As the scorching heat of summer turns Death Valley nights to cool and starry and days to perfection, it’s a perfect time to uncover the Secrets of Death Valley, and, as winter turns to spring, the hope of wildflowers adds to the discoveries at every turn. Design your own fascinating nature exploration filled with history, from visits to Badwater Salt Flats at 282 feet below sea level to stunning panoramic vistas of the park from 11,049 feet up at Telescope Peak.
Choose your Adventure
Shoreline Butte, Badwater & Harmony Borax Works
Stop in Ashford Mill to witness evidence of the shoreline of historic Lake Manly. At its zenith 22,000 years ago, the lake was over 80 miles long and over 600 feet deep, but disappeared thousands of years ago. A stop at Badwater, 282 feet below sea, places visitors in the lowest place in North America and the eighth lowest place on Earth. The dramatic depth is enhanced by the backdrop of the Panamint Range rising over 11,000 feet. A visit to Harmony Borax Works reveals the mining history of “the white gold of Death Valley.”
Dante’s View, Salt Creek & Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Experience Dante’s View, located at 5,475 feet, and take in a stunning panorama of all from Telescope Peak. Learn about the creation of the park’s many alluvial fans, the product of millions of years of sporadic yet constant erosion. Later visit Salt Creek and learn about the amazing pupfish, endemic to Death Valley and uniquely adapted to survive in the desert’s harsh environment. The day’s activities could also include a walk among the picturesque sand dunes and night-time stargazing.
Titus Canyon & Ubehebe Crater
Explore the Titus Canyon narrows and hike among the stratifications of rock marking millions of years of geological history. The opening of the canyon affords the best chance to see a chuckwalla in its natural habitat. These sizable lizards have evolved to inflate their bodies to wedge themselves in the cracks in the rock they live in to deter predators. Marvel at Ubehebe Crater, site of a massive volcanic explosion leaving a pit in the earth over 500 feet deep and a half-mile across. Consider a 2-mile hike around the rim of the crater.
Zabriskie Point, Golden Canyon & Artist’s Palette
Wake just before dawn to reach Zabriskie Point to witness the sunlight slowly illuminate the surrounding mountains. After breakfast, hike through the multi-hued walls of Golden Canyon toward the Red Cathedral or continue with a longer hike through Gower Gulch.
