<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAt 282 feet (86 m) below sea level Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America. Due to this fact and the surreal landscape of vast salt flats, Badwater Basin definitely is the No. 1 attraction in Death Valley and most famous spot within the national park. But it’s definitely not the only location you should put on your list. There is a parking lot from where you can see the salt flats. But I would recommend to take the short walk onto the salt flats. Where else could you get such a unique experience?<\/p>\n\n\n\nsalt flats at Badwater Basin, Death Valley<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nsalt textures in Death Valley National Park<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nPhoto tip:<\/strong> Try to get beyond the people to get a free and uninterrupted view.<\/p>\n\n\n\nhike:<\/strong> Easy, flat walk: 1 mile \/ 1,6 kmlocation:<\/strong> 17 miles (27 km) South of Furnace Creek on Badwater Road (30 minutes)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nRoad between Badwater basin and Devil’s Golf Course<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nOn the way to Badwater Basin you can stop at Devil’s Golf Course, an area of rock salt eroded by wind and rain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>#2 Zabriskie Point<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThese golden colored badlands make a spectacular spot for sunrise and sunset when the smooth light transforms the hills into a scenery from another planet. A short walk on a paved path leads up to the viewpoint from where Zabriskie Point unfolds its spectacular beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\nZabriskie point glows in light of sunset<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\neasy walk:<\/strong> 0.25 miles (400 m) \/ 60 feet (18 m) elevation gainlocation:<\/strong> 4.8 miles (7,7 km) East of Furnace Creek on Highway 190 (15 minutes)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>#3 Artist’s Palette on Artist’s Drive<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThis 9 miles (14,5 km) long scenic loop leads through multi-hued hills giving Artist’s Drive its name. I am sure you’ve seen pictures of this spot on Instagram already. Don’t be disappointed by the color depth of the hills! All the pictures I’ve seen are edited so that the colors stand out much more than they do in reality. Artist’s Palette still is a fun spot and worth a stop as you can take the narrow paths leading into the hills and even climb up to your favorite color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
multi-hued hills of Artist’s Palette<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nhiking through Artist’s Palette, Death Valley<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThe narrow road is a one way drive, only open to vehicles less than 25 feet (7,6m)
entry to Artist’s Drive, Death Valley<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nArtist’s Drive Death Valley<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nLocation:<\/strong> 8.5 miles (13,7 km) South of Furnace Creek on Badwater Road<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>#4 Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nGiant sand dunes like you’d imagine from the Sahara Desert can be found in Death Valley as well. Several sand dunes are spread out in Death Valley National Park. But the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes for sure are the largest in the park. With the tallest summit it’s also the the most iconic dune field, and it’ easy to access. Therefore a must see when visiting Death Valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
infinite dunes – Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThe tawny dunes rise up to 100 feet (30 m) and can be climbed. Even if you can see the dunes from your vehicle don’t underestimate the distance! Walking on sand, in the heat and without any shade can get really exhausting, especially when you try to climb the tall dunes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
hiking through sand dunes in Death Valley National Park<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nPhotography tip:<\/strong> I would recommend to walk a bit further to the left or right where you find spots without footprint. This will definitely make a difference on your pictures. To get great pictures of the sand formations you don’t have to climb the highest dune. Walking sideways already will reward you.<\/p>\n\n\n\nfeeling small at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nLocation:<\/strong> 22.4 miles (36 km) west of Furnace Creek on Highway 190 (30 minutes)Sahara desert or California?<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Further sand dunes of Death Valley:<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\u2022 Ibex Dunes<\/strong> \u2013 very Southern tip of Death Valley National Park, high clearance \/ 4×4 vehicle recommendedEureka Dunes<\/strong> \u2013 Northeastern part of Death ValleyBig Dune<\/strong> \u2013 Amaragosa Valley off highway 95 towards Las Vegas, outside of Death Valley National Park<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>#5 Dante’s View<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDante’s View is another must see location in Death Valley National Park as it’s one more example of the diverse landscape Death Valley has to offer. The 5.000 feet (1.500 m) high peak opens up breathtaking view over Death Valley. Standing at the top, gazing down to Badwater Basin will make you feel small and put the dimensions of Death Valley into perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
lookout from Dante’s View into Death Valley<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nI would recommend to drive up to Dante’s View for sunset. Not only will you get the chance to surround yourself with professional stargazers. Wrapping up an adventurous day in Death Valley National Park and looking down into the valley, spotting the trails I’ve been walking in the morning made it feel like a grand final of our Death Valley visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\nI’ve never seen professional telescopes this size outside an observatory <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nLocation:<\/strong> 12 miles (19 km) East from Furnace Creek on Highway 190 + 13.2 miles (21 km) on Dantes View Road (1 hour)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nsunset at dante’s View<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>#6 Natural Bridge Canyon<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThis easy and short hike up a dramatic canyon leads to a natural bridge formation. If you don’t have much time this is a great and picturesque trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\nhiking through Natural Bridge Canyon<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li>Utah or California?<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nHike:<\/strong> 1 mile (1,6 km) out and back \/ 180 feet (54 m) elevation gainLocation: <\/strong>On Badwater Road between Devil’s Golf Course and Badwater Basin<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nDo you have more time? Great! This is your opportunity to explore Death Valley off the beaten path:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>#7 Golden Canyon<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nTrails at Golden Ganyon and Zabriskie Point provide access to colorful canyons carved through golden badlands. You can start walking at Golden Canyon and walk a loop back through Gower Gulch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
golden hills at Zabriskie Point<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nHike:<\/strong> 4.3 miles (6,9 km) loop trail \/ 850 ft (259 m) elevation gainLocation:<\/strong> On Badwater Road between Furnace Greek and Artist’s Drive<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>#8 Mosaic Canyon<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThis 4 miles (6,4 km) long hike leads through marble narrows and unique color patterns.Location: <\/strong>On Highway 190, next to Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>#8 Wildrose Charcoal Kilns<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nBuilt in 1876 these 10 beehive-shaped structures are among the best preserved charcoal kilns in the West. If you are interested in the architecture and history of silver and lead ore processing the Wildrose Charcoal Kilns are worth checking out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wildrose Charcoal Kilns<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nCharcoal Kilns Death Valley<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nBe aware: <\/strong>They are located at Panamint Springs, a different part of Death Valley National Park. You are more likely to pass by this area when entering Death Valley National Park from Los Angeles. If you decide to visit the charcoal kilns don’t go too late. The drive from Furnace Greek is 1.5 hrs and from Wildrose campground the remaining 6 miles (9,7 km) are on dirt road. During winter the charcoal kilns will be in shade of the surrounding mountains by 3pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\ngetting to Wildrose Charcoal Kilns, Panamint Springs<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Sights worth visiting in this part of Death Valley National Park:<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\u2022 Father Crowley Vista<\/strong> \u2013 landscape of lava flows and volcanic cindersDarwin Falls <\/strong>\u2013 desert waterfall (high clearance \/ 4×4 vehicle recommended)Telescope Peak<\/strong> \u2013 highest peak in Death Valley at 11,049 ft (3.368 m) (high clearance \/ 4×4 vehicle recommended)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>#9 Ubehebe Crater<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThis 60 ft (183 m) deep crater is the result of a steam and gas explosion 2,000 years ago. A 1,5 miles ( 2.4 km) loop hike leads around the rim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Location:<\/strong> 1,5 hrs from Furnace Greek (North)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>#10 Racetrack Playa<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThis famous spot of moving rocks definitely is a natural phenomenon. There are many theories how these heavy rocks move. One explanation is that a slippery ground caused by rainfall compared with high winds makes the rocks move and leave tracks on the playa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Location: <\/strong>Another 27 miles (43 km) on gravel road from Ubehebe Crater – high clearance \/ 4×4 vehicle recommended<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Bonus sight: Goldwell Open Air Museum<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThis outdoor sculpture park located near the ghost town Rhyolite is a fun place to explore. Goldwell Open Air Museum is located outside Death Valley National Park (5 miles\/ 8km towards Beatty, Nevada)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Last Supper\u201d artwork by Albert Szukalski<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nVenus of the Desert \u2013 Goldwell Open Air Museum, Nevada<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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