Badwater Basin is one of the most iconic and surreal places in Death Valley—and the lowest point in North America! Standing 282 feet below sea level on that vast salt flat feels like stepping onto another planet. The white salt crust stretches endlessly in every direction, and the patterns on the ground are wild up close. It’s an easy walk from the parking lot to the basin, but the farther you go, the more dramatic and quiet it gets. Just be very careful in the summer—the heat is no joke. Bring plenty of water, wear a hat, and try to go early in the morning or near sunset when it’s cooler

If you’re in Death Valley, how can you not visit the lowest point in North America? It’s just surreal and beautiful in its own way.

It was early September and the whole valley was still very dry and hot 🥵 not to mention this lowest point in the continental of United States! We got up at 5:00am and drove here to view the beautiful sunrise! Booked the Ranch at Death Valley which is very convenient to visit the attractions in the park 🙂

Badwater Basin was one of the most unique places we visited during our USA trip. The landscape felt otherworldly—the vast salt flats and surrounding mountains create an amazing view that’s hard to describe. Walking on the cracked, hot ground was such an interesting experience. It was quite windy when we went, so we couldn’t stay as long as we wanted, but it was absolutely worth the visit. A must-see if you’re in Death Valley!

Salt deposits cover the area looking like snow in the desert. The still water at the end of the short trail makes for awesome reflections. Time it with sunset for an amazing view.

Pretty amazing to visit the hottest place on earth! What looks like snow is vast swaths of salt, crunching beneath your feet and reflecting back the scorching sun! There’s a cool sign that points out your below sea level which is just incredible to imagine! Try not to venture too far away from the “boardwalk” path as it can disturb the natural ecosystem but definitely walk out far enough to witness the cool geometric patterns that grace the “sea” floor.

Hottest place on the planet. Nice to walk down to the salt and feel the heat.

I woke up very early to be here for sunrise. I thought I would be all alone, but there were around 100 people there as well, but all were very nice and we had good conversations while waiting for the sun to greet the day. Death Valley at sunrise takes on a magical feeling, well worth getting up early to see.

We arrived about 30 minutes before sunrise and stayed well after sunrise to watch all the color as it filled in over the surreal landscape. Amazing experiences here, including some unexpected ones. Not only did we see the sunrise but the full moon was setting at almost the same time. And if all that wasn't enough, a random act of kindness was also experienced as a very nice man was handing out sunflowers to women during the sunrise. I will never forget how special that morning was at Zabriskie Point.

Zabriskie Point is one of the absolute must-see spots in Death Valley. The view is stunning—like standing on another planet. The badlands stretch out in layered shades of gold, brown, and red, with the Panamint Mountains in the distance. It’s especially magical at sunrise or sunset when the light hits the hills just right and everything glows. The walk up from the parking lot is short but a little steep, so bring water and sunscreen, especially in the summer—it gets brutally hot. Even though it’s a quick stop, the view is unforgettable and totally worth it. If you’re driving through Death Valley, don’t skip this. It’s one of those iconic views that really captures the surreal beauty of the park.

Zabriskie Point is one of the most beautiful and breathtaking spots in Death Valley! The views are absolutely stunning — a true masterpiece of nature. It’s a must-visit place for anyone traveling near Las Vegas. However, I’d recommend avoiding summer visits, as the temperatures can get extremely high and make travel uncomfortable. Be sure to stay hydrated and plan your trip accordingly. Truly an amazing experience and one of the most unique landscapes you’ll ever see on Earth!

A beautiful spot, great views. No tickets or national park permit was required, but could be due to the time of the year.

This is one of the best places for sunrise view in the park. Make sure to get there early, see from blue hour to sunrise and golden hour, can last 2-3 hours. If you have time, you can also hike the trails which will bring you closer to the scienary hills and landscape. See the beautiful pictures I took there.

The landscape was truly impressive, with its dramatic ridges and rich desert textures stretching as far as the eye can see. Even though it was a very cloudy day and the colors weren’t as vibrant as they would be under sunlight, the view was still striking in its own way. The muted tones gave the scenery a soft, almost surreal atmosphere. On a clear day, I can imagine this place looking even more colorful and breathtaking. Despite the weather, it was definitely worth the stop.

One of the most incredible sunsets you will ever see, We stopped by to see the sun going down and it was awesome, I highly enjoyed seeing the sun reflecting through the mountains

Dante’s View offers an absolutely breathtaking panorama of Death Valley, even on a cloudy day. From this high vantage point, you can see the vast salt flats stretching across the valley floor and the rugged mountain ranges rising in the distance. The landscape has an incredible sense of scale, and the contrasts of color and texture are striking. Unfortunately, it was quite cloudy during my visit, so the scene wasn’t as vivid as it could be. On a clear day, with full sunlight bringing out the bright whites of the basin and the rich tones of the surrounding mountains, this overlook would be truly stunning. Even so, it was a memorable and impressive stop.

Breathtaking views of the mountains surrounding badwater basin! The sunsets were beautiful as well! It can get really windy with a windchill factor so get some layers or a windbreaker. The road to get here is paved, so it was an easy trip if you're coming from Zabriskie Point. Parking is plentiful. Restrooms are available.

One of the best parts of Death Valley. Definitely our favorite. The drive is neat as it’s a steep long winding road. The parking area at about 5,500’ above sea level has an amazing view of the valley below. It will leave you speechless. There are also a few trails that allow you an even better view of the valley. If you go to Death Valley do not pass up on this one. Make sure your car isn’t a beater and is in good condition. There was evidence of a car that caught fire in the parking lot..

PARKS ON THE AIR! The YL and I took a drive out to Death Valley NP (US-0021) today. We set up at Dante’s View a couple thousand feet above Badwater Basun. Fun fact, it’s also the overlook that was used in Star Wars when Luke and Obi-Wan were looking out over Mos Eisly. Thanks to the 20 something hunters that got this bucket list park activated.

Dante's View is the best overlook in Death Valley National Park, offering breathtaking views that will leave you in awe. It stands at about 5,476 feet above sea level, directly overlooking Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, which is below sea level! On the opposite side of the valley, you can see Telescope Peak, the highest point in the park. If you enjoy photography, be sure to visit at sunrise or sunset for extraordinary opportunities to capture stunning images. Many photographers I’ve spoken with believe the best time to take exceptional photos at Dante's View is in the morning when the sun rises in the east. However, if you're interested in stargazing, visiting Dante's View at night with a telescope can also be a rewarding experience. Visitors often overlook Dante's View since it's a bit isolated from other attractions in the park. If you are staying at Furnace Creek, it’s about a 45-minute drive to reach the overlook. Coming from the east side, it takes approximately 35 minutes from the Amargosa Opera House. The road is accessible to all vehicles, except for the last section, which is closed to larger vehicles like RVs. The parking lot at the top is quite spacious, and during my six visits, I have never seen it full. There is a one-mile trail along the ridge that is suitable for all skill levels. If hiking isn't your thing, you can simply stroll along the designated sidewalk by the parking lot, where you’ll find plenty of excellent viewpoints of the valley and the surrounding mountains. In addition to its stunning vistas, Dante's View provides a cooler respite from the intense heat experienced in the valley below. Due to its higher elevation, temperatures can be significantly lower, making it a more comfortable spot for those looking to escape the desert sun. For geology enthusiasts, the views from Dante's View offer an excellent perspective of Death Valley's geological features. You can observe the distinct layers of rock formations and the vast salt flats of Badwater Basin, which reveal the valley's ancient history. Wildlife lovers might also enjoy a visit to Dante's View. While Death Valley's harsh environment limits the variety of wildlife, resilient species such as lizards, birds, and even the occasional bighorn sheep may still navigate the rocky terrain. Whether you’re a photographer, hiker, geology buff, or simply someone looking for an incredible viewpoint, Dante's View in Death Valley National Park has something to offer everyone. Be sure to include it in your itinerary when visiting this unique and awe-inspiring park.

Stunning place.. it’s got to be on anyone’s itinerary in Death Valley

Might be the hottest place in the valley, but the view is so worth it. At sunset without the harshness of the sun it’s the best time to wander away from the car for a few minutes in the dunes.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are such a fun and beautiful stop in Death Valley! The dunes are easy to get to—just off the main road near Stovepipe Wells—and you can start exploring right from the parking lot. The farther you walk, the more untouched and peaceful it feels. The views are stunning, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light creates shadows and ripples across the sand. It seriously looks like something out of a movie. Just be ready for the heat and bring lots of water—it’s a workout walking in sand!

It's gorgeous. A LOT of people, dogs off leash, young people doing extensive selfie photo-shoots, tour busses stopping. So if you want to commune with the desert, bring hiking boots, hat, and lots of water! Even with the busy nature of the place, got gorgeous pics, saw rattlesnake and other critters prints, and overall enjoyed the area for about 30 mins. It was 93 F in early November. I would recommend it.

Some beautiful sand dunes, I observed them from the road, I parked on the side, but beware the side of the road is very soft, and it’s easy to stay stuck. Make sure you still have at least one tire on the road when you stop there.

Have to stop here when young to Death Valley. You can take a short hike on the dunes. During the day it’s gets crazy hot but that’s part of the experience. We went back later in the day and then it’s a bit nicer.

A must visit destination in death valley. A short hike to the tallest sand dunes. It's challenging because of the Sun but it is so beautiful. Very picturesque

Such as cool spot! You can just run for days on the sand dunes lots of cool sites to see even walking through. Definitely stop here!

Wonderful 9 mile drive with some short hike options, but you don’t need to leave the car if you don’t want to. The colors will pop most in the morning or evening hours—best not to go when the sun is brightest. Reminds me of the South Dakota Badlands (also amazing)!

Artists drive and the lookout points along the way are so beautiful! The winding drive through the mountains is a MUST! The different colors dotting the landscape are captivating.

The artist palette gets its name from the beautiful formation with manganese— the green and purple tinted mounds crumpled together . There is a driving loop in the artist palette to get a clean view of the beauty!! Absolutely enjoyed it.

My visit to Artist's Palette in Death Valley left me in absolute awe. This place is a geological masterpiece, and here's my take on it: Vibrant Colors: The mineral deposits in the hills create a surreal, almost surreal landscape of colors. It's like nature got creative with a paintbrush. Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon offers the best lighting to capture those mesmerizing hues with your camera. I would recommend visit immediate after it rains. Rain enhances the color of minerals drastically. Pro Tips: Drive the one-way Artist's Drive for the best views. Parking can be tight, so plan to visit during quieter hours if possible. Short Hike: There's a short, easy trail from the parking area that takes you right into the heart of the colorful hills. It's suitable for all skill levels. Other Nearby Sights: While you're in the area, don't miss the nearby Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Golden Canyon for more fantastic hikes and photo ops. Those vibrant colors tell an ancient story. Artist's Palette is a unique and enchanting stop in Death Valley National Park. 🎨📸🏜️

Amazing! I enjoyed sunset here. I underestimated how much is here too see. You could probably spend an entire sunset or sunrise hiking around this area. Numerous trails through the colorful badlands and you will want to pull over constantly as you make your way. I'd suggest a minimum of an hour to at least hike some of the main attraction area and enjoy the road but you will probably take a lot longer if you choose to explore every bit of every hike and every stop. It's an enjoyable wandering social trail layout in the colorful rocks area.

A ride there is a must! The colors of the rocks, the landscape is awesome! Very uniqe and dofferent than others part of Death valley. The point is very nice, but the road that leads you further is definatelly worth to see, especially that you dont even need to leave the car to enjoy the view!

Definitely worth the hike!! It's a super short hike to the palette view like 20mins up and down 🎨 you could spend longer/go further, but in general it's a friendly hike spot that works well for visitors who have little time:)

The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is a must-stop when exploring Death Valley. The staff were incredibly helpful; knowledgeable, friendly, and ready to answer every question with patience and detail. Whether it was maps, safety tips, or suggestions for scenic stops, they had us covered. The surrounding views are stunning, with the vast desert landscape stretching out in every direction. Inside, the exhibits offer a great intro to the park’s geology, wildlife, and extreme climate plus there’s a short film that’s surprisingly engaging. Clean restrooms, air conditioning, and shaded seating make it a welcome break from the heat. If you’re starting your Death Valley adventure, this is the perfect launch point.

'Cool' spot to learn about the desert, and a shop with stickers, t shirts, water and snacks. The bathroom is clean and large. As a desert rat, bring 5 extra gallons of water (liquid gold)and keep it in the car. Drink 3/4-1 gallon a day per person over 125#. It's no joke to have a heat stroke - I did in Tucson. Wear a hat and shades too, the education of the desert is that 'dry, hot, and effort in hikes'= dehydration. This visitor center not run by the NP so discounts are not applied - if you have a Senior pass. "Save the puppfish"

Awesome place to visit. Very informative on all things related to Death Valley National Park. It was a bucket list for myself. Highly recommend it. It was 117 degrees when we went there at 3:00 pm. The name Furnace Creek is very appropriate for this place. ENJOY

Rangers were very helpful describing various options for sight seeing throughout Death Valley. Saved me $$ by pointing out the benefits of purchasing the senior " America the Beautiful" pass which grants entry into all National Parks. The purchase price paid for my entry into the park inspired me to visit Zion National Park the following day.

I always wanted to visit Death Valley and it was a very interesting visit. I rented a motorcycle in Vegas and drove out to the park. Fair warning if you're on a bike in the hotter months, the Heat is no joke. Be prepared. Still the side of the park I was able to see (east side) was ruggedly beautiful. Highly recommend.

We visited during the government shutdown and did not expect it to be open, some information online indicated it would be closed. It was open and the staff was incredibly helpful and friendly. There was Wi-Fi which was helpful as we were van camping and didn't have a ton of cell service, so it allowed us to research our next moves while inside the air conditioned space. Cute little gift shop but the highlight was all the informational displays, maps and history of death valley. Beautiful museum, we had a great time reading and walking through. Highly recommend a stop while in the park, we had a lovely time. Fun to get a picture with the temperature sign as well if it's very hot while you're there.

This visitor center was an incredible experience and easily one of the highlights of my visit to Death Valley. I asked one of the rangers about a specific type of rock I saw in the park, and she immediately identified it as borate. What completely blew me away was just how much she knew about it. I was curious about the composition and chemistry behind borate, and she took the time to explain everything — the chemical makeup, how borate forms, its relationship to the local geology, and even its connection to California’s borax mining history. She was patient, enthusiastic, and clearly passionate about the park’s geology. It was obvious that this wasn’t a question she gets asked often, yet she knew every detail right off the top of her head. Unfortunately, I don’t remember her name, or I would absolutely mention it here. I left the visitor center not only learning about borax and borate, but also with a much deeper appreciation for how unique and significant this region is. A huge thanks to that ranger for taking the time to share her knowledge so thoroughly. she truly made my visit unforgettable!

No, you’re not actually going to golf here. When I was a kid I used to think that. I can’t even imagine walking around this area alone hitting a ball around. Absolutely fascinating rock formations along the ground.

A rare and exceptional site inside the Death Valley NP. The road to the site from the main road is a mud road, but it’s worth a visit. Mostly you won’t see this anywhere else on the earth in your life. It’s such a rare view of salty rock formation. Kids and family enjoy. Go there before noon or in the evening in a shiny day

Just he name alone of this place: devils golf course. How cool is that. Think this is my favorite stop in Death Valley.

Standing there and seeing this majestic creation of the Earth, will leave you breathless. Absolutely awesome!

The scenery is absolutely breathtaking with the contrasting mountain and the salt flats. You can walk all the way down which is about a mile each way. You can also swim in the salt flats when there’s water. It’s such a unique and beautiful place and you should definitely visit when you’re in Death Valley!

We went in late March 2024 to visit the lake which had been created by all of the rains. The lake extended for 5+ miles from north of this area to south of Badwater Basin. It was eerie to view the salt formations and the water rippling in the light wind in this normally arid area.

Best trip ever my yacht didn’t work though and I got a weird rash in the devils golf course and I lost my golf ball and tee then a dude in a uniform that I think said park cleaner and he yelling at me Then some people came and put hand cuff on me I had to spend the night with a bear guy in a cage then I got some industrial factory workers to raid Death Valley factory it turns out the we’re making bomb at my crew imploded I nearly survived. PS: don’t capture me I on the wanted list

Beautiful to walk through, feels like you’re in a different world. Not crowded. However terrain killed my feet in hiking boots, got huge blister. After that wore tennis shoes and those worked much better. Beware dust will blow in your eyes.

Great route for trail run, can be done with zabroskie point and red cathedral at once. In summer quite hot so estimate your fitness correctly 🙂 views are amazing!

I love Death Valley! The drive in is super cool with all the sites. Golden canyon trailhead was amazing. Really nice canyon to walk through. Good for sunsets and star gazing as well! Lots of cool zig zags. Red cathedral was amazing too, get too see that pretty quick in the hike! After that you get to a pretty high viewpoint! Not to hard of a hike or long and very worth it!

Interpretive sign inscription: From the very early days of tourism in Death Valley, visitors wanted to explore the geologic treasures found in Golden Canyon. Once a road travelled up the canyon, but now only remnants of asphalt remain and the route is now Death Valley's most popular trail. Visitors can choose between a short stroll or a four-mile loop trail, winding past Manly Beacon and down Gower Gulch, returning to the parking area at Golden Canyon. A spur trail leads to Zabriskie Point.

This was a fun hike to climb up the rocks and get to Red Cathedral. Probably one of the shortest trails in the Golden Canyon Trail, but climbing the rocks and able to see the basin once you reach the top of the mountain was rewarding! Hope you guys like it.

Very hot. Best to go early morning. But it’s a nice walk.

Beautiful hike with colorful canyon walls and amazing views! Not too hard, but bring water—it gets hot. A must-see in Death Valley.

Great preview tour! The tour guide seemed to have some of her Scotty facts wrong, but other than that it was a wonderful time. Had the whole place to ourselves (the group was limited to 10 people). Supposedly the highway and Castle will reopen in April 2023 once construction of the visitor center is done and the ranch's possessions are moved back from storage. The highway is completed, but has not reopened because, according to the tour guide, the construction workers don't want to deal with would be tourists trying to get on premises while the castle is closed and they're working. 🤷‍♀️

In the arid expanse of Death Valley, where temperatures routinely climb past 120°F and annual rainfall barely reaches two inches, stands an architectural anomaly that defies both logic and environment. Scotty's Castle, with its Spanish Colonial Revival silhouette, rises from the desert floor like a fever dream—terracotta tiles and decorative towers in stark relief against barren mountains. The mansion's improbable existence stems from one of the more peculiar partnerships in American architectural history. Walter Scott—"Death Valley Scotty"—was a former Buffalo Bill Wild West Show performer turned confidence man who parlayed fictional gold mines into real investment from Chicago millionaire Albert Mussey Johnson in the early 1900s. When Johnson discovered the fraud during a site visit, logic suggested the relationship would end. Instead, the businessman found himself charmed by the desert and the con artist alike. The desert's extreme climate, paradoxically, proved beneficial for Johnson, who had suffered lingering effects from a train accident. His health improved substantially in the arid conditions, prompting him and his wife Bessie to begin construction of a vacation retreat in 1922. While officially named "Death Valley Ranch," Scotty's theatrical tendencies ensured it would forever bear his name in the public imagination. He regaled visitors with tales of secret mine wealth funding his mansion, even arranging for workers to create mining noises when guests were present. What began as a private sanctuary transformed into an early desert resort following the 1929 stock market crash, which decimated Johnson's finances before construction could be completed. At Scotty's suggestion, the Johnsons began renting rooms to curious tourists, creating an unexpected revenue stream from those eager to meet the legendary Death Valley Scotty and view his supposed gold-funded castle. The property's challenges began during construction—a surveying error placed the structure on federal land rather than the Johnsons' purchased plot—and have continued into the modern era. In October 2015, a catastrophic flash flood delivered nearly a year's worth of rainfall in five hours, causing $47 million in damage to roads, utilities, and historic structures. During the lengthy restoration, a 2021 fire destroyed the historic garage that had been repurposed as the visitor center, further complicating rehabilitation efforts. The National Park Service, which purchased the property in 1970, now hopes to fully reopen Scotty's Castle by fall 2026, more than a decade after the original flood damage. Until then, limited walking tours occasionally offer glimpses of the ongoing restoration work. What makes this desert mansion compelling is not architectural perfection but rather the audacity of its execution. The structure represents a distinctly American narrative—where showmanship meets wealth, where friendship grows from fraud, and where determination persists despite environmental extremes. In a landscape defined by scarcity, Scotty's Castle stands as a monument to excess, its continued preservation reflecting our fascination with improbable dreams manifested against impossible odds. Like the mirage it resembles from a distance, Scotty's Castle embodies contradiction—a permanent structure in an impermanent landscape, a fraudulent namesake for an authentic friendship, a private home that became a public treasure. The castle's tumultuous history mirrors the unpredictable desert that surrounds it, both beautiful and treacherous in equal measure, both seemingly eternal yet constantly changing.

Scottys Castle Road coming in from the 95 on the Nevada side is closed, so you can’t get into the park that way. And Scotty’s castle has been closed for a while as well.

I was lucky enough to get the rare opportunity to tour of the castle. It was close down a few years ago after a flood damaged much of the property. This castle he’s a true treasure. It was built on one of the biggest lies told in death Valley. I ConMan name Death Valley Scotty Created a fake gold mine and took investors money. One of the investors became friends with Scotty despite being cheated out of money. The investor ended up building this castle. If you wanna see the YouTube video I made look me up Bartell’s Backroads

I liked also the shotgun door. The curtains are made of real skin! Cows skin.. an amazing place Scotty! Well done!

Scotties Castle and Death Valley was the highlight of one of our first major camping trips. Scotties Castle was totally amazing and the stories that were told were even better. The waterfall in the living room was something else and real did cool things off without the need for A/C. Sorry to see it closed. We drove 200 miles out of our way to see Death Valley and it was totally worth it.

Its amazing to have so much detail in the middle of the desert.

We really enjoyed hiking the rim of the crater. It was pretty challenging in a lot of spots and rough hiking through the loose gravel but the views were absolutely worth it. It’s a little out of the ways from the main park but definitely worth the drive. When you pull into the parking area you get your first glimpse inside the crater which was breathtaking. We were asked to do a national park survey while we were here too.

An underrated gem of the Death Valley. No people at sunrise - just you, silence, and a huge crater. Super peaceful especially if you stop mid hike - wonderful beautiful silence. And an occasional rabbit sprinting away from you. No bathrooms (but also no people?) I visited at sunrise end of August and it was high 80s.

WHY VISIT? 1. When hiking from this trailhead, there are lots of options to completely customize the hike. The hike can be short or long. The difficulty can be easy or difficult, any many levels in between. 2. The main trail around the rim makes a complete loop. 3. The views are stunning and, if hiking the main loop, the constant 360-degree view will slowly evolve, making the trail much more interesting. 4. If not hiking, the overlook at the trailhead offers an amazing view of the crater. In addition, the view of Death Valley from the back of the parking lot is pretty amazing itself. 5. The main trail around the crafter has several out and back spurs to enhance the hike. 6. One of the main spurs from the rim trail climbs all the way down to the crater floor. It is wonderfully surreal. 7. For those with moderate mobility issues, there are no surprises on this trail. Nearly all trails are within view from most vistas. It is easy to start the rim trail and simply go as far as possible. One can easily assess the difficulty ahead or behind. TIP: From the parking lot, hiking toward the left is an easier portion of the trail. Hiking toward the right is more difficult. But again, it’s all within view making it easy to decide. WHY SKIP? The trailhead is off the beaten path and it further away from what I would say is the main cluster of trails within the park. Getting here is a longer drive. I wouldn’t recommend including this point of interest if only visiting the national park for one day. Getting here might eat up some valuable time and there are plenty of other sites to see that are closer together. (I do highly recommend if visiting the park for at least two days.)

Fascinating volcanic crater. It’s a bit of a drive, about an hour, from the main sister hotels in Death Valley - The Inn (beautiful place, especially the pool), and the Oasis, but worth it.

I liked this spot quite a lot. It’s removed from the bulk of the park and not usually busy. It’s also on the way if you want to take the north way out. It was so different and this crater is ultimately hilarious. The views are excellent, but oh ho, you get to drop to the bottom of the crater. Do it, it’s terrible. The way down is so fun it slightly makes it worth it. You just slide and even if you trip, you would just keep sliding. So, the key to maximizing the potential of this spot is to 1. Run down the steepest path. it’s so fun. 2. slowly make your way back up the path to the right (from the craters perspective). that path is the most level way into the crater.

A bit of a drive but oh so worth it for the hike and sites. We had a beautiful hike around the crater and enjoyed the surrounding vistas and wildflowers. We did not venture to the bottom however many did and it looked steep but very doable. Definitely worth a visit and the drive out is interesting.

We visited the crater on Fri 18th Oct @ 14:00 and there were only two other cars there. It was very windy but still hot, 81F - 91F (27C-33C). If you walk around the crater, depending on which route you take, it is around 2.3 miles (3.7km) and varies in altitude from 2,470ft - 2,840ft (752m - 866m). The path is made up of small gravel which makes the walk more difficult than normal. It can make for unsteady footing so be very careful near the edge. At a steady pace, stopping numerous times to take photos and video, takes around 1h 15m. It is an awesome site and is much bigger than it first appears. The road to the site has been fully surfaced so you can gain access to the site in any kind of vehicle so you do not need an off road 4WD to get there. The varying colours and contours of the crater make for awesome viewing and when there is no wind the silence really is deafening. I’ve wanted to visit the crater and I am so glad that I eventually managed to do so.

Very unique area with beautiful rock formations. Not hard at all, however many areas have no shade at all so it gets really HOT during the day. We were the only ones there for a long time and it was so peaceful and incredibly quiet.

It’s very hot on this trail. Saw a few dead birds. Not sure what got them but it may have been the heat. Wouldn’t walk here alone. Well. I did. But turned back after half a mile cause of the heat.

A pretty neat hike. About halfway through, you'll need to do some minor bouldering. If it appears like the path is blocked, just follow the arrows made of rocks. They'll point you in the direction of a detour

This is one of the best trails I ever hiked. 4.1 miles total in and out and constant grade except for 5 or 6 scrambles we had to climb over, but most we just slid down on the way back. Our group was all over age 70, and we all managed fine. We didn't even have hiking poles. Once you reach the scrambles, don't get discouraged - you'll thank me later. The slot canyon walls are simply beautiful!!

Pretty awesome place. Not sure why anyone would give this less than 5 stars lol. Dirt road to get there. Not too rough and only about 2 miles to get to. Beautiful canyon and lots of colors and views.

Nice little hike. A few sunny (hot) sections even in the morning hours.

The first half of this hike is five stars, the second is forgettable. It's a one-way hike so most people turn around after the canyon opens up and the marble ends. Bring a lot of water. The hike into the canyon is slowly going uphill. It's so slight that on other hikes you might not even notice it. However, in heat of over 90 degrees it seems exhausting!

I gave this a 3 because you need to really be super into this to have any benefit from visiting. It's just a place in the middle of the desert where there was once a place where they got borax. All you have now is a few wagons, a ruined house, and a few plaques that tell you what happened there in the late 1880s It's interesting for grown ups that appreciate the history, but for kids there is nothing to see. You should go to the borax museum for better effect.

Very cool and interesting place. What history! And some short side treks will take you right into Death Valley itself! There was actually water leftover from Tropical Storm Mario in September 2025! Wear sunscreen!🌞😎

Interesting bit of history and a nice 10 minute walk ( which is about all that is bearable in 110 degree heat)

Great bit of history. Worth the quick stop. I cannot imagine working in that heat, many had to die.

Very cool interpretive exhibit about the borax that was mined in Death Valley for many years

Since I was a little child, I remember the commercials for 20 Mule Team Borax laundry detergent and it showed the picture of the team pulling wagons in Death Valley. This part of Death Valley Made My Day!!

We were able to see the footsteps of our ancestors.

The hotel enjoys a fantastic location. Breakfast was superb – at only $13.99 it felt like an incredible bargain and was absolutely delicious. The restaurant is equally worth recommending for dinner. Rooms were simple yet very clean and comfortable. It was also clear that the hotel pays attention to sustainability, which is a big plus. The air conditioning was pleasantly quiet. Above all, the staff were outstandingly friendly and welcoming.

This property is located inside the NP which was the main reason why we chose to stay here. We had to wait for about 10 minutes to be checked in as there was no one at the counter. The staff were quite welcoming. They got us checked in quickly, handed us over the towels required and directed us to our room. There is a nice old lodge look and feel to the property and the room. Rooms are simple and basic yet clean and comfortable, considering this is an old property. The air-conditioning worked fine, thankfully. The hotel reminds the visitors about sustainability, and requests that water may please be conserved. One should not miss getting out of the room and trying to catch the night sky and identify the heavenly bodies and constellations. Just be sure to be safe (possibly not alone) though, as a couple of minutes of walk from the village can get you to a completely dark place. One of the park attractions, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes - are nearby. While they have some EV chargers near the visitor center (about 12 miles away), we went to Beatty (30 miles away) to charge ours because of the confirmation about the presence of superchargers.

We enjoyed our time here. Nice place to stay and well taken care of property for such a remote location. We stayed in one of the Deluxe Dune View rooms (the east facing side of the Road Runner Building) and loved it. The view from just outside the room was amazing! Had nice meals in the Badwater Saloon (servers Paul and John are great!) and enjoyed breakfast in the Toll Road Restaurant (breakfast is buffet style only and a very reasonable price of $13.99 per person). The campground and general store are across the street. Amazing sky viewing at Death Valley. Sunrises and sunsets. Check out the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes near the hotel. Great night sky viewing there. We were there during the full moon and it was so picturesque with the moonlight glowing on the dunes. We will need to go back during a new moon to view the Milky Way (with the full moon it was too bright to see that). This hotel location was also great for visiting the Wildrose Charcoal Kilns, Eureka Mine and the Mosaic Canyon hike (epic hike!). Hotel is also close to the North Highway to reach Ubehebe Crater (that road was unfortunately closed during our visit). Plenty of other places to check out from this area, especially if you have a high clearance vehicle or rent a jeep. We only had a standard rental car so missed out on a lot of things. So that just gives us an excuse to return in the future to see more remote highlights of the park! :) Enjoy your time at this special place. Very quiet, peaceful, remote and incredible panoramic views. Say hi to Larry the Lizard for me who hung out near room #223 all the time! :)

This motel - cannot be called a hotel by any stretch of imagination - is centrally located to DVNP and everything good about it pretty much ends there. The room we stayed in felt like a dungeon. The room was clean but otherwise less than basic - no water or coffee/tea maker provided, the shower was some old stone/tile that looked dreary. The “blanket” was cheap felt material. They don’t even consider letting check-ins earlier than 4pm based on availability, which for us led to an entire line of people literally out the door to check in all at the same time. We waited about 20 mins in line just to check in. They had a coffee maker in the reception for people checking out early - not great coffee, but hey, it’s coffee and was the only “complimentary” amenity they offer guests. I wouldn’t stay here again.

Incredible place to stay I absolutely love this spot. Chris helped me with my itinerary while visiting death valley he was tremendously helpful and actually made the visit way better than it originally would have been without his knowledge of the area. Will definitely return again. 10/10 location and people!

Least expensive place to stay in Death Valley.Customer service was great.The sky was even greater. Super quiet love the stars. Restaurants on property hated pool as well. Small souvenir store little pricey wonderful

No shower curtain so water went everywhere. The small mini fridge was very noisy and just barely kept things cool. The garbage was never dumped and we were here for three days. The sheets were worn so thin they had holes in them. Dirty blankets on top. The floors were never vacuumed. One star is a stretch.

After hearing about the place, we planned to go during our Death Valley trip. It’s a 27 miles, which will take 1h30 to go. (One way). There is not place to rest or restrooms. The drive is pretty hard, only recommend for high clearance vehicles. But the drive is worth it. The spot is so peaceful, so quiet and so unique. If you want to see the rocks, you have to continue to the south entrance. There are only few rocks. Don’t imagine you will see hundreds of rocks.

Don't bother. The road in is 27 miles long and it is over some of the most godforsaken roads on earth. There are only a few stones that you can see that have moved so the bone jarring 54 mile road trip drive is just not worth it. Oh, and most of the teakettles are gone from teakettle junction.

One of our favorite spots in our Death Valley trip. We had a Jeep to get us down the long road but definetly worth it. The sailing rocks were down closer to the furtherest parking lot. We packed a lunch and walked out in the flat areas. A beautiful landscape.

Must have a jeep type vehicle to get there and still have to drive like 15mph. Definitely worth making the trip just make sure to plan well regarding food, water, and gas. No cell phone service. Its very beautiful and you can see the paths where the rocks have moved. The science behind it all is explained on the education posters at the site and its really interesting to learn about. Photography here is fantastic.

Its really cool here, I just wish people would stay off of it with their vehicles. Came here a few years ago and we could see the trails some of the rocks took. This time there was lots of tire tracks, foot prints, and you coukd tell people had picked up the rocks and moved them around.

It’s a long washboard dirt road, but worth checking out the Playa if you want to see a remote part of Death Valley.

One of my favorite places at Death Valley in California, the way to get there is only for adventurers since is all full of rocks and sand, but it’s worth it.