Although city life is fun our absolute favorite adventures always involve taking our Mercedes Sprinter Van and getting lost in what Mother Nature has to offer. Death Valley National Park is still to this day one of our favorite National Parks we have explored together. We had no plans or itinerary throughout our four day visit. (If you click the picture you will be able to purchase the bandana map we used throughout our trip)

Tip: Cell phone reception is non existent throughout most of the park. Also, make sure to fill up on gas before the park and whenever you spot a gas station within.

Dante's Peak/View

Dante’s Peak reaches 5,476 above sea level and allows you to see beautiful views. The road to get to the top is windy and steep. Altitude sickness is real so please make sure to bring and drink plenty of water. From the top of the summit you can see miles of salt flats, sand dunes, and mountain ranges.

Tip: This is one of the prettiest places to watch the sunset in Death Valley.

Badwater Basin

Dante’s Peak being one of the highest point's and next on our list is the lowest point. The Badwater Basin is 282 feet below sea level. We didn’t’ realize truly how low this was until we spotted a teeny sign on the side of the mountain across that shows where sea level is. Not only is Badwater Basin the lowest point in the park but also it is the lowest point in North America. There is a raised path where you can walk out and see the unique salt crystals forming. From a distance it looks like snow! These salt mineral deposits that crack to form polygonal shapes are due to water not being able to flow out of the basin.  

Tip: The salt reflects the sun ray’s so be sure to wear proper sun protection and drink plenty of water.

Sand Dunes

There are five opportunities to feel like you have been transported to Egypt.  Mesquite Flat Dunes, Eureka Dunes, Saline Valley Dunes, Panamint Dunes, and Ibex Dune. All providing an exquisite environment. We visited the Mesquite Flat Dunes. This was one of the warmest places in the park. It also is some sort of optical illusion running from dune to dune feeling like they are way closer than they are.  Tip: Take off your shoes and feel the sand between your toes! Also walk out a little bit further to grab a picture with less tourists photobombing. 

Tip: Take off your shoes and feel the sand between your toes! Also walk out a little bit further to grab a picture with less tourists photobombing. 

Natural Bridge

Since Death Valley is so wide and spread out we did not spend much time exploring the hiking trails this time around. We did however do a quick one mile out and back hike to see the Natural Bridge. I felt like I was in in southern Utah with the bright red rock surrounding us. The bridge and surrounding canyon are products of powerful erosional floods over countless years. Tip: If you plan on hiking it is not recommended to hike mid day in lower elevations as the temperatures reach record breaking highs. 

Tip: If you plan on hiking it is not recommended to hike mid day in lower elevations as the temperatures reach record breaking highs. 

Artist's Drive/Palette

Artist’s Drive and Artist’s Palette are a must. The path is a 9 mile drive which makes seeing so much beauty very accessible. It was so awesome to see the multi-colored rock formations caused by oxidizing metals in the soil. Nature truly is fascinating. Tip: This is a perfect area to pull off and take in the beauty while you grab a bite to eat in your car. Make sure to continue to take care of our parks and take all trash with you!

Tip: This is a perfect area to pull off and take in the beauty while you grab a bite to eat in your car. Make sure to continue to take care of our parks and take all trash with you!

The Park's Mining History 

If you are into mining history you will be fascinated at all the stops throughout the park providing guests with information about the parks past. Death Valley has more abandoned mines than any other National Park. One of our favorite stops was The Harmony Borax Works where you will learn about the town site that helped develop the Furnace Creek area into what it is now. A walking path goes around and provides detailed signs educating you on exactly what you are seeing in front of you.

Here are a few other ideas if you have more time!

Ghost Mining Towns/Art Sculptures: On the outside of the park we came across many abandoned ghost mining towns. Here you will find left over remnants of our past. Along with very interesting art sculptures. Not going to lie..some of these places left me with the heebie jeebies.  The Devil’s Golf Course: More unique landscapes like nowhere else greet you at the Devil’s Golf Course. BE CAREFUL one wrong turn and falling on one of these sharp blobs made from salt, mud and wind could hurt. The name derives from a 1934 National Park Service guidebook, stating that ‘Only the Devil could play golf on its surface’.  Ubehebe Crater: A 600 foot deep volcanic crater created by steam and gas explosions.  Zabraskie Point: a short accessible walk leads you to views of beautiful eroded badlands.