5 Things to Do in Death Valley National Park

By Jacob

Death Valley National Park is located in southern California along the border with Nevada. The park is the largest in the contiguous United States. It is the hottest, lowest and driest place in North America. Despite these conditions there is much to see and do in Death Valley.

1. Badwater Basin

The Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America, 282 feet below sea level. In my opinion this is a not to be missed attraction of Death Valley. The basin is located in the southern part of the park, 20 miles south of Hwy 190 and Badwater Road Junction. At the turnout there are several diagrams explaining Badwater Basin and the surrounding area. Down the stairs from the parking area is a sign that says Badwater Basin, 282 feet below sea level. The area sits on a boardwalk but there you can walk off of it and go however far you want. The area surrounding the basin is a massive salt flat. From here you can see for miles and miles around you. The area has no vegetation so it is hard to judge distances. This area is like nothing I have ever seen before, a barren desert in the most populous state in the union.

3. Furnace Creek Area

Between Mesquite Sand Dunes and Badwater Basin is the Furnace Creek Area. Within the area there are several things to do, Artists Drive, the Furnace Creek Visitor Center and Devil’s Golf Course. Artist Drive is a one way scenic drive near Furnace Creek on the way to Badwater Basin. The road takes you through colored oxidized hills. The nine mile drive has several trails so you can take in the strangely colored hills. The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is along Hwy 190 north of the Ranch. The visitor center has multiple exhibits to explain the history of Death Valley. There are also rangers there to help with any information or questions you may have for additional activities. Be sure to get your picture by the famous digital thermometer outside the visitor center. Another place to see is the Devils Golf Course on the way to Badwater Basin. In the middle of a desert is an oasis that has been turned into a golf course. It is the lowest elevation golf course in the world. Apparently, because the gold course is below sea level there is a noticeable change in how the golf ball behaves. Even if you are not golfing the course is still a sight to see.

5. Zabriskie Point

On the eastern side of the park is a famous overlook, Zabriskie Point. The overlook has plenty of parking for visitors. Follow the short but steep trail to the overlook. From here you could see down to Death Valley as well as the surrounding badlands. The point is featured on the U2 album and in the hit Disney+ show ‘The Mandalorian’. Be sure to take this short detour to visit what may be the most beautiful vista of the park.