Death Valley National Park is the perfect National park for a day trip. I had to cross Death Valley to make my way to Las Vegas from California. Death Valley was rather exciting to me because I haven’t explored much of the
Death Valley Background
The name Death Valley National Park says it all. It is America’s lowest point and is famous for being one of the hottest places in the world during summertime. Lucky for me, I was visiting in October, which was still pretty hot during the day. In the million squares of miles that are death valley, you will find rare desert wildlife, colorful sands and canyons, and unique salt formations.
Death Valley received it’s name from the California Gold Rush era (source). Apparently, several people died trying to cross as they made their way to western California. In the late 1880s, borax was extracted from the valley and you can still see reminisces left behind from the factories.
Death Valley Attractions I Saw
As I stated earlier, Death Valley was just a day passing through on the way to Vegas. I only was able to spend about half a day here, but I was able to cover quite a few different things. Honestly, I personally think a full day here is plenty to see what this National Park has to offer.
Harmony Borax Works
After stopping at the visitor’s center for some water and a quick briefing on the park, this was the next stop. Harmony Borax works was created in 1881 and refined mud until 1888. Upon pulling up, you can see the remains of a building and boiler machines used to refine the mud for borax. Also there, as shown above, is the remains of wagon used to export borax out of death valley. This was the first successful borax mining facility in Death Valley.
Zabriskie Point
This was my second stop and the first real sightseeing I did in Death valley. Walking up to the viewpoint you are rewarded with stunning views of dunes that range in colors from brown to reddish. The badlands, as they are called, were nothing short of beautiful. I find it surreal that America has geological features like this.
Dante’s View
Dante’s View was said to be the best view of Death Valley from the park ranger I spoke to and was an absolute must. After driving up a steep road, you are rewarded with an amazing view of the valley floor. Also, once up top, you can keep walking past the viewpoint to a couple of other peaks that offer more views of Death Valley. It was a little out of the way, but totally worth it. I understood why the Park Ranger told me it was a must see.
Also, while I was up there they had a metal can that was stuck in the ground. On this can Is tuck one of my Byoungz constellation stickers that seemed to be quite the hit! I was tagged several times on Instagram and received a few messages. Thanks everyone!
Badwater Basin
The Park Ranger informed me this was the lowest spot of land in the Western Hemisphere. This is also one of the most famous things to go see while in Death Valley National Park. Unfortunately for me, the Badwater Lake was dried up and it was nothing but salt flats.
Artist’s Drive and Artist’s Palette
Ended the trip of Death Valley with the Art’s Drive and Artist’s Palette on my way out. This drive rewards you with colors sand dunes along the Black Mountains (which aren’t so black!) The Artist’s Pallete is a section that is filled with greens, reds, pink, and orange. It was a beautiful way to end the trip in Death Valley. An everlasting sunset so to speak.