Death Valley National Park
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Introduction
Death Valley National Park, straddling the border of California and Nevada, is a land of extremes. It is the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the United States. The area was originally inhabited by Native American groups, including the Timbisha Shoshone, who have lived in the region for at least a thousand years. European-Americans first entered the valley in the mid-19th century during the California Gold Rush. A group of pioneers, lost in the valley in 1849, gave it its ominous name, although only one member of their party died. The valley saw several short-lived mining booms in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily for gold and silver. However, the most profitable mineral extracted was borax, famously transported out of the valley by twenty-mule teams. Tourism began to develop in the 1920s, with resorts built around Stovepipe Wells and Furnace Creek. Death Valley was designated a national monument in 1933 and was later expanded and redesignated as a national park in 1994.
Death Valley National Park is the largest national park in the contiguous United States, covering an area of approximately 5,270 square miles (13,650 square km). This vast expanse includes diverse landscapes such as salt flats, sand dunes, badlands, valleys, canyons, and mountains. The park's lowest point, Badwater Basin, is 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level, making it the lowest point in North America. In 2023, the park welcomed approximately 1.1 million visitors
Despite its harsh conditions, Death Valley is home to a surprising variety of wildlife. The park's fauna includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, all of which have adapted to the extreme environment. Notable mammals include the desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions. The park is also home to the endangered Death Valley pupfish, a small fish that survives in the isolated springs and streams of the valley and is home to the iconic roadrunner.
For more information on the park, visit Wikipedia's website.
Places to See
Death Valley National Park boasts numerous attractions that draw visitors from around the world. Some of the most popular sites include:
Badwater Basin: As the lowest point in North America, Badwater Basin is a vast salt flat that offers stunning views and unique photo opportunities. In some extremely wet years, the salt flats turn into a shallow lake, attracting kayaks and bathers.
Dante's View: This viewpoint, located at an elevation of 5,475 feet (1,669 m), provides panoramic views of the valley and is a popular spot for sunrise and sunset photography.
Zabriskie Point: Known for its striking badlands, Zabriskie Point is a favorite among photographers and offers a dramatic landscape of eroded hills and valleys.
Artist's Palette: This area features hillsides splashed with vibrant colors, created by the oxidation of different metals in the soil.
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: These dunes are easily accessible and offer opportunities for hiking, sandboarding, and photography.
Scotty's Castle: Although currently closed for repairs, this historic mansion offers a glimpse into the park's past and the life of one of its most colorful characters, Death Valley Scotty.
The Racetrack Playa: Known for its mysterious moving rocks, this remote dry lakebed is a fascinating destination for adventurous visitors. The dirt road to the racetrack is 27 miles (43 km). Expect sand and washboards along the entire length.
Ubehebe Crater: This large volcanic crater is a testament to the park's geologic activity and offers hiking trails around its rim.
Golden Canyon: A popular hiking destination, Golden Canyon features colorful rock formations and leads to the Red Cathedral, a striking rock formation. For more information see hikes below.
Devil's Golf Course: This area of jagged salt formations is named for its rough terrain, which is said to be so harsh that "only the devil could play golf there".
Hiking
Hiking is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the park. Our favorite times are between November and the end of March. The rest of the year can be hot, especially in the rocky exposed trails. Below are our three favorites.
Mosaic Canyon is a 4 mile (6.4 km) round-trip hike, with an elevation gain of 1.200 feet (366 m). The trail is located near Stovepipe Wells village. The narrow canyon is amazingly colorful with only a couple of difficult boulders to get over.
Golden Canyon, Gower Gulch and Badlands loop is a 8 mile (13 km) trail, with a 834 foot (254 m) elevation gain. The golden colors and chocolate erroded hiles are spectacular. You have the option of parking at Golden Canyon trailhead, near Badwater road or taking the path at Zabriskie Point. We recommend leaving from the Golden Canyon trailhead.
Fall Canyon is a 6 mile (9.7 km) round-trip hike, with an elevation gain of 2,460 feet (752 m). The trailhead is located off of Titus Canyon road, which is unpaved but passable in a car. The dark brown and red rocks, combined with the amazing views, make the hike worth while.
Wildrose Peak is a 8.4 mile (13.5 km) hike, with an elevation gain of 2,200 feet (671 m). The trailhead is located past the Wildrose Campground, to the Charcoal Kilns. The road is maintained and is car friendly. The view of the park is truely remarkable.
Backpacking is tough within the park. There is no water and most of the campsites are rocky. Also, keep in mind, the trails are pretty steep. Permits are required for some of the trails. Please refer to the park's webpage for more information.
Off Roading
Off roading in the park is very popular. You will need an all-wheel/drive high clearance vehicle to drive most of the roads. Our favorites are below. A map of the different drives and conditions can be found at the NPS site. Due to sharp rocks, many vehicle experience flats. Make sure you have a spare.
Titus Canyon is a one way road that starts south of Beatty, Nevada. Beatty is located 34 miles (55 km) from Stovepipe Wells Village. The drive is not technical and you will enjoy views of the park on the way down. Stop at Leadfield ghost town on the way.
The Racetrack road is a 27 mile (43 km) dirt road that takes you to a dry lake bed that is famous for rocks sliding around it's surface. The rocks can be seen two miles south of the Grandstand parking area. A half mile (.8 km) hike on the lake bed is required to see the rocks. The road starts near Ubehebe Crater.
Campgrounds
There are numerous campgrounds in the park. Most are primative, but there are three full hook-up sites within the parks boundries. If you are going to go to Death Valley during the summer, make sure the campground is Camping & RV – Panamint Springs Resort
Furnance Creek campground is the only full hookup campground that is run by the national park service. Reservations are available from October 15th to April 15th. Reservations are made thru recreation.gov. The campground has 136 sites, with 18 sites that have electrical hookups. 45 of the sites are tent only.
Stovepipe Wells RV Park has 14 sites with full hookups. A pool, restaurant and bar are located close by.
Paramint Springs Campground has 54 campsites, 6 of them with electricity. 22 of the sites are tent only. Showers are available at the campground.
Primative Campgrounds
Texas Springs is not too far from the visitor center. It has 92 sites, 26 of those are tent only. Camping is on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is often closed during the summer. Check the NPS site to see if it is open. Cell phone service, dump station, seasonal water and restrooms are available.
Sunset Campground is very large, with 230 campsites. It has 92 sites, 26 of those are tent only. Camping is on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is often closed during the summer. Check the NPS site to see if it is open. Cell phone service, dump station, seasonal water and restrooms are available.
Stovepipe Wells Campground is large, with 190 campsites, 26 of those are tent only. Camping is on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is often closed during the summer. Check the NPS site to see if it is open. Cell phone service, dump station, seasonal water and restrooms are available.
Emigrant Campground has only 10 sites. Camping is on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is often closed during the summer. Check the NPS site to see if it is open. There is no cell phone service or dump station. Potable water and restrooms are available.
Wildrose Campground has 23 sites and is at 4,100 feet (1,250 m) of elevation. It is cooler than the camprounds located lower in the park. There is no cell phone service or dump station. Potable water and restrooms are available.
Mesquite Spring Campground has 40 sites. Camping is on a first-come, first-served basis. Cell phone service, dump station, seasonal water and restrooms are available.
There are a five primative campgrounds that require a 4x4 wheel vehicle. See the NPS site for more information.
Lodges
There are four hotels located within the park. Reservations are highly recommended.
The Oasis at Death Valley is our favorite. It tends to be on the high end in terms of cost. The hotel has a pool and a creek running thru it. The hotel also has a bar and a restaurant. It is worth visiting even if you are not staying there. The hotel has 66 hotel rooms and 22 casitas.
The Ranch at Death Valley is located near the Furnance Creek Visitor center. The hotel has 275 rooms. There is a restaurant, ice cream palor and a general store.
Stovepipe Wells Village has 84 hotel rooms. A pool, restaurant, general store and bar are located close by.
The Panamint Hotel has 14 historic rooms, 1 cottage and 9 new cabin style hotel room. In addition, tent cabins are also available.
Please let us know if you have any questions or comments on the website.
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