Best of Death Valley National Park
The lowest, driest ground in North America, and far stranger up close than the name suggests.
Checking live park conditions…
The only stretch when the valley floor is comfortable to walk. Late spring through early autumn is dangerously hot rather than merely warm, and the Park Service advises against hiking below sea level in it.
Day 1·Badwater Road: Below Sea Level
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Badwater Basin
Walk out onto the salt flats, the lowest point in North America, and look back up at the mountains to spot sea level.
Sightseeing
Artists Palette
See the colorful volcanic and sedimentary rock formations, best viewed in the late afternoon light.
Sightseeing
Devils Golf Course
A vast expanse of rock salt eroded into jagged spires, a unique and otherworldly landscape.
Day 2·Central Park Wonders & Golden Hour Views
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Zabriskie Point
Catch a classic Death Valley sunrise over the badlands, a truly iconic vista.
Sightseeing
Dantes View
Marvel at the panoramic view of Death Valley from over 5,000 feet above the basin floor.
Activity
Twenty Mule Team Canyon
Drive the one-way, unpaved scenic loop through colorful badlands.
Day 3·Mesquite Dunes and Canyon Drives
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Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Explore the most accessible and famous sand dunes in the park, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
Activity
Mosaic Canyon
Hike into a polished marble canyon, a cool escape with fascinating geology.
Sightseeing
Harmony Borax Works
Discover the ruins of a historic borax processing plant and learn about the park's mining past.
Make it your own
Start from this curated plan — Runes copies it into your trips so you can tweak dates, budget, pace, and stops. Personalized to your style soon.