The name, Death Valley, might conjure up post-apocalyptic imagery of dust-covered skeletons locked in silent screams while clutching fistfuls of sand, but don’t let it dissuade you. To disregard this stunningly beautiful and utterly alien wasteland would be to miss out on an experience of a lifetime.
The colorfully psychedelic canyons, searingly stark flatlands, oddly lush oases, and alluringly epic sand dunes transport you to another universe. It’s a wonderland of texture, color, light, and shadow, whose breathtaking beauty will leave you yearning for more.
Defined by its extremes, Death Valley National Park in California is the largest U.S. National Park outside of Alaska, with 34,000 acres to explore. It’s also home to the lowest elevation point in North America, located at Badwater Basin, which is 282 feet (or 86 meters) below sea level. And it lays claim to the hottest temperature ever recorded on planet earth, at 134° F (or 56.7° C).
Below is an essential guide on when to go, what to do, where to stay, where to eat, and what to bring.
WHEN TO GO
With Death Valley setting another record in July 2018 as the hottest month ever, summer is obviously not the best time to visit. May through September can be extremely hot and dry and outdoor activity should be limited. Every year a handful of visitors fail to understand these extreme conditions and perish due to lack of water and heat stroke.
The perfect time to visit is during the winter and spring months (October through April). During this time, temperatures are mild and the nights are cold. If you are lucky enough to visit in the spring after a particularly wet winter, you may experience a rare and beautiful super bloom event when the valley is filled with colorful wildflowers.
WHAT TO DO
As the largest US National Park in the contiguous United States and over 1000 miles of roads accessing all corners of the park, there is enough variety and adventure for everyone. National Park resources have invested in well-marked trails, good roads, spacious parking lots and friendly park rangers. The National Park Service website has great information on park weather, road conditions and other tips to make the most of your visit.
A famous movie location 🎥
Death Valley is not only a star within the US National Park system, but it is also a star in one of the most famous movies in the history of film. Several scenes from the film, Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) were filmed within the park. Its dramatic and otherworldly landscapes are perfectly cast as the setting for Tatooine. A movie camera icon 🎥 next to the sites below notates key filming locations. (Tip: At the end of this article there’s a link to a website containing more information on how to locate and access these filming locations.)
Zabriskie Point:
One of the top highlights of the park, Zabriskie Point is best viewed in the early morning light as the sun rises over the mountains behind you and bathes the rippled, yellow foreground landscape in an orange glow. The lookout is a short walk from the parking lot and given its convenient location and unique beauty, it can become quite crowded during the day. You can stay at the lookout and enjoy the view or drop into the alien landscape below or hike the Badlands Loop.
Its remote location and limited light pollution make Death Valley a perfect spot for stargazing. If looking skyward and admiring the Milky Way are on your bucket list, Zabriskie Point is a fantastic location for pondering the stars and capturing that perfect long-exposure shot.
Badwater Basin and Salt Flats:
Badwater Basin is located just off the road in the center of the valley and is the lowest elevation in North America at -282 feet (-86 m) below sea level. Often filled with brackish water, early settlers quickly discovered it was undrinkable and bestowed upon the basin the descriptive, if not fitting name. It is best to visit early in the morning or later in the evening to catch the sunrise or sunset colors reflecting off the polygon salt formations, which can be reached by a quick 1/4 mile hike from the parking lot.
Golden Canyon: 🎥
This popular hike takes you through sunbaked golden hills and twisting canyons created by centuries of geological activity. Hikers can customize their route, making it an easy out and back or hiking through to connect with the Red Cathedral or Badlands Loop. Bring plenty of water and admire the way the sunlight and shadows play upon the canary yellow canyon walls.
Desolation Canyon: 🎥
Often overlooked, Desolation Canyon is a lightly trafficked moderate hike that takes you past dry waterfalls, rainbow rocks and ever constricting canyon walls. It is a great way to experience the varied beauty of Death Valley without the crowds that can be found a some of the more popular sights. Die-hard Star Wars fans will recognize several key filming locations along the hike.
Devil’s Golf Course:
Bestowed such an ominous name because of the unforgiving landscape that “only a Devil could play”, this expansive rock salt landscape is a study in sharp and jagged textures. Given the fragile nature of the salt formations, it is best to enjoy the view from the parking lot. Supposedly if you listen closely and put your ear near the ground you can hear pings and pops as the salt crystals expand to the point of bursting in the heat. However, be careful as you lean down among the sharp mounds since a fall could make road rash look like child’s play.
Natural Bridge:
This easy 2.3 mile out and back hike provides a glimpse into the erosive power of the very infrequent rainfall within the park. The highlight of the trail is the 50-foot high natural bridge and the dry waterfall formed over the centuries in the red canyon walls. The natural bridge formation is only 15 minutes from the parking lot, making it one of the most popular hikes within the park.
20 Mule Team Canyon Scenic Drive:
This fun, roller-coaster drive twists and turns through the yellow bluffs and provides a sampling of the badlands terrain from the comfort of your car. It is rare to find another car along the 2.8-mile one-way road, which allows you to take your time and enjoy the magnificent scenery.
Artists Drive/Palette: 🎥
Artists Drive is a one-way, nine-mile drive that passes through eroded, colorful desert hills. Looking like an impressionistic painting, the rainbow of colors among the rocks are a result of a mix of minerals, mostly forms of iron. Red/Orange and Purple are formed by Hematite, Yellow by Limonite and Green and Blue by Chlorite. Visit in the afternoon for the best light and most intense contrast of colors. While you can stay in your air-conditioned car at the look-out point, if it is not too hot, a short hike through the colorful canyon is the best way to appreciate its natural technicolor beauty.
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: 🎥
The largest dunes within the park, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are located just off the road outside of Stovepipe Wells. Very popular, most visitors stay within steps of the parking lot. However, the best way to explore this sandy wonderland is to walk out to the largest dunes. While the distance may look small, remember that on this fine sand, each step forward results in a half-step backward slide, making it a fantastic workout for your legs. The dunes are best viewed at sunrise or sunset when the long rays of the sun create dramatic shadows among the gray dunes and cast a pink glow upon the contrasting mountains in the background.
The super-fine sand gets everywhere and can be blown about in the slightest of breezes. Bring a bandana to cover your face and expect to have an exfoliating experience.
Dante’s View: 🎥
The most breathtaking view of the park, Dante’s View is worth the long drive to its peak. At 5,475 feet (1,669 meters), you can see across the entire park, from the salt flat at the lowest point in Badwater Basin to the highest peaks of the Sierra Nevadas in the distance. The colors, textures and varied landscape all captured in the view are unforgettable.
WHERE TO STAY
To take advantage of the nighttime stargazing and relative coolness of the morning for hikes, you need to say within the Park. The challenge is the options are limited to camping or exceptionally over-priced hotels. The popularity of the park and few choices require visitors to book accommodations early.
The Inn at Death Valley:
Rooms here start around $500/night. It is very pricey but is the nicest place to stay within the park. Built in the 1920s the hotel is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. It features a stunning spring-fed pool and palm tree filled garden. The rooms have been recently renovated and are a comfortable escape from the heat.
The Ranch at Death Valley:
Located next to the National Park Visitors Center and the Golf Course, the Ranch offers simple rooms in a convenient location. Within the grounds, you will find a general store and gas station to stock up for your adventures.
Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel:
This western-style hotel offers rustic rooms, a pool, restaurant, gift shop, and saloon. There are a general store and gas station across the street making it a one-stop for all your park visit needs.
Camping:
There are a number of campgrounds available, however, several are closed during the harsh summer months. Check the National Park Service website for the latest availability.
WHERE TO EAT
Similar to accommodation, dining options are very limited within the Park. The remoteness of the Park means that everything must be shipped in, making it very expensive. Menus are typically simple, with burgers, fries, and pizza taking center stage. The Saloon at Stovepipe Wells serves the best burgers and beer, while the dining room at the Oasis at Death Valley Inn offers more a more refined menu and creative cocktail selections. It is best to stock up on snacks before entering the Park as the general store options are outrageously expensive. The Date Grove Diner (if you should happen upon it) is more like a cafeteria and likely to disappoint, especially if you have high food standards.
WHAT TO BRING
Camera:
You could simply bring your smartphone for pics, but a high-quality camera is highly recommended. Preferably one with a telephoto lens. Because the photo opportunities are totally amazeballs.
Reusable water bottle:
This is the most important item to bring along on your visit to Death Valley. Keep an abundant supply of water in your vehicle and refill your water bottle frequently throughout the day.
Sun protection:
The sun in the desert is exceedingly strong and there is limited shade available along the hiking trails. Pack a good sun shirt, hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the harsh rays.
Proper footwear:
Death Valley is no place for flip-flops and sandals. If you plan to enjoy any of the hikes bring appropriate footwear, a pair of light hiking shoes or trail appropriate sneakers will work great.
Layers for the chilly evenings:
It is not unusual for the temperatures to swing by over 40 degrees Fahrenheit overnight, which means it can get quite chilly especially during the winter, spring and fall. Pack a light jacket to keep warm while you admire the night sky.
Steady tripod:
Death Valley is a phenomenal spot for stargazing. And if you plan to capture breathtaking shots of the Milky Way, a steady tripod is essential.
CONCLUSION
Whether you live in southern Nevada or California, and simply want a nearby escape from the bright lights and frantic city, or you are visiting the U.S. from another country, few places in California can shock and awe like Death Valley National Park. Do not miss it.
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🎥TIP: If you’re a Star Wars fan, you can visit the locations where George Lucas filmed many desert scenes for Star Wars: A New Hope. Below are two websites to guide you. One is the National Park Service website, and the other is a fan page with even more detailed info.
Links:
Star Wars in Death Valley (NPS.org page)
Star Wars in Death Valley (Steve Hall’s site – very detailed!)
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