Top 10 Things To Do in Death Valley National Park

Last Updated on June 08, 2023 by Nikki Jain

Death Valley might not sound like a dream destination. The National Park is known for its hot temperatures and seemingly endless desert. In fact, it’s the hottest, driest, and lowest National Park in the U.S., according to the National Park Service. Don’t count out Death Valley just yet. It’s also the largest national park in the continental U.S. and encompasses over 5,000 square miles of desert terrain. There’s more to explore than meets the eye – from mighty sand dunes to sprawling valleys. Forget the sinister name. Here are 10 things to do in Death Valley National Park fur a fun-filled adventure.

Things To Do in Death Valley National Park

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1: Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Flickr/Jason Rosenberg
A trip to the sand dunes might feel like an otherworldly experience. The towering sand dunes cut through the open desert like something out of a science fiction movie. The sand dunes might be the poster child of Death Valley, but they actually comprise less than one percent of the park. The dunes are hard to access due to off-road vehicles restrictions. Fortunately, Mesquite Flat is easily accessible from a short hike. The sand dunes are remarkably diverse. They’re ever changing and include crescent, linear, and star shaped formations. Fearless travelers are known to sand board the 100-foot dunes. But for others wandering the vast terrain is thrilling in its own right.

Address: Death Valley, CA 92328

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2: Dante's View

Dante's View
Flickr/adifferentbrian
There’s no better place to photograph your trip than at Dante’s View. This overlook is located atop the Black Mountains at a height of nearly 5,550 feet. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be greeted by panoramic views of the southern half of Death Valley. Dante’s View’s elevation makes it the best spot to witness Death Valley’s unique terrain. You can spot many of the park’s signature landmarks including mountains, sand dunes, and salt flats. Grab your camera and make a trip to this easily accessible spot.

Address: Dantes View Road, Death Valley National Park, Death Valley, CA 92328

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3: Zabriskie Point

Zabriskie Point
Flickr/Rick Bergstrom
Many people frequent Zabriskie Point for its stellar views of Death Valley. But few know the history behind the scenic vista. Millions of years ago Zabriskie Point was home to a flowing lake. Weathering and erosion from the lake created the yellow and brown colors seen on the badlands today. This lookout point is located on the outskirts of the Black Mountains. It has sprawling views of salt flats that are best enjoyed during sunrise or sunset when they showcase a remarkable range of colors.

Address: Zabriskie Point Road, Death Valley National Park, Death Valley, CA 92328

4: Badwater Basin

Badwater Basin
Flickr/Kolin Toney
Badwater Basin is one of the most unique areas in Death Valley and in the world. It’s notable for being home to the lowest point in North America, elevated at 282 feet below sea level. It’s also home to nearly 200 square miles of salt flats. The salt flats are fragile collections of sodium chloride that pool from rainwater and mineral collection. Walking along the salt flats is a surreal experience. It’s like walking a frozen lake in the middle of a hot and arid desert.

Address: Badwater Road, Death Valley National Park, Death Valley, CA 92328

5: Artist's Drive and Artist's Palette

Artist's Drive and Artist's Palette
Flickr/Jeff Hollett
There’s no denying that Artist’s Palette is properly named. This landmark showcases a vibrant array of colors that stick out like a sore thumb in the middle of Death Valley. Access to Artist’s Palette requires a 9-mile one-way route known as Artist’s Drive. The drive features fantastic views of Death Valley’s canyons and salt flats. Once you arrive at Artist’s Drive, you’ll be in awe of nature’s finest geological artwork. Artist’s Palette showcases a hue of teal, purple and blue colors formed through an oxidation of metals. You have to see it to believe it.

Address: Artists Dr, Furnace Creek, CA 92328

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6: Furnace Creek

Furnace Creek
Flickr/inazakira
Furnace Creek has been a launching area for many Death Valley adventures. It’s an oasis in the heart of Death Valley’s desolate park. The small village has spring-fed resorts that offer refuge from the park’s harsh elements. Furnace Creek is located at 190 feet below sea level and is home to resorts and activities. You can enjoy golf, tennis, swimming and more modern amenities from inside one of nature’s greatest wonders.

Address: Highway 190, Death Valley National Park, CA 92328

7: The Racetrack

The Racetrack
Flickr/Giuseppe Milo
Mystery fans will love the Racetrack. It’s a playa located in a remote valley that’s also home to a strange natural phenomenon. Erosion has caused rocks to fall onto the surface of the Racetrack. The “sailing stones” are known to move across the surface and leave trails behind. The rock’s movements may seem like a supernatural event, but scientists believe its caused by a rare combination of natural events. Mystery or not, the Racetrack is a surreal destination.

Address: Racetrack Playa, Death Valley National Park, Death Valley, CA

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8: Devil's Golf Course

Devil's Golf Course
Flickr/Mobilus In Mobili
You won’t find any greens at Devil’s Golf Course. Instead, you’ll find a large saltpan filled with sculpted pinnacles. Devil’s Golf Course used to be home to Lake Manly. The lake dried up thousands of years ago, but not before leaving behind minerals. The minerals sculpted over time into a spectacular sea of rocks and salt crystals. The jagged salt crystals are an amazing display of the world’s complex systems.

Address: Devils Golf Course, California

Also Read: Best Golf Courses in The US

9: Scotty's Castle

Scotty's Castle
Flickr/Craig Mirkin
Scotty’s Castle is an architectural achievement hidden in the Grapevine Canyon of northern Death Valley. Its name derives from famed gold prospector Walter E. Scott, known as Death Valley Scotty. Though Scotty never owned the building, it remains a symbol of the mining era of the 20s and 30s. Scotty’s Castle is a two-story Spanish Colonial Revival villa is filled with spectacular relics and antiques from a previous era. It may not be a natural landmark, but it still provides a look into an important time in Death Valley’s history.

Address: 123 Scottys Castle Road, Death Valley National Park, CA 92328

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10: Natural Bridge

Natural Bridge
Flickr/daveynin
You can take a trip through time at Natural Bridge. This easy, 2-mile round trip hike showcases the unique geological history of Death Valley. The trail includes natural features like chutes and mud drippings en route to a 50-foot natural bridge. The bridge was created over thousands of years due to erosion, and today sits as an impressive representation of time. The trail also includes a dry waterfall and other unique geological features. This classic hiking trail is one of the more popular attractions in Death Valley and is fit for all ages.

Address: Natural Bridge Road, Death Valley National Park, CA 92328

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