It’s no secret by now that I am completely enamored by Death Valley, the largest National Park in the lower 48. When most think this place, they take the name literal, thinking it’s a vast land with nothing to offer. Having a personality of its own that differs from each area, here are the best places to visit in Death Valley that you can’t miss on a visit.
The Dunes
A common misconception about Death Valley National Park is that it’s covered in sand dunes. That’s actually not the case. Only about 1% of the 3.4 million acres contains these sandy mounds. And what beauties they are.
The most popular sand dunes in the park, Mesquite Flat, are in a central area and sees scores of tourists. For a quieter environment, try visiting one of the other remote dunes, which you can read more about here. My personal favorites are just outside the park boundary in Amargosa Valley.
Read More: The Sand Dunes of Death Valley National Park
Badwater Basin
Acting as the lowest point in North America, it’s no wonder Badwater Basin is an otherworldly must-see place in Death Valley. What once was a 100 mile long lake 10,000 years ago is now a vast expanse of salty ground.
This is also part of the area that holds the record for hottest air temperature on earth at 134.1°F set in 1913. Walking on top of the icy-cracked flooring complete with cylindrical arrangements is a true experience.
Read More: Badwater Basin – Cool Adventures in the Hottest Place on Earth
Red Cathedral via Golden Canyon
Located just down the road from Badwater Basin is the ever-stunning hike to the Red Cathedral via the Golden Canyon. On a trail winding through an abyss of rolling yellow hills, the real treat is at the end of the route.
Scrambling over rough edges, we’re met with a 180-degree tower of deep red rock rising hundreds of feet high. Now you can see why the Red Cathedral is in my list of otherworldly must-see places in Death Valley.
Read More: Hiking Golden Canyon & the Red Cathedral in Death Valley
Sidewinder Canyon
One of the lesser-known hikes in the park actually takes a top spot for me as a favorite. Sidewinder Canyon is rich in 20 foot-high slot walls and tight, dark spaces, supplying you with a heart-pumping trek.
With more than 4 miles of trail length and 3 different slot canyons to explore, it’s easily one of the most epic things to see in the Death Valley.
Read More: Hiking Sidewinder Canyon in Death Valley
Mosaic Canyon
Even though Death Valley is chock-full of awesome canyons, there’s one in particular that stands out from the rest. Mosaic Canyon is a fitting name for this exquisite place, indicative in the polished-marbled features of the rocks.
As the trail narrowly winds around in an ess-like fashion, you’ll soon see why Mosaic Canyon is an otherworldly must-see place in Death Valley.
Artists Palette
A popular stop but for good reason is the incredible Artists Palette. Stretching north to south along the west side of Badwater Basin, walking through this range of colorful mountains feels like a natural art exhibit.
Continuous volcanic eruptions more than 5 million years ago spewed ash and mineral deposits onto the landscape. As heat and water altered the ground over time, it left behind a Crayola-colored mountain range.
Read More: Artists Palette in Death Valley
Dante’s View
Located 5600 feet above Badwater Basin, Dante’s View provides the best panoramic shot of Death Valley at any time of day.
Up at this elevation, it feels like you can reach out and touch the stars. Death Valley is rated as an International Dark Sky Park so the best place to come for those starry shots are right here at Dante’s View.
Rhyolite Ghost Town
Over 100 years ago, Death Valley and the area surrounding was flocked upon by miners and investors hoping to strike it rich. One of the most famous bustling-to-bust towns was Rhyolite. Along with a stock exchange and a Board of Trade, Rhyolite supported 19 hotels, 18 stores, an opera house and even a red light district.
Within a single decade, Rhyolite transformed from the largest city in southern Nevada to a ghost town, which you can explore today.
Read More: Rhyolite Ghost Town – A Worthy Death Valley Detour
Titus Canyon
Next on our otherworldly must-see places in Death Valley is one of my personal favorite spots on earth, Titus Canyon. This rugged backcountry road is regarded as one of the best in North America.
Complete with high-clearance terrain winding around colorful mountains, the drive contains a century-old ghost town, Native American petroglyphs and a ridiculously-narrow canyon enclosure. This 26 mile drive through Titus Canyon is out of this world.
Read More: Titus Canyon Road – Death Valley’s Most Epic Off-Road Adventure
Racetrack Playa
A 3 mile-long dry lakebed in a remote area of Death Valley, Racetrack Playa seems like a whole other planet. Known as the ‘place of moving rocks,’ the 10,000 year old muddy ground here is at least 1,000 feet thick.
The real stunner at the Racetrack Playa is the mysterious rock trails, as if the boulders slid hundreds of feet on their own.
Ubehebe Crater
The Ubehebe Crater is one of the best places to visit in Death Valley. At 600 feet deep and nearly a half mile across, it’s a staggering sight to see and one that’s easily accessible from the parking area. The Crater was created with the eruption of a volcano and its subsequent explosion.
There are a couple smaller craters to the south of Ubehebe and you’re able to hike up to it via a short uphill climb. If you want to walk around the entire rim of the Ubehebe Crater, it will be about a 1.5 mile trek.
Zabriskie Point
Acting as a famous viewpoint for tourists in Death Valley, you can’t go wrong with a stop at Zabriskie Point. Overlooking the back portion of the Golden Canyon, Zabriskie Point displays rolling hills of gold and red badlands. This is a popular area to watch the sunrise or sunset as the shadows cast various colors onto the landscape.
Turning around to face the east, views of the famous Borax Twenty-Mule Team Canyon come into view. Nearly 100 years ago, mules would haul wagons of borax to the railroad near the Mojave desert, 165 miles away.
Be sure to check out my Death Valley archive here for more first-hand tips for exploring!
Before heading into National Parks, it’s imperative that you’re familiar with the “Leave No Trace” principles.
Read More: Leave No Trace: The 7 Rules of the Backcountry
Learn more about Leave No Trace on their website here.
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Amazing posts. I really feel like I’m travelling with you when I see your great info and stunning photos
Best comment I could receive! Thanks girl!