Even the name of Death Valley evokes awe and mystery. There are ample good things to do in Death Valley, including exploring the gorges, towering mountains, enigmatic sailing stones, changing sand dunes, and bleak salt flats. If you have that luxury of leisure, you may stay at the park for a few days to take in the views of the desert and enjoy being so close to nature.
Some Must-Do Things & Must-See Sights in Death Valley National Park
There are ample top tourist attractions in California of which Death Valley National Park tops the list for reasons good. This place boasts of amazing attractions leaving you asking for more such as,
Artists Drive & Artists Palette
A 9-mile beautiful route called Artists Drive passes through one of the Death Valley’s most distinctive sceneries. This is a one-way street which goes from the south towards the north. In fact there are untold locations where you might stop for soaking in the scenery & snapping a picture, but there are 2 which are are indeed worth it. A must-see location on Artists Drive is Artist’s Palette. These hills of pink, aqua, & purple color are the consequence of metals in the soil oxidizing. If you want to get a good look at these hills up close, park within the parking lot.
Zabriskie Point
Zabriskie Point should not be missed regardless of how much time you have in Death Valley—whether you are just passing through, coming for a day trip from the Las Vegas, or residing for a few days. With spectacular vistas of the colorful badlands all around you, this is one of Death Valley’s most picturesque locations. You may take in expansive panoramic sights of a very big region and the environment is simply magnificent. Although the scenery is barren and slightly otherworldly, it appears magical. The unusual formations of the golden-brown mudstone hills are the result of erosion and infrequent but strong water flows.
Dante’s View
Dante’s View is a beautiful lookout point with breathtaking aerial views over Death Valley and is one of the highest easily accessible vistas in the park. Mountains and level desert valleys may be seen for more than 110 kilometers in all directions from this location. You can better appreciate how diverse Death Valley is because to the scenery, which is very spectacular. You may enjoy fantastic vistas without doing much walking because there is a sizable parking lot and observation area. You may climb Dante’s Peak, towards the right side of the parking lot, if it is not too hot (or too cold and windy, as it was when we went). The sights must make up for the about 10-15 minute trek to the summit.
Mosaic Canyon
Another location that has to be high on the Death Valley bucket list is Mosaic Canyon, which is close to Stovepipe Wells and Mesquite Sand Dunes. Walking into this canyon is a very unique experience. It is a geologic wonder. Even though Mosaic Canyon hiking route is around two miles long in one direction, you only need to travel about half a mile to see the canyon’s most stunning feature. This short hike may even be completed in warm weather due to the abundance of nearby rock shade (although beware hiking in the Death Valley on hot summer days!). This is amid the best places to see in Death Valley.
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
A vacation to the beautiful sand dunes may seem like an extraterrestrial adventure. The enormous sand dunes pierced the wide desert like scenes from a science fiction film. Though the sand dunes in fact are the Death Valley’s image, they really constitute up lesser than 1% of the entire park. Owing to restrictions on the off-road cars, it is difficult in reaching the dunes. Fortunately, a short walk leads directly to Mesquite Flat. The variety of sand dunes is astounding. They come in crescent, linear, & star shapes, and they are constantly changing. The 100-foot dunes have been known to be sand boarded by fearless tourists. However, for other people, simply exploring the wide area is fascinating.
Badwater Basin
One of the most distinctive places in Death Valley in the entire globe is Badwater Basin. The lowest point within North America, which is located there and is 282 feet below sea level, makes it noteworthy. Almost 200 square miles of the salt flats may be found there as well. The salt flats are delicate deposits of sodium chloride which form as a result of mineral accumulation and rainfall. It seems strange to walk around the salt flats. It is like strolling on the frozen lake in a scorching, dry desert.
Natural Bridge
At Natural Bridge, you may travel across time. This short, 2-mile round trip trek highlights Death Valley’s distinctive geological past. The path leads to a gorgeous 50-foot natural bridge via natural features including chutes and mud drippings. Due to erosion, the bridge was built over many centuries and stands as a remarkable example of the passage of time. A dry waterfall & other unusual geological features may be seen along the walk. This renowned hiking trail is ideal for people of every age and is one amid Death Valley’s most admired attractions. If you are looking for one amongst the top attractions in Death Valley National Park, this is the destination for you.
Furnace Creek
Many Death Valley expeditions have started near Furnace Creek. It is an oasis within the middle of the arid park of Death Valley. The little community features spring-fed resorts that provide protection from the harsh elements of the area. There are resorts and activities at Furnace Creek, which is 190 feet below the sea level. Golf, tennis, swimming, and other more contemporary facilities are available inside one of nature’s beauties.
Scotty’s Castle
An architectural marvel tucked away in northern Death Valley’s Grapevine Canyon is Scotty’s Castle. Its moniker, Death Valley Scotty, comes from Walter E. Scott renowned gold prospector. Even though Scotty never possessed the structure, the mining age of the 1920s and 1930s is still represented by it. Two-story beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival home Scotty’s Castle is crammed with amazing artefacts and antiquities from earlier times. Even though it is not a natural monument, it nonetheless gives insight into a significant period in Death Valley’s past.
Wrapping Up
Perhaps you do not think of Death Valley as a dream vacation spot. The desert-like expanse and high temperatures of the National Park are well-known features. According to the National Park Service, it is really the hottest, driest, & lowest National Park within the United States. Death Valley should not be written out just yet. It also covers more than 5,000 square miles of the desert landscape, making it the biggest national park in the whole continental United States. There is more to discover than what first greets the eye, from enormous sand dunes to vast valleys. Ignore the evil name. Discover these locations for an exciting journey, and make the most of these unique places to visit in US.