A seemingly desolate region, Death Valley National Park boasts some of the hottest temperatures ever recorded on earth. But amid the scorching landscape lie some of the most striking formations I’ve ever seen. A road trip to Death Valley is sure to leave you in awe of the desert scenery. Here are the top 5 must-see places in Death Valley.
MESQUITE FLAT SAND DUNES
Description: Seeing these massive dunes rise from the desert floor is truly a sight to behold. Immerse yourself in an ever-changing landscape that is constantly shaped by the wind. If you’ve ever dreamed about escaping to the dystopian world of Dune, add this stop to your Death Valley itinerary.
Distance: The trek to the tallest dunes is approximately 2 miles round trip and will take about 1 hour.
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Wear comfortable shoes as the dunes can be steep. I also found it worthwhile to visit the farthest slopes, as most of them remained untouched when I arrived around mid-morning.
Read here for more information about the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes!
GOLDEN CANYON TRAIL TO RED CATHEDRAL
Description: A labyrinth of golden hills, narrow passageways, and steep trails leading to not one, but two rewarding views? Yes, please! Quite possibly the most heavily trafficked area in all of Death Valley, the Golden Canyon Trail is not to be missed. You just might spot R2D2 or C3PO hiding in the canyons! Can you believe these canyons were featured in several Star Wars films?
Distance: This is a 3 mile out-and-back trail. Around the 1 mile mark, you’ll arrive at the turn-off for Red Cathedral. This trail also connects to the Badlands Loop, should you wish to continue on to Zabriskie Point.
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Arrive by 9 am to secure a parking spot and to avoid the midday heat. Don’t forget to make a stop at the viewpoints at Red Cathedral. Both trails at the very end lead to unparalleled views. The short trails are steep but worth the slight workout.
ZABRISKIE POINT
Description: With the badlands at your feet and Manly Beacon towering in the distance, you can see why Zabriskie Point is one of the most popular Death Valley destinations. Most visitors make a short pit stop at this iconic lookout point, but I implore you to hike the Badlands Loop! You will not be disappointed. Around every corner is a new view that will simply take your breath away.
Distance: The Badlands Loop is 2.5 miles round trip. This hike can be easily combined with the Golden Canyon Trail hike.
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: The best views can be seen at sunrise and sunset. Arrive early to secure parking, as there will most likely be crowds at either time. The hills surrounding Manly Beacon are the most impressive and scenic, so you may want to explore the trails there!
ARTIST’S PALETTE
Description: This scenic drive starts off on Artist’s Drive and takes you through a series of winding hills before finally arriving at Artist’s Palette. You’ll immediately notice that these rocks are rich with mineral deposits that give them their vibrant, pastel hues. Take a stroll along the paths to get a closer look at the painted hills.
Distance: This paved drive features a 9 mile loop. Allow 2 hours for driving and exploring.
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Start your drive 1 hour before sunset to see the colors at their brightest and most impressive.
BADWATER BASIN
Description: At 282 feet below sea level, Badwater Basin is the lowest point in all of North America. These salt flats are highly popular for their intricate salt polygon designs. Given the increased foot traffic to the park, however, most of the closest salt beds are worn and devoid of any geometric polygons. Despite this sad reality, the basin is still well worth a visit and offers a sense of tranquility in an otherwise unforgiving land.
Distance: It’s a short 2-3 minute walk from the parking lot to the nearby salt flats.
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: For a chance to observe some intact salt polygons, head approximately 1 mile west from the parking lot, where the most remote salt beds are located. Note that they can be difficult to find due to the isolation and distance.
