Death Valley National Park-Everything you need to know

Why this Park is Called Death Valley?

Contradicting its name, Death Valley National Park is very much alive with abundant vegetation and animal species. The place is an accumulation of different landscapes, deserts, sand dunes, and mountains. It is the hottest, driest, and lowest elevation national park. The highest temperature recorded was 134°F on July 10, 1913.

In the winter of 1849-1850, a group of pioneers lost their way in the valley. They thought they wouldn’t survive, but only one member died. From them, it is named Death Valley. Despite the name, some members of tribes still live in the valley.

It is situated in eastern California, close to the Nevada border, and occupies an area of 3,422,024 acres. It was designated as a national monument in 1933 and formed as a national park in 1994.

How to be There

Los Angeles and Las Vegas are two prominent cities close to the park.

Driving routes from Los Angeles:

• 95 N towards Beaty, NV through NV 373
• California Highway 190 through Pahrump, NV

Driving Routes from Las Vegas To Death Valley National Park:

• California 14 to U.S. 395 and cross over California 190E
• Interstates 10 to 15N followed by California 127 that will reach California 190E

Airports:

The nearest airport is Furnace Creek Airport (DTH), and the major closest airports are

• McCarran International Airport
• Los Angeles International Airport
• San Diego International Airport

Accommodation

• Panamint Spring Resort
• Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel
• Ranch at Death Valley
• Inn at Death Valley

Entry Fees:

• Standard Pass: $15-30
• Annual Pass: $55
• America the Beautiful Pass: Free-$80

Best Time to Visit Death Valley National Park

Winter

In my opinion, winter is the best time to visit the park as the temperature is mild. December, January, and February are favorable months. After Thanksgiving and before Christmas is the most crowded time in the park all year. The highest average temperature is 18-23°C and the lowest average is 3-8°C. The temperature is higher at higher elevations than at lower ones. Golden Canyon and Mosaic Canyon hikes are available in winter. Besides, winter also brings the opportunity to explore sand dunes.

Spring

Spring comes with warm and sunny days. March, April, and May are suitable months to enjoy spring in Death Valley National Park. The Dark Sky Festival in spring gathers more visitors. Depending on the timing of the rain, there is also the possibility of wildflowers blooming in spring, which creates an amazing view. You can enjoy the sunset at Zabriskie Point.

Summer 

Summer is the hottest time in the park. The temperature ranges from the highest (average 43-45°C) to the lowest (average 27-30°C). From May to September, the weather becomes extremely hot. Despite the temperature, people visit the park in summer. Most visitors visit the park by car.

Autumn

 Autumn starts from late October and days are warm. This season is favorable for the Ranger Programs and camping. The sky is clear, and the weather is pleasant.

Best Places to Visit in Death Valley National Park

Zabriskie Point

Zabriskie Point is a popular Death Valley vista famous as a photographic spot. You can enjoy sunset and sunrise there, along with overlooking badlands and salt flats. The yellow and brown striped hills are formed by the force of water. The prominent view from the place is Manly Beacon, especially at sunset and sunrise.

Artists Palette

The array of colors such as red, yellow, orange, blue, pink, and green across the hill pours a scenic beauty. The color is the result of volcanic deposits rich in iron oxide and chlorite. These colors create a rainbow effect. Artists Drive in the loop is also popular, but there is no maintained trail.

Badwater Basin

This is the lowest point in North America and a landscape of salt flats. The basin is 282 feet below sea level. After heavy rainfall, a temporary lake can form. The 200 square miles of salt flats contain sodium chloride, calcite, gypsum, and borax. The water here is very salty, but still, many organisms survive there, like snails which are even endemic.

Dante’s View

This place provides a bird’s eye view of Death Valley National Park, considered one of the best views. The sunset on cloudy days can amaze you. The 5,575 feet elevation above Badwater Basin is favorable for photography, especially at sunset and sunrise. Visiting Dante’s View during a full moon will give you a spectacular view of the white salt flat.

Darwin Falls

Having a waterfall in Death Valley National Park is surprising, but it actually exists. The trail is 1.9 miles long and progressively becomes narrow. The flowing water and the pool below the fall is a must-see for visitors who love nature. However, the trail was damaged by the flood of 2022, so be careful while passing.

Wildrose Charcoal Kilns 

In the 20th century, when the park was a mining spot, these beehive-shaped structures were used to make charcoal. The doors of the structures are open to all to explore the inner structure. However, the road situation is not favorable, and high clearance 4WD vehicles are suitable.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

These dunes are named after the mesquite tree around the area. In spring, the leaves are green and the yellow flowers bloom. The formation of sand dunes needs a source of sand and wind to pile up. The eroding mountains of the north are the source of sand there. The sand dune is home to kangaroo rats and rattlesnakes. Keep in mind that at the sand dune, no official trail is available.

Ubehebe Crater

A crater is formed when molten lava comes into contact with underground water to create steam, which releases pressure to explode. It is estimated to be 2,100 years old and expands to 0.5 miles. Ubehebe Crater is viewable from the parking lot, but there are still hiking trails for enthusiastic hikers. Be cautious, as the trail is difficult, and summer is very hot there. Though the colorful sedimentary rock highlights the evening view.

Recreational Activities in Death Valley National Park

• Sightseeing
• Backcountry Driving
• Enjoying Sunset and Sunrise
• Guided Tour
• Self-guided Star Wars Driving Tour
• Night Sky Viewing
• Visiting Nearby Historical Places (Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Rhyolite Ghost Town)
• Hiking
• Camping
• Backpacking
• Road and Mountain Biking

Achievements and Suggestions

If you are a nature lover and want to spend your vacation with diverse experiences, you should visit Death Valley National Park. Explore historic places along with geographical variations of mountains and deserts, and it will give you a quality time. Bring your telescope to enjoy the Dark Sky Festival, and you will be lost in the enchanting environment. Avoid summer as it is very hot there. Except for this, you can easily plan your tour in winter or spring.