Death Valley National Park

Adventure:

There is no shortage of adventure to be had in Death Valley National Park. The main city in Death Valley is Furnace Creek, where most camping and visitor center is located.

Furnace Creek

Furnace Creek is the main town in Death Valley. It has one of the two gas stations in Death Valley, but the prices are astronomical. The town also has an airport, resort, gift shop, camping grounds, and restaurant. It’s also the location of the main Death Valley National Park visitor center. Most adventures into Death Valley start here.

Hiking

There is plenty of desert hiking throughout the national park. The majority of family-friendly hikes are located within 10-minutes of Furnace Creek. More challenging hikes are located throughout the park. The main tourist hikes in the park include:

Website: Death Valley National Park Hiking Page

• Natural Bridge Trail: Easy (1 mile out and back through a canyon to a natural arch) (pictured above)
• Golden Canyon Trail: Moderate (# Miles out and back to Red Cathedral)
• Badwater Basin Trail: Easy (1 mile out and back on the salt flat)
• Gower Gulch Loop: Moderate (4.3-mile loop)

Exploring

There are several places to visit while in Death Valley. Each place offers a unique perspective of the beauty of the park. A few of the places include:

• Artist Pallet: A place full of beautiful colors on the rocks that resemble an artist’s pallet. (Pictures above)
• Zabinski Point: A famous overlook into Death Valley with a fantastic rock formation.
• Dante’s View: The best view of the park
• Devil’s Golf Course: A collection featuring salt crystal formations formed by the minerals of a past lake.

Camping

There are several campgrounds located in Death Valley National Park. The three below are located in Furnace Creek.

• Furnace Creek Campground: Reservations, Full Hook-ups
• Texas Springs Campground: First Come First Serve ($14 per night)
• Sunset Campground: First Come First Serve ($14 Per night)(pictured above)

Boondocking

Death Valley is one of a few national parks that you are allowed to boondock.  There are a number of old miner cabins located throughout the park that are first come first serve. If you do happen to be the first one and decided to stay, just remember to raise the American flag to show that it’s occupied. 

Just make sure you boondock in the correct locations because there are places you can’t like Badwater Basin. Check out the park map for locations. 

It’s a privilege to have Death Valley National Park for our enjoyment, so please practice Leave No Trace principles.