Spring 2023 Road Trip - Death Valley National Park
Enjoying the incredible view at the end of a short hike in Father Crowley Overlook in Death Valley National Park.On our way back from Alabama Hills, we made some stops in Death Valley National Park. It was our first time visiting this amazing place, and it gave us a small taste of all the wonderful things it has to offer to people like us who love to explore.
Here is some general information about Death Valley National Park
Death Valley is a huge national park in America known as the 'Land of Extremes'. It's located in the western part of the country and covers a vast area of California desert, about 3.4 million acres. The park has all kinds of landscapes, from low sea levels to really high elevations over a mile high. Even though it has rough and challenging terrain and is famous for its scorching heat, it holds some hidden gems. You can find beautiful mosaic canyons, colorful wildflowers, sandy dunes, salty flats, and even old ghost towns! It's a place you should definitely visit, where cell phone signals may disappear, but the opportunities to explore this amazing geological wonder are endless.
How to get to Death Valley National Park
Why not visit Death Valley by flying into Las Vegas?
To get to Death Valley National Park, the easiest way is to fly into Las Vegas (via Harry Reid International Airport). From there, it's just a short drive to reach this special national park. Once you're there, it's a good idea to rent a car so you can easily explore the park. Remember, it's important to be prepared for the desert climate. Don't forget to bring lots of water and sunscreen to make the most of your visit and stay safe under the sun.
It is another option to take a train to a city nearby the park
For a unique experience of Death Valley National Park, you can try arriving by train. You can take the Amtrak train to either Barstow, California or Las Vegas. Once you arrive, you can rent a car or use a shuttle service to reach the park. It's a different way to get there and can add to the adventure of your visit.
And of course, you can visit Death Valley as one of the stops in your road trip just like we did!
To get to Death Valley National Park by car, there are a few options depending on your starting point:
From Las Vegas, Nevada: Take the I-15 freeway northbound and continue onto US-95 north. Follow the signs for Death Valley/Beatty, and you will enter the park from the east.
From Los Angeles, California: Take the I-15 freeway northbound until you reach the CA-127 exit toward Baker. Continue on CA-127 northbound, and then turn left onto CA-190 westbound. This will lead you to the park's western entrance.
From San Francisco, California: Take US-101 southbound until you reach the CA-46 exit toward Lost Hills. Continue on CA-46 eastbound and then merge onto CA-99 southbound. Follow CA-99 until you reach Bakersfield, and then take CA-58 eastbound. Finally, take CA-14 northbound until you reach the CA-178 exit toward Ridgecrest/Inyokern, and continue on CA-178 eastbound until you enter the park from the west.
Remember to check road conditions and closures before your trip, as certain routes or areas may be inaccessible due to weather or maintenance. Additionally, ensure your vehicle is in good condition, and pack essentials such as water, food, and a map or GPS device to navigate the park effectively.
Fees and Permits for Death Valley National Park
Before you start exploring the biggest national park in North America, make sure to pay the entrance fee at Death Valley. The fee amount can vary based on the type of vehicle you have and how long you plan to stay. If you often visit national parks in America, it's a good idea to buy an annual pass. If you're planning to camp overnight, you'll need a backcountry permit, and if you're organizing an event, you'll need a special events permit. To avoid any last-minute problems or delays, it's important to get the necessary permits and pay the required fees ahead of time. Please refer to the following links for detailed info: https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/fees.htm, https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/wilderness-permits.htm.
Check out our experiences in Death Valley National Park
Like I mentioned in the beginning, we made a couple of stops in Death Valley while traveling back home from visiting Alabama Hills, California; we were going east on I190 to Las Vegas.
Our first stop coming back from Lone Pine, CA was Father Crowley Overlook
Father Crowley Overlook is a place that many tourists visit in Death Valley National Park, California. It's known for its amazing views of the mountains and valleys all around, including the famous Rainbow Canyon (also called Star Wars Canyon), where military aircraft training takes place. The overlook got its name from Father John J. Crowley, a Catholic priest who cared a lot about protecting the natural beauty of this area. People who visit can witness breathtaking sunsets and enjoy stargazing at night in this truly special spot.
If you're driving east on I-190 and continue past the Death Valley National Park sign, you'll spot this overlook after about 5 miles. If you decide to take a walk down the trail, you'll be rewarded with a wide and sweeping view of the valley right in front of you. It's a great way to soak in the beauty of the area and take incredible photos.
Click on any photo below to see it in full size
Our second stop in Death Valley was Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park, California, are a famous attraction for tourists. These sandy dunes cover a large area of more than 14 square miles and can reach heights of up to 100 feet. Visitors can have fun doing activities like hiking on the dunes, taking pictures, or even trying sandboarding. The best time to go is during sunrise or sunset because the light creates beautiful shadows and highlights on the dunes. It's important to bring plenty of water and sunscreen since the temperature can go above 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.
If you drive for about 45 minutes (around 40 miles) from Father Crowley Overlook, you'll notice these sand dunes on your left side. It was our first time seeing this incredible natural wonder, and we were amazed by its beauty. We couldn't believe our eyes! We plan to visit again when the sun is lower in the sky, so we can capture even more stunning and dramatic views of these sand dunes in the future.
Click on any photo below to see it in full size
Our third and final stop in Death Valley in this road trip was Zabriskie Point
If you drive for about 30 minutes (around 27 miles) from Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, there is Zabriskie Point. which is another is a well-known spot in Death Valley National Park, California. The landscape is full of impressive hills and canyons that were shaped by millions of years of erosion. What makes this place really special is the way it looks in the intense desert sunlight; the rocks seem to light up in vibrant colors like red, orange, yellow, and pink, which will be even more dramatic in sunrise or sunset.
Click on any photo below to see it in full size
Even though we only had one day to explore, it was sufficient to make us want to come back in the future. The good news is that we don't live too far away, so returning here won't be a problem. We are already planning a longer trip next time, which will include camping and more hiking. We can't wait!