Death Valley is a park of superlatives. The highest air temperature on Earth was measured here, and Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 ft (86 m) below sea level, lies here too. And yet this hostile desert has a beauty of its own: salt pans to the horizon, golden sand dunes, rocks in many colors. A landscape that seems almost out of this world.
The highlights lie close together
Despite the huge area, the best-known places lie conveniently close: Zabriskie Point with its folded hills, Badwater Basin with its salt crust, the Mesquite sand dunes and the colorful Artist Drive. On a well-planned day you can manage the most important sights.
When you must come
Death Valley is a winter destination. From around November to March it is pleasantly warm and hikes are possible. In summer it regularly climbs above 50°C (122°F), and then being outdoors is dangerous, so you stay in the air-conditioned car.
Sunrise at Zabriskie Point
A recurring tip in the forum: get into the valley early, Zabriskie Point at sunrise, when the hills begin to glow. Then use the cooler morning hours for Badwater and the Artist Drive.
Preparation is a must
Full tank, plenty of water, hardly any mobile coverage. Death Valley is big and lonely, and it is better not to rely on picking up supplies along the way.
