On your way to the hottest and most mysterious place on earth? If so, you might want to get an idea of things to do and what to see in Death Valley.
Death Valley is, without a doubt, one of the most intriguing National Parks in California. The place radiates otherworldly vibes with its Martian-esque landscape, astonishing towering peaks, and puzzling climate ranging from piping hot to freezing cold.
Enough about the scenery — are there any fun things to do in Death Valley National Park? That is precisely what this post aims to unfold, plus a few insights and where to stay.
What to Do in Death Valley National Park
Right. It’s time to get into the nitty-gritty: a Death Valley what-to-do list to keep you on your toes.
#1 Watch the Sunrise at Dante’s View
If you arrive early at the park, you won’t want to miss the sunrise at Dante’s View. This lofty viewpoint is a bit out-of-the-way, sitting at 5479 feet high to reveal the heart of the valley.
It’s one of the most mesmerizing things to see in Death Valley as the sun lights up the rocks, revealing vibrant orange and red hues.
Note: It’s freezing in the morning, so dress warmly and bring a hot drink.
#2 Go Stargazing at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Stargazing should 100% be on your to-do list as Death Valley has been dubbed a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park.
This means that you’re in the pocket of some of the most awe-inspiring displays of our dazzling night sky.
One of the best places to go in Death Valley for this activity is the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
Clear cloudless skies and low light pollution make Death Valley a highly-rated spot for admiring the Milky Way.
#3 See the Lowest Point in the U.S
No really. Badwater Basin in Death Valley sits 282 feet below sea level, making it the lowest point in America.
While you won’t see any remarkable structures popping up here, its low elevation draws the crowds.
The vast open space, with mountains in the distance, offers that eerie feeling of solitude.
Also, this is an enormous salt flat you’ll be walking on. Expect to see intricate geometric shapes that glimmer in the sun, which is excellent for photography.
#4 Explore Death Valley’s Ghost Town
They say, “Creepy stuff happens in the middle of nowhere,” and Death Valley’s eerie ghost towns are no exception.
What are now desolate, abandoned buildings were once a testament to the area’s bustling mining era.
Yip. Back then, small communities thrived on these barren lands, making a living off gold, copper, and other precious metals.
If you’re unsure where to begin, you can go on a Death Valley and Rhyolite Ghost Town Tour from Las Vegas.
#5 Admire Artists Palette
A must-see in Death Valley is Artists Palette. Imagine walking toward a creative and artistic giant’s canvas — this is what it feels like when gazing upon Artists Palette.
These hills look like they’ve been painted in prettiest blues, purples, and pinks. When, in fact, this breathtaking site is a result of metal oxidation in the soil.
Bring your camera, of course, and there’s a parking area nearby if you’re traveling by car.
The best part? Before reaching Artists Palette, you’ll drive along a scenic road surrounded by unique vistas.
#6 Hike to Darwin Falls
Death Valley has an endless array of surprises up its sleeve. And an unexpected waterfall in one of the driest places on earth is one of them.
Not only that, this spring-fed waterfall gushes all year round at around 18 feet tall.
You’d have to work up a sweat to get to Darwin Falls, though, with a relatively easy two-mile hike. This round-trip hike takes about an hour to complete.
Note: Darwin Falls Trail via Old Toll Road is currently closed due to storm damage. Keep an eye on any updates, as this is only temporary.
#7 Discover the Ubehebe Crater
Pronounced “oo-beh-heh-bee,” this fascinating volcanic crater is a geological wonder you don’t want to miss if you only have one day in Death Valley.
Why? It’s worth a peep if you haven’t seen a caldera before — which is basically a volcano that collapsed in on itself.
Interestingly, you’ll notice that the surrounding terrain is still covered in charred rock and soil.
You can hike down to the crater from the parking lot and walk around its 1.5-mile rim for panoramic views.
#8 See the Mysterious Sailing Stones
Racetrack Playa is one of the best places to visit in Death Valley for a simple reason: moving stones.
Yes, this is a bizarre natural phenomenon. Witness large rocks gliding over the dry lakebed, leaving a trail behind them.
Read next: Best stops along Big Sur Highway 1.
List of Best Things To Do in Death Valley National Park + Map
- Watch the Sunrise at Dante’s View
- Go Stargazing at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
- See the Lowest Point in the U.S
- Explore Death Valley’s Ghost Town
- Admire Artists Palette
- Hike to Darwin Falls
- Discover the Ubehebe Crater
- See the Mysterious Sailing Stones
Click here to view a live version of the map!
Keen Targhees
Trekking Poles
Hydroflask
Hat
Osprey Pack
Sunscreen
Where to Stay in Death Valley National Park
Now that you know about all the Death Valley National Park things to do — it’s time to tick off where to stay from your list.
The Inn at Death Valley ($$$)
Looking for a fancy villa surrounded by lush oasis scenery? The Inn at Death Valley offers a luxury escape filled with stellar amenities such as a sauna, a fitness center, and elegant rooms.
The Ranch At Death Valley ($$)
Located within the national park, The Ranch at Death Valley offers a cozy stay with modest rooms, a swimming pool, a terrace, and a bar. There’s an onsite restaurant serving American cuisine and access to golfing, cycling, and hiking.
Best Things to Do in Death Valley, California: Wrapped Up
Well, that’s a wrap for now. While these are some of the best things to do at Death Valley, it won’t be all this magical destination offers.
So, stop lingering around and get your behind to this fantastic national park.
The only thing left to figure out is: which one of these Death Valley activities are you doing first?
For your next read, check out bucket-list-worthy US National Parks.
