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Discover Death Valley: How to Maximize a Short Trip to the Desert

Death Valley National Park Entrance Sign

Overview of Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park, one of the hottest places on Earth, boasts a remarkable variety of landscapes that stretch across vast desert plains, towering mountains, and salt flats that sit below sea level. Located in eastern California and stretching into Nevada, this park covers over 3 million acres and offers unique geological formations, such as colorful canyons, shifting sand dunes, and fascinating salt flats. Despite its harsh environment, Death Valley is a destination packed with breathtaking beauty and must-see spots. Here’s a look at our whirlwind trip to Death Valley, filled with practical tips and personal experiences to help you plan your own adventure!

Friday Afternoon: The Journey Begins

We started our adventure by flying into Las Vegas and renting a car at the airport around 2 p.m. Death Valley is just a two-hour drive from Vegas, making it an ideal destination for a quick weekend getaway. Along the way, we made a brief pit stop at a grocery store to stock up on essential supplies: snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, and lunch for Saturday’s adventure.

The drive to Death Valley was stunning, with the scenery changing from the bustling urban landscape of Las Vegas to wide-open desert, rolling hills, and jagged mountain ranges. We passed through Pahrump, a commercial area where you can refuel, grab a bite, or pick up last-minute necessities before entering the park.

Arrival at the Park: Getting Set Up

As we approached the park’s east entrance, we used the convenient 24/7 kiosk to purchase our park pass. It was around 4:45 p.m., so we made a quick stop at Furnace Creek Visitor Center before it closed at 5 p.m. Here, we grabbed an official park map—an essential tool for navigating this vast park. When we stepped out of the car, we were hit with a wave of intense heat—it was 121°F! Be sure to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity during the heat of the day.

Staying at The Ranch at Death Valley

We checked into The Ranch at Death Valley, one of the few lodging options inside the park. Surrounded by palm trees and nestled in an oasis, this hotel offers fantastic views of the nearby mountains, perfect for catching sunrises and sunsets. The location is super convenient, right in the heart of the park, and just next to a gas station.

The Ranch is more than just a place to sleep. It boasts a spring-fed pool that stays at a comfortable 87°F year-round, perfect for cooling off after a day of exploring. The hotel also features three restaurants, an ice cream parlor, a general store, and a fascinating outdoor borax museum that showcases historical mining and farming equipment, including a steam engine! Another unique feature? The lowest elevation golf course in the world is right next door.

Friday Evening: Sunset at Zabriskie Point

After settling in, we headed to Zabriskie Point for sunset. Just a short 10-minute drive from Furnace Creek, this popular viewpoint offers jaw-dropping panoramic views of the golden-hued badlands. The layered colors of the hills are especially stunning as the sun dips below the horizon, creating a palette of vibrant reds, pinks, and oranges.

We capped off the night with a swim under the starry sky. The crystal-clear air of Death Valley made stargazing from the pool an unforgettable experience. We even spotted the Milky Way!

Saturday: A Sunrise Adventure and Scenic Stops

We woke up early on Saturday, ready for a day packed with adventure. At 5:45 a.m., we set out to catch the sunrise at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, about a 30-minute drive from Furnace Creek. The dunes are surreal, with sweeping curves and golden sand stretching for miles. Though the tallest dune is about a 2-mile round trip from the parking lot, we ventured only a quarter of a mile and were still rewarded with incredible views. The shifting colors of the sand as the sun rose were mesmerizing.

Our next stop was Mosaic Canyon, just 20 minutes from the sand dunes. The last two miles of the drive are on gravel, but we managed just fine in our sedan. Mosaic Canyon is famous for its smooth, marble-like walls, formed from layers of polished rock. We opted for a short, half-mile hike into the canyon, where we were awed by the narrow passages and swirling rock formations. It’s an easy, family-friendly trail with tons of natural beauty.

Exploring Ubehebe Crater

From Mosaic Canyon, we drove a little over an hour to Ubehebe Crater, a massive volcanic crater that’s both eerie and awe-inspiring. The landscape along the way was wonderfully desolate, and we barely saw another car—just the silence of the desert and the wide-open sky. Once we arrived, we hiked about a quarter of a mile along the crater’s rim. The views were incredible, and for the adventurous, you can hike around the entire rim or down into the crater itself!

Harmony Borax Works Interpretive Trail

Our next stop was quick at Old Stovepipe Wells, and then we continued onto Harmony Borax Works, which is about 1 hour, 10 minutes from Ubehebe Crater, but right near our hotel. This short, 5-minute stop allowed us to stretch our legs and check out some historical equipment used in borax mining. It’s an easy, quarter-mile walk with plenty of interpretive signs that give insight into the mining industry that once thrived in the region.

Mid-Day Break at the Ranch

By the time we returned to our hotel around 11:45 a.m., the desert heat had reached its peak. We were glad we had prepared lunch the day before, and after a quick bite, we took a much-needed nap. With temperatures soaring above 120°F, it’s important to avoid hiking or strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day. Instead, we relaxed at the pool, staying cool until the sun began to dip lower in the sky.

Ubehebe Crater

Late Afternoon: Artists Palette and Badwater Basin

Once the afternoon heat subsided, we ventured out again, this time heading to Artists Palette via the scenic one-way Artists Drive. Just a 20-minute drive from Furnace Creek, this one-way loop road takes you through a kaleidoscope of colorful rock formations. The reds, purples, greens, and yellows of the mountains look like they’ve been painted by nature’s hand, creating one of the most vibrant and unique landscapes in the park.

Next, we headed to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level!! It’s a 20-minute drive from Artists Palette, and we were so excited to explore the salt flats. While the famous salt polygons weren’t as prominent during our visit, it was still awe-inspiring to stand on this vast, white expanse. Be sure to look up at the mountains to spot the "Sea Level" sign—it’s a reminder of just how far below the ocean you are!

Devil’s Golf Course and The Oasis at Death Valley

Our next stop was Devil’s Golf Course, just a short, one-mile drive off the main road on a gravel path as you head back toward Furnace Creek. The rough, jagged salt formations here are both bizarre and beautiful, and the whole area feels otherworldly. It’s worth the quick detour for some great photos.

Afterward, we visited the nearby Oasis at Death Valley, a sister property to The Ranch. The grounds here are lush and elegant, offering a contrast to the rugged desert around it. We walked around the property and enjoyed the stunning views before making a final stop at a sea level elevation sign for some fun photos.

Back at The Ranch, we wrapped up our day with dinner, a gorgeous sunset, and another relaxing dip in the pool under the stars.

Sunday Morning: A Final Sunrise and Departure

On our last morning, we checked out of The Ranch at 6 a.m. and made one final stop: Dante’s View. Located about a 40-minute drive from Furnace Creek, this viewpoint sits at an elevation of 5,475 feet, offering sweeping views of the entire park. The air was refreshingly cool (only 85°F compared to the scorching heat of the valley below), and the sunrise here was breathtaking. Dante’s View overlooks the salt flats of Badwater Basin, providing a final, stunning perspective of the park.

With that, we made the two-hour drive back to Las Vegas, with just enough time to make a quick detour to Seven Magic Mountains—a colorful public art installation just outside the city—before catching our flight home.

Conclusion: A Landscape of Endless Wonder

Death Valley National Park exceeded all our expectations. We went in thinking we’d find only barren desert, but instead, we discovered a park full of diverse and otherworldly landscapes—sand dunes, salt flats, volcanic craters, and vibrant rock formations. While we only scratched the surface, our weekend visit was packed with incredible sights. Whether you’re an adventure-seeker or just looking to marvel at nature’s raw beauty, Death Valley is sure to leave you in awe.

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Kelly Mahar

Kelly, 34, American. I've explored all 50 US states & 32 countries, quit my corporate job to inspire others to chase their dreams, and now teach how to monetize social media.

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