Death Valley is one of the largest National Parks in the United States with over 3 million acres to explore. Whether you are visiting Death Valley National Park for a single day or multiple days, there are some must see areas that you do not want to miss.
The best times to visit Death Valley is in the fall and spring due to cooler temps. Visiting during the summer may have less people, but for good reason. Death Valley holds the record for the highest recorded temperature at 134 degrees Fahrenheit. So you can see why summer may not be the most popular time to visit.
While there is so much to explore and see at Death Valley we have listed the top 5 memorable sites that you must see during your visit.
This is based off personal experience and can be subjective.
Devil’s Golf Course
Devils Golf Course is a huge area with large crystalized salt formations. These salt formations are shaped by the wind and rain and always changing. You are able to walk on these hard rock-like formations, but be careful because they are extremely jagged and can cause injury if you fall.
Badwater Basin
Badwater Basin starts you off at 282 feet below sea level. You can hike out to to over 1.5 miles to view the vast 200 square miles of salt flats. This flat and a very exposed area and is incredible to see. While visiting don’t be shy to walk out to the end as the view gets better.
Artist Drive
Artist Drive is a 9.7 mile one way scenic drive winding through canyons with multiple pull-offs to get out and walk around. The most popular stop, and must see, is the Artist Palette. The Artist Palette Overlook is a colorful rock canyon with rich pastel colors of blues, oranges, greens, and pinks. These colors can really pop depending on sun location and rainfall.
Zabriskie Point
One of the best lookouts for sunrise is Zabriskie Point. This is a simple .5 mile paved trail that takes you to an overlook. There are multiple trails to extend your hike through Golden Canyon and/or Gower Gulch Loop. Depending on what you decide, you will not be disappointed walking through the canyon valley.
Dante’s View
Plan your trip to visit Dante’s View at the end of you day during sunset. With a short 1 mile total out and back hike to a few rocky lookouts to the left of the parking lot you will get an amazing view over Death Valley and the white salt flats.
Death Valley is the quintessential “the pictures don’t do it justice’ place. The vast landscape and varying textures make this a place you must see and experience in person.
For more information on visting Death Valley nps.gov here
