Sovna NaikSo much diversity in one place starting from mountains, salt flats, sand dunes, canyons, and many more. It holds the record for the hottest place on earth which was recorded in 1913, driest place in North America and is the lowest point in North America which is 282 feet below sea level.
When I got to know the name of the national park for the first time, I truly was baffled. I for one was curious to know more about the park and well, it is now one of our favorites. We have been to the national park twice as of now, the first time it was for two days and the second time it was a day trip with friends from Las Vegas.
We did fly to Las Vegas from Seattle and stayed the night in Vegas, next day morning we started our road trip to the national park. We took many random stops in between because of the scenery and the straight road, which was totally different and unique to us from what we enjoy/experience in the pacific northwest.
We have a ritual to take photos at the national park sign. Afterward, we directly made our way to Dante’s view which is at an elevation approximately 5500 feet above the Badwater basin and during the time of our visit there was a little snow on the side of the road which I found ironic.
We got to experience a panoramic view of the Death Valley National Park which is breathtaking, I can assure you no camera can ever give justice to this beautiful landscape. Sparsely snow-capped mountains, the Badwater Basin beneath, the sand dunes at the distance, and the road which passes through the valley is visible and the vehicle looks so minuscule. At Dante’s View, you get a summary of what you are going to watch up close in the national park. It’s a must-visit for sure.
2. Furnace Creek Visitor Center
We went to the visitor center and inquired about the places to visit along with restaurant options inside the park premise and things to keep in mind while visiting the national park. It’s a very good spot to catch a break. They have a sign where the below sea level is displayed along with the current temperature of the day which was kind of cool.
It’s basically a resort complex and we went there for lunch in one of the restaurants. They have a beautiful seating area inside the complex with a fountain in the middle. You won’t feel you are in a desert, it’s literally an oasis in the desert. The food was delicious as well.
It’s a beautiful out and back hike approximately 3 miles from Golden Canyon trailhead to Red Cathedral and was highly trafficked at least towards the beginning. It is mostly easy throughout but towards the end, you would need to climb small rocks so keep that in mind. The view from the top is epic. Throughout the trail, we got numerous spectacular views of those hills/mountains. It’s fascinating to watch those shades, just surreal.
Here I would like to mention, the roads inside the national park are very scenic so don’t be hesitant to enjoy the drive. Personally, we loved it because I had never experienced driving on such straight roads.
It was one of the places I was looking forward to. You can actually see multi color patches on the mountain. It is on the Artist drive which is a oneway 9-mile loop and goes by some amazing rocks/hills. But, both times we visited during the afternoon and light hit directly onto the mountain and muted the colors. Hopefully next time we make it right on time to see those vivid distinct colors. It is one of the most picturesque places and actually saw many photograph enthusiasts patiently waiting for the right time with gears. Finally, we called it a night.
It was located near the Stovepipe wells and is definitely a must-visit location. We started our day early knowingly because we wanted to dodge the heat and have sufficient time to play/roll around in the sand dunes. Make sure to bring enough water because it can be very tiring navigating in sand dunes. We really did enjoy it thoroughly. The purple hue mountain on the backdrop elevates its beauty. There were kids who were sandboarding on the dunes. So, check in the visitor center before you go ahead with sandboarding or any other activities.
7. Salt Creek Interpretive Trail
It’s a 0.5 miles highly trafficked loop hike on a boardwalk and goes through a small stream and the area is a bit lush if we compare it to other parts of the desert. I did get to see salt flats in that area as well. There are many resting stops on the boardwalk where you can sit on benches and take in the views. And if you are lucky and around the right time might as well see some pupfish.
Thereafter we headed towards furnace creek and had lunch at one of the other restaurants in the ranch at death valley.
Its a huge stretch of flat land on the valley where you can see salt boulders. You dont need any hike just the views from the parking lot is surreal. Though you have to a take a dirt road to reach because it is on a little diversion from the badwater road. But, definitely a must see sight, the vastness of the field and the quietness is a perfect mix of bliss.
It is the lowest point in North America and is 282 feet below sea level. I had been waiting for this location from starting of our trip. After you park you vehicle on the parking lot you get to see the “below the sea level sign”, thereafter you will have to walk around a mile or so to chase those unique distinct geometrical shapes on the salt flats. It was an amazing experience to watch those salt crystals up close. But, make sure to carry water with you. Those geometrical shapes with the purple hue back drop and blue sky is just breathtaking, difficult for me at least to get over it.
Its a stunning viewpoint overlooking the paranomic badlands. The shades are distinctly prominent. Its a small walk up the parking lot to reach the viewpoint which is very well marked and paved. The scenery is worthwhile and is bit similar to what we had watched from the golden canyon trail head to red cathedral hike, its again a must visit place which is convenient and on the way to other areas in the national park.
We did stop at the Rhyolite Ghost Town which is an abandoned mining town, now there are art installations portraying ghostly things which is cool to watch. Finally, we made our way back to Las Vegas in the evening and that is all about our time in Death Valley National Park. Eventually, we have plans on visiting The Racetrack, Ubehebe Crater, Natural Bridge and many more in our next trip.
