10 Best Places To See In Death Valley National Park – Hand Luggage Only

Death Valley National Park is one of the most inhospitable and beautiful areas of California to visit. This all makes it a totally unique and gorgeous national park to visit. Now, just like most national parks, it can be tough to whittle down a firm list of the top spots to see. This is why we wanted to share some of the best places to see in Death Valley National Park on your visit. 

This way, you can plan and book your trip way ahead of time – limiting stress once you arrive! 

With iconic vista, desert expanses and vast hills, it’s an environment you can’t miss when exploring the best places in California, or visiting the epic spots in Las Vegas in Nevada. 

Wherever you’re coming from, take a gander at some of the best places to see in Death Valley National Park. Oh, and always make sure to take loads of water and plenty of sun block!

1.) See the landscape of Badwater Basin

Being the very lowest point in all of North America, Badwater Basin is one of the best places to see in Death Valley National Park when you visit. 

The basin is covered with salt giving it the look of a snow-covered area of land. Around 282 ft lower than sea level, Badwater Basin is totally beautiful to see, especially within the salt flats.

Now, remember, you’re in one of the hottest places in the world, so take lots of water, take coverings for your head and always travel responsibly. This area can be dangerous if you don’t take care. 

To make things easier, book this incredible Death Valley tour from Las Vegas. This way, you won’t need to worry about taking wrong turns or being without an expert during your trip.

Read more: Best national parks in the USA

2.) Hike towards Zabriskie Point

Probably one of the most iconic vistas in Death Valley National Park, Zabriskie Point is a spot you can’t miss. 

Zabriskie points to a stunning overlook of the landscapes and views of the Death Valley.

It is one site you really shouldn’t miss!

Plus, if you fancy a hike, join the Badlands Loop Trail that’ll take you on a great route around some parts of the National Park. Best of all, it’s easily accessed from the Zabriskie Point parking area. 

Read more: Best things to do in Yellowstone National Park

3.) See the vistas at Dante’s View

If you want some spectacular views across Badwater Basin, hike your way to the top of Dante’s view.

Now, the Dante’s View Trail can be a bit tasking (even if it’s only around 1 mile). So, don’t join the trail if you don’t feel fit enough (or prepared). You really don’t want to take risks in this environment.

That being said, from the top, you’ll enjoy a wide range of spectacular views including a clear view of the Badwater Basin.

Oh, and don’t forget that Death Valley National Park does charge a fee to enter the park. You can see a full list of these, here. 

Travelling solo? Book this small group tour of Death Valley and explore the beauty of this stunning region.

Just be sure to book your spot before arriving in the area. Tickets can sell out during peak times. 

Read more: Best places to see in Nevada

4.) Ride along Artist’s Drive

Take a gorgeous drive through the terrain of Artist’s Drive and journey to the Artist’s Palette.

It’s a totally beautiful driving route and well worth joining if temperatures become far too hot to join a hiking trail. 

Now, one thing to note, the spectacular drive reaches as far as 10 miles but can be temporarily closed. This means it’s important to check your route before heading out to see this special area of Death Valley National Park. 

Oh, and be sure to only join the route before if you’ve got a relatively small viechle. The road isn’t really suited to very large trailers. 

5.) See Artist’s Palette

After a long ten-mile drive through the Artist’s drive (that I just mentioned), you will arrive at the Artist’s Palette.

It’s one of the best places to see in Death Valley National Park and the largest point of interest on Artist’s Drive.

Now, for me, one of the best times to visit is around sunrise or sunset – this is when the colours really pop and provide such a stunning vista to witness. 

Fancy making your trip totally easy? Book this iconic Death Valley trip with transport from Las Vegas.

Best of all, you’ll have ample time to stop for stargazing and wine tasting to boot! 

6.) Walk across the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

This vast dune field is easily one of the best places to see in Death Valley National Park and it feels totally unspoilt.

Now, one thing to note is that there are no official trails within the dunes themselves.

This doesn’t seem too much of a problem until you consider the blisteringly hot conditions and rattlesnakes that call this area home. Just be sure to hike responsibly and take very good care. 

Also, remember, the National Park Service advises against all hikes after 10 am due to the unbearable heat. Listen to local advice and never venture out without the most up-to-date information – which, you can view here. 

7.) Visit Furnace Creek

Furnace Creek is a must-see when exploring Death Valley National Park.

After arriving, make sure to make the first stop at Furnace Creek Visitor Center. Here, you can get more insights into the park and even go as far as getting a map for your adventure.

Also, you can check into the Ranch and Death Valley if you’re fancying a longer trip to the National Park. 

Oh, and don’t forget to visit Harmony Borax Works that’s like a ghost town since its inception back in the 1800s. 

Check out a whole heap of tours and trips to Death Valley, below. It’s a great way to secure a spot with a qualified guide and take out all the stress of planning your trip.

Read more: Best places to see in Nevada

8.) Explore Ubehebe Crater

Probably the most magnificent crater in California, Ubehebe Crater is one of the best places to see in Death Valley National Park. It’s a whopping 600ft deep and can be seen right from the parking area (if it’s too hot to hike).

Though, if it’s safe to do so, you can enjoy a totally clear view of the crater thanks to the incredible vistas and viewpoints that can be reached by foot. Hike around Ubehebe Crater which is around 1.5 miles in length.  

Oh, and make sure to wear good hiking shoes! This area has lots of gravel which can be unsteady. 

Read more: Best places to see in California

9.) Head to Father Crowley Vista Point

Love the great outdoors? Then, take a long hike to Father Crowley Vista Point and enjoy the view of canyons and rocky hills all from a different perspective.

Now, the hike towards Father Crowley Vista Point can be tiring and exhausting – even if it’s only around 1.3 miles. The hike itself takes around 45-minutes and you can join in right from the parking area. 

10.) Visit the Devil’s Golf Course

Trust me when I say, Devil’s Golf Course isn’t as scary as it sounds!

Easily one of the best places in Death Valley National Park to see – Devil’s Golf Course is a large stretch of land that covers the National Park and is really easy to visit. 

Made up of a seemingly endless number of crusted salt formations it’s a totally special place. Just be sure to stay extra quiet. If you’re lucky, you can hear a range of ‘popping’ noises.

This is the actual salt crystals exploding in the desert heat. 

Read more: Best national parks in the USA

10 Best National Parks In The USA To Visit

Check Out The Very Best Of Great Britain!

Pop Over To Our YouTube Channel For Travel Videos!