The Coolest Things to do in Death Valley!

The name Death Valley brings with it a mystique, a note of fear.  Growing up, I saw media images and heard stories that scared me. Death Valley seemed like one of those places you could go and get lost, and as the name says, die.  But the truth is, Death Valley is a beautiful place with a unique ecosphere that is teeming with its own kind of life. There are a ton of things to do in Death Valley, and there are also some super cool things to do in Death Valley.

Death Valley is not only unique in the National Park Service, in its environment of extremes, it is also unique in the world, being in a Unesco International Biosphere Reserve, and an International Dark Sky Park.  It is a place everyone should see and experience! There are things to do in Death Valley that cannot be done anywhere else in the world!

Yes, there are certainly dangers in the park, but more often than not, they are caused by foolishness and a lack of preparation.  Check out the National Park Service Safety Tips, if you are wondering what risks do exist, and if you are interested in more information about the park’s uniqueness, check out our Interesting Facts about Death Valley.

While Death Valley may be known for being the home of the hottest place on earth, from November through early April the temperatures are typically quite pleasant.  Not only can you drive Death Valley Road, you can also get out and explore the surreal landscape and environment, and experience all of the cool things to do in Death Valley, without falling into heat exhaustion!  That is the best time to visit Death Valley.

If you are planning to include your time at Death Valley as part of a National Park road trip, you may want to visit Yosemite next as it is the shortest drive, at just over 3 hours.  Other options include visiting Joshua Tree, at 4 hours away, Sequoia Kings, at 5 hours, and Grand Canyon at just over 6 hours drive to the south rim.

All the Cool Things to Do in Death Valley, and Nearby

We are not going to talk a lot about those famous places you have heard of.  Yes, we will mention them, briefly.  If you wanna know about the regular stops, read our Death Valley Day Trip Itinerary.  But if you are here, you probably want something above and beyond what everyone else does, we are going to give you some entirely different things to do in Death Valley!  We are excited about that!

Be Typical Seeing all the Big Name Attractions

This is one of the most popular activities in Death Valley.  Yes, we had to at least mention the most common thing once, since everybody does it!  Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, Artist’s Pallet, I won’t go through them all here. The truth is, most of them ARE pretty cool things to do in Death Valley, but they are not unique. You should probably see them either way. If you want to know all about them, or you only have a day, check out our Death Valley Day Trip. If you have more time for unusual things, keep on reading here.

Be Immortalized on Social Media

Get some excellent photos and some fun selfies at some of the parks most Instagram worthy, Snap Chattable and TikToking locations.  Some spots we suggest- Zabrieski Point, Artist’s Palette, Red Cathedral, Badwater Basin (at the sign and on the flats), Harmony Borax Works, Mosaic Canyon, Devil’s Cornfield, Mesquite Sand Dunes, Teakettle Junction, and Dante’s View.  There are amazing photo opportunities throughout the park, with the surreal desert landscape.  When you are done you may want to travel of all of the other fabulous Instagram spots in the California desert!

Be Guided on a Ranger Led Tour

Offered only between November and March due to weather, ranger led tours and informational talks take place in various locations, and cover topics from geology to wildlife, to history.  While this might not be one of the most unique things to do in Death Valley, the topics themselves are generally unique to the park. Tours are based out of the Furnace Creek Visitors Center, and the Death Valley History Association.  

Be Promoted to Junior Ranger (- or help the kids do so.)

The Junior Ranger Program is an excellent part of several US National Parks, including Death Valley.  Pick up a booklet at a ranger’s station, and let it lead you through the attractions, and a fun learning adventure.  After completing the activities, children up to age 12 are sworn in as Junior Rangers, and awarded a ranger pin. I helped my grandsons achieve theirs at Mammoth Cave National Park.

Be Adventurous in a Slot Canyon

Slot canyons offer one of the most scenic and surreal hiking venues in the desert environment.  Most people envision hiking Antelope Canyon, but many people are unaware that Death Valley National Park features several of these stunning canyons.  Mosaic Canyon is one of the most popular among hikers, located just outside of Stovepipe Wells, and Titus Canyon, which is accessed from highway 374 before entering the park, is loved by hikers and 4 wheelers alike.

Be Exploring at a Volcanic Crater

There are dormant volcanoes all across the western United States, but there are few craters that are open and accessible. While you can see cinder cones at Lassen Volcanic National Park and Craters of the Moon, Ubehaha crater in Death Valley is much easier hike. The name originated with local Native Americans, and means appropriately, big basket in the rock. Being a Maar volcano, the crater was formed by an explosion of ground water heated by the magma below, and not lava, which accounts for its lower, broader surface.

** The roads to Ubehaha Crater are currently closed due to flash flood damaged.  The National Park Service hopes to have them reopened soon.

Be Spooked at a Ghost Town

Anyone with a fascination for abandoned places can’t pass up a good old-fashioned ghost town. There are several boom to bust ghost towns in and around Death Valley with varying degrees of remnants. The most well-known and easily accessible is Rhyolite, outside of the park boundaries, but there are several others within the park that can only be accessed by hiking. Other well known and accessible towns include Skidoo, Panamint, Keeler, and Cerro Gordo.

Be Entrepreneurial at Old Mines

Death Valley and the surrounding mountains are a land of would-be millionaire miners, seeking gold, silver, borax, salt and even talc.  A plethora of mines were abandoned and have fallen into varying degrees of ruins. The tools and equipment left behind offer intriguing exploration and photo opportunities.  The Keane Wonder Mine, which produced over a million dollars worth of gold, is the most well-preserved and easily accessible.

Be Ecological Seeing Critically Endangered Fish

Death Valley is the natural habitat of 5 different species of pupfish, which are entirely unique to the region, found nowhere else on the planet.  Their small habitat makes the particularly at risk due to human developments, and all species are protected. It can be quite exciting to find and observe this tiny fish that only exists here.  The easiest to find is the Salt Springs Pupfish, by hiking the boardwalk trail that leads to the headwaters of the spring.

Be Soothed by Natural Hot Springs

There are several developed sites for hot spring soaks within Death Valley.  The easiest to access is the Furnace Creek Inn pool, which is piped hot springs water. Saline hot springs offer a more out in nature approach, and are clothing optional, but require 4 wheel access.  Nearby towns of Teacopa and Shoshone also have hot springs options.  Natural hot springs are heavenly, and definitely one of the most relaxing things to do in Death Valley.

Be Amazed by the Stars

As a Dark Sky Park, Death Valley National Park and the surrounding the communities are committed to protecting the night-time skies and nocturnal animals from light pollution.  This makes the park one of the best places in the US to get out and see the stars, so make sure you can spend some time outdoors after dark. If you have lived your life in a relatively urban area, the brilliance of the Milky Way will astound you!

Be Challenged by the Lowest Elevation Golf Course in the World 

Yes, there is a golf course in the midst of Death Valley, at the Furnace Creek Resort.  It is an 18 hole par 70 course, best for winter and spring trips to the valley. The course was recognized by Golf Digest as one of “America’s 50 toughest golf courses.”  It is said that the below sea level elevation results in slightly more gravity and barometric pressure, that results in a distinct difference in ball response from the normal above sea level courses.

Be Educated by the Area Museums

Although the park is not overflowing with museums, there are a few in the area that are interesting and worth checking out.  The Furnace Creek Visitors Center has educational displays about the geology and history of Death Valley, as is typical of all National Park Visitors Centers. Right next door is the Harmony Borax Works Museum, which offers an interesting look into the history of the only long-term profitable mining venture in the valley.  The nearby town of Shoshone also has a museum with a number of artifacts related to mining and the railroads in the area.

Be Bounced by a 4 Wheeler

Death Valley offers some very gorgeous 4 wheeling roads, that lead to places that cannot be accessed by regular vehicles.  There are routes that challenge even the most skilled drivers, but make for a day of fun and beauty. Some of the routes also access remote campgrounds, for those seeking an overnight stay.  You can rent a jeep right in the park at Farabee’s, in Furnace Creek.

Be Pop Culture Savvy at the Star Wars Sites

The Furnace Creek Visitors Center can provide a map of filming locations from the original Star Wars movies, which used Death Valley to create the harsh environment of Luke’s home planet Tatooine. You see Luke and the droids wandering across the dunes in the original movie. Later, approaching the inhospitable lair of Jabba the Hut was also filmed in a different location. Shoot, the super Star Wars buffs could replicate the scenes, making it the funnest thing to do in Death Valley!  You can be sure someone has already done this, and they give the inside word on the Star Wars locations.

Be Encultured by the Native Shoshones

The native residents of the area are the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe, and paying a tribute to their culture while visiting their tribal lands is appropriate. You can do so at Timbisha Shoshone gift shop and Furnace Creek Cultivation Center. Buy native arts at the gift shop, and learn a bit about their culture.  Some of the small local businesses are native run as well, such as the Hawaiian Shave Ice. If you venture to the west of the park, the tribal office can be found in the town of Bishop, California.

Be Mesmerized by a Waterfall in the Desert

On the far west side of the park, high in the mountains, you can see the only year round flowing waterfall in the park.  It is a striking contrast to the surrounding desert, making it a wonder even for those who are not typical waterfall lovers.  Take Old Toll Road off of 190 just south of Panamint Springs, which is accessible by car. The waterfall will be a short hike from the parking area.  

Be Awed by the Best View in the Park

People seldom think of the mountainous portions of Death Valley, overlooking a significant aspect of its wonder. There are peaks on both the east and west of the valley offering striking views. But nothing compares to the view from Dante’s Peak, with the salt flats below. The best part is there is no climbing or hiking required to take it in.

 Hike One of the Steepest Vertical Rises in the US –

These hikes are for the serious and experienced hikers, but there are trails from the valley floor at Badwater Basin, to some of the highest peaks in the park, including Telescope Peak.  Plan for an all day adventure, as this is a 15 mile uphill trip one way, followed by a 15 mile downhill trip. Get further information at the Furnace Creek Visitors Center.

Be Creeped Out at Barkers Ranch –  

We know some people have to do the creepy things, so seeing Charles Manson’s last hideout may be the creepiest thing to do in Death Valley.  The ranch is on the far west side of the park, but the easiest access is taking Warm Springs Road from West Side Road, in the salt flats.  Access from west of the park in the ghost town of Ballarat requires a 4×4. In either scenario, a portion of the trail must be hiked, despite the strange fact that Manson himself drove a school bus to the ranch.  Be sure to check road conditions at one of the ranger stations before attempting to access the roads.

Be Exhillarated Surfing the Dunes

Sand boarding has become quite popular over the past two decades in some National Parks and Recreation Areas. As long as the sand isn’t oo hot, it is completelhy a blast, and quite a workout climbing back to the top. While there are at least 6 areas of dunes in Death Valley, boarding is only allowed in Mesquite and Saline Valley Dunes. Mesquite Dunes are readily accessible, but Saline requires a 4 by 4 to access.

Be Entertained at the Armagosa Opera House –

Although not in the park, the Armagosa Opera House has long been one of the Death Valley curiosities.  Former Broadway performer Mart Becket came upon an abandoned social hall in the dying town of Death Valley Junction in 1967. The Junction had once been home for the workers of the Pacific Borax Company.  Marta purchased the hall, and transformed it into the Opera House. Although a lot has happened in the meantime, performance are again held each week. Check the upcoming performances.  

Be Intrigued at the Cerro Gordo Peak Salt Tram –  

Located outside of the park in the mountains along the western edge, the salt tram was a technological wonder in its time.  Built to carry salt from one side of the mountains to the other, the peak station, and many of the enroute stations, are still entirely intact.  Located off the Cerro Gordo to Swansea Road, to ensure access, the safest bet is to use a 4 wheeler.

Be Sweetened by the Treats at China Grove Date Farm

In the nearby town of Teacopa, the date farm is a fun stop that reveals how ingenuity can lead to a profitable enterprise even in inhospitable conditions.  The orchard section of the farm is quite beautiful. There is also a very small museum, and a shop where delicious baked goods made with their own home-grown dates, can be purchased.

Be Charmed by the Small Town Shoshone

Shoshone calls itself the gateway to Death Valley, but it is a charming town in its own right.  There is a small general store, a cafe with some delicious food, and bar, and a museum highlighting the towns once thriving history with mines and a railroad stop.  The town also has a wetlands nature reserve, known to be the habitat of numerous species of waterfowl, its own unique species of pupfish, with bird watching trails.

Be Enlightened at Manzanar Internment Camp –

If you have never heard of Manzanar, it is no wonder.  It reveals a side of US history that many are unaware of, or many choose to turn away from.  Manzanar is one of several internment camps used to detain Japanese American citizens during WWII. A visit to Manzanar brings a sobering recognition that as a people, we are capable of such fear driven actions against our own neighbors.

Is that all the things to do in Death Valley?

Not by any means!  I keep remembering more even as I start summing up this list of cool things to do in Death Valley. But, I have to stop somewhere. If you find you have done all of these, and want even more, leave a comment! I am sure I can can share more ideas. And, don’t forget, all of the traditional activities you might hope for on a National Park are there as well.

Getting to Death Valley

Part of the attraction of Death Valley is its remoteness, but this means there are not any simple ways to access the area.  Las Vegas is the closest major city, being about a 2 hour drive, while Los Angeles is about a 4.5 hour drive if traffic is not bad. 

Flying into either of these cities and renting a car is the easiest way to get to the park and surrounding areas.  If you only want to make a Day Trip, coming from Las Vegas is the best option.  But it could make a great Southern California weekend getaway from LA or San Diego.

If you are driving from elsewhere in the US, Interstates 15 and 40 pass closest to the park.

Entrance into the Park

$30 for 7 Days, effective June 1st, 2018.
This permit allows all persons traveling with the permit holder in one single private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van) to leave and re-enter the park as many times as they wish during the 7-day period from the date of purchase.

Fee can be paid at self-serve kiosks at major park attractions, or at the any of the Ranger Stations throughout the park. The easiest to access is the station at Furnace Creek.

Lodging Options for Enjoying the Cool Things to Do in Death Valley

Comfortable lodging is available at 4 locations within the park.

• Furnace Creek Inn
• Furnace Creek Ranch
• Stovepipe Wells Village
• Panamint Springs Resort

You can find your perfect lodging for Death Valley here!

Lodging is also available in nearby towns.

There are several different campgrounds within the park, at different elevations and with differing levels of development.  Some have full RV hook up sites, while others are tent only.  Back country camping is also available.  Check the National Park Service website for full details.

Ready to Experience some of the Cool Things to Do in Death Valley??

Death Valley is an incredible and unique place in the world, one that you must experience at least once!  If you are more traditional, or in a hurry, use our Death Valley Day Trip Itinerary.

But if you are more adventurous and have a bit of time, we hope these Cool and Unique Things to do in Death Valley included something that appeals to you!  And if we missed any, we would love to hear about them! 

If you want to let others in on the secret, go ahead and Pin this!

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