Death Valley: Where the Temperatures Can Rise and the Views Do Surprise!
- Patrick Cetina
- Jul 24, 2021
- 6 min read
One of the most unique places on Earth, Death Valley National Park is the largest of all National Parks within the contiguous United States. Known for being the hottest place in all of North America and one of the hottest places in all of the world, Death Valley is a dry, hot oasis full of natural wonder and exotic landscapes.
Death Valley is unique in that it has a wide range of natural beauty from Badwater Basin, the lowest point in all of the continent at 282 ft below sea level, to it's highest point, Telescope Peak, 11,049 ft above sea level. In addition to the low lying basin and towering mountain peaks, you can also find vast desert, magnificent sand dunes, colorful sandstone canyons, and the occasional salt flats.
What to do in Death Valley?
Death Valley offers something for everyone. From amazing views, breathtaking hikes, horseback riding, a one of a kind golf course, and many other attractions. Some of our favorites which you don't want to miss are listed below.
Dante's View: As we entered Death Valley it was a 13 mile drive up to Dante's View where you get stunning views of the Death Valley Basin as well as Telescope Peak (the largest mountain in the park.) From Dante's you can mostly get all your views from the overlook at the parking lot; however, there are 2 small unmarked paths where you can hike out a bit and have massive, uninterrupted scenic views for miles in all directions.
Twenty Mule Team Canyon: A 2.5 mile one way drive on a dirt road through the canyon. It does get narrow at times driving between some of the rock walls but we were driving our Ram 1500 and did just fine. It's a very unique drive which takes around 15 minutes. You will never find a drive like this anywhere else and it is just so unique. I would highly recommend taking the time to venture through. Four wheel drive vehicles are recommended due to the rough road.
Zabriskie Point: Here you will have some breathtaking views of the sand dunes that surround you. It's a short walk up to the overlook but don't let that fool you. It's about 100 yards up and back each way but with temperatures often 120 degrees Fahrenheit or higher throughout the summer months, walking up the small hill to the overlook is no small feat. Also located here is the Badland Loop trail, a 2.5 mile round trip trek. No way on earth we were going to be doing any hikes on this day other than a little walking here and there as the temperature was around 130 degrees, but if temperatures allow and you are prepared for the heat, this would be a great hike to complete. Furnace Creek Visitor Center: Here you can get access to up to date weather conditions, road and trail information, and speak with park rangers. You can also take a picture next to the famous thermometer, check out local exhibits, and learn about the history of the park and the region. There is also a bookstore with snacks, sandwiches, and drinks.
Devil's Golf Course: Taking a left at the visitor's center will continue your drive through the Badwater Basin where it opens up to a vast dry, barren desert landscape with the backdrop of mountains on either side of you. A little further down Badwater Rd. you will stumble upon the Devil's Golf Course which is one of the weirdest natural phenomenon you'll ever encounter. It's a quick half mile or so drive down a dirt road and back.
Salt Polygon Trail: Here you can walk out into the Badwater Basin and walk across the white salt covered grounds. Surprisingly there was actually a little spring water at this location which is the only area you'll find water in Death Valley during the summer months.
Natural Bridge & Natural Waterfall: Both of these naturally occurring sights can be found not far from the Visitor's Center. It's a short hike (.3 miles) to reach Natural Bridge and another short hike (.25 miles) from there to reach Natural Waterfall. Since we were here during record breaking heat this summer, we did not do any of these hikes as it was not safe to be hiking in 130 degree temperatures this day; however, if you go during an unusually cooler period or anytime between the Fall and early Spring months, I would encourage attempting both.
Artist's Palette: A beautiful drive down a few mile stretch of terrain with ample areas to stop, pull off and take in some breathtaking views. Here you will be amazed by the varying array of colors that pop out from the canyon walls against the mountainous backdrop. We walked about 200 ft or so to an amazing overlook where we had even more amazing views. The main overlook is a few miles down the road but well worth it. The colors that come out of the rocks are beautiful and inspirational.
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: It was extremely interesting coming upon these desert sands out of almost nowhere. The sand was so fine and it was an unusual experience to walk out onto the dunes. If it weren't so hot we would have ventured out further as there is a 2 mile round trip hike you can do as well. Definitely a unique and really cool experience!
The Oasis at Death Valley: A 4 diamond resort located in the heart of Death Valley National Park. This resort offers all types of amenities in a lush oasis surrounded by the beauty of the desert and soaring mountains around it. Here you will also find the Furnace Creek Golf Course.
The Furnace Creek Golf Course: The World's lowest elevation golf course situated in the heart of Death Valley at The Oasis at Death Valley Resort. Palm and Tamarisk trees line the fairways as majestic mountains create an unbelievable backdrop around this entire 18-hole course.
The Racetrack: A playa (dry lakebed) known for it's unusual moving rocks. The road leading to the Racetrack is rough and the park recommends 4 wheel drive vehicles only. It is a lengthy 3.5 hour drive each way to and from The Racetrack and the Visitor Center so be sure your vehicle is in good shape and you are well prepared with water, snacks, and other essentials as cell service is non-existent along this stretch and extreme weather conditions can make getting stranded deadly if not prepared.
Death Valley completely surprised me with it's natural beauty and variety of landscapes throughout the park. I honestly didn't expect much from this park and it actually blew me away with the uniqueness of the landscape and terrain as well as the variety of colors providing for some amazing scenery. If I were to come back to Death Valley in the future I would definitely avoid the late spring and summer months and try to come when temperatures aren't so dangerously hot so we could try and enjoy a couple of the hikes that we did not get to do because of the excessive heat. We also did not have time to drive all the way out to the Racetrack due to it being a 3.5 hour drive each way, but this would definitely be on my list next time. My biggest advice if making a day trip or even if staying at the Oasis Resort in the park is to be prepared for the extreme weather conditions. Temperatures can soar to 130 degrees in the summer but are much more tolerable in the Fall, Winter, and early Spring months. It is not recommended that you hike after 10 A.M. during peak summer months due to the excessive heat. Definitely have plenty of water in the car and some snacks. Check your tire pressures, ensure you have a functioning spare on you, and make sure you have a full tank of gas, If you plan on hiking or spending lengthy periods of time outside, don't forget the sunscreen as there is really no shade anywhere within the park so you are constantly exposed to the sun. Be safe, and most importantly, enjoy the unique views! You will not be disappointed by your experience in Death Valley National Park.
Commentaires