Epic Photo Adventure in Death Valley

These Death Valley pictures take you on a photo tour of the most common sights in the nation’s largest national park. If you can’t go there, or want to see what it looks like before you go, enjoy!

It’s also a self-guided driving tour. After a little information about Death Valley wildflowers, it starts at Badwater near Furnace Creek. From there, it goes north to Scotty’s Castle, past the sand dunes near Stovepipe Wells and back to Harmony Borax Works.

Death Valley is located on California’s southeastern border, actually closer to Las Vegas than any of California’s big cities. No matter where you’re coming from to visit, our photo tour starts in Baker, off I-15, 94 miles west of Las Vegas and 177 miles east of Los Angeles. Exit I-15 going north on CA Hwy 127.

On the way to Death Valley, you’ll pass through the towns of Tecopa and Shoshone. At Shoshone, take CA Hwy 127 toward Furnace Creek and Death Valley, and travel about 30 miles west before the road turns north.

No matter which route you choose to get into Death Valley, you’ll climb to almost 5,000 feet before dropping down into the valley floor. We think this route over Salsberry Pass is the most scenic – and it’s easily drivable, as long as you don’t have a really long vehicle or vehicle/trailer combination. With the temperature rising 14 degrees while the road drops 3,200 feet from Salsberry Pass to below sea level, it’s hard to resist comparisons with Dante’s Inferno.

On the way to Furnace Creek, you’ll pass the ruins of Ashford Mill and Lake Manly, a seasonal lake that only has water in it after big rains, and even then only for a short time. The last 15 miles of the drive are the most sight-filled, starting at Badwater, where the elevation sinks to 292 feet below sea level.

In a good year, the southern part of this drive is also the best place to see wildflowers in Death Valley.

Wildflowers in Death Valley

The key to a great Death Valley wildflower display is ample winter rain. The best blooms occur when the first rain falls in September or October, followed by above-average rain over the winter. Water isn’t enough, though. It also takes warmth – and the wind can’t blow too much, or it will dry everything out.

When a year comes that gets everything right, Death Valley wildflower blooms are spectacular, but the blooms are fleeting. Most of the showy desert wildflowers are in a hurry to sprout, grow, and go to seed before the heat and dryness return. Generally, wildflowers may bloom in the lower elevations from mid-February through mid-April. However, blooms at Death Valley’s higher elevations (over 5,000 feet) may last into July.

In 2005 and 2016, Death Valley experienced perfect conditions that led to a wildflower season so spectacular that it made the news all over the country. Not every year will see wildflowers that abundant, but you’ll find some nice blooms almost every year.

You’ll find wildflower updates linked from the Death Valley website, usually starting in late winter and issued once a week at its most frequent.

Going to Death Valley for the Wildflowers

Many people have stalked the Death Valley wildflower bloom for years. It can be as elusive as timing the stock market. However, to have a better chance, consider these tips.

Here’s an example from 2010: Hotel capacity is limited, so based on early information and general bloom dates, one could reserve accommodations at Furnace Creek Inn months in advance. Yet, it’s crucial to monitor wildflower reports closer to travel dates, as early reservations can lead to disappointments. Cancellations can lead to missed opportunities.

If you go during the general bloom time, you’re likely to see something and are more likely to retain your sanity (and composure) in the process.

The photo above was taken during the 2016 Death Valley wildflower bloom season.

Badwater

Badwater is the lowest place in the western hemisphere and the eighth-lowest spot in the world. Along with the Salton Sea south of Palm Springs (-227 feet), it makes the United States the only country to have two locations among the world’s lowest places.

The precise location of the lowest point (-292 feet) is not marked, but a walk from the parking area leads past the salt-laden, bad-tasting waterholes that inspired the location’s name. The white material you see at Badwater is mostly the same as common table salt, mixed with calcite, gypsum, and borax.

Water and dryness cycles constantly change how the salts look. Geologists refer to this area as an example of “basin and range,” meaning it is being pulled apart. The Panamint and Black Mountain ranges rise on either side of Death Valley, causing the valley floor to sink like a basin.

In the parking lot, away from Badwater, look up on the hillside for a sign that proclaims “sea level.” It’s the best way to grasp just how low Badwater really is.

Badwater is officially recognized as the hottest place on Earth. Mid-summer temperatures in other parts of the park approach those found here.

Devil’s Golf Course

Heading north from Badwater, you’ll encounter the Devil’s Golf Course. This area is the remains of Death Valley’s last lake, which disappeared over 2,000 years ago. The lumpy surface forms when salty water rises through the mud, leaving behind little pillars of salt as the water evaporates.

Artist’s Palette

A side drive from the main road leads you to Artist’s Palette. It is located on the east side of the valley, a few miles north of Badwater, and is reached by a one-way, paved road called Artist’s Drive. This is a 9-mile loop road, passable by passenger vehicles but with turns too sharp for anything longer than 25 feet.

The highlight here is the stunning array of colors in the volcanic and sedimentary rocks that form the hills. Driving in, visitors will see various red-browns, but the real treat is at the overlook called Artist’s Palette, where a spectrum of purples through greens appears. Hot water played a major role in forming this colorful landscape, as it brought minerals that contribute to the vibrant hues. The formations are notably photogenic, especially in the late afternoon light.

Salt Flat

This landscape, resembling a giant’s honeycomb but made of salt, stretches for miles. Beneath the surface lies mud and salt, which the intense summer heat dries and cracks, causing more water to evaporate through them and leaving the raised “walls” of salt behind.

Golden Canyon

Continuing north, you’ll reach Golden Canyon.

This water-carved canyon near Furnace Creek provides a great location for a shuttle hike if you have two vehicles. The trail begins at the canyon’s mouth, 160 feet (49m) below sea level, climbing to about 300 feet (91m) within the first mile.

Zabriskie Point View

When you reach the intersection of CA Hwy 178 and CA Hwy 190, you can continue straight north to Furnace Creek and other sights in Death Valley. A brief side trip (about 2 miles) on Hwy 190 will lead you to Zabriskie Point, which sits about 750 feet above the valley you just drove through, with Gower Gulch in the foreground.

The landscape at Zabriskie Point is often referred to as “badlands,” which describes any dry area with deeply-eroded soft rocks and clay-rich soil. This view looks west across the badlands, back down into Death Valley and towards the mountains on the opposite side. The black rock layer is lava that oozed into an ancient lake bed.

From the parking lot, you have several options. The easiest hike is a slightly steep, paved, 100-yard-long trail up the hill to Zabriskie Point, where you can gaze down into the surrounding badlands and over into the valley. For a closer look, various hiking trails begin from here. The 2.5-mile Badlands Loop returns to your starting point, but to hike to the Golden Canyon Trailhead, you’ll need a second vehicle on the opposite side, or prepare for a lengthy hike out and back.

Before starting any of these hikes, consult with one of the rangers at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. They can provide updates on current trail conditions and help you determine if the hike you’re considering is right for you.

Continue about 25 miles past Zabriskie Point on CA Hwy 190 heading southeast to reach Death Valley Junction and the Amargosa Opera House. If you’re headed to Las Vegas, follow the signs for the most efficient directions.

If you’re leaving Death Valley, you can proceed south on CA Hwy 127 to return to Shoshone, one of the towns on the way into the valley on this photo tour.

Dante’s View

Take the turnoff about 8 miles past Zabriskie Point to reach Dante’s View, which sits over a mile above the valley floor. The road to the viewpoint is not suitable for vehicles over 25 feet long; although it looks straightforward when you start in, the last quarter mile is steep (15% grade) and full of hairpin turns. If towing a trailer, you’ll find two designated parking areas.

The elevation at Dante’s View is 5,475 feet, providing a western-facing view of the Panamint Mountains and Badwater basin. On a clear day, it’s possible to see both the highest and lowest points in the United States – Mt. Whitney and Badwater – at the same time. Any day, it will be 15°F or more cooler here than at sea level, so it’s wise to bring an extra layer of clothing, particularly if you visit in the morning.

The large sign near the parking area indicates all the prominent landmarks visible in the distance.

The Dante who inspired the point’s name is the Italian writer Dante Alighieri, known for his work, the Divine Comedy, which describes the nine circles of Hell. Local officials visiting the area in 1929 chose the name.

Regardless of your plans, if you want to explore more of Death Valley, head back northwest on CA Hwy 190 toward Furnace Creek, just north of where Hwy 127 intersects Hwy 190.

Furnace Creek

Furnace Creek Resort is central to Death Valley’s early tourism and still has the most sights and activities available within the park.

If you’re considering a stay at Furnace Creek, it could be beneficial to know more about your options. If you’re passing through, you may still want to stop for a meal, stretch your legs, get gasoline, or visit the Borax Museum.

If your time is extremely limited and you entered Death Valley via the described route, your fastest way out is CA Hwy 190 through Death Valley Junction. From there, follow the signs for Las Vegas (which often prove more effective than many GPS systems) or stay on CA Hwy 127 to return to Shoshone, one of the towns visited on the way into the valley in this photo tour.

Harmony Borax Works

Early explorers of Death Valley sought shiny treasures like gold and silver, yet Harry Spiller understood better. He came to Death Valley in search of a mineral called borax, a white substance containing the element boron. Used in various applications since ancient times, borax is found abundantly in Death Valley.

Spiller made and lost a fortune when he found borax in the valley, but it was William T. Coleman who capitalized on its commercial potential, mining and purifying borax before transporting it out using wagon trains drawn by teams of twenty mules, hence the brand “20-Mule Team Borax.”

The Harmony Borax Works began production in the winter of 1883-1884, processing up to three tons of borax per day from 1883 through 1888.

Devil’s Cornfield

Despite the name, there’s not a stalk of corn in sight at the imaginatively named Devil’s Cornfield. The plant that can be seen is called Arrowweed, which may resemble a small bush. This desert survivor has adapted to the harsh conditions of blowing sand and soil erosion by growing in clumps. At certain times of the year, they might look a bit like corn shocks, which might be the inspiration behind the name.

Stovepipe Wells

Stovepipe Wells is located on the northern end of Death Valley and offers lodging, food, a gift shop, and a gas station. Additionally, a small market is available for snacks and drinks.

The origin of the unusual name varies, but all accounts mention a hard-to-find well and a stovepipe. Whether it was used to line the well or merely to mark its location remains unclear, but local historical markers favor the latter story.

Mesquite Dunes

Located a few miles from Stovepipe Wells and a short hike from the road, the Mesquite Sand Dunes are the tallest sand dunes in California and among the highest in North America, rising 680 feet above a dry lake bed. Formed by wind and sand from the Cottonwood Mountains, the sand dunes cover an area approximately three miles long by one mile wide.

Look closely and you’ll see two people climbing them, one wearing red and one wearing black.

Rhyolite

Situated east of the national park on Bureau of Land Management property west of Beatty, Nevada, Rhyolite is the best-preserved ghost town in the Death Valley area. Unlike many mining towns, Rhyolite featured buildings made from permanent materials rather than temporary canvas and wood, providing more to explore than in many gold rush towns across the region.

At its peak, around 6,000 people resided here. Today, well-preserved structures include the Bottle House, train depot, a three-story bank building, school, jail, and store.

To visit Rhyolite, you will take a 60-mile (round trip) detour outside the national park. From CA Hwy 190, turn east approximately 19 miles north of Furnace Creek onto Daylight Pass Road. Shortly after crossing the Nevada border, you’ll see the sign for Rhyolite. Use the Rhyolite visitor guide for further instructions on how to get there and what you can see.

If your vehicle is suited for it, you can optionally take the Daylight Pass Cutoff and stop by the Keane Wonder Mine en route. The scant remains of Chloride City can also be viewed about 8 miles east of the main road just before reaching the border.

Alluvial Fan

Alluvial fans may sound like something a quirky relative would produce when feeling overheated, but geologically, they form when water flows vigorously through a canyon, carrying various dirt and small rocks. Upon reaching the canyon’s mouth, it drops the debris, creating a fan shape. In case you were curious, “alluvium” refers to the sediment transported and deposited by running water.

This particular fan was photographed from the highway leading towards Scotty’s Castle. Interestingly, alluvial fans are also observed on Mars, as noted by the IAG Planetary Geomorphology Working Group.

Ubehebe Crater and The Racetrack

Ubehebe, meaning “windy place,” is aptly named. This crater formed during a cryptovolcanic eruption, an explosive event driven by superheated groundwater.

Luckily, we weren’t present during that cataclysm; in geological terms, it was just a brief moment ago, but by human calendars, it happened approximately 2,000 years back. Hot, molten rock rising toward the surface turned groundwater into steam, and like an overheated pressure cooker, the entire formation exploded, flinging rocks as far as six miles away, thus creating the crater, which spans a half-mile across and descends 500 feet deep.

The journey to visit Ubehebe Crater and Scotty’s Castle is over 30 miles (one way), and the only paved route out is through the same way you entered. Both are fascinating sights, but if you’re short on time, you can save over two hours by continuing west from Stovepipe Wells towards Emigrant Gap.

The Racetrack

This area, named for the oval shape of its flat, dry lake bed, holds one of Death Valley’s most perplexing mysteries. Here, boulders weighing up to 700 pounds move across impeccably flat ground, leaving trails that indicate their paths. To visit this unusual location, head 28 miles southwest of Ubehebe Crater via an unpaved road, which is recommended for high-clearance vehicles. You’ll need a four-wheel-drive vehicle and a majority of a day for this adventure, taking the unpaved route through Racetrack Valley.

Scientists uncovered how these rocks mysteriously move, as reported in a 2014 LA Times article. Sadly, a driver chose to add their tracks to the rocks’ paths, as noted by a 2016 report in the San Jose Mercury News. It’ll take a significant rainfall to restore the damage inflicted.

Scotty’s Castle

As of 2015, a flash flood washed out the road to Scotty’s Castle, rendering it closed until 2019, according to the National Park Service.

When it reopens, a guide will be available for information on visiting.

Skidoo Ghost Town

To reach the Skidoo Ghost Town, head south from Hwy 190 for about 10 miles on Emigrant Canyon Road, which leads to a trio of worthwhile side trip destinations.

The first of these is Skidoo Ghost Town, located a few miles off the main road. The photo shown is of the old Eureka Mine, which is just off the road.

Aguereberry Point

The picturesque Aguereberry Point overlooks much of Death Valley from a height of 6,433 feet and is well worth the 30-minute drive off Emigrant Canyon Road. Although it is unpaved, during visits we found that most passenger vehicles with good clearance could navigate it. However, the road conditions vary—it’s best to check with a park ranger before heading out.

If you’ve just visited Skidoo or the Eureka Mine, continue along Emigrant Canyon Road, and you’ll find the turnoff to Aguereberry Point about 2.5 miles ahead. Follow the wide, easy trail left of the large rock formation to reach the best views at the endpoint.

Charcoal Kilns

Just beyond Wildrose Campground, you’ll find a turn to the Charcoal Kilns and Mahogany Flat Campground.

Built by the Modock Mining Company in 1877 to produce charcoal fuel for silver mine smelters situated 25 miles away, these 25-foot-tall kilns stand as some of the best surviving examples of charcoal kilns in the western United States.

A short portion of the road leading to Panamint Valley Road is sometimes marked as “limited access” on certain maps. If you go this route, follow Panamint Valley Road north to rejoin Hwy 190.

Panamint Springs

Panamint Springs is right at the edge of the national park, featuring a small motel, RV park, restaurant, and gas station. Exploring your options before staying could add to your experience.

From Panamint Springs, take CA Hwy 190 west to connect to US Hwy 395. Your next route depends on your destination:

• For a glimpse of California’s fascinating landscapes, head north on US Hwy 395.
• If you’re making your way to the coast, Sequoia National Park, or Yosemite, go south on 395 to US Hwy 58 west towards Bakersfield.
• For a return to Baker and onward to Las Vegas, take US 395 south, then US Hwy 48 east toward Barstow and I-15.
• To reach the Los Angeles Metro area, take US 395 south, US Hwy 58 west, and CA Hwy 14 south through Lancaster to connect with I-5.

A few miles past Panamint Springs, just outside Death Valley National Park’s boundaries, you’ll find the ghost town of Darwin.