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Courtney Augello
Courtney Augello
Death Valley is known around the world for its insanely hot temperatures. However, what is less well-known about the valley is its beauty and attractions. From stunning mountain views to one of the lowest points on Earth, Death Valley has a lot to offer.
There are endless possibilities for things to do in Death Valley. Hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails span the desert, and historic structures tell stories of America’s past. Whether you visit for a day or stay longer, the valley is a fantastic destination.
To help you make the most of your trip to the valley, we’ve compiled the area’s history, provided essential tips, and listed 6 of the desert’s best attractions.
Table of Contents
The History of Death Valley
Death Valley is a desert in California near the Mojave Desert. It is located near the border between California and Nevada and sits between two mountain ranges: the Amargosa Range and the Panamint Range.
The climate in Death Valley is subtropical and extremely hot. It is considered to be the hottest location on the planet. In July 1913, temperatures reached 56.7 ℃, the highest air temperature ever recorded on Earth’s surface.
Due to Death Valley’s climate, the area receives very little rain. Summers are long and hot, and even winters are warm. Due to the extreme heat and lack of rainfall, vegetation is sparse throughout the desert.
Despite the sparse vegetation throughout the valley, the desert is very biodiverse. Flowers bloom in the desert each spring, and the ponds in the valley support fish. Animals such as sheep, donkeys, and hawks inhabit the area.
The original inhabitants of Death Valley were Native American Tribes. Although many tribes have left the desert, some families still live there. European settlers discovered the valley during the California Gold Rush.
In 1849, prospectors moving to California attempted to cross through the desert as a shortcut to the mines. The group became lost in the valley and could not find their way out for weeks.
The prospectors were forced to burn the wood from their wagons to make fire and eat their oxen to survive. Some men died while they were lost due to the heat and lack of food or water. When they finally found a way to leave the desert, they named the area Death Valley, signifying how difficult it was to survive there.
Tourism in Death Valley began to boom in the 1920s, and resorts were built. In February 1933, US President Herbert Hoover declared the valley a National Monument. In 1994, the desert was redesignated into a National Park.
About Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is one of the most fascinating natural wonders in the world. It covers over 3.3 million acres and is the largest, driest, and hottest national park in the United States. Some of the hottest temperatures in the world have been recorded there.
Although the valley became federally protected land in the 1930s, mining and excavating were still allowed there. The mining companies seized the opportunity to prospect in the area, creating strip mines and pits on the desert surface.
The American public became very upset by the mines destroying the valley’s natural beauty. The negative press and publicity generated led to the US Congress stopping nearly all mining operations in the park in 1976. The last mine closed in 2005.
In addition to being one of the most popular National Parks in the United States, the valley is a famous filming location for television and movies. Multiple locations across the park were used as the setting for scenes in the original Star Wars movie in 1977.
Why Visit Death Valley?
Although Death Valley may seem desolate or unexciting, it is a fantastic destination to explore. The desert is secretly thriving with wildlife and plants, and only when you look closer can you notice the valley’s beauty.
Death Valley is also a fascinating destination due to its past. The remnants of the mines from the California Gold Rush tell stories of what life was like for prospectors living in the new frontier.
The valley is the perfect place for anyone interested in US history to explore. And, even if you’re not a history buff, the stunning vistas and endless hiking trails will make a trip to Death Valley one to remember.
How to Get to Death Valley
For tourists visiting California from another US state or a different country, you will most likely fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), one of the busiest airports in the USA. However, Los Angeles is quite far from the valley.
Death Valley is approximately 270 miles from Los Angeles. If you drive from LA to the park, it will take over 5 hours to reach your destination, with additional time added for any stops you make.
Travelling from San Francisco to Death Valley is even less ideal. The national park is over 500 miles from the city, so it takes about 8 hours to drive from San Francisco to the valley.
If you must travel from San Francisco, consider making it a road trip. The route has fantastic scenic views and many exciting places to stop. A 3-day trip from San Francisco to Death Valley is a great way to spend a long weekend holiday.
Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada, is the closest airport to Death Valley. The park is less than 150 miles from the airport, and the drive takes roughly 2 hours.
The short distance and drive time allows tourists to take day trips from Los Vegas to Death Valley. Exploring Death Valley is a beautiful option if you’re on holiday in Sin City and looking for things that aren’t gambling.
How Much Time Do You Need at Death Valley?
Although day trips are popular at the valley, there isn’t enough time in one day to fully explore the national park. It is the largest national park in the United States, after all. At a minimum, 2 days are needed to see all of the best attractions at Death Valley.
If you have 3 days at Death Valley National Park, you can see the main attractions and lesser-known areas. If you have extra time during your visit, check out some of the longer hikes throughout the park.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Valley?
Death Valley National Park is open all year; even during winter, the weather is warm and perfect for exploring the desert, although it cools significantly at night. However, some months of the year are better than others for a visit.
Due to the scorching weather in the valley during the peak summer months, they are not popular times for tourists to explore the park. The regular season for tourists is from mid-October to mid-May. These months do not have as high temperatures.
What to Bring to Death Valley
Depending on the time of year you visit the valley, it can be boiling and dry. Any trip to the valley will require water, sun protection, and spare clothing, but it is wise to bring extra during the summer months.
A cooler is also recommended for any holiday in the valley. If you plan hiking, you may be too far from a restaurant or store for every meal. Keeping a cooler full of water, lunch, and snacks with you while you’re out in the heat is essential.
Although there is not much cell phone service in the valley, you will not want your phone to run out of battery. The scenery is so beautiful that you will want photos of your visit. To keep your phone charged, bring a battery pack that fits in your backpack.
Things to Do at Death Valley
1. The Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch Hike
The Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch hiking trail is one of the most popular hikes in Death Valley. Although you can do the Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch hikes individually, many people recommend that you complete them together.
The entire loop trail is just over 10 kilometres long. Due to the terrain and weather, the hike is considered moderately challenging, so beginners should go either with a guide or an experienced hiking partner.
2. Artist’s Palette Drive
There’s nothing better than Artist’s Palette Drive for a scenic drive through the valley. The road takes guests through the rock formations that decorate the desert. The road is 9 miles long, one-way and perfect for a moment off your feet.
The rainbow-coloured rocks are stunning along the road. In addition, multiple points along the drive allow you to pull off the road and hike farther into the desert. Artist’s Palette Drive is located near Badwater Basin, making it great for day trips.
3. Badwater Basin
Badwater Basin is a large aquifer in Death Valley. It spans over 120,000 acres of salt flats in the park. The basin is a 20-minute drive from Furnace Creek, making it easy to access.
The Badwater Basin is the lowest elevation point in North America, at 86 metres below sea level. Coincidentally, Mount Whitney is the highest point in the United States, less than 85 miles from Badwater Basin.
It is called Badwater Basin due to the salt levels in the water. When prospectors surveyed the area, their animals would not drink from the pool, which caused them to think the water in this part of Death Valley was “bad.”
4. Rhyolite Ghost Town
Although Rhyolite Ghost Town is not technically inside Death Valley National Park, it is still a great place to visit in the area. Rhyolite was built during the California Gold Rush, and the town boomed as more prospectors came to the area.
After just 20 years, what was once a thriving town was desolate and in disrepair due to the end of the Gold Rush. Today, visitors can explore the old buildings, check out the town’s abandoned rail cars, and more.
5. Dante’s View
Dante’s View is a staggering 1,670-metre-tall terrace on Coffin Peak. It is 15 miles from Furnace Creek and provides fantastic views of Death Valley. The Badwater Basin and Panamint Mountains can be seen from Dante’s View.
The best time to admire the panoramic vista is early in the morning when the weather is cool, and the sun is rising. Visiting at night is also beautiful, and visitors interested in astronomy have been known to set up telescopes on the terrace.
6. Go Camping
Camping is very popular at Death Valley National Park. The park features nearly 700 miles of backcountry roads and many areas to set up camp. If you camp in the backcountry, follow the park’s rules.
Camping is free as long as your campsite is at least a mile away from a paved road. However, the park only permits backcountry camping in areas that have been previously disturbed to minimise damage to the landscape.
Death Valley National Park also has designated camping sites available for rent. The sites are first-come, first-served, so it is best to arrive early to secure a spot. Some campsites are open year-round at the park, but others close during summer due to the high temperatures.
Death Valley is a Fascinating Tourist Destination
Death Valley is one of the hottest places on Earth but also one of the most fascinating. The unique rock formations, hiking trails, and history amaze tourists who explore the desolate desert.
Whether you visit Death Valley National Park on a day trip from a nearby city or camp in the park for a few nights, you will find many things to do. Death Valley is a great place to learn about the past, explore ghost towns, and connect with nature.
If you’re planning a trip to the United States, check out our list of the Best City Breaks in the USA.
