10 Things To See And Do In Death Valley

As the hottest, driest and lowest national park, Death Valley is a land of extremes, with snow-capped peaks, blooming wildflowers, sweeping dunes and vast salt flats. Discover what makes this sea of desert straddling the California–Nevada border so special.

1. Artists Drive and Palette

Park

Death Valley comprises 5,270sqmi (13,649sqkm) of astounding wilderness. Along the backcountry road known as Artists Drive, discover rolling volcanic and sedimentary hills painted in a multitude of colors by earth’s natural calcium carbonate, manganese and copper. It’s possible to view this scene via the scenic loop or the parking lot (no hiking required).

2. Badwater Basin

Park

Sitting 282ft (86m) below sea level, Badwater Basin is the lowest point in the United States. The landscape features vast salt flats that make up a serene white blanket spanning for miles. The area usually remains quite hot, and sometimes, a temporary lake is visible after heavy rainstorms.

3. Natural Bridge

Bridge

A short hike through Natural Bridge Canyon – 2mi (3km) round trip – will bring you to a remarkable rock formation carved by water millennia ago. The trailhead is reachable by taking the unpaved Natural Bridge Road, a route fairly easy to follow. However, keep in mind that rocky terrain fills the trails.

5. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

Park

Just east of Stovepipe Wells lies the largest dune field in the park. Rolling hills of sand – crescent-, linear- and star-shaped – stretch to the horizon, with mountains as a backdrop. Mesquite trees provide pockets for wildlife, while cracked clay that was once an ancient lakebed lies on the floor. Don’t forget water, as this part of the valley is extremely hot most of the year.

6. The Racetrack

Park

The mystery of the Racetrack – named for the “moving” rocks that appear to slide across the dried lakebed – has piqued the interest of researchers since the 1940s. The stones that tumble from the surrounding mountains to the Racetrack’s floor can weigh as much as 700lb (318kg), and some have traveled as far as 1,500ft (457m). Many theories have been suggested over the years about how the stones move, but a recent study found that when there’s some moisture and it’s cold enough to freeze, floating ice forms, pushing the rocks. To reach this destination, a 4×4 vehicle is required.

7. Ubehebe Crater

Park

A half-mile (0.8km) wide and 600ft (183m) deep, the Ubehebe Crater is the largest of the maar volcano clusters, created by a volcanic explosion about 300 years ago. When hot magma traveled to the surface and reached the groundwater, the heat turned the water to steam; it expanded, with the pressure released as an explosion of gas and steam. Dark cinder now covers the entire area, reached from the parking lot or northern end of the Racetrack (via the old miner’s trail at the Grandstand).

8. Zabriskie Point

Cathedral, Park

zabriskie point Death Valley National Park. named after Christian Brevoort Zabriskie of the Pacific Coast Borax Company

This location is the most famous viewpoint in Death Valley, overlooking the surreal landscape of Furnace Creek. The badlands are most spectacular at sunrise and sunset when they take on orange, gold and brown hues. Get an up-close view along the Badlands Loop (be sure to return on the same track). For something more strenuous, hike the nearly 8mi (13km) Complete Circuit, or connect to other trails that lead to Red Cathedral, Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch.

9. Wildflower blooms

Natural Feature

The wildflower covered roads and valley floor in Death Valley National Park during the 2016 super bloom event.

During spring, blooming wildflowers blanket most of the park. It’s one of the biggest attractions in the valley, with thousands of people heading here during March when blooming is at its peak. For the most remarkable displays, visit the southern reaches of the park (Badwater, Furnace Creek), where yellow buds cover the desert floor.

10. Devils Golf Course

Park

The Devils Golf Course – “only the devil could play golf on such rough links” – is a vast stretch of salt rock that has been heavily eroded by the wind, forming jagged spires across the floor. First-timers should listen carefully for sounds of pops and pings coming from the ground; it’s the sound of billions of tiny salt crystals exploding as they expand and contract in the desert’s heat.

If these incredible attractions have convinced you to visit this extraordinary part of the world, why not book a stay at one of these excellent Death Valley hotels?

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.