Death Valley is a desert valley, located in the northern Mojave Desert, bordering the Great Basin Desert. It is one of the hottest places in the world, along with deserts in the Middle East and the Sahara. Believe you me, it was hot! On our visit in August, temperatures during the day got up to a shocking 51.5 degrees celsius. It was uncomfortably hot! Death Valley is the largest national park south of Alaska. It is North America’s driest and hottest spot, with less than 2 inches of rainfall a year and a record high of 56 degrees celsius. It also has the lowest elevation on the continent, sitting at 282 feet below sea level.
We visited Death Valley National Park, back in August 2012, as part of our 3-week road trip across parts of America. We visited on our way to Las Vegas from Yosemite, spending just one day in the National Park.
A Bit Of Advice
If you are planning a visit to Death Valley, be prepared. A car is better than a large vehicle, as some of the viewpoints are unsuitable for long vehicles. Just in case you are thinking about visiting in an RV. Make sure your vehicle has enough fuel in the tank, air conditioning that works well, plenty of spare water in the boot, good factor sun cream, a hat, and sensible clothing. The best time to visit the park is in mid-October and mid-May. I personally would not recommend visiting in August, as it’s far too hot, especially if you are planning on walking any of the trails.
If you are planning on spending more than one day exploring the National Park, you can stay in a hotel or even camp out at one of their campsites. As we were traveling to Vegas, we didn’t. However, I can imagine it is a great experience to camp out in a desert!
On our day trip, driving through Death Valley National Park, here is what we did and the order we did them in. We entered the National Park through the north entrance, near Big Pine, and left the National Park via the exit Death Valley Junction, east of the park.
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Not long after entering through the north park entrance, we were greeted with the magnificent 100 feet high, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. This was a very impressive start to the National Park! There is a signposted car park, for you to park your car in, allowing you to walk out onto them. This is a must! It’s not every day you get to walk on sand dunes, like your in the Sahara Desert. Just make sure you are not wearing sandals. The sand gets very hot and will burn your feet!
If you have more time, you can have a go at sandboarding. As a snowboarder, this is something I would love to go back to have a go at!
Sadly, for some reason, I didn’t capture the sand dunes on the camera. So I have no photos to share with you, of them. You can see the sand dunes in the far distance on some of the Devil’s Cornfield photos, below.
Devils Cornfield
Arrow weed clumps, the opposite side of the road to Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
Mustard Canyon
Mustard Canyon is a canyon, located in the middle of the Death Valley floor. The canyon is a mustard colour, made out of dirt and rocks.
The best way to see Mustard Canyon is by driving along a one-way, dirt track. The dirt track is located just off Badwater Road, signposted. The road takes you right through the middle of the canyon.
If any of you are a Star Wars fan, you may recognize this location. It was used as the Jawa hideouts, from Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.
Furnace Creek Visitor Centre
Furnace Creek Visitor Centre is the visitor centre for the National Park. Here you can find any information you need in the park, a museum, a gift shop and there’s somewhere to eat. Also if you are taking any guided walking tours, they’re more likely to start from here. If you are not sure about the temperature, there is a thermometer, reminding you how hot it is!
Badwater Basin
Badwater Basin is an endorheic basin. It is located at the lowest point in not just North America, but the whole Western Hemisphere. It is located 282 feet, below sea level. It was also the hottest point in Death Valley, that day. This was when we recorded temperatures as hot as 51.5 degrees celsius, on our thermometer!
Badwater Basin is an area of the desert, which is full of salt flats. After heavy rainstorms, temporary lakes can get formed. The water is undrinkable in these temporary lakes, due to the high concentration of salts.
It was that hot, I was unable to spend more than a minute outside the car. I managed to grab a photo with the sign, but I was unable to walk down to the viewpoint, where the salt flats were located. My dad and sister were the only 2 to manage the walk!
Artist’s Drive
Artist Drive was one of my favourite drives in Death Valley National Park. The route passes through the canyons and mountains, seeing a whole range of beautiful colours, of volcanic and sedimentary rocks.
This 9-mile scenic loop is worth doing late afternoon. I have read that the colours come out more on the Artist Pallet, the later it is in the day. The route is a one-way loop, on a paved road. You will see the Artist Pallet, about 5 miles into the route. The drive starts from Badwater Road and is well-signposted.
Please note; the route is only suitable for vehicles less than 25 feet in length.
Dante’s View
Dante’s View was one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the park. The mountain top overlook is more than 5000 feet, on the crest of the Black Mountains, overlooking Death Valley National Park. On a clear day, you can see for miles!
Dante’s View is located on Dante’s Road, east of Furnace Creek, on Hwy 190. It is well-signposted and is only suitable for vehicles less than 25 feet in length.
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Further Reading
My book, How I Tamed the Wolf, Living with Lupus is available on Amazon via this link:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09M73X2JQ/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MWAF58981F0VVMNRV1WN
Other travel guides you may like:
Red Rock Canyon – Calico Hills: Best Hike In Red Rock Canyon
Petrified Forest National Park – A Day In Petrified Forest National Park
Grand Canyon – A Guide To The Grand Canyon
