Death Valley, California, is a place of extremes, offering some of the most dramatic and otherworldly landscapes on Earth. Known for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the United States, Death Valley is a must-visit destination for those who appreciate the stark beauty of desert landscapes. Here’s a detailed 3-day itinerary to help you explore the best of Death Valley National Park.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Furnace Creek Area
Morning:
Arrival at Furnace Creek: Begin your adventure by arriving early at Furnace Creek, the central hub of Death Valley. If you’re flying in, the closest major airport is in Las Vegas, Nevada, about a 2-hour drive away. Check into your accommodation at The Inn at Death Valley or The Ranch at Death Valley.
Breakfast at The Ranch at Death Valley: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Ranch’s 1849 Buffet. Fuel up with a variety of options, including eggs, bacon, pancakes, and fresh fruit.
Mid-Morning:
Furnace Creek Visitor Center: Begin your exploration at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. Here, you can gather maps, learn about the park’s history, and check for any important updates or road conditions. Don’t miss the informative exhibits and the short orientation film about the park.
Harmony Borax Works: Just a short drive from the visitor center, visit the Harmony Borax Works. This historic site gives insight into the 19th-century borax mining operations that once thrived here. The short interpretive trail offers a glimpse into the harsh working conditions and the history of the “20 Mule Team” wagons.
Lunch:
Lunch at The Last Kind Words Saloon: Head back to The Ranch at Death Valley for lunch at The Last Kind Words Saloon. This restaurant offers a menu of classic American fare with a western theme. Try their burgers, sandwiches, or salads.
Afternoon:
Badwater Basin: Drive to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level. Walk out onto the vast salt flats and take in the surreal landscape. The salt patterns and the stark, white ground create an otherworldly atmosphere.
Artist’s Drive and Artist’s Palette: On your way back from Badwater Basin, take the scenic 9-mile Artist’s Drive. This one-way loop road winds through colorful hills, culminating at Artist’s Palette, where mineral deposits have painted the rocks in shades of pink, purple, green, and yellow. It’s a photographer’s paradise.
Evening:
Zabriskie Point for Sunset: End your first day at Zabriskie Point, one of the most famous viewpoints in Death Valley. The panoramic views of the golden, rippled badlands are particularly stunning at sunset. Watch as the colors of the landscape change with the fading light.
Dinner at The Inn at Death Valley Dining Room: For dinner, treat yourself to a meal at The Inn at Death Valley’s dining room. This historic and elegant restaurant offers a fine dining experience with a menu that includes locally inspired dishes and classic American cuisine.
Day 2: Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Northern Death Valley
Morning:
Breakfast at The Inn at Death Valley: Start your day with a breakfast at The Inn at Death Valley. Enjoy a selection of breakfast items with a beautiful view of the surrounding desert landscape.
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: Head to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes early in the morning to catch the sunrise. The soft light creates stunning shadows and highlights on the dunes. This is also the best time to explore, as the temperatures are cooler, and the dunes are less crowded. Take a walk or simply enjoy the serene beauty of the shifting sands.
Mid-Morning:
Drive to Stovepipe Wells: Continue your journey to Stovepipe Wells, a small settlement in the park. Stop by the Stovepipe Wells General Store for snacks and souvenirs.
Mosaic Canyon: Just a short drive from Stovepipe Wells, visit Mosaic Canyon. This narrow, polished marble canyon is a hidden gem, offering a moderate hike through its smooth, walled passages. The unique rock formations and smooth walls are mesmerizing, making it a must-see.
Lunch:
Lunch at Toll Road Restaurant: Return to Stovepipe Wells for lunch at the Toll Road Restaurant. This casual eatery offers a variety of sandwiches, burgers, and salads. It’s a great spot to refuel before continuing your adventure.
Afternoon:
Scotty’s Castle and Ubehebe Crater: Drive north to visit Scotty’s Castle, a historic and somewhat quirky Spanish-style mansion in the desert (Note: As of now, Scotty’s Castle is closed due to flood damage, so check ahead for reopening). Afterward, head to Ubehebe Crater, a massive volcanic crater. Take the short walk to the rim for incredible views into the crater, or for those feeling adventurous, hike down into the crater itself.
Racetrack Playa: If time permits and you have a high-clearance vehicle, consider visiting the Racetrack Playa, famous for its “sailing stones.” These rocks mysteriously move across the dry lake bed, leaving trails behind them. The drive to Racetrack Playa is long and requires a 4WD vehicle, so plan accordingly.
Evening:
Return to Furnace Creek: Drive back to Furnace Creek for the evening.
Dinner at Stovepipe Wells Village Saloon: Enjoy a casual dinner at the Stovepipe Wells Village Saloon. The saloon has a cozy, old-western atmosphere, serving up hearty meals like steak, chicken, and pasta.
Stargazing: After dinner, take advantage of Death Valley’s status as a designated Dark Sky Park. The lack of light pollution makes it one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Head out to a dark spot, lay back, and enjoy the incredible view of the Milky Way.
Day 3: Exploration of Southern Death Valley
Morning:
Breakfast at The Ranch at Death Valley: Begin your final day with breakfast at The Ranch’s buffet, offering a wide selection of breakfast favorites to start your day.
Dante’s View: Drive to Dante’s View, one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in Death Valley. From this vantage point, perched at 5,475 feet, you can see the entire valley below, including Badwater Basin. The early morning light creates a stunning contrast between the mountains and the valley floor.
Mid-Morning:
Golden Canyon and Red Cathedral Hike: Head to Golden Canyon for a moderately challenging hike to Red Cathedral. The 3-mile round-trip hike takes you through the golden, rocky canyon to a stunning red rock formation. The hike offers great views and a closer look at the geological wonders of Death Valley.
Lunch:
Picnic Lunch at Furnace Creek: Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it at one of the picnic areas near Furnace Creek. The oasis-like surroundings offer a peaceful spot to relax before continuing your day.
Afternoon:
Devil’s Golf Course: Visit Devil’s Golf Course, a vast salt pan covered in jagged salt formations. The landscape here is incredibly rugged and unlike anything else in the park. The eerie silence and the sharp, crusty terrain make it a unique stop.
Natural Bridge: Take the short hike to Natural Bridge, a large rock arch that spans a dry canyon. The hike is about 2 miles round trip and is relatively easy, offering a chance to see this interesting natural formation up close.
Ashford Mill Ruins: End your exploration with a visit to the Ashford Mill Ruins. These remnants of a gold processing mill offer a glimpse into the area’s mining history and provide a stark contrast to the surrounding desert landscape.
Evening:
Sunset at Zabriskie Point: If time allows, make one last stop at Zabriskie Point for another spectacular sunset. The changing colors of the landscape as the sun sets are a fitting end to your Death Valley adventure.
Dinner at The Wrangler Steakhouse: For your final dinner, head to The Wrangler Steakhouse at The Ranch. Enjoy a classic steakhouse meal with a variety of options including steaks, chicken, and seafood, all served in a cozy, western-themed setting.
Departure: After dinner, you can either spend one last night at your accommodation or begin your journey home, filled with memories of the incredible landscapes and unique experiences of Death Valley.
Conclusion
Death Valley National Park offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience with its extreme landscapes, fascinating geological formations, and historic sites. This 3-day itinerary ensures you experience the best of what the park has to offer, from the iconic Badwater Basin and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes to the hidden gems like Mosaic Canyon and Ubehebe Crater. Whether you’re hiking through canyons, exploring ancient salt flats, or stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the country, your trip to Death Valley will be an adventure you’ll never forget.
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