Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park – where do we even begin?

We wanted to visit Death Valley for so long. It was the only California National Park we had not been to. There was so much anticipation…and it did not disappoint.

We arrived late at night so we really had no idea what we were waking up to. We stayed at The Ranch at Death Valley, which we would highly recommend. Our cottage was very clean, modern, and within walking distance to many food options. Speaking of food, we find national park food to usually be “meh” and that’s fine because that’s not what we’re traveling to them for. HOWEVER, Death Valley food is on a different level. We loved our dinner at Last Kind Words Saloon and the breakfast buffet at 1849 Restaurant. They even have an ice cream parlor.

Our first morning it was like waking up on a different planet. The landscape here is indescribable until you see it for yourself. The biggest surprise was how diverse it was. Sand dunes, salt flats, mountains, colorful hills – and half the park was actually closed during our visit.

In no particular oder, here’s our recommendations from the experience:

1.) Dante’s View for sweeping views, high above Badwater Basin. We packed sandwiches and had our lunch here – best PB&J view ever.

2.) Badwater Basin itself. This is the lowest point in North America – 282 feet below sea level. Be sure to look for the sign above you that marks where sea level is. We visited during one of the rare times that the salt flat had transformed into a lake. It was so cool.

3.) Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes brought out our inner-children. We played in the sand as the sun started to dip down.

4.) Sunrise at Zabriskie Point was incredible. You actually want to face away from the rising sun and watch as it starts to glow on the mountains. So much color.

5.) Stargaze! The stars here were unlike anywhere else we’ve been. We enjoyed them from Harmony Borax Works.

6.) Devil’s Golf Course is mounds of salt – unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. We almost skipped this one and are glad we didn’t.

7.) The visitors center, always. Starting here and learning about what you’re exploring always make it even cooler when you actually immerse yourself in it. Basically, get to know what you’re looking it.

8.) Check out the historic Inn even if you don’t stay there. It is super beautiful and we’re dreaming of returning one day and adding on time at their spa.

9.) On your way in or out of the park, stop at Padre Crowley Point to stretch your legs and get great views.

10.) Artist’s Drive is a quick drive where you can see all the colorful rocks.

BONUS: If it works with your trip, taking Highway 178 is a treat in itself. We went to Sequoia National Park after our time in Death Valley and took this route – it is stunning.

NOTE: Death Valley is the largest national park in the lower 48. The road to access the north side of the park was closed during our visit. We spent a day and a half there and didn’t even get to do everything we wanted to in the area of the park was open – be sure to give yourself ample time.

We cannot say enough about Death Valley National Park and cannot wait to return one day to continue to explore.

Happy travels!