7 Best Attractions in Death Valley National Park

Going on the name alone, you might feel uneasy at the prospect of visiting Death Valley. However, this national park is more than just a hot, dry land devoid of life. It is a genuinely enchanting place that you want to visit with a camera in your hand for its dramatic landscapes and rich wildlife. As long as you know where to go and what you should bring while on the trip, you will surely enjoy your time sightseeing and taking pictures of the endangered species that make this park their home.

Explore our recommended list of must-see attractions in Death Valley National Park:

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

One of the best attractions that you don't want to miss when visiting Death Valley is its Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes east of Stovepipe Wells. It is best to start your trip here while witnessing the sun rising and hitting the sculpted dunes creating dramatic curving shadows. With the mountains just on the horizon, they provide a perfect natural backdrop; you can say that nature is the best artist in the world.

You can do a lot of things in Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. You can either enjoy your time walking in the dunes, climb the highest points, or have a picnic and enjoy the scenery. If you are a private person and prefer having the dunes to yourself, the perfect time to visit this area is from January to February where there are fewer people. Just make sure to pack some snacks and plenty of cold water!

The Racetrack

For an ideal place to take your four-wheel-drive vehicle for an adventure, you should take the rugged road and visit The Racetrack. It is a mysterious sight in the area, with a vast dry mud bed where you can see various stones trailing behind. It is almost as if something is pushing them through the mud.

There is a lot of speculation about what makes the stones move. Many people say it is just because of the harsh winds after the rain. However, photographers have set up time-lapse videos to see what happens: they believe floating ice is pushing the rocks.

Badwater Basin

Badwater Basin is the lowest point in the western hemisphere at 277 feet below sea level. It is also the hottest area in the Death Valley National Park and maintains its extreme temperatures even in the winter. It has a lake rimmed with salt and surrounded by mountains. Depending on the time of day, it may be full of water or scorched. The Badwater Lake is usually full in the morning and early evening. You can enjoy the picturesque scenery of the mountains reflecting in the water. Whether you are a professional photographer or want a photo for your Instagram, this is a scene that you don't want to miss. If you are lucky and the lake has enough water, you can even paddle out while enjoying the majestic view. You will also enjoy walking across the endless white salt flats when there is no water on the shore.

Dante's View

The Death Valley is not just flat land; it also has some high points that you can climb up to enjoy the overall perspectives like Dante's View. When you reach its top, you can look out over the valley floor and across the mountain, so it became a famous photography spot. Unlike in the land below, it has a lower temperature, which could be a refreshing treat after walking around the dry areas.

Zabriskie Point

Enjoy the surreal landscape of the magical ridges of brown, orange, and gold earth in the Zabriskie Point. It offers a fantastic view of the unique colorful formation beyond the valley with the Panamint Mountains as its backdrop. To enjoy the best moments, plan your trip in the early morning or the late afternoon. The sun hitting the mix of colors in the area is a view you can only imagine in your dreams.

Artist's Drive

More colorful scenery that looks straight out of a painting is the Artist's Palette. You can see this as you travel around the short scenic road of Artist's Drive that takes you near the Black Mountains. It is a colorful hillside offering a calming view of orange, green, turquoise, pink, and brown rock metals.

Rhyolite Ghost Town

If you love art, you will enjoy Rhyolite Ghost Town. Unlike its name, the abandoned mining town with crumbling old buildings is just full of life. One of the highlights is its unique ghostly figures at the edge of the city. There is even a piece displaying the arranged form of the famous painting The Last Supper.

There are other unique pieces that you will encounter here, including the giant pink lady, "Lady Desert: The Venus of Nevada." Many people refer to the Rhyolite Ghost Town as the Goldwell Open Air Museum because of these artistic figures.

Conclusion

As the saying goes, don't judge a book by its cover and, in this case, its name. The Death Valley National Park offers majestic views and fresh experiences. It is why a lot of tourists flock to this spot, especially in the spring.

If you are planning to establish your business here, make sure to prioritize your building's safety. Install an exterior access door to provide access to your vital components while protecting them from extreme weather and dust infiltration. You can contact us at California Access Doors, and our product specialists will help with your selection.