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Death Valley Must-See Attractions: Top Places to See in Death Valley in One Day

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Death Valley must see sites for a memorable trip to Death Valley!
Death Valley in one day, why not?! You have on your itinerary only 1 day in Death Valley National Park and now you are wondering what to do in Death Valley in a day and what to see in Death Valley in one day. 
Here is a list of Death Valley must see places and things to do in Death Valley!

DEATH VALLEY MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS: PLACES TO SEE IN DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

NOTE: Find out current alerts and conditions in Death Valley here

Milijana Gabrić, the travel blogger of WorldTravelConnector.com in Zabriskie Point in Death Valley
Me on Zabriskie point vista © WorldTravelConnector

Good-bye, Death Valley‘, said a gold prospector in 1849 while leaving the 120-mile (193 km) long valley after two months of ‘hunger, thirst and an awful silence‘.

Good-bye, the Land of Avantgarde Beauty‘, were my words after visiting Death Valley National Park, a land of atypical beauty.

Seemingly a barren wasteland, but in reality land of unique geology – a land of white salt formations, golden sand dunes, black lava layers, and colorful minerals’ hills.

No wonder that 3.3 million acres (1.34 million ha) of distinctive Death Valley scenery was the perfect filming location for masterpieces such as Twilight Zone, Star Wars (Episode IV: A New Hope), Kill Bill (Vol. 2), and  Zabriskie Point.

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1. ZABRISKIE POINT

Zabriskie Point is Death Valley must see site
Zabriskie Point with colorful layers of mixed minerals is one of the top places to see in Death Valley © World Travel Connector

The Moon?

Moon-like landscapes of Zabriskie Point welcome visitors at the entrance to the Death Valley National Park when coming from Las Vegas to Death Valley.

Rebellious gold, orange, and brown shades of borax, gypsum, and calcite layers with black lava rocks make an unparalleled cosmic atmosphere.

The surreal and unearthly landscapes of Zabriskie Point were ideal scenery for filming shots of Michelangelo Antonini’s, at that time controversial but today’s cult classic “Zabriskie Point” movie.

The psychedelic shapes of Zabriskie Point inspired Rick Wright to compose ‘The Violent Sequence‘, what meant to be the soundtrack for Antonini’s film, but later became Pink Floyd’s ‘Us and Them‘ song on ‘Dark Side of the Moon‘ album.

Milijana Gabrić, the travel blogger of WorldTravelConnector.com on zabriskie Point Vista in Death Valley I Zabriskie Point is a Death Valley must see
Zabriskie Point is one of the famous Death Valley sights © World Travel Connector

Park your car at the parking lot next to Zabriskie Point and take a short walk on the paved road to the scenic Vista Point. Views from the Vista point will transport you to another planet in just a few seconds. Clearly, Zabriskie Point is one of the top attractions of Death Valley National Park.

Death Valley must see
Zabriskie Point is one of the main Death Valley points of interest © World Travel Connector
Death Valley must see
Zabriskie Point is one of the most popular Death Valley places to see © World Travel Connector

Where is Zabriskie Point?

Zabriskie Point is located at the east entrance to the Death Valley NP. If you are coming from Las Vegas to Death Valley, then your first stop at the park’s entrance is Zabriskie Point Vista.

Why is called Zabriskie Point?

Zabriskie Point Vista is named after Christian Zabriskie, a general manager of Pacific Coast Borax Company. The company built the Vista in the 1920s.

2. DEVIL’S GOLF COURSE 

Death Valley must see
Devils Golf Course is one of the top places to see in Death Valley © World Travel Connector

A surface of sharp crystallized salt or devil’s playground?

Enter Death Valley NP, buy your ticket at the Furnace Creek Vistors Center, and head to Badwater Basin. But on your way to it, make a short stop at Devil’s Golf Course.

Death Valley must see
Furnace Creek in Death Valley © World Travel Connector

Devil Golf Course is a place where ‘only the devil could play golf‘, according to the Death Valley National Park’s Service Guide Book from 1934. And I would agree with it and add: Devil’s Golf Course is a must-see site in Death Valley National Park!

Death Valley’s Devil’s Golf Course is reminiscent of the lake that had existed a hundred years ago, that was made after the water had gone through the mud, minerals had dissolved in the water and the lake evaporated. Sharp cutting and crystallized ground of Devil’s Golf Course is north of the Badwater area.

Please, be aware you should watch out for your steps carefully as you walk on the Devil’s Golf Course not to get cut.

Milijana Gabrić, the travel blogger of WorldTravelConnector.com in Devil's Golf Course in Death Valley I Devil's golf Course is a Death Valley must see
Devil’s Golf Course is a top Death Valley attraction © World Travel Connector
Death Valley must see
Must see in Death Valley: Devil’s Golf Course © World Travel Connector

Where is Devil’s Golf Course in Death Valley National Park?

Devil’s Golf Course is on the main road between Furnace Creek and Badwater. It is a shortstop from Furnace Creek to Badwater Basin. The distance between Furnace Creek and Badwater Basin is 10 miles. An 18-minute drive takes from Furnace Creek to Devil’s Golf Course on the way to Badwater Basin.

3. BADWATER BASIN

Death Valley must see
Badwater Basin is a Death Valley must-see © World Travel Connector

Salt or cotton?

Head further down the valley to Badwater Basin.

Badwater Basin is a shallow lake and the heart of Death Valley National Park.

Looking at the lake filled with salt, gypsum, calcite, and borax, you will get an impression of looking at a white cotton nest well protected by surrounding mountains.

But when the lake is covered by water, you will see the mountains across the valley mirroring themselves in the water.

Death Valley must see
Badwater Basin is a top Death Valley attraction © World Travel Connector

Needless to say, Badwater Basin is a Death Valley must-see site. So, please add Badwater on your list of places to see in Death Valley.

Where is Badwater Basin?

Badwater Basin is in the heart of Death Valley NP. Badwater Basin is a 30-minute drive south of the Furnace Creek Visitor Center taking Badwater Road. The distance between Badwater Basin and the Furnace Creek Visitor Center is about 15 miles.

Why is called Badwater Basin?

Badwater Basin is called Badwater as the water is not drinkable because of the enormously high percentage of salt. Water that comes to the basin by occasional rainstorms doesn’t run into any ocean, but it evaporates away.

4. ARTIST’S DRIVE AND ARTIST’S PALETTE 

Death Valley must see
Artist’s Palette is one of Death Valley’s attractions and a must-see in Death Valley. PS: Can you spot a boy climbing the hill? © World Travel Connector

Oxidized metals or artist’s palette?

A few miles north of Badwater Basin, in the middle of a roller-coaster narrow way with steep curving called Artist’s Drive, the sun dramatically shines on the hills of oxidized metals and naturally mixes colors of ocher, brown, pink, purple, green, and turquoise into a natural artist’s palette. No wonder, the place is called Artist’s Palette.

Photogenic pastel-colored volcanic and sedimentary rocks of the Artists Palette are a true feast for the eyes and cameras.

If you take a short trek to the top of the rocks, you will feel like walking into a live painting.

Death Valley must see
Driving on the Artist’s Drive is one of the top things to do in Death Valley National Park © World Travel Connector
Death Valley must see
Climbing the Artist Palette is one of the cool things to do in Death Valley © World Travel Connector

Climb the Artist Palette in Death Valley National Park and see the ‘painting’ that you will remember for the rest of your life. Trust me, you should not miss the Artist’s Drive and the Artist Palette in Death Valley Park by no means. They are Death Valley must-sees!

Death Valley must see
Death Valley must-see: Artists Palette © World Travel Connector
Death Valley must see
Artist Palette is a place to see in Death Valley © World Travel Connector

Where is Artist Palette in Death Valley NP?

The Artist Palette is north of Devil’s Golf Course and south of Furnace Creek. The Artist Drive is a 9-mile long drive that can be reached from Furnace Creek, Devil’s Golf Course, and Badwater Basin. The Artist Palette is halfway off (about 5 miles from the start).

5. MESQUITE FLAT SAND DUNES

Sand Dunes are must see in Death Valley
Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park

Sahara?

When you walk out into the dunes, formed by wind and sand, and soak up the desert scenery of the about three-miles long by one-mile-wide area with mountains in the background, you will wonder if you were in Death Valley, California, or the Sahara in Africa.

The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are located at the northern end of Death Valley National Park.

Death Valley must see
Death Valley attraction: Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes © World Travel Connector

Where are the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes?

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are near Stovepipe Wells, just a 5-minute drive from Stovepipe Wells. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are about a 25-minute drive northwest of the Furnace Creek Visitor Center.

Death Valley must see
Stovepipe Wells in Death Valley © World Travel Connector

6. HARMONY BORAX WORKS

Remains of a borax plant from the 1880s

This was a place where borax was mined. From here the borax was transported further to Death Valley on a 20-mules’ team. The site held Harmony Plant that operated from 1883 to 1888 and employed 40 people. Today visitors can see some ruins dating back to the mining times.

Where is Harmony Borax Works site?

Harmony Borax Works site is a 5-minute drive from the Furnace Creek Visitors Center. The distance between Harmony Borax and the Furnace Creek Visitors Center is only 1.8 miles.

Death Valley must see
Stovepipe Wells in Death Valley © World Travel Connector

7. DANTE’S VIEWS POINT

Dantes view is Death Valley must see attraction
Views of Badwater Basin from Dante’s viewpoint

Spectacular views of unearthly Death Valley

The Dantes views in Death Valley NP provide the best views of Death Valley, and the most beautiful views are in sunrise when the sun goes up over the Valley. As it goes with all deserts, nights are cold in Death Valley National Park. So, if you head to Dante’s Views for sunrise, take some warm jackets with you. I missed out on the sunrise from Dante’s views, but I can imagine how beautiful sunrise views over Death Valley must be!

Where is Dante’s viewpoint?

Dante’s viewpoint is about 25 miles southeast of the Furnace Creek Visitors Center and about 20 miles southeast of Zabriskie Point.

8. UBEHEBE CRATER

Ubehebe Crater is Death Valley must-see attraction
Ubehebe Crater in Death Valley National Park

Volcanic basket?

Ubehebe Crater is a huge several thousand-year-old volcanic crater in the northern part of Death Valley National Park. ‘Ubehebe’ means ‘big basket’ in the language of Timbisha Shoshone Indians. You can take a walk on the rim or hike to the heart of the crater.

Where is the Ubehebe crater?

Ubehebe Crater is an hour and a 20-minute drive north of the Furnace Creek Vistors Center. The distance between Ubehebe Crater and the Furnace Creek Vistors Center is 60 miles.

How you can view Ubehebe Crater?

Ubehebe Crater is easily viewed from the parking lot that sits on the carter’s rim.

9. RACETRACK PLAYA

Racetrack playa is a must-see site in Death Valley
A ‘sailing stone’ at the Racetrack Playa in Death Valley National Park

Miraculous wandering rocks in a desert?

Want to see famous ‘wandering rocks’ or ‘sailing stones’ in Death Valley National Park? Head to the Racetrack Playa!

The Racetrack in Death Valley is another item to add to the Death Valley bucket list. This is an extraordinary flat dry lake with no vegetation and with mud cracks in the northwestern part of Death Valley. In this Death Valley must-see site you can see famous ‘sailing stones’ – a geological phenomenon of stone’s movement.

Were is Racetrack Playa in Death Valley?

Racetrack Playa is 26 miles southwest of Uhebebe Crater.

10. GOLDEN CANYON 

Apparently, there are some great trails in the Golden Canyon near Furnace Creek worth of checking out if you spend more than one day in Death Valley National Park. I haven’t visited the canyon as I have stayed only one day in Death Valley. The most popular Golden Canyon trail is only 1 mile long. It is said to be a quick and easy hike.

Where is Golden Canyon in Death Valley NP?

The Golden Canyon is near the Furnace Creek Visitors Center. The distance between the Furnace Creek Visitors Center and Golden Canyon is 3.6 miles.

11. TWENTY MULE TEAM CANYON

Borax wagons are must sees in Death Valley
Borax wagons in Death Valley

A mules route for borax transportation

This is a 2.7-mile road of rough terrain used daily by 20 mule teams carrying the borax to Death Valley in the 1880s. The route offers rough and harsh scenery along the way.

Where is Twenty Mule Team Canyon?

The Twenty Mule Team Canyon is close to Zabriskie Point. The distance between Zabriskie Point and Twenty Mule Team Canyon is 6 miles.

12. SCOTTY’s CASTLE

A Spanish Colonial Revival style villa from Roaring ’20s and Depression ’30s

The Scotty’s Castle in Death Valley is a historical landmark in California. It is was a grand mansion of a mysterious and rich man called Walter Scott nicknamed Scotty. Death Valley’s Scotty was a prospector and a performer known for his fraudulent gold mining schemes and scamming behavior. Unfortunately, this Death Valley must-see attraction is currently closed but should be reopened in 2021. In October 2015 unexpected strong rain damaged some parts of the castle. Let’s cross our fingers for the castle’s reopening in 2021.

Where is Scotty’s Castle in Death Valley National Park?

Scotty Castle is located in an oasis in Grapevine Canyon on the far northern area of Death Valley NP. Scotty Castle is an hour’s drive north of the Furnace Creek Vistors Center.

13. RHYOLITE GHOST TOWN

A ghost town?

Rhyolite Ghost Town is an abandoned mining town located on Highway 374 on the outskirts of the Death Valley National Park in Nevada easily reached when leaving Death Valley NP and heading to Beatty. There is an art installation of ghosts’ figures with the seating in the form of the Last Supper. Hmm, interesting?!

Where is Rhyolite?

The ghost town of Rhyolite is about 50 min drive northeast of the Furnace Creek Vistors Center.

14. FATHER CROWLEY POINT

The Father Crowley Vista is a famous viewpoint for watching US fighter jets testing their skills flying through a narrow canyon.

The east side of Death Valley National Park (from the Las Vegas direction) is, without doubt, busier, while the west side (from Sequoia NP direction) is less busy. If you are entering the park from the west side or leaving the park on the west exit, then the views of the valley from the Father Crowly Point should be on your Death Valley itinerary. I have entered the park from the east side at Zabriskie Point coming from Las Vegas and I have left Death Valley passing by Father Crowley Point on the west side on my way to Sequoia Park.

I hope my list of must-see sites in Death Valley will help you to organize your Death Valley itinerary.

Death Valley facts:

When visiting Death Valley National Park, please keep in mind Death Valley National Park is known for:

Death Valley is the hottest place on Earth keeping the world air temperature record of 134 F (57 C).
California’s Death Valley is the driest place in the U.S. where rain is rarely seen.
Death Valley CA is the lowest place in North America with the Badwater Basin standing 282 feet (86 m) below sea level.

HOW TO GET TO DEATH VALLEY

McCarren International Airport in Las Vegas is the nearest airport to Death Valley. Death Valley NP is located only about 130 miles from McCarren Airport. Death Valley from Las Vegas McCarren Airport is reachable in about 2 and a half hours. Las Vegas McCarren International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the US served by the majority of US airline companies.

➱  Check flights to Las Vegas McCarren Airport on Skyscanner.com.

At Las Vegas airport you can rent a car and head to Death Valley.

➱  Rent a car at Las Vegas McCarren International Airport

Another airport near Death Valley is Bob Hope Airport in Burbank in Los Angeles county. The Burbank Bob Hope Airport is located 160 miles from Death Valley NP. Death Valley from Burbank Airport is reachable in about a 4-hour drive. The airport is served by the majority of US airline companies.

➱  Check flights to Bob Hope Airport on Skyscanner.com.

You can rent a car at Bob Hope Airport and head to Death Valley.

➱  Rent a car at Burbank Bob Hope Airport

How far is Death Valley from Las Vegas?

Death Valley is about 2 and half hour drive from Las Vegas.

How far is Death Valley from Los Angeles?

Death Valley is a 4-and-a-half-hour drive from Los Angeles.

How far is Death Valley from San Francisco?

Death Valley is a 7-and-a-half-hour drive from San Francisco.

How far is Death Valley from San Diego?

Death Valley is a 6-hour drive from San Diego.

WHERE TO STAY IN DEATH VALLEY TO VISIT EASILY ALL DEATH VALLEY MUST-SEE SITES

The Ranch At Death Valley – This 4-star hotel is top located within Death Valley National Park with a swimming pool and sports facilities.

The Inn at Death Valley – This beautiful 5-start hotel is a great option especially for a family with kids and couples who prefer having a first-class service.

Death Valley Inn & RV Park – This pet-friendly motel is located 8 mi (13 km) from the entrance to Death Valley NP and offers a good value for money.

DEATH VALLEY CAMPSITES

Camping in Death Valley is a popular option for exploring Death Valley National Park. I haven’t camped in Death Valley as I’ve stayed in Death Valley only for one day as a part of my USA Southwest road trip, but Death Valley camping is on my list of things to do in Death Valley on my next trip to Death Valley National Park.

Death Valley campgrounds are mostly public, but there are also a few private campgrounds.

Here’s a list of campsites in Death Valley:

PUBLIC CAMPGROUNDS AT DEATH VALLEY: 

1. Furnace Creek Campground – Reservations: Oct 15 to April 15; no reservations in summer; fee 22 USD – hookups 36 USD

2. Texas Spring Campground at Furnace Creek- near all services and general store at Furnace Creek; open October 15 to April 24; no reservations; fee 14 USD

3. Sunset Campground at Furnace Creek- across the road from Furnace Creek Ranch; Open October 15 to May 2; fee 16 USD

4. Stovepipe Wells30 min from Furnace Creek; open October to May 10, no reservations; no fee – free

5. Mesquite Spring – 1 hr 15 min from Furnace Creek; open all year round, no reservations; no fee – free

6. Emigrant (tents only) –  40 min from  Furnace Creek; Open all year; no reservations; no fee – free

7. Wildrose – 1 hr 15 min from Furnace Creek; open all year round, no reservations; no fee – free

8. Thorndike – 1 hr 30 min from Furnace Creek; closed during winter and opening when conditions allow; no reservations; no fee – free

9. Mahogany Flat – 1 hr 45 min from Furnace Creek; closed during winter and opening when conditions allow; no reservations; no fee – free

PRIVATELY MANAGED CAMPGROUNDS:

1.Fiddler’s Campground – Adjacent to the Ranch at Death Valley and the Death Valley Visitor Center

2. Stovepipe Wells RV Park – 30 min from Furnace Creek

3. Panamint Springs Resort Camping & RV – 1 hr from Furnace Creek in the Panamint Springs Area on the western edge of Death Valley

BEST TIME TO VISIT DEATH VALLEY

The best time to go to Death Valley is from mid-October to mid-May. December and January are the best months for visiting Death Valley. Death Valey in November can be great too as watching Leonid meteor showers can be spectacular during nights in the desert.

The most popular season to visit Death Valley is spring because of the pleasant weather, but also because of the wildflowers blooming. Death Valley Super Bloom is a rare and unique event when the desert gets covered with thousands of wildflowers. Death Valley NP is one of the best national parks to visit in March for the Wildflower Super Bloom.

ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR VISITING DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

Remember, Death Valley NP is the hottest place on Earth. So, take a portable bottle of water to stay well-hydrated during your visit to Death Valley!

Hot Death Valley comes with hot sand! Therefore, forget sandals for your trip to Death Valley National Park and take good hiking shoes or at least good sneakers!

Places like Death Valley seek light clothing. Good lightweight cargo pants with many large patch pockets on the side are outdoor-perfect trousers!

Protect yourself against the heat. Take a good hat and good sunscreen!

Unquestionably, you will want to take as many photos as possible. A good camera is one of those must-have traveling accessories in Death Valley!

MAP OF DEATH VALLEY ATTRACTIONS

Death Valley map of attractions, hotels to stay, and camping sites

I have created a map of must-see Death Valley sites, hotels and camping sites in Death Valley to help you see their exact locations. You can download the map and find them easily when in Death Valley National Park. You can download the map offline from Google Maps.

Death Valley in one day trip

Interested in more Wonders of the Natural World in the USA?

Check out my Antelope Canyon guide and Arizona photos and quite frankly, I wouldn’t be surprised if you decide to take USA Southwest road trip!

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Milijana
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Bhushavali

Thursday 23rd of February 2017

Death Valley??? I'd like to go there just intrigued by its name!!! The landscape is just stunning and the salt flats is awesome!

Vidya Kavitkar

Saturday 21st of January 2017

Wow, nice place! Photos are superb. It has just reminded me of my desert trip in Dubai. I would love to visit this place. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Karla | Karlaroundtheworld

Thursday 19th of January 2017

I went to several parts of Arizona this summer. I loved Horseshoebend, Monument Valley, Antelope and all. I missed nearby Death Valley in the eastern California, but this is definitely something worth going back for.

Shane

Monday 16th of January 2017

Oh wow I had no idea so many movies were filmed here! So gorgeous to be considered barren wasteland!

Elaine J Masters

Monday 16th of January 2017

Quite the adventure! I love your poetic take on the different places. I've always loved the desert but haven't explored Death Valley.