How To Spend A Long Weekend In Death Valley National Park - How Far From Home (2024)

24 May How To Spend A Long Weekend In Death Valley National Park

The 140-mile-long trench known as Death Valley is a desert wilderness, where the blazing sun beats down relentlessly into deep basins and empty streams, and only the most resilient lifeforms can survive. But for adventurous souls like Chanel and Stevo (and most likely you, since you’re a fan of this blog), this extreme landscape presents a unique opportunity to explore one of the most unique national parks in the world.

If you’re looking to spend some time indulging in the rare sights and broad expanse of Death Valley, there are a few key things you won’t want to miss off your itinerary. From stargazing at the lowest point in North America, to soaking in panoramic views from the top of ancient craters, here’s how to spend a long weekend in Death Valley National Park.

Preparation And Arrival

The extreme weather of Death Valley is not to be underestimated, especially if you’re visiting in the summer months. Before venturing out into the stark ebb and flow of the park, either on foot or in a vehicle, it’s crucial to be prepared in case of emergency. Most areas of the valley have no smartphone reception, and it’s not difficult to get lost on foot as many of the trails lead to dead ends. Signage is also few and far between.

When packing for a road trip, usually you can rely on throwing in the essentials, and picking up what else you’ll need along the way. But in Death Valley, the opposite applies. Always ensure your vehicle is well stocked with water, food, breakdown repair kits, and emergency navigation and communication tools, as you may need to survive for extended periods if you get lost in the vast desert.

Exploring The Top Attractions

The top attractions of Death Valley are worth exploring, and will help you gain an appreciation for the sublime forces of nature, and experience first-hand how they can shape immense areas of rock and stone. Badwater Basin sits at an impressive 85m / 282 ft below sea level, and is an eerily beautiful tapestry of salt deposits left behind from when an ancient lake evaporated over 10,000 years ago.

As a place famous for its stargazing quality and ethereal sunrises, head to Zabriskie Point to enjoy panoramic views of the badlands, as the morning light creates mesmerizing shadows over the rocky hills.

When visiting the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, you can walk over shifting dunes of fine sand from the eroding northern mountains, and perhaps spot a kangaroo rat or a sidewinder rattlesnake sheltering beneath a twisted Mesquite branch. There are no official trails here, so be sure to mind your step and avoid disturbing any burrows.

The Artist’s Palette is another popular destination, where you can either drive a three-mile loop, or hike up the rocky juts of land that are each filled with various minerals that paint the landscape in shades of orange, green and pink.

Going Off The Beaten Path

If you’re hoping to explore some lesser-known hidden gems, begin with Darwin Falls – a stunning oasis that looks quite out of place in the arid wasteland of Death Valley. Hiking along a subtle trail, you’ll begin to wonder if you’re going in the right direction before stumbling upon a year-round waterfall, where frogs and dragonflies cool off amidst lush foliage and willows.

For another strange phenomenon, head to Racetrack Playa. This strange, dry lakebed sees huge stones seemingly sail across it – a movement which has baffled scientists for years. The earth here is fragile, so it’s recommended to stick to the marked, yet unpaved roads only. And be sure to bring a spare tyre as the rocks can be incredibly sharp.

Memories For A Lifetime

As your long weekend in Death Valley draws to a close, you’ll depart with memories of surreal landscapes shaped by the forces of nature. Whether you’re seeking adventure, solace or anything in between, the desert wilderness of Death Valley is a very rare kind of paradise to explore.

Let us know in the comments if you’ve been before?

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