Death Valley has long been my favorite park in the lower 48 states. I’ve been going for years.
I love the remoteness.
I love the size.
I love heat.
I love the stark landscape.
The largest park in the lower 48 states, Death Valley offers a variety of outdoor attractions. Some of our highlights are the following:
Eureka Sand Dunes
These are among the most remote of the sandunes in the park – accessed via a long gravel bumpy road far removed from the park headquarters in Furnace Creek. One of our highlights was climbing the dunes – all the way to the very top and then sliding down in the dry sand creating a very unique rumbling sound like that of a deep note on an organ. From the top one has great views overlooking all directions without seeing many people.
Darwin Falls
This rare and little gem of a waterfall is located a short drive from the tiny community of Panamint Springs. The hike is about 1/2 a mile one way eventually reaching the outlet of a canyon and following a small creek to the falls. Known for lots of frogs that live at its base and its clear cold water. This is a very refreshing place to be on a super hot summer day. One can also climb up the nearby rocks – but be very careful especially in wet weather.
Racetrack Playa
4wd vehicles are recommended to reach this natural attraction but we have driven a two wheel drive vehicle in several times – taking much longer then the larger vehicles. A totally flat plain contains rocks which move during exacting conditions of cold, wind and ice. We are still waiting to see these rocks move – its a rare event but their trails are commonly seen on the flats. And in one part of the flats are towering boulders called the Grandstand. One can also walk out to these if the conditions are dry.
These are just a few of many natural attractions in this great park. Have you been before?