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©
2005 Marina Rundell
Death Valley National Park offers many things to see including old mining camps, homes that have been abandoned, beautiful scenery, Furnace Creek, Texas Springs Campground, and Scotty’s Castle.
Badwater Basin, the lowest place below sea level in North America, in the early 1990s was still relatively undiscovered by visitors, where the rawness of the place allowed visitors to walk down the salt flats and simply enjoy the scenery. Now, in the new millennium, with more people visiting, decking has been added to make it easier to walk from the road to the salt flats. Also, the deck increases the chances of protecting the rare wildlife in the water. There is also now a paved area for a restroom.
The Ubehebe Crater is worth seeing and if you feel like it, go ahead and have fun walking down to the bottom of the crater, but beware, getting back up will test your lungs, every cell in your body, and your desire to see civilization again (your car) at the top of the crater.
Dante’s Peak is also worth driving up to enjoy the view. Where you once were allowed to walk to the edges of the slopes to see the view, this may no longer be open or may be fenced off.
Wildrose Charcoal Kilns show another remnant of the past and the many creative ways that Death Valley’s resources were used in hopes of finding riches.
The sand dunes are also great to visit, and while they may appear to be a short distance from the road, you may find yourself walking much farther than you thought.
For a change of scenery from all the geological wonders, and because you simply are craving a cold drink, go to Stovepipe Wells or go to Ranch at Furnace Creek which offers restaurants, a gift shop, restrooms, and lodging. It is near the Death Valley Museum and across the road from the Texas Springs Campground. The Furnace Creek “Ranch” is more family friendly. The Furnace Creek “Resort” is upscale.
A driving tour includes the "Artist's Pallette" where you don't have to get out of your car. A walking tour includes the rocky walk up to see a natural arch. Both are accessible from the main highway that cuts through Death Valley.
For more information, visit the Death Valley Museum. There is also a gift shop. You can buy books that will help guide you about the condition of roads and trails. You can also buy a map to show you Death Valley's many points of interest.
©
2005 Marina Rundell
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