Curious about the hottest, driest, and lowest place on Earth? Excursion Club has you covered with insider intel on everything this park has to offer.
Artist's Palette: Make sure to visit this must-see in low light. As soon as the sun is up, the colors will not be as vibrant and less stunning. We went around 8 AM and enjoyed the colorful mountains for 30ish minutes before the sun washed them out.
Lake Manly: If this temporary lake is still there, you have to check it out. It's incredibly rare to have a lake in the driest place on Earth. When you go, be sure to bring a kayak or another flotation device for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to paddle while gazing upon snow-capped mountains.
Campgrounds: If you don't have a site booked, arrive early to snag a spot at Texas Springs or you’ll be stuck in the gravel with everyone else. We went on President's Day weekend and got there around 12 PM, which was too late. However, there is always going to be space at Sunset Campground.
Devil's Golfcourse: Devil’s Golfcourse is a great place for salt flat tasting. If you get a chance eating the salt from the salt flats has no known causes of harm. One of our members tested this.
Ubehebe Crater: Do not miss this. Hidden gem of Death Valley. It is worth the 40-minute drive. It is incredibly windy there, so don’t fall in.
Zabriski Viewpoint: Go here for sunrise. And wait for the colors to hit the mountains completely. I wanted to leave early, but I was thankful Payton kept me put.
Sunsets: We recommend Badwater Basin for sunset due to the reflection on the salt flats. Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes for sunset as well. Get there at least an hour early so you can hike down to the dunes as far as wanted. The best part of the Mesquite Dunes sunset is before the actual sunset when the sun is still hitting the mountains in the background. We also recommend cardboard or a sled to slide down the sand without getting vertigo.
Other Notes: If you’re walking out onto the salt flats after rain, check to see how saturated they are with water. There’s a good chance your shoes will end up covered in mud.
Also, sometimes the gas stations in the park run out of gas. Happened to us. Be careful.
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