Top Things to do in Death Valley National Park
Top Hotels in Death Valley National Park
Top 10 Free Things to do in Death Valley National Park, Inyo County
Death Valley offers much to do in the winter season.
Restaurants in Death Valley National Park
1. Dante's View
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,237 reviews
Reviewed By lkbashor - Carson City, United States
High atop Dante's View above Death Valley you will see what I can only describe as breathtaking, spectacular views. This is a MUST drive that is about located above Badwater Basin, looking out over all of Death Valley, into Panamint Valley and on the clearest of days you will see Mount Whitney - WOW just WOW beautiful! Making the drive 16 miles south of Furnace Creek was well worth it, with even getting a reprieve in temperature from the valley floor in Death Valley, seeing a significant drop of 10 to 20 degrees. On the particular day we went we even had wind gusts of upwards of 40 mph that had us cautious of getting close to the edge. Grab your binoculars to spot out different places at 5575 feet above it all - you will want to photograph your smiling faces with the colors of the desert landscape below and the panaromic views all around. Well worth IT!!
2. The Racetrack
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 272 reviews
Unusual desert area where rocks move from place to place, but the actual movements have never been observed by humans.
Reviewed By 711lynnw - Kellyville, United States
We rented a Jeep from Farabee’s Jeep Rentals at Furnace Creek and, armed with water, maps, and a Spot GPS tracker, we hit the road to the Racetrack Playa. We were instructed to go 15 mph on the road, but due to the washboard rough conditions, we bumped it up to 35-40 mph and the ride smoothed out. There are a few areas with blind spots along the road to the racetrack but we slowed down in plenty of time and had no issues. The road is technically two-way but it is really only wide enough for one vehicle most of the time. When meeting an oncoming vehicle, one must pull off to the side a bit to allow the other to pass. We made it to the Grandstand in about 1 hour (from the start of the Racetrack Road) and we walked around the Grandstand for a bit and took some pictures. The views are great from atop the rocks. A little further down the road is the spot where the rocks have left tracks. To see many of the rocks requires a walk of about ½ mile. We saw several rocks, some with very faint tracks and others with much better trails. The walk out to the Grandstand and the Racetrack rocks is on smooth even ground (this was in December 2018). The parking areas are small but we didn’t have any trouble finding a spot. There are no facilities at either the Grandstand or Racetrack Playa. Even as remote as this place is, there was a good amount of traffic in and out. I highly recommend renting a Jeep from Farabee’s and saving the wear and tear on your own vehicle. The Jeep took the abuse we gave it and we had no issues at all. From Furnace Creek to the Playa and back will take about 8 hours.
3. Zabriskie Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,799 reviews
A dramatic look-out point in Death Valley.
Reviewed By cranemantim - Pahrump, United States
Beautiful overlook, especially after it has rained like this morning for amazing sunsets, it's an easy hike up small hill from parking lot.
4. Badwater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,980 reviews
Located in Death Valley, this small salt pond is more than 280 feet below sea level, making it the lowest point in North America.
Reviewed By Baywalk827 - Hayward, United States
It is totally cool to be 282 feet below sea level surrounded by salt that looks like snow! Enjoy a hike out and marvel at the earth's processes and vastness of the valley. Visiting during cooler season recommended.
5. Golden Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 611 reviews
These fan-shaped mountains created by the deposits of millions of years of flash floods are a good place for day hikes.
Reviewed By izzygirl417 - Chicago, United States
We hiked Golden Canyon just to see more of the NP, it was a rather quick and easy hike, we actually did it in regular shoes, and clothing. Definately bring some water of course because this is Death Valley. Soak in the Golden colors of the rocks, such a pretty hike.
6. Twenty Mule Team Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 342 reviews
A tortuous 2.8 mile road riddled with tunnels - a legacy from years of Borax prospecting.
Reviewed By Philly413 - Newmarket, Canada
This is a small side unpaved road where the 20 mule team used to bring borax. So for laundry fans now you know why it’s called 20 mule team borax, and for Star Wars fans, Tatooine. It’s an interesting drive that can be done in a car no problem.
7. Titus Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 455 reviews
Perhaps the most memorable thing about this Death Valley canyon is the trip you'll take to it.
Reviewed By V6350LQrichardl - Cook, United States
Was one of, if not the best, dual-sport / adventure motorcycle rides I have ever done. Simply spectacular. Perfect for moderately skilled adventure motorcyclists, though may be a bit too much for a novice on a heavy bike. Would probably be fine for a novice on a light enduro, though note National Park rules restrict motorcycles to street legal bikes I think, which is good because it limits traffic. Would be no problem in any stock high clearance 4X4, though longbed pickups may not be able to get around some of the tight turns. On a Sunday at noon, I rode the whole trail and saw only one other party, a couple in a jeep, all of which contributed awesomely to the sense of isolation and wonder. The ascent from the east is unremarkable, and one may think, "What's the big deal?", but then you crest a couple passes and you are blessed with amazing views down into the narrow valley falls that away from you. Descending into it on narrow steep switchbacks through incredible, steep rock formations was so fun and visually stimulating. Every 30 seconds, you are saying, "Holy S***!" Ghost Town! Petroglyphs! After a couple miles of steep descent, one has the sense that you are about to emerge out of the valley, but you would be wrong! The valley floor, essentially a large dry riverbed extends another several miles, narrowing dramatically. Each new turn provides another seemingly even better view than the one just before. Finally, you get dumped out at the end of the canyon. I want to do it again!
8. Ubehebe Crater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 571 reviews
Ubehebe and its little brother (a smaller crater) winningly tempt hikers down their steep and colorful slopes.
Reviewed By 58mads
I've never seen a crater before, and this one is easily accessible. You can see it from the parking lot. You can also walk down into it, but the uphill climb back up, I understand, is a little steep. I didn't go down. From Stovepipe Wells, where we stayed, it's an easy 30 mile drive on paved road. Well worth the trip.
9. Panamint Mountains
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
Spectacularly rugged Death Valley mountains.
Reviewed By Goodness4you - Newport Beach, United States
The hikes to Jawhawker Canyon and Rood Rock are absolutely fabulous. You'll need a good guide book, plenty of water, and good boots.
10. Eureka Dunes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
These dunes, the highest in the state, are located near Death Valley.
Reviewed By OneJImHeywood - Richmond, United States
but a very tough trip and even more daunting if you want to see the back side. That will require a cross desert trek across rock strewn landscape and regular water runoff channels. You will want a rugged four wheel drive vehicle
