Devils Golf Course - Death Valley National Park
I love Death Valley National Park, and this week we’re heading slightly off the beaten path to explore a unique desert spot. Join me at Devils Golf Course.
Devils Golf Course in Death Valley National Park
Location
The Death Valley salt pan is one of the largest protected salt pans in North America. Although the exact boundaries are roughly defined, it spreads from the the Ashford Mill ruins area all the way to the Salt Creek Hills, covering well over 30 miles. The main viewing area of Devils Golf Course can be found less than 10 miles from Badwater Basin. Badwater Rd leads to the gravel turnoff for Salt Pool Rd, which is a mile long unpaved road that’ll take you to the heart of this unique landscape.
The gravel road leading to Devils Golf Course
Telescope Peak seen from Devils Golf Course
History
Devils Golf Course received its name after a 1934 NPS Death Valley guidebook said, “only the devil could play golf” on this harsh terrain, and the name stuck. The salt pan we see today was once the site of Lake Manly, which is believed to have reached depths of over 600 feet at one time. Thousands of years ago the lake dried and left behind dissolved minerals. Over centuries, these minerals dissolved in the lake and became increasingly concentrated. Salty water would then rise up from underlying mud, and as it evaporated, a jagged salty residue was left behind. Shaped by wind and rain, these salt spires are constantly changing…though they grow very slowly, as little as one inch every 30 years.
Salt spires at Devils Golf Course
Devils Golf Course in Death Valley National Park
Exploring
The road stops at a small parking lot, and while there are no official trails that take you further into the terrain, views from this point are striking with the Panamint Mountains towering behind you. On a hot day, if you really listen you can actually hear a popping and crackling sound as these salt formations expand and contract with the heat. While you are technically allowed to explore here, it is not recommended to venture out on top of the salt pinnacles…these formations are so jagged that falling can result in painful cuts or broken bones for visitors.
The Black Mountains of the Amargosa Range seen from Devils Golf Course
Know Before You Go
• Hiking in Death Valley is not recommended after 10am in the brutal heat of Summer months. Always bring extra water and sun protection for any Death Valley adventure.
• Please remember the Leave No Trace Principles so this spot’s natural beauty can be enjoyed for years to come.
• Most vehicles can make the one mile gravel/dirt road to Devils Golf Course, but always check current park conditions before your visit (the road becomes muddy and more treacherous after a recent rain storm).
Top 10 Death Valley Spots
Devils Golf Course with the Panamint Range
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me today in Death Valley. For a virtual visit of Devils Golf Course, watch my Behind the Blog YouTube video at the top of this post. Until next week I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Devils Golf Course and Telescope Peak in Death Valley
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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Can you kayak in Death Valley? Yes! Currently the National Park Service is allowing park visitors to take kayaks and stand up paddle boards onto the historic Lake Manly, the ancient lake that has reappeared at Badwater Basin. Read this Flying Dawn Marie travel guide for all the info you need to plan your kayaking adventure to Death Valley National Park, a perfect road trip from Los Angeles.