21 Fun Things To Do In Death Valley National Park

If I had to describe Death Valley National Park in one word, it would be “strange”. The national park is jam-packed with bizarre formations that make you feel like you are on another planet. In one area, you have bright white salt flats, and in another area, mountains splashed with pastel colors of pink/purple, blue/green, and yellow/orange. When viewing The Devil’s Golf Course, you see jagged, sharp, brown formations of salts. And let us not forget about the eerie rocks that move all on their own. Given all the strange environments, I thoroughly enjoyed the park. The only regret I have of this National Park is not going in the winter), because the park can be sweltering hot. The heat was unforgiving, and it drained us to the point of exhaustion. Take note that this is coming from someone that was raised in Texas! Even with the insane heat, we were still able to enjoy the National Park so, keep on reading for a guide on things to do in Death Valley National Park.

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Death Valley Facts and Recommendations

1. Death Valley is the hottest place on Earth. It holds the world record for hottest temperature, which is 134 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Death Valley is located in eastern California.
3. Death Valley receives less than 2 inches of water per year. Some years, there is no rain at this National Park. The park is named the driest place in the United States by having the lowest average annual rainfall.
4. That being said, pack a ton of water and sunscreen and try to visit this park in the winter time. The park can get pretty hot even in the Springtime.
5. Badwater Basin is 282 feet below sea level. It is the lowest point in North America.
6. Cell service is minimal. I would make sure that all the vital information is printed or downloaded. You can buy a map here.
7. No public transportation is available in the park. It is best to rent a car if you are flying in.
8. Death Valley received its name because of a group of people were passing through to California’s goldfields. One of the party members died in the valley and since then it has been known as Death Valley.
9. Entrance Fee is $30 per vehicle and valid for 7 days. Or you can buy a year long National Park Pass here.

>>>Rent A Car Here<<<

Best Time To Visit Death Valley

• Spring: This is the most popular time to visit. We came during this time, and it was still pretty hot and miserable to hike in the middle of the day. But if the previous winter brought rain, the desert can put on an impressive floral display. Check out more information on the wildflowers here.
• Summer: I highly don’t recommend coming here during the summer. Spring was too hot for us (and keep in mind we are from Texas), so I can not imagine experiencing summer here. Still, people do come to visit during this season. If you are set on it, bring plenty of water, and try not to hike in the middle of the day.
• Fall: Great time to visit for mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
• Winter: Beautiful time to visit with snow-capped mountains, excellent winter lighting, and cool temperatures. The period after Thanksgiving and before Christmas is the least crowded time of the entire year.

How To Get To Death Valley National Park

There are two options for getting to Death Valley in California. Please note that Death Valley is a large national park. It can take a while to get from one end of the park to the other:

• Los Angeles: The drive is around 3 and a half to 4 and a half hours. You never know how traffic will be in LA, so keep that in mind. The drive is around 217 miles.
• Las Vegas: The drive is around 2 hours and 106 miles.

Make sure that your gas tank is full. There is a long stretch of roads where there are no gas stations.

Death Valley Attractions Map

Below are the locations of all areas I discuss in this article. I recommend downloading this area map onto your phone because there is usually no service in this National Park. To find out how to download a google map area, click here. You can also find the official Death Valley National Park map here.

What To Pack

For a Day Trip

1. Sunscreen: You need this for sure!!! >Buy Sunscreen
2. Hiking Boots/Shoes: If you use tennis shoes you can easily hurt your toes hitting a rock by accident (Trust me I have done it so many times). >Check Out My Hiking Shoes
3. Hiking socks: Having the correct socks helps prevent blisters. Smart Wool is probably my favorite brand out there. I also love how they now have pink socks too 🙂 >Buy Hiking Socks
4. Refillable water bottle: I always bring a Hydroflask on all my adventures. They are on the heavier side, but I know for a fact they will not break. I have had a few cheap water bottles break on me before. >Check Prices Now
5. Water: Stay nice and hydrated.
6. Sunglasses: It will get sunny, so make sure to pack some sunglasses. >Check Out These Sunglasses
7. Snacks: The best snacks are jerky, nuts, energy bars. Clif Bars are great for hiking.
8. Camera: The camera I have linked was one of the first cameras I started using on my travels. The Sony A6000 is an excellent camera for people that want to start improving at travel photography.  >Buy Sony Camera Here
9. First Aid Kit: This is one of the first things I bought when I first started going on adventures. It is super portable. >Buy This Awesome First Aid Kit Here
10. Day Pack to carry all your things: The REI bag I have linked, we have had for seven years now, and it is still going strong! >Buy This Great Quality Backpack
11. Leggings, Shorts or Hiking Pants: Here are some excellent hiking leggings that are so comfortable. >Click For My Favorite Hiking Pants
12. Breathable sweat-wicking shirts >>>Check Out This Cute Shirt Here
13. Sports Bra: For women.
14. Light Jacket: It can get chilly at night! Bring a light jacket >Buy The My Fav Light Jacket
15. Tripod: This is an optional item, but it is excellent for getting the ideal sunset pictures. >Check out this tripod

Camping Equipment

1. Everything in the Day trip List Above and,
2. Tent: I just bought this new Nemo 2 Person tent, and it packs so small, and it is light! >Buy The Nemo Backpacking Tent
3. Sleeping Pad: A sleeping pad is pretty much a small, packable inflatable mattress. I have tried many types of sleeping pads (cheap ones, light ones, comfortable ones), and the one I have linked is probably the best one I have tried. My husband uses this pad. I will mention, it is on the heavier side, so I recommend this for car camping or short/easy backpacking trips. >Check Out My All-Time Favorite Sleeping Pad
4. Spork: A spoon and fork in one. >Buy A Spork Now
5. Headlamp: A headlamp is an absolute must! It is a lot more portable and easier to use than a flashlight. >Buy A Headlamp Now
6. Pillows: Pillows can take a lot of room, so I recommend buying an inflatable one. >Buy The EXTREMELY Packable Inflatable Pillows
7. Sleeping Bag: One of the most critical aspects of getting a good nights sleep! Bringing a sleeping bag is a must. >Look At Prices
8. Sandals: I hate wearing my hiking shoes when I am hanging around the campsite, so bringing some sandals for leisure is a must for me. I just bought these, and they are super comfortable. Perfect for camping. >Check Out These Sandals
9. Trash Bags: Everything you pack in, you must pack out. Bring a few trash bags with you.
10. Printed Campsite Reservation: Just in case they ask for it!
11. Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Medicine & Toiletries >Check Out This Toothbrush
12. Fire Starter: If you want to start a fire, this is an easier way. Just pile up the wood on top, and you are golden! >Buy This Cool No Match Needed Fire Starter
13. Water Reservoir: You probably need more water than a water bottles worth. >Here Is My Water Reservoir
14. Stove: Love this stove that we got for Christmas. Don’t forget to buy propane. (Note: Do not bring this on a plane with you, as it can get confiscated). >Buy Stove Here
15. Cookware Set: Love how packable my cookware set is. I can easily take it anywhere with me. We have used this countless times. >Buy My Cute Cookware Set
16. Coffee Maker: Do you need coffee in the morning like I do? >>>Check out this awesome coffee press here
17. Death Valley Park Map And Book: I started buying my own map and books for national parks to help me plan. You can still get a map at the visitors center, but I love that this one is waterproof and more detailed. >Buy My Map >Buy My Book
18. National Park Pass:  I highly recommend getting a year-long America The Beautiful Pass. >>>Get It Here

Death Valley Camping

Furnace Creek campground is where we pitched our tent. The campsite didn’t have great views, but it was in the center of all the attractions. Make sure to make reservations in advance. Furnace Creek Visitor Center is very close to the campground and a great spot to buy souvenirs.

All other campgrounds other than Furnace Creek Campground, are first-come, first-serve. Some of the campsites are only open at certain times of the years. Here is a list of all the campgrounds.

Death Valley Hotels

• The Inn At Death Valley: This hotel is pretty noticeable when you first arrive at death valley. It is like a beautiful oasis filled with green grass, flowers, and tall palm trees. Compared to the unruly desert Death Valley is, this property sticks out like a sore thumb. It is a beautiful property right in the center of it all, and they even have a restaurant! >Check Out Prices Here
• The Ranch At Furnace Creek: This property isn’t as lovely as the Inn, but it still is located right in the center of Death Valley, and it features a Golf Course. Plus it has a pool which is super convenient in this hot national park. >Check Out Prices Here
• Stovepipe Wells Village: The hotel is located near the Mesquite sand dunes, and it is budget-friendly. >Check Out Prices Here

Read More: Where to Stay in Death Valley | 13 Hotels, Resorts & Camping Spots

Best Things To Do In Death Valley National Park

Zabriskie Point – Sunrise

When you think of Death Valley National Park, you think of hot and dry (especially when you read the facts above). But millions of years ago, Zabriskie Point was full of lake water. The yellow and tan colors of the badlands were layers of sand at the bottom of the lake. The colorful streaks of greens, pinks, and yellows come from volcano lava falling into the lake.

Zabriskie Point is a popular spot in Death Valley National Park for a good reason. The splashes of color, the streaks of brown and tan on these strange bumpy formations make it a perfect area for photographers.

The best time to experience this lovely area would be at sunrise when the world starts to wake up. The sun’s rays slowly creep up and turn on the colors and formations of Zabriskie Point. I was not alone when I took these sunrise pictures. Several people were waiting for this sunrise, but there is plenty of room to take pictures comfortably.

If you look closely, you can spot some of the splashes of colors left by the volcanic eruptions. They are most apparent when the sun has not fully risen, and the light of the sun is muted. But, once the sun is on full blast, the colors start to wash out, and you are left with the brown and tan colors of the formations.

Golden Canyon, Gower Gulch, and Badlands Loop Hike

Right after sunrise at Zabriskie Point, I recommend heading over to the Golden Canyon, Gower Gulch, and Badlands Loop. This loop is one of the best Death Valley hikes. No need to get in the car, you can start this trail from Zabriskie Point. Check out the trail map here. Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. When we were heading out of the trail, we saw the search and rescue team trying to find someone that was dehydrated.

I recommend heading to Red Cathedral to view all of the badland formations below. The last part is an incline, but it is well worth the effort.

The hike was astonishing, and I can’t remember ever seeing anything like it. I could see some of the pink and yellow colors off into the distance on the mountains, even with the powerful bright sun trying to wash out the colors.

There were times that I felt like this trail went on forever. The spiderweb-like formations made it feel like the paths were endless. But, we eventually found our way out. This was when we started to realize how deadly Death Valley can be. The heat of the sun was beating down on us, and there wasn’t much shade anywhere around us. We were starting to get exhausted and hot. Even though it was the beginning of April, I felt like we were hiking in the middle of summer.

Read More: Best Hikes in Death Valley National Park

Hiking at Death Valley can be dangerous, so make sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and a map. Golden Canyon, Gower Gulch, and Badlands Loop is a relatively moderate hike, but the heat of Death Valley can quickly turn this hike into a more strenuous hike.

Grotto Canyon

The Grotto Canyon is a trail that is not well known to most travelers. The reason is, because it is a tad too difficult for most. You have to climb, and scramble to finish it. The trail is 2.1 miles round trip, at an elevation of 672 ft.

Good shoes with traction are a must on this trail, as the rocks are pretty smooth. It is recommended to hike with someone else for safety. Also, the drive to the trailhead is a pain. Park on the main road if you do not have a high 4×4, as the road is unpaved and harsh.

Eureka Dunes

Eureka Dunes is probably one of the tallest sand dunes in North America. It can be difficult to get here because it is recommended to have 4WD and hiking up a dune is the biggest pain in the world! I am serious! From a distance sand dunes look easy to tackle but actually trying it out will exhaust you. So if you want to be on top of Eureka Dunes during sunset then make sure to give yourself plenty of time.

Artists Drive And Artist’s Palette

The Artist’s Palette was created millions of years ago when magma-heated water met lava and ash. The different colors are different chemicals that reacted. The blues are chlorites, pinks are manganese oxides, and the red and oranges are iron oxides.  This incredible reaction created what we know now as the Artist’s Palette. You can quickly drive up and see the colorful mountains and even walk up and experience these magnificent colors close up.

Of course, my favorite colors were the pink colors! I had never seen a pink mountain, so I was very excited to take pictures of this incredible natural masterpiece.

The Artists Palette was a great spot to stop and experience such a natural, colorful view. After all, when will you ever have the opportunity to see pink and blue mountains?

Telescope Peak

If you are up for an extreme hiking challenge then you must try out Telescope Peak. This trail is around 12.7 miles, with an elevation gain of 3,323. It can be pretty windy and cold at the peak so bring a jacket and plenty of food and water. This is another area that requires 4WD.

The Devil’s Golf Course

To me, the Devil’s Golf Course was one of the strangest attractions in Death Valley. The formations are made out of salt and rock sediments and have been accumulating for millions of years. I had seen pictures of this online, and I was just so curious that I had to look. The formations were sharp and jagged, especially when you walked out even further away from the road. Make sure to drive out to see these crazy formations. I guarantee you have never seen anything like it before. Also, bring bug spray. There are so many bugs here!

Wildrose Charcoal Kilns

One of the most underrated areas in Death Valley National Park is the Wildrose Charcoal Kilns. They are beehive-looking structures that were built in 1877 by the famous George Hearst. They were eventually abandoned and now any of the visitors can visit them. It is a challenge to get here though because you do need 4WD to access the kilns.

Badwater Basin

One of the places to see in Death Valley is Badwater Basin. Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America, and the basin stands at 282 feet below sea level. The basin is filled with Sodium Chloride, better known as table salt. If you are wondering, yes, I did taste the salt myself to make sure.

There are times when this basin is filled with water, although this is rare. Years ago, when a surveyor was trying to get his mule to drink water, the mule refused. The surveyor wrote down that this area had “Badwater” and so the name stuck.

You do have to hike a bit to get to the area (about 1/2 a mile) where the white salt is, and the hike is well worth it. The vastness of it seems to go on forever, and you also have views of the tall mountains in the background. A photographer’s dream.

The salt was very sharp and jagged, and it hurt to sit down on it, but it was worth it for the perfect picture.

View The Stars

Death Valley has some of the darkest skies in the United States and if you are into astrophotography then you need to experience this park during the night. Per the national park service the best areas for astrophotography are:

The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

Because of the extreme heat of the park, we were a little hesitant about hiking up the sand dunes for sunrise. Luckily, the end of the day seemed to have brought some winds, so we were blessed with a gentle cooling breeze. The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes seemed like the ideal opportunity for sunset, mainly because no one in our party had ever experienced dunes before.

If you climb up to one of the higher dunes, you can find a perfect spot to watch the sun go down. Out of everything we experienced at the park, this was probably my favorite part. I loved watching the surrounding mountains on the horizon with views of the ever-changing sand dunes. The wind creating all the ripples in the sands was just magical.

Since I saw the Mesquite Sand Dunes, I have become obsessed with wanting to visit more. One of the sand dunes that is on my bucket list is White Sands National Park.

Check Out The Joshua Trees

If you have never been to Joshua Tree National Park then you need to check out Lee Flat Joshua Tree Forest located in Death Valley. It is located on the Western side of the park and it is recommended to drive a 4WD to get there.

Since the area is located at a higher elevation it can be chillier than the rest of the valley. If you are over the hot temperature on the east side then check out Lee Flat!

Dante’s View Death Valley

A lot of people drive here to watch the sunset. It is one of the most popular viewpoints in the park. You can look out and see the lowest point of the park and North America (Badwater Basin) and the highest area of the park Telescope Peak.

Mosaic Canyon Trail

Mosaic Canyon is a fun and moderate hike located near the Mesquite Sand Dunes. I loved that we got to do some rock scrambling! The first quarter of a mile is kid-friendly, but towards the end, it is not. Make sure to download a map as it is difficult to see when the trail ends.

Natural Bridge

The Natural Bridge is about a 1-mile hike round trip (45 minutes). The hike is relatively easy, and you get a beautiful view of a bridge. This bridge is located near Badwater Basin and the Devils Golfcourse and is one of the most popular trails in the park.

The Racetrack Playa

This remote valley has become a mysterious phenomenon. Massive boulders move across a lakebed when no one is looking. You can see the trail that the boulders leave behind. N.A.S.A. scientists have studied these rocks for years, and the scientific explanation is that in the winter the area freezes over and the strong heavy winds move these boulders.

As cool as it is to see, this area is very remote compared to the rest of the National Park. The Racetrack is at the end of a 26-mile dirt road, and there have been many flat tires, and the cell phone service is non-existent, so proceed with caution. The drive to this area is also a 3 1/2 hour drive from Furnace Creek Campground one way, so it will require a whole day to see these moving rocks.

Experience The Wildflowers

I know the picture above looks fantastic and you would love to experience it, but this is a rarity! Only under perfect conditions does this happen. The last few times the super blooms happened were: 2016, 2005, and 1998. So maybe in 2026, it might happen? If you want to keep track of it make sure you check this website during the winter every year.

Ubehebe Crater

This 600-foot deep crater was created when magma hit groundwater, creating a relatively recent explosion (300-1300 years ago). You can easily view the crater from the parking lot, or you can hike down into the crater. Just note, the climb up is a lot harder than the climb down.

Darwin Falls

It is so hard to believe that one of the hottest places in the world has a waterfall! Yup, that is right, Darwin Falls is one of Death Valley’s most precious gems. And the best part is that the trail is pretty easy! It is only 1.9 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 232 feet.

This is a great afternoon hike or during lunch as there is shade. There are signs when you drive on the dirt road that says you need a high clearance car, but a regular car is doable. Just go slow.

No swimming is allowed in the water.

Scotty’s Castle

This magnificent home in the middle of the California desert is called Scotty’s Castle. A man named Walter Scott started building it in the 1920’s. Legend has it that Scotty built his castle on top of his secret gold mine! But that was never proven to be true. Eventually, the great depression hit, and the castle was never finished.

The National Park Service now owns the castle and for many years you could tour it. Sadly, in 2015 there was a flood that devastated the area and the castle has not been the same since. As of 2021, you cannot tour the area, but NPS website says it might open back up in 2022! Fingers crossed that it finally reopens.

Check Out The Backcountry

After reading this article you can probably already tell that exploring The Death Valley backcountry is so worth it! Just make sure you bring a 4WD and bring a map like this one (print it because you might not have service). You can also go to the closest visitor center and ask a ranger for recommendations.

Final Thoughts On What To See In Death Valley National Park

As strange as Death Valley is, I enjoyed visiting this National Park. Every turn I made I experienced something I had never experienced before, like sand dunes, salt flats, and pink mountains. The park is known as a photographer’s paradise, and after experiencing it, I can now see why. If I ever come back, I will make sure to go in the wintertime. The heat here is no joke. Hope you enjoyed my post on the best Death Valley itinerary! Check out my other posts on California below:

• The Ultimate Channel Islands Guide
• Things To Do In Joshua Tree National Park
• Best Things To Do In Mammoth Lakes, California
• Where To Find Fall Colors In Mammoth Lakes
• The Perfect Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary
• 16 Amazing Weekend Trips From Las Vegas
• 8 Fun Things To Do In Visalia, California

Also, please follow me on Instagram, where I discuss all things hiking, camping, and backpacking. You can get ready for your next outdoor adventure!  Follow Me Here.

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