Things to do in  Death Valley National Park

Despite being one of the driest, hottest, and lowest places in the United States, Death Valley National Park—on the border of California and Nevada—is not as ominous as it sounds. Comprising otherworldly landscapes, from volcanic hills and snowcapped mountains to dunes and badlands, the area is also home to plenty of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, and jackrabbits. The park also protects the largest wilderness area in the contiguous US, which measures over 3,190,400 acres (1,291,100 hectares).

This large salt pan in Death Valley in the Mojave Desert has eroded over time into jagged spires, making it look like a pockmarked stretch of land where “only the devil could play golf.” Now protected by the US National Park Service, the mineral-rich land can be heard “popping” as salt crystals burst in the heat.

If Death Valley National Park is known for its environmental extremes, then nowhere epitomizes that better than Badwater Basin. Set in the southern portion of the park, this saltwater drainage basin is the lowest and hottest place in North America—and its natural salt flats lend it an otherworldly, almost lunar appearance.

Zabriskie Point was built go offer visitors views of prominent landmarks in Death Valley's Badlands. Visit for views of rippling, eroded mudstone and the 110-mile Amargosa Range, which rises in the distance. Bring a camera to snap photos of visitors dwarfed by the hilly surroundings, or venture into the craggy ravines for a hike.

Yep, rocks come in every shade of the rainbow—and every shade of the rainbow is present at Artist’s Palette. A highlight of Death Valley National Park’s Artists Drive Scenic Loop, this site has two small looping trails and an overlook, bringing visitors closer to the color. If anything, this spot proves Death Valley isn’t as stark as it seems.

Artists Drive is one of Death Valley National Park’s most popular scenic drives, and you won’t be surprised once you’ve experienced the route for yourself. With 9 miles (14.5 kilometers) of paved road winding around colorful eroded hills formed by volcanic deposits, there’s impressive scenery at every turn—including Artists Palette, an appropriately named collection of striking rock formations.

In California’s Death Valley National Park, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes beckon travelers and photographers. The dunes are not trailed, so you can wander to your heart’s desire. Many visitors come to take photos at sunset or sunrise when dramatic shadows are cast down, while others come to sandboard without visiting Egypt or Dubai.

While visiting Death Valley National Park, many travelers make the drive (or hike) down Twenty Mule Team Canyon. This short 1-way road runs a little over 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) through eroded badland hills. Because of its narrowness, rough terrain, and tight turns, it can be a challenging route even when driving, but the sights are a great payoff.