Death valley

Written By Frank Walsh

The lowest, hottest, and driest National Park in America (perhaps in the world?). Despite often extreme conditions, still a stunning park to explore. Sand dunes, vast mountain ranges, sweeping valleys, rocks and minerals. Sunset and sunrise are especially striking times to be out as the softer light catches the rock formations and valley ridges.

Located in the Mojave Desert, it takes roughly 4.5 hours (traveling north) from LA to reach Furnace Creek right in the middle.

Traditional landowners: Timbisha Shoshone People 
Size: 5,270 square miles (it's a big one)
When to visit: October through April when temperatures are lower 
Website: nps.gov/deva
Campgrounds to check out (between Oct 15 - May 15): 

  • Furnace Creek

  • Sunset

  • Stovepipe Wells

  • Texas Springs   

Places you should visit: 

  • Mesquite Flat Sand Dune (at sunrise or sunset).

  • Artist Palette and Artist Palette Drive: 9-mile scenic mountain/canyon drive. Shades of blue, pink & purple.

  • Badwater Basin: The lowest point in North America (86m/282ft below sea level). Check out Telescope Peak to the west, 11,000ft / 3500m of verticle relief right next to you.

  • Zabriskie Point: panoramic view over colorful badlands, distant mountains, and salt flats.

  • Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch: One of the park's best hikes.

  • Dante's View (5,450ft / 1,750m elevation) at the edge of the Black Mountains gives an epic view of the park. 

Frank Walsh
Next

Costa Rica. the Osa Peninsula