Death Valley National Park—the name itself conjures images of a desolate, scorching landscape. Let’s be honest; that’s exactly what it is! But within this harsh beauty lies a world of geological wonders and a stark, unforgettable charm. You can pack many of the sights into a one-day visit; just be prepared to start early, bring plenty of water, and drive to cover the vast landscape between points of interest.
Tips for getting there and getting around
I stayed in Pahrump, around an hour’s drive from the southeast entrance of Death Valley National Park. The Airbnb I booked for my stay can be found HERE. I could sense I was getting closer to the park’s entrance as my cell signal gradually weakened with each passing mile.
Before entering the park, I made sure to have enough of the following:
– A full gas tank: There are gas stations in Death Valley, but they charge almost double the price you would pay outside the park.
– Water: I’m already neurotic about not having enough water on a normal day, so planning a day of hiking in the desert only exacerbated this fear. While filling up on gas that morning, I picked up several gallons of water to fill my Camelbak. I also stopped at Furnace Creek, a small tropical oasis in the middle of the park, to get water midway through the day. However, by the end of the day, I had drunk every drop of water I had brought.
– Pre-downloaded Google Maps: There is zero service in Death Valley, so if you stop at Furnace Creek (and I highly recommend you do), you can connect to the slowest Wi-Fi known to man to figure out how to get to your next stop. The paper maps from the park rangers are also easy to follow, and as with all national parks, the road signs are clearly marked for each destination. If you’re like me, you’re not worried about getting lost, but you like to know how long it will take between stops. Save yourself some time and plan ahead download your maps beforehand.
Morning: Embrace the Low Point
My adventure began at Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, at 282 feet below sea level. The vast expanse of salt flats stretched before me, a surreal sight. I snapped a photo with the iconic “Sea Level” sign perched impossibly high on the mountainside and marveled at the resilience of life—tiny desert shrubs somehow cling to survival in this extreme environment. From a distance, it looks like a thin layer of snow is covering the ground. As I walk toward the lake, this white crust cracks below my boots. The mountains far in the distance were perfectly mirrored in the unwavering water pooled at the foot of the basin.
I decided to start my day at the furthest and lowest part of Death Valley and work my way back toward civilization at Furnace Creek. Starting early was key to getting photos without people in the background, and the sun was still hiding behind the edge of the mountains, providing shade and cooler temperatures.
Mid-Morning: A (not so) Colorful Detour
After leaving Badwater Basin, I began working my way northward on Badwater Road. Each stop was a short hike with vastly different points of interest, so I decided to stop at every turn-off.
The first stop was a steep, terrifying drive to the Natural Bridge. The road is littered with potholes and sharp rocks. I kept envisioning getting a flat tire and becoming stranded on the side of the mountain. Refusing to let the “what ifs” stop me, I slowly crawled to the parking area. In my honest opinion, the drive-up was longer than the hike. If you are looking to maximize your day, skip this stop.
A stop you should not skip is the Devil’s Golf Course. There’s no getting lost on this trail, as it is an easy mile out and back into the salt flats. Instead of manicured fairways, you’ll find a vast expanse of jagged salt formations jutting out from the ground. These sharp, spiky crystals are remnants of an ancient lake that once covered the valley. The best part was hearing the crackling sounds coming from the salt flats. That’s the sound of billions of tiny salt crystals expanding and contracting in the heat!
One of the most popular attractions in Death Valley National Park is Artist’s Drive, a nine-mile scenic loop that’s like driving through a painter’s palette. In photos, vibrant hues of green, yellow, pink, and purple streak across the eroded hillsides. In real life, these colors are muted and barely distinguishable from one another. I expected a light touch of Photoshop when looking at nature photos online, but standing at Artist Palette, I felt catfished. In a rage, I went to the internet to figure out how people got such vibrant colors in their photos. The answer was simple: visit at dusk when the sun is just over the mountains for the golden hour and turn the saturation and vibrancy up when editing your photos.
However disappointing Artist Palette was, the nine-mile drive was anything but that. The one-way road has sharp twists and turns, along with quick dips in the road that make your stomach drop. I found myself giggling like a child after each sudden drop in the road; each one seemed more extreme than the last, which only encased my joy.
Afternoon: Break for Lunch
By this point in the day, I felt like an ant targeted by a kid with a magnifying glass. Seeking refuge from the desert heat, I spent the afternoon at Furnace Creek. This is where you’ll find the park’s main visitor center. Park rangers are on hand to answer your questions, offer park maps and recommendations, and even showcase a short film about Death Valley’s unique ecosystem.
If you’re looking for a place to stay within the park, Furnace Creek offers various lodging options, from the luxurious Oasis at Death Valley Resort to more basic hotel and campground facilities. There’s also a gas station, general store, and restaurant, making it a convenient one-stop shop for park essentials. This is where I gladly bought an overpriced sandwich after a day of eating peach gummies and granola bars.
Furnace Creek embodies the contradictions of Death Valley National Park. As I walked around the grounds, I saw old equipment from the days of mining Borax from the valley that had been shipped to Mojave. Rusted engines and coal-powered trains are displayed in a circle like an outdoor scrap yard. In contrast to the forgotten industrial equipment slowly deteriorating under the sand and sun are the lush green lawn, swimming pools, and tennis courts. The disjointedness made me feel like I was in a Wes Anderson film.
Afternoon: Zabriskie Point
After refueling and rehydrating, I decided to visit Zabriskie Point since it required no or little hiking. The parking lot sees a continuous flow of visitors. A short, paved trail leads to a higher vantage point from the parking area. This trail offers a panoramic view of the valley, which allows you to appreciate the vastness of the surrounding landscape. Wind and water have sculpted the land into ridges, valleys, and badlands, creating an almost alien landscape.
Sunset: Chasing the Light at Mesquite Sand Dunes
As the day winds down, I make my way toward the Mesquite Sand Dunes, the largest dune field in California. As the sun dips towards the horizon, the dunes come alive with a magical golden glow. Climbing these monster dunes is a challenging task. Not only did I feel like I was on a never-ending Stairmaster trying to make my way to the top, but I was also being pelted by sand from all directions, discouraging me from climbing. I eventually reached the top, and the landscape before me was a breathtaking vista of ever-shifting sands, with the surrounding mountains bathed in warm light. This is the perfect spot to relax, reflect on the day’s adventures, and witness a spectacular Death Valley sunset.
Here are two tips to make your dune experience smoother:
1. Wear sandals instead of tennis shoes, as the sand is hot and you will need something to protect the soles of your feet. Many people wear sneakers that are immediately filled with sand.
2. You will take home sand in your backpack and hair, so bring a brush and be prepared to accept that everything will be covered in sand for the rest of your vacation.
Death Valley is an unforgiving environment. Be sure to carry plenty of water, wear sunscreen and a hat, and dress in layers as temperatures fluctuate significantly. With a little bit of planning and preparation, your one day in Death Valley will be an unforgettable adventure into a world of stark beauty and otherworldly landscapes.
Did Death Valley spark your wanderlust for America’s incredible National Parks? I’ve got you covered! Explore our other blog posts where I take you along on hikes through towering redwoods, the Narrows in Zion, and across vast plains teeming with wildlife. From Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders to the beauty of the Everglades National Park, get ready to discover the diverse landscapes and adventures waiting for you in the National Park system!
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