How To Explore Death Valley National Park In One Day

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Death Valley National Park is known as the hottest, driest, and lowest point in the United States. It is best to visit in the winter or spring when temperatures are more moderate. It is possible to see the park in one day, which most visitors do, yes it is. However, exploring this wonderful national park can take at least 2-3 days. Get a park pass (currently $30) and a map at the visitor center before exploring the park. Here are some popular attractions near the Visitor Center to put on your bucket list for your one-day Death Valley National Park visit.

Points Of Interest Near Furnace Creek Visitor Center

Harmony Borax Works Ghost Town

(2 miles) Harmony Borax Works is an easy drive from the visitor center, making this historical site very popular with visitors. Harmony was the starting point for Death Valley’s famous 20-mule team wagons. Ruins of the processing plant, adobe buildings, and a 20-mule team wagon can be viewed here. To round out your visit to the Borax Works, you can return to Highway 160 via the paved road or drive through Mustard Canyon.

Devil’s Golf Course: Dangerous Landscape

(10-miles)The salt formations you see were formed when Lake Manly evaporated thousands of years ago. Although the water disappeared, the salt remained, creating a striking yet dangerous landscape. The name originated from a guidebook stating that “only the devil could play golf” on such a rough surface.

Salt Creek Boardwalk Home of the Pupfish

(13 miles)Salt Creek mostly runs underground, except in Death Valley, where water flows on the surface at Salt Creek Boardwalk from autumn to early spring. Saltwater pools are usually visible all year round. The best time to visit is spring when the Salt Creek Pupfish are spawning. Along the trail, several signs detail the life cycle of the elusive Pupfish.

Salt Creek Interpretive Trail offers some fantastic vistas of Death Valley. This creek is one of the few places in the valley where you can see running water in the park. Although the water is too salty for humans to drink, many plants grow along the creek. Various animals and birds frequent the area, including wild burros and coyotes. Pickleweed and saltgrass are the principal plants that live in the area. There are no trees here; after all, this is Death Valley.

Natural Bridge Trail Arch & Dry Waterfall

(15 miles) The most popular arch in Death Valley is Natural Bridge, which is easily accessible. The arch is made of sedimentary rock carved out by the wind, rain, and flash floods. Natural Bridge is the largest arch in the park. If permitted, you could drive a vehicle underneath it. A short hike past the arch is a dry 30-foot-high waterfall. Beyond the waterfall, the canyon narrows into a slot canyon and ends abruptly.

The round-trip hiking distance to Natural Bridge and back is less than two miles. The trail is mostly loose gravel and is uphill to the arch. On the way, you can enjoy a fantastic view of Death Valley below. Depending on when you visit, you may have to wait in line to take the perfect photo. Natural Bridge is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Death Valley.

Badwater Basin: Lowest Point in North America

(18-miles) Badwater Salt Flats is situated at an elevation of 282 feet below sea level, the lowest point in North America. On the rare occasions that it rains in Death Valley, this area becomes a shallow lake.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

(23-miles) Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are near the center of Death Valley. These dunes have been the setting for many Western movies and several Star Wars films. The tallest dunes can reach 100 ft. high—Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Highway 190 near Stovepipe Wells.

Mosaic Canyon

(27-miles) Mosaic Canyon Popular walks up a narrow, polished, marble-walled canyon. Some slick rock scrambling is necessary. “Mosaics” of fragments of rocks cemented together in canyon walls. Bighorn sheep are sighted occasionally.

Titus Canyon & Leadfield Ghost Town

(45-miles)Titus Canyon Road is one-way from east to west. The graded dirt road starts near the Nevada town of Beatty and is a popular off-road adventure. Titus Canyon can also be reached from Death Valley. No vehicles are allowed to enter the canyon from the Death Valley entrance. Visitors are allowed to hike into the canyon from here.

Scotty’s Castle: Hearst Castle in the Desert

(54 miles) Built in 1927 by wealthy insurance executive Albert Johnson, smack dab in the middle of Death Valley National Park is Scotty’s Castle—a 32,000-square-foot two-story Spanish Villa in Grapevine Canyon. The main house replicates a Spanish-style manor with every amenity possible, including a bordering chimes tower, an upper music room, several guest rooms, and a theater and organ room. (currently not open)

Where to Stay: Death Valley National Park

While it is possible to visit many of Death Valley’s attractions in one day, most visitors spend a night or two in the park. There are plenty of campgrounds in Death Valley, but hotel accommodations are limited.

The Ranch at Furnace Creek

The Ranch at Furnace Creek is the most popular place to stay at Death Valley National Park. The room rates are affordable, considering the location. Plus, plenty of activities are within walking distance of your hotel room or cabin. The Furnace Creek Ranch Hotel has several single and two-story buildings. Each room has a small patio or balcony and includes the usual hotel room basics. The natural, spring-fed swimming pool is the number one activity you’ll want to take advantage of, and it is included in your room. Furnace Creek Ranch Stables offers guided trail rides along with wagon rides. There is also the lowest grass golf course in the world for history buffs. Visit website.

The Inn at Death Valley

The Inn at Death Valley is an upscale hotel that is an elegant hideaway that pampers every guest with its serene ambiance and stunning views of the valley. The resort has a spring-fed swimming pool that is 85 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making it the perfect spot to cool off during those scorching Death Valley days. The Inn at Death Valley has several dining options catering to different tastes and preferences. The Inn Dining Room serves breakfast and dinner with an eclectic menu featuring classic cuisine and regional flavors. The resort Pool Café offers sandwiches, wraps, salads, and beverages. Visit Website.

Stovepipe Wells Motel

Stovepipe Wells Village is located in the upper section of Death Valley National Park. The village has a general store, a restaurant, and a small hotel. Stove Pipe Wells is more remote than Furnace Creek.

Campgrounds in Death Valley

Camping is the most affordable option for visitors planning to stay more than one day. There are several campgrounds in Death Valley NP.

- Fiddler’s Campground is adjacent to the Ranch at Furnace Creek. Camping here includes access to the ranch swimming pool.
- Furnace Creek Campground is open year-round with 136 sites. Some sites offer full hookups.
- Stovepipe Wells Village has 14 high-demand full-hook-up RV sites. These campsites include access to the Stovepipe Wells Motel pool.
- Mesquite Spring is located at the Northern end of Death Valley with 30 sites. There is a Dump station and water, but no hookups.
- Free campgrounds include Emigrant, Mahogany Flat, Thorndike, and Wildrose. First come, first serve, no hookups.

Death Valley Side Trips

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