Things To Do In Death Valley National Park
Picturesque Death Valley
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Why Visit Death Valley
Death Valley National Park is a mesmerizing wonderland of natural beauty and untamed wilderness. Located in eastern California, this rugged desert landscape offers an awe-inspiring experience. Why should you visit? Here's why: picture yourself standing amidst towering sand dunes that seem to stretch endlessly towards the horizon, or marveling at the striking colors of the badlands as the sun casts shadows on ancient rock formations. Death Valley National Park is a place where you can witness the raw power of nature, where heat dances off of salt flats, and the night sky unveils a brilliant tapestry of stars. It really is stunning.
Death Valley National Park is the largest national park in the lower 48 states. It’s also the hottest, driest, and lowest place in the United States. I realize that doesn’t really sell the place, but visiting Death Valley is an incredible experience if you plan your trip for the right time of year.
In this post, I’ll go over some of the top things to do in Death Valley National Park. From star gazing to exploring glistening salt flats, and abandoned mines, Death Valley offers a ton of things to do.
Death Valley National Park welcome sign
When To Visit Death Valley
When it comes to planning a trip to Death Valley National Park, timing is everything. The best time to visit this unique desert oasis depends on the experience you're seeking. For those looking to escape scorching temperatures and avoid the extreme summer heat, the cooler months from November to February are ideal. During this time, the weather is pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from the 60s to 80s Fahrenheit, making it perfect for hiking, exploring the vast sand dunes, or checking out the breathtaking vistas. Winter is a great time for a day trip from Las Vegas. But be mindful of freezing nighttime temps if you’re considering camping.
Spring, from March to April, offers a burst of colorful wildflowers that blanket the valley floor after the winter rains. However, be prepared for slightly higher temperatures. On the other hand, if you're up for a challenge and want to experience the true intensity of the desert, summer (June to August) is the time for you. Just be sure to follow all the tips for surviving Death Valley in the summer and take all necessary precautions for the blistering heat, as temperatures can skyrocket above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Overall, the best time to visit Death Valley largely depends on personal preferences, with each season offering a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers.
I visited Death Valley in February and spent the night camping at Barker Ranch (more on that below). I found the daytime temps to be fantastic for exploring, but the nighttime temps crept down into the 30’s making camping a less than pleasant experience despite what the rating on my sleeping bag said.
California 190 West leading to Death Valley
How To Get To Death Valley
To get to Death Valley National Park, there are several options depending on your starting point. If you are traveling from Las Vegas, the most direct route is to drive on Highway 190 west from Pahrump, Nevada. This scenic drive offers breathtaking desert landscapes and takes you straight into the heart of the park. Just be warned if you’re looking to do a day trip to the park it’s 260 miles round trip from Las Vegas.
Another option is to drive from Los Angeles on a California road trip, which requires taking Interstate 15 north to Baker, then heading east on Highway 127 until you reach Highway 190. From Los Angeles, it’s an approximately 4-hour drive to Death Valley.
If you prefer public transportation, there are no direct options, but you can take a bus or train to one of the nearby cities and rent a car from there. It's important to note that Death Valley is located in a remote area, so make sure to prepare accordingly with plenty of water, food, and fuel before setting out on your journey. Also, if you plan on venturing off the beaten path, make sure you rent a vehicle meant for off-roading. There are plenty of cool things to see in Death Valley that aren’t located along paved roads. I will make a note below if an off-road vehicle is necessary for each activity.
The Ranch at Death Valley
Where To Stay In Death Valley
When visiting Death Valley National Park, there are a few excellent options for accommodation that will enhance your experience in this gorgeous desert landscape. For those seeking a rustic and immersive stay, the Furnace Creek Campground is an ideal choice. These Death Valley National Park campgrounds are nestled amidst the park's rugged terrain. The camp offers basic amenities and the opportunity to bask in the starry night sky. There are several wheelchair-accessible campsites at Furnace Creek.
If you prefer a mix of comfort and convenience, The Ranch at Death Valley provides spacious and modern accommodations, a sparkling pool, and easy access to key attractions like Badwater Basin and Dante's View. Several units are wheelchair-accessible.
Panamint Springs Resort is a small, rustic, western-style, resort located in beautiful Panamint Valley in Death Valley National Park that provides lodging, camping and RV services, a restaurant and bar, and a gas station with a well-stocked general store. Panamint Springs Resort is a historic property. As such, they do not yet have ADA rooms. However, if there are specific accessibility needs, contact the property and they may be able to accommodate them.
If you’re looking for something posh, try The Inn At Death Valley. The historic Inn at Death Valley is a AAA-rated four-diamond resort that still pampers every guest. Once the exclusive desert escape for such Hollywood elites as Marlon Brando, Clark Gable, and Carole Lombard, The Inn is bringing the elegance of Old Hollywood back after its $200 million renaissance. Accessible rooms with roll-in showers are available.
Regardless of your choice, staying within Death Valley National Park guarantees an unforgettable adventure immersed in nature's wonders.
Furnace Creek Visitors Center
Get Your National Parks Access Pass
The National Parks Service offers an access pass for all permanently disabled visitors. This allows you to visit all USA National Parks for free. It’s an absolute must-have if you’re a disabled traveler. You can obtain an access pass at most parks or via the mail. However, be aware that there’s a $10 fee for getting the pass via the mail. For more information, visit the America the Beautiful - National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass site.
Me goofing around with Friends in Death Valley National Park
Death Valley Attractions
If you’re looking for what to do in Death Valley the information below should help you formulate your own Death Valley itinerary. I’ve included many of the highlights from this massive national park, but you could easily spend a week exploring the 3.4 million acres.
Picking up our Jeep in Furnace Creek
Furnace Creek Visitor Center
The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is a gateway to one of nature's most extreme and mesmerizing landscapes. This informative and welcoming center offers visitors a wealth of knowledge about the park's history, geology, and unique ecosystems. With its interactive exhibits and displays, the Furnace Creek Visitor Center provides an engaging experience, allowing visitors to delve into the captivating stories of the park's formation and the remarkable adaptations of the plants and animals that call this harsh desert environment home. The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is an essential stop for anyone looking to fully appreciate Death Valley.
I highly recommend stopping by the visitor’s center to get a map and check in on conditions within the park. The National Park Service does a great job of keeping guests informed of current conditions. Keep in mind that cell service is spotty within the park and GPS is not always dependable. Having a good old-fashioned paper map is a must for Death Valley.
Accessibility: The visitors center features a double, automatic door entrance wider than 36", two accessible restroom stalls with bars, and one private, accessible, companion restroom, as well as three benches by the restroom; one bench by the entrance; three benches by the water station, and one accessible picnic table by the parking lot.
Badwater Basin Salt Flats
Badwater Basin Salt Flats
These ethereal flats stretch as far as the eye can see, painted in striking hues of white and different shades of ochre. As the lowest point in North America, the basin offers a unique experience for visitors. With its barren and otherworldly landscape, it feels like stepping onto another planet. The cracked salt crust underfoot creates a beautiful mosaic as if nature itself has painstakingly crafted an intricate work of art. The silence is interrupted only by the crunching of salt crystals and the occasional distant howl of the wind. Badwater Basin Sat Flats is a must-visit spot for snapping photos.
Accessibility: There is a scenic viewpoint with a boardwalk and an optional, walkable salt-flat trail. The ramp and boardwalk go to the edge of Badwater Pool. There is a ramp from the end of the boardwalk and onto the salt flats (please be aware of the large holes in the salt flats.) The flats are not easily viewed from the car. Three accessible parking spaces are available alongside the flats. There are two accessible vault toilets.
Stovepipe Wells Village
Stovepipe Wells Village
Stovepipe Wells Village is a hidden gem nestled in the vast expanse of Death Valley National Park. The village is characterized by its rustic charm and warm hospitality, with cozy accommodations, including a historic inn and campground, allowing visitors to connect with the rugged beauty of their surroundings. Adventure awaits at Stovepipe Wells Village, with nearby attractions such as the towering Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and the mysterious Racetrack Playa, where rocks seemingly move on their own accord. (More on that later.)
Accessibility: There is one accessible parking space. Non-stair access is available to enter the lobby. There are no automatic doors. Lobby bathrooms have accessible stalls. The gas station has an assistance button.
Harmony Borax Works
Harmony Borax Works
Harmony Borax Works is a historic site that once served as a crucial part of the borax industry. Established in the late 19th century, this old mining operation played a significant role in shaping the region's history. The site offers visitors a glimpse into the labor-intensive process of extracting borax from the earth's crust. Preserved remnants of the original structures, such as the processing plant and refinery, serve as a testament to the industrious spirit of those who toiled here in the harsh desert environment. Exploring Harmony Borax Works allows travelers to step back in time and appreciate the hard work and ingenuity that went into the borax industry, a key contributor to the economic growth of the American West.
Accessibility: The interpretive trail is 1/4 mile long. It features a partially paved surface with small sections of sand, gravel, broken pavement, and gradual uneven dips. Assistance may be necessary. There are two accessible parking spaces. The closest restroom is at Furnace Creek Visitor Center 1.8 miles away.
The Eureka Dunes
Eureka Dunes
Rising over 600 feet high, these majestic dunes offer an ethereal and otherworldly experience. As the tallest sand dunes in California, Eureka Dunes is a haven for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. Whether it's witnessing the mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets or simply marveling at the beautiful desert landscapes, Eureka Dunes showcases the breathtaking diversity that our world has to offer.
Accessibility: A graded dirt road leads to the foot of spectacular sand dunes.
Twenty Mule Team Canyon
Named after the legendary twenty-mule teams that once hauled borax from the nearby mines, this canyon is another popular Death Valley hot spot. The canyon's intricate rock formations, carved by millions of years of wind and water, create a beautiful display of colors and textures. Visitors can hike the canyon's trails, winding through narrow passageways and over rocky ridges, immersing themselves in the untamed beauty of this hidden gem of Death Valley. If you’re like me and have trouble hiking, you can choose to explore the canyon along a 3-mile scenic drive.
Accessibility: There are optional unmarked pullouts along the road for better canyon viewing. Unfortunately, there aren’t any accessible parking spaces along the route. The closest restroom is at Zabriskie Point 2.2 miles away.
Racetrack Playa
Racetrack Playa
This vast dry lake bed stretches for over three miles with its cracked and barren surface. What sets Racetrack Playa apart from any other desert landscape is the puzzling phenomenon of "sailing stones." These hefty rocks, ranging from a few pounds to hundreds of pounds, appear to move across the playa, leaving long trails behind them. Scientists believe that a delicate combination of wind and ice allows these stones to glide, leaving observers mystified and curious.
Accessibility: Caution: The Racetrack is located along a rough and remote road. 4x4 high clearance vehicles required.
There is a fairly flat, dirt walk out onto the playa. Narrow bushes and natural desert terrain obstacles may be present on the unmarked path from the parking area to the moving rocks. The racetrack cannot be easily viewed from the car. Please avoid approaching the playa when it is wet, as it leaves behind ugly footprints that may scar the playa forever. Parking is along dirt pullouts on the side of the backcountry road. There are no designated accessible parking spaces. The closest restroom is at Grapevine Ranger Station 33.2 miles away.
Ubehebe Crater
Ubehebe Crater
Formed approximately 2,000 years ago, this breathtaking crater shows the sheer power and raw beauty of nature. Spanning half a mile in diameter and plunging and astounding 600 feet deep, Ubehebe Crater is a sight to behold. The rugged, barren landscape surrounding the crater creates a stark contrast, emphasizing its grandeur even further. For those who are able, hiking to the rim of the crater offers an unforgettable panoramic view, with shades of red, orange, and purple merging together to create a mesmerizing spectacle. Ubehebe Crater is an absolute must-see for any adventure seeker or nature enthusiast visiting Death Valley National Park.
Accessibility: If you walk the rim trail, please stay on the trail. The crater rim and nearby gullies are composed of very loose material making them unstable and dangerous. The Scenic viewpoint is accessible, however, the optional, uneven, rocky, and strenuous hikeable pathway up and around the crater and a second, strenuous path descending into the crater are not. The crater can also be viewed from the car. There are two accessible parking spaces with curb cuts. The closest restroom at Grapevine Ranger Station is 5.8 miles away.
Telescope Peak
Telescope Peak
With its soaring elevation of 11,049 feet, it offers a remarkable vantage point to witness the natural wonders that surround it. The panoramic views from Telescope Peak are nothing short of awe-inspiring, especially during sunrise and sunset when a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues paints the sky. If you’re looking for things to do in Death Valley at night, this is the place. When darkness falls, this celestial marvel lives up to its name, revealing a mesmerizing blanket of stars that stretches far beyond what the naked eye can fathom.
Sadly, because this is located at the end of a strenuous hike, I was unable to visit Telescope Peak.
Accessibility: The 7-mile hike to Telescope Peak is rated difficult and is not wheelchair accessible. The trail to Telescope Peak begins from Mahogany Flat Campground at the end of Upper Wildrose/ Emigrant Canyon Road. There is no restroom along the trail.
Zabriskie Point
Zabriskie Point
With its swirling hues of red, yellow, and orange, it feels as though you have stepped onto the surface of Mars. The unique formations of eroded mudstone and clay create a dramatic skyline that is both captivating and surreal. As the sun sets over the horizon, the rugged peaks and valleys cast a myriad of shadows, transforming the landscape into a symphony of colors. Take time to admire the view from the overlook or explore the intricate patterns on the ground.
Accessibility: There is a steep, paved grade to approach the viewpoint. The lookout is not easily viewed from the car. There are two accessible parking spaces and two accessible vault toilets.
Wildrose Charcoal Kilns
These remarkable structures, constructed in the late 1800s, were used to convert the abundant timber resources of the area into charcoal. Standing tall, the beehive-shaped kilns capture the imagination of visitors who step back in time to envision the labor-intensive process that once took place here. Exploring the vicinity around the kilns, visitors can also admire the contrasting beauty of the surrounding Joshua trees and towering mountains.
Accessibility: The area is made up of semi-even gravel, dirt, and bushes throughout the viewing area. The area can be viewed from the car. There is a small gravel lot with no designated accessible parking. There is also one accessible vault toilet.
Mesquite Sand Dunes
Mesquite Sand Dunes
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are a natural wonder that showcases the beauty of the desert landscape. These expansive dunes stretch as far as the eye can see. The sun bathes the dunes in a warm, golden glow, casting shadows that dance across the sand. Even without climbing to the summit of a ridge or sliding down a slope, one can appreciate the beauty of the dunes.
Accessibility: The scenic viewpoint is accessible however, the optional hike-able, deep sand beyond the viewing area is not. The dune hike includes deep sand and deep sandy hills throughout. The dunes can also be viewed from the car. There are four accessible parking spaces with curb cuts. The area has two accessible vault toilets.
Devils Golf Course
Devils Golf Course
Devils Golf Course is an area of sharp, jagged salt crystals, resembling inch-tall needles, covering the ground. Despite its name, it’s impossible to imagine a golf ball rolling smoothly in this treacherous terrain. Named after the harsh and rugged terrain it presents, this saline playa is a cool sight to behold. As far as the eye can see, jagged formations of salt crystals cover the desert floor. While it may not be an actual golf course, it’s still a fun way to spend an afternoon.
Accessibility: The scenic viewpoint is accessible. There is an optional walk onto a large, sharp, chunky salt field beyond the parking area. Devils Golf Course can also be viewed from the car. Parking is in a small gravel lot. There is no designated accessible parking. The closest restroom is at Badwater Basin 2.5 miles away.
The entrance to Barker Ranch
Barker Ranch
Once a mining and recreational property from the 1940s to the 1960s, Barker Ranch is perhaps most famous due to its association with Charles Manson and the "Manson family". It was the family's de facto headquarters and the location of their eventual arrest.
Morbid? Yes. Creepy? Sure. But it’s a popular destination within Death Valley National Park for those looking to do some off-roading. The trip there and back is incredibly beautiful and gives you a rare perspective into this stunning national park. Be forewarned though, it’s not a place that can be reached easily and is not a trip that should be taken alone or as a first-timer going off-roading. I say this as someone who went with a group of four first-time off-roaders and was almost stranded in the desert several times due to our inability to read a map.
Barker Ranch is located in a rock and boulder-filled valley within the Panamint Range. It is accessible only by a sandy, primitive, and rugged road. You will need to rent a proper 4-wheel drive vehicle with high clearance to attempt the drive if you do not own one. You will also need a good old-fashioned map as there is no cell reception in parts and your GPS will be worthless.
Accessibility: Those with back issues should avoid making this trek. The barely distinguishable road is made up of rocks and uneven ground which means there’s a lot of being thrashed about in the car as you make your way there. I would also avoid this area if you have serious medical issues, given that it’s nearly a full day’s drive back to civilization and cell phones have no service. Should there be a medical emergency it is next to impossible to get out. But for truly adventurous travelers who plan well, it’s an amazing and eerie place to camp under the stars.
Fallen tree in Death Valley
Visiting Death Valley
As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Death Valley National Park. While I’m not one for hiking, I found the drives to be incredibly beautiful. If you enjoy desert landscapes, Death Valley is an absolute must-see destination.
