What to do and see in Death Valley National Park, Inyo County: The Best Things to do Adventurous

September 6, 2021 Leonarda Pillsbury

Death Valley offers much to do in the winter season.
Restaurants in Death Valley National Park

1. Telescope Peak trail

Death Valley National Park, CA http://www.protrails.com/trails/view/23
Excellent
88%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 25 reviews

Telescope Peak trail

Strenuous hiking trail with an elevation gain of 3,000 feet to the highest summit in the Panamint range at 11,049 feet.

Reviewed By catchuslater - Sequim, United States

Recommend to go in spring or early fall when days are longer. It’s a medium level hike for us...and we are in our 70’s. It doesnt get steep until the very last part. The last time we did it...on Halloween.....the wind was whipping us and it was pretty cold. Be prepared, but it’s very doable.

2. The Racetrack

Racetrack Valley Road, Death Valley National Park, CA 92328 +1 760-786-3200 https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/the-racetrack.htm
Excellent
72%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 272 reviews

The Racetrack

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. Ubehebe Crater

Death Valley National Park, CA 92328 +1 760-786-2331 http://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm
Excellent
66%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 571 reviews

Ubehebe Crater

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.

4. Titus Canyon

Titus Canyon Road, Death Valley National Park, CA 92328 +1 760-786-3200 http://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/titus-canyon.htm
Excellent
78%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 455 reviews

Titus Canyon

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!

5. Eureka Dunes

South Eureka Valley Road, Death Valley National Park, CA 92328 +1 760-786-3200 http://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/eureka-dunes.htm
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 123 reviews

Eureka Dunes

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

6. The Devil's Speedway

Death Valley National Park, CA
Excellent
71%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 62 reviews

The Devil's Speedway

This rough road is one of the notable sights in the middle of the valley.

Reviewed By gkw09 - Cambridge, United Kingdom

Without a car but yours on the road, you can fly down the road at terrific pace marvelling at all of the natural beauty around you. Some amazing scenery, just unbelievable, and a cool breeze as you drive down The Devil’s Speedway makes for a brilliant experience.

7. Mosaic Canyon

Route 190, Death Valley National Park, CA 92328 +1 760-786-3200 http://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/mosaic-canyon.htm
Excellent
62%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 498 reviews

Mosaic Canyon

Reviewed By alisaj_12 - Santa Clarita, United States

This was one of my favorites in DV! Easy hike, is best at mid day. The sunlight on the marble veined walls is amazing. There are a few marble slides, the kids and adults will like, and if you've got a rock hound they'll be in heaven!

8. Death Valley Excursions - Day Tours

Excellent
72%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 190 reviews

Death Valley Excursions - Day Tours

Death Valley Excursions is a locally owned and operated tour company, built on the concept that life is a journey and not a destination and that every experience should be as unique and personalized as possible. We customize every tour based on your unique interests and abilities. From hiking, to backpacking, and sightseeing tours. We offer single day tours as well as multiday adventures.

9. Farabee's Jeep Rentals

Excellent
94%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 33 reviews

Farabee's Jeep Rentals

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