Death Valley National Park is an amazing destination that offers a unique and diverse landscape with stunning natural features that cannot be found elsewhere.
From the salt flats of Badwater Basin, to the towering peaks of the Panamint Mountains, to the colorful rock formations of Artists Palette, the park is a wonderland of geological formations and scenic beauty.
Whether you are interested in hiking, photography, stargazing, or just experiencing the natural beauty of the American West, Death Valley National Park is a destination that should not be missed. Before heading out on a stargazing adventure in Death Valley National Park, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Check the weather forecast: Clear skies are essential for a successful stargazing experience, so make sure to check the weather forecast before you go. You can find the current weather conditions and forecast for Death Valley National Park on the National Park Service website.
- Plan your trip during a new moon: The best time to stargaze is during a new moon when the sky is at its darkest. Check the lunar calendar to find out when the next new moon is. If you cannot visit during a new moon check when the moon will set and rise and plan accordingly.
- Warm clothing: Even in the summer, temperatures can drop significantly at night in the desert, so make sure to bring warm clothing, including a jacket, hat, and gloves.
- Bring a red flashlight: Using a regular flashlight can ruin your night vision and disrupt wildlife, so bring a red flashlight or a head lamp with a red light to help you navigate in the dark.
- Star chart or app: If you’re new to stargazing, bring a star chart or download a stargazing app to help you identify constellations and stars.
- Use a telescope or binoculars: If you have a telescope or binoculars, bring them along to get a closer look at the stars and planets.
- Respect the environment: Remember to leave no trace and respect the environment while stargazing at Zabriskie Point. Don’t leave any trash behind and be mindful of any plants or wildlife in the area.
Simple to Access Locations in Death Valley
Zabriskie Point: Zabriskie is an excellent location for stargazing due to its remote location and clear skies. There is a large parking lot and easy to access as it’s down the street from the Oasis Hotel within the park.
Harmony Borax Works: This historic site is located just outside Furnace Creek and is a popular spot for stargazing. The site is open 24 hours a day, and there are several picnic tables where you can set up your telescope.
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: These sand dunes offer a unique stargazing experience. Because they are far from any artificial light sources, the skies are particularly dark here. You can park at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes parking lot and walk out onto the dunes for an unobstructed view of the night sky.
Dante’s View: At an elevation of over 5,000 feet, Dante’s View offers a stunning panoramic view of the park during the day, but it’s also a great spot for stargazing. The viewpoint is accessible by car and is located at the end of Dante’s View Road.
Badwater Basin: Located just under Dante’s View is Badwater Basin. Badwater Basin is a stunning salt flat located in Death Valley National Park, California, that spans over 200 square miles.
It is the lowest point in North America, sitting 282 feet below sea level, and is known for its otherworldly landscape of hexagonal salt polygons, salt formations, and salt-encrusted mud. There is a large parking lot for easy access.
Harder to Access Locations
The Racetrack: This remote location is known for its mysterious moving rocks. While it’s a bit of a journey to get to, the Racetrack offers some of the darkest skies in the park, making it an ideal location for stargazing.
Keep in mind that a high clearance vehicle with off-road tires are required to access the Racetrack.
Ubehebe Crater: Along the way to the Racetrack is Ubehebe Crater. This volcanic crater is located in the northern part of the park and offers a unique stargazing experience.
You can park at the Ubehebe Crater parking lot and walk out onto the rim of the crater for an unobstructed view of the night sky. This is an easier drive, but it’s about an hour drive from the visitor center.
No matter the location you choose you will not be disappointed with the view. Always plan ahead and be over prepared while visiting Death Valley especially at night.
