I don’t recommend visiting Death Valley in the summer. I tried it once and it was like walking through an oven. (My tan was spectacular though 😎) So now that fall is officially here and the temperatures are dropping, it’s time to give this vast, fascinating destination a shot — especially with a new wine festival coming up in October 🍷
🏜️ Lay of the Land
If you don’t count anything in Alaska, Death Valley is the largest national park in the United States, covering more than three million acres in California and Nevada. Don’t let that overwhelm you. The most popular tourist attractions are in or around Furnace Creek, just a two-hour drive from Vegas — and you get the bonus of passing through Pahrump 🥳
🚐 Hikes n’ Drives
Explore the desert terrain and you’ll see Zabriskie Point (a vista overlook that’s easy to reach via a short hike off the main road), the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes (the most accessible of several “Star Wars” shooting locations), Badwater Basin (the lowest point in North America, covered in salt 🧂), Artist’s Palette (a colorful nine-mile scenic loop), and Dantes View (a mountain peak you can reach by car for sweeping, spectacular views).
🛌 Where To Stay?
The Inn at Death Valley dates back to 1927, when it was a remote getaway for Hollywood stars. Surrounded by palm trees, the property has expanded over the years to include villas, a spa, a rooftop stargazing deck, and a fine dining restaurant. Artesian springs fill the swimming pool (and provide some clean-tasting drinking water to stay hydrated).
The Ranch at Death Valley is more casual and home to the lowest elevation golf course in the world. Order a steak at the cowboy-themed Last Kind Words Saloon and sundae at the old-school Ice Cream Parlor. It’s next to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, where you can snap a photo of the famous outdoor thermometer in the same general spot where a record heat of 134 °F was recorded back in 1934 🥵
It may not be that hot now, but always check the weather in advance and be prepared.
