It’s the first Monday after Daylight Savings, and I can feel Spring coming just around the corner…so today I’m sharing a great spring break road trip idea through Death Valley National Park. I recently completed the following itinerary on a three day weekend with @suddenlysee in our trusty Prius! While you can make Death Valley a day trip from Los Angeles or Las Vegas, you miss out on so much when rushing through the park...trust me I’ve tried.😉

Harmony Borax Works ruins with the Mustard Hills in the background.

1. Harmony Borax Works

Furnace Creek might just be considered the main hub of the park. Here you’ll find restaurants, campgrounds, and hotel options, as well as a gas station and even a post office…so it’s an important spot to know about when visiting Death Valley. Close by, you can visit Harmony Borax Works and take a self guided walking tour to explore the ruins of this plant, which was a central feature in the opening of Death Valley.

Know before you go: The trail is a 1/4 mile paved pathway that gains elevation, but you can also view the historic wagon and structures from the parking area. This spot can easily be enjoyed in less than 30 minutes.

2. Ashford Mill Ruins

Speaking of ruins, Ashford Mill Ruins is right off the road, so you can make this quick stop and gain some fascinating Death Valley knowledge. In 1914, gold ore was processed here by the Ashford brothers before they sold the mine for a pretty penny.

Know before you go: Spring is your best bet to see wildflowers growing here. This area of the park is known for being quite breezy, but you can wander these ruins easily in less than 20 minutes.

3. Father Crowley Overlook

Another windy spot is located at the western border of the park. For years Rainbow Canyon was a popular place where US Air Force and Navy fighter jets trained, but after a recent crash the impressive flyovers are currently halted. Padre Crowley Point is still a wonderful place to pull off and enjoy the marvelous canyon rim views.

Know before you go: There is a small parking area off of CA-190 for Father Crowley Overlook. The wind here can be biting here anytime of year. Fun fact, this canyon is nicknamed Star Wars Canyon because it was used during filming scenes for the original Star Wars movie.

4. Sidewinder Canyon

If you want to get out of your car for a serious hike, Sidewinder Canyon might just be what you’re looking for. This is an extremely difficult hike not for the faint of heart. You are entering designated wilderness, and will have to climb vertical ledges over 6 feet tall and squeeze through tight spaces no wider than a foot and a half.

Know before you go: The full hike is over 5 miles out and back with a 1,600 ft elevation gain. Plan up to six hours for the full hike, and park in the open gravel lot off of CA-190.

5. Golden Canyon

A less strenuous but equally rewarding hike is Golden Canyon, consisting of golden colored hills and narrow winding canyons. You can have your pick of an easy stroll or a strenuous adventure.

Know before you go: Scenes from Star Wars IV: A New Hope were filmed here. You can stop for five minutes to take pictures or three hours to explore the full 4.5 mile loop. Summer hiking is NOT recommended in the lower elevations due to extreme heat conditions, so save this hike for Spring, Fall or Winter.

6. Zabriskie Point

Just a 10 minute drive from Golden Canyon trail head you’ll find Zabriskie Point. This vista was built in the 1920s for visitors to see Manly Beacon, and is one of the most visited spots in the park. Just take one look at these views and you’ll know why!

Know before you go: This is an incredible spot to capture sunrise or sunset. It is one of the park’s most photographed spots, so it’s often busy at sunset. You can walk the 100 yard long paved trail and enjoy these views in as little as 20 minutes, or spend hours exploring the hard packed trails where there are numerous old mines. Know that it’s against park rules to enter inside the mines so enjoy them from a distance. Daytime temperatures often top out at 110 degrees in Summer months, so be wise and plan accordingly if you want to hike here.

7. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are another excellent place to enjoy either sunrise or sunset in the park. There are four other dunes located in Death Valley, but Mesquite Flat is the most easily accessible and the only place sand boarding is allowed in the park (think snowboarding but with sand). You have to give it a try!

Know before you go: For everything you need to know about visiting Mesquite Flat, see this Blog Post.

8. Devil’s Cornfield

Just past the sand dunes, you’ll see Devil’s Cornfield…as an Iowa gal this was a must stop for me.😂 You won’t find any corn in this broad open area…these shrubs are actually Arrowweed, and in the Spring the haystacks have blue tops.

Know before you go: This area is located right off the highway and parking is narrow, so watch for fast passing vehicles. For those who wander beyond the parking area, this walk goes into the Death Valley wilderness…so pay particular attention to respecting the land.

9. Badwater Basin

My all-time favorite Death Valley sunset spot has to be Badwater Basin. Sitting 282 feet below sea level, this is the lowest point in North America.

Know before you go: For all the facts and details you need about a visit to Badwater Basin, see this Blog Post and make sure to include a stop here on your next Death Valley trip.

Badwater Basin’s temporary lake after a storm

Looking up at Dante’s View from Badwater Basin. “Sea Level” sign magnified.

10. Dante’s View

Looking up from Badwater Basin, you can see one of the highest points in the park, Dante’s View. Perched atop the Black Mountains at 5,474 feet, Dante’s View is tall and wide.

Know before you go: From the Dante’s View parking area, this hike can be one mile or more out and back, with an elevation change of 100 feet. Make sure to check the weather in Winter months…on my most recent visit the road to Dante’s View was closed due to snow.

View from up in the Artist’s Palette hills.

11. Artist’s Drive

Artist’s Drive is a great way to end your time in Death Valley. The colored hills come alive with vibrant hues here. Artist’s Palette can be a popular and busy spot, so a great insider trick is to hike Desolation Canyon for the same incredible colors but without the crowds.

Know before you go: For all the information you need to enjoy Artist’s Drive and Artist’s Palette, see this Blog Post.

Viewing Artist’s Palette from the parking area.

In Summary & Behind the Blog Video

Thanks for joining me in exploring some of my favorite stops for a weekend in Death Valley. I’d love to hear your favorite Death Valley locations too. There are so many more trails, hikes, and even a waterfall to explore. For more information about my trip, see my Behind the Blog Video below…and until next time, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.

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