Check Sleeping in Death Valley Off the Bucket List

We drove into Death Valley from Bakersfield, California. Death Valley is on the eastern side of California on the Nevada border, and stretches over 3 million acres of sand dunes, canyons, rocky peaks, and salt flats. I had no idea how mountainous the terrain would be. I thought Death Valley = flat desert. Thankfully we have figured out downshifting/engine braking to save our brakes. It’s never a good sign when you can smell your brakes… especially in Death Valley.

Death Valley is the hottest place on Earth with the 1913 recorded temperature of 134° F. This summer it reached 128° F.

Driving from west California to east California meant we went quite awhile without seeing any buildings, very few people, and very little plant or animal life. It’s kind of creepy.

Death Valley entry is $30, but waived with the interagency pass. That pass has paid for itself several times over. Again, it’s $80 and gets you into every National Park plus reduced fees at some camping sites and some state parks.

Camping:

There are places to stay outside of Death Valley (RV campgrounds and BLM). We opted to drive into the park to Furnace Creek and they have tons of spots for reasonable prices. All seemed to be first come first serve, but definitely no shortage. We opted for Texas Springs Campground because it’s up on a hill, no generators allowed, and spots were more spread out. It’s $16 per night, but half off with our handy dandy interagency pass. Little to no Internet, but cell reception to text or call was fine.

Sites:

Day 1 coming from West California

Father Crowley Vista Point -which overlooks Rainbow Canyon. While there we did see low level military training planes.

Mesquite Sand Dunes-The picture doesn’t show it, but the sand had gold flecks in it that sparkled in the sunlight.

Day 2 starting point at Furnace Creek

Devil’s Golf Course- jagged salt formations

Badwater Basin- lowest elevation in North America at 282 feet below sea level. We ate lunch here.

Artists Drive- this is a 9 mile loop for vehicles under 25 feet. We are 24.5 feet. We opted to pass. It looked similar to the badlands.

Zabriskie Point- golden colored badlands

Dante’s View- again, 25 foot vehicle limit. We opted to pass.

The route in and out towards Vegas was much easier to navigate than from western California.