Top 3 Things To Do In Death Valley National Park
Known as the hottest place in the United States, Death Valley is certainly worth a visit next time you're in western California. Home to the lowest point in America it is also home to towering peaks, slot canyons and a generally other-worldly landscape.
Badwater Basin
Badwater Basin is recorded as the lowest point in mainland America at a depth of 86m below sea level. This basin got it's name because of a small spring-fed pool of bad water which sits next to the road at the entry out on to the basin itself. Bad water because of the very high salt content making it undrinkable.
The salt flat which makes up the basin is fascinating, incredibly hot but incredibly stunning. In a technical sense, the repeating evaporation cycles shape the salt crust into the hexagonal formation which make up the basin. All you need to know is how rad it looks!
Fun fact, the highest point in the contiguous 48 United States, Mount Whitney, is just 136km away to the northwest!
Dante's View
Even with the lowest point in America, Death Valley boasts some pretty impressive peaks. None more so than Dante's View.
Towering over the entire park and providing epic views of Badwater Basin, Dante's View is a must do when in Death Valley. Standing at 1,669m above sea level the road up is pretty steep but so worth it! When you get up there, check out the viewpoint itself but don't be afraid to cruise off to the left and explore the ridge line. It's really safe and with the natural rock formations you can grab some really cool perspectives of the lookout.
Make sure to take a jumper, it's so high it can actually get pretty cold up there!
Zabriske Point
My favourite spot in Death Valley National Park! Zabriske Point is this crazy landscape of eroded sediments from Furnace Creek Lake and is a spectacular range of shapes and colours.
If you can, try to see Zabriske Point at sunrise or sunset for the best experience. The rising or setting sun adds so many amazing shadows, and also highlights the colours of the rocks. Beware, sunset can be pretty busy so set the alarm, get up early and beat the crowds!
On our trip, we went straight from Dante's View to Zabriske Point for sunset as it is on the way back into Furnace Creek.
Badwater Basin, Dante's View and Zabriske Point are just my top three things to do in Death Valley National Park but there are so many more! I haven't even mentioned Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Artist's Palette, Artist's Drive or Natural Bridge! No matter what you do, a visit to Death Valley transports you to another world and is a place you'll never forget!