during the winter months and we found ourselves amazed by the heat (the park averages 80° in the dead of winter).
Since then I’ve returned six times because I simply can’t get enough. There is something seriously magical about this desert wonderland that I cannot resist. Make no mistake, a lot of our national parks are otherworldly but this one takes the cake.
The History of Death Valley
According to the National Park Service, the history of Death Valley goes somewhat like this…
Native Americans & 49ers
The land that is known today as Death Valley National Park was inhabited by Native Americans (most recently the Timbisha Shoshone around 1000AD) before the arrival of Europeans.
In the mid 1800s trappers and explorers entered the valley on their way to the gold rush in California.
A wagon train group of 49ers (gold seekers) headed to California got lost and ended up in Death Valley.
Things got fairly desperate, so much so that they were forced to kill their oxen and eat the meat for survival.
Eventually, the party did make it out of the valley losing only one person along the way, but that was enough.
It’s said that upon leaving the valley one member of the group turned around and said the famous words, “Goodbye, Death Valley” and thus a park was named.
Mining Camps in Death Valley
In the late 1800s miners moved into Death Valley looking to exploit the land for its mineral value.
The most famous mining operation was that of the Borax works in the park and the famous “twenty mule team borax” named for the number of mules & horses coupled together to haul the loads out of the mines.
Mining would continue to go on in Death Valley for decades to come.
Establishment of the national park
On February 11, 1933, President Hoover set aside two million acres of land mostly in California but a small parcel in Nevada as well to create Death Valley National Monument.
In the 1930s under the Roosevelt administration, infrastructure was built in the park by Roosevelt’s CCC program.
Controversy over the mines in Death Valley came about in the 1930s onward as conservationists fought to close them down.
Finally, on October 31, 1994, the park was signed into law with an additional 1.3 million acres.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Death Valley I recommend this excellent book.
Death Valley National Park Map
Where is Death Valley National Park?
Death Valley National Park is located in the southeastern corner of California on (and just over) the Nevada border. The park is situated in the heart of the Mojave Desert.
Massive slanted valleys that go on forever and seem to lack only the crashed spaceship in the distance, snow-capped mountains, and a year-round waterfall (wild, right?) is just the start. Expansive Joshua Tree forests, abandoned mines, conifer groves, and some of the most stunning dune fields in North America comprise this park with the most morbid name.
Best Time to Visit Death Valley
The best time to visit Death Valley National Park is during Winter when the park has sufficiently cooled from the extreme temperatures of Summer.
Winter is a wonderful time to escape the cold weather at home and head to the California desert.
Pin Things to Do in Death Valley
More From Death Valley
Death Valley National Park Guide: Death Valley National Park Ultimate Guide
Facts About Death Valley: 15 Fascinating Facts About Death Valley National Park
Death Valley by Season: Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter
Death Valley Camping: 9 Best Campgrounds in Death Valley
Eureka Dunes: Visiting Eureka Dunes in Death Valley
More From California
Joshua Tree Guide: Joshua Tree National Park Ultimate Guide
Best Hikes Joshua Tree: 15 Epic Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park
Things to Do Joshua Tree: 25 Epic Things to Do at Joshua Tree National Park
Things to Do Sequoia: 15 Epic Things to Do at Sequoia National Park
Redwood National Park Guide: Redwood National Park Ultimate Guide
Things to Do Redwood National Park: 15 EPIC Things to Do in Redwood National Park
Things to Do Pinnacles National Park: 10 Epic Things to Do in Pinnacles National Park
Redwoods Near San Francisco: 15 BEST Places to See Redwoods Near San Francisco
Los Angeles National Parks: 7 Epic National Parks Near Los Angeles
San Francisco National Parks: 8 BEST National Parks Near San Francisco
San Diego National Parks: 6 AMAZING National Parks Near San Diego
Yosemite Facts: 10 Shocking Yosemite National Park Facts
Sequoia Facts: 10 GIANT Sequoia Tree & National Park Facts
West Coast Parks: 20 BEST West Coast National Parks Ranked by Experts
National Parks Near Las Vegas: 6 Best National Parks Near Las Vegas
Anda says
Absolutely love to see a PROPER guide, made as it should be. Not just 3 photos for instagram and 0 help.
Great work!
brianne says
fantastic article and photos! would love suggestions on where to stay (towns, that is) outside the park in order to cover as much territory as possible.