Top Things to do in Death Valley National Park
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The 8 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Death Valley National Park, Inyo County
Death Valley offers much to do in the winter season.
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1. The Racetrack
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 272 reviews
Unusual desert area where rocks move from place to place, but the actual movements have never been observed by humans.
Reviewed By 711lynnw - Kellyville, United States
We rented a Jeep from Farabee’s Jeep Rentals at Furnace Creek and, armed with water, maps, and a Spot GPS tracker, we hit the road to the Racetrack Playa. We were instructed to go 15 mph on the road, but due to the washboard rough conditions, we bumped it up to 35-40 mph and the ride smoothed out. There are a few areas with blind spots along the road to the racetrack but we slowed down in plenty of time and had no issues. The road is technically two-way but it is really only wide enough for one vehicle most of the time. When meeting an oncoming vehicle, one must pull off to the side a bit to allow the other to pass. We made it to the Grandstand in about 1 hour (from the start of the Racetrack Road) and we walked around the Grandstand for a bit and took some pictures. The views are great from atop the rocks. A little further down the road is the spot where the rocks have left tracks. To see many of the rocks requires a walk of about ½ mile. We saw several rocks, some with very faint tracks and others with much better trails. The walk out to the Grandstand and the Racetrack rocks is on smooth even ground (this was in December 2018). The parking areas are small but we didn’t have any trouble finding a spot. There are no facilities at either the Grandstand or Racetrack Playa. Even as remote as this place is, there was a good amount of traffic in and out. I highly recommend renting a Jeep from Farabee’s and saving the wear and tear on your own vehicle. The Jeep took the abuse we gave it and we had no issues at all. From Furnace Creek to the Playa and back will take about 8 hours.
2. Ubehebe Crater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 571 reviews
Ubehebe and its little brother (a smaller crater) winningly tempt hikers down their steep and colorful slopes.
Reviewed By 58mads
I've never seen a crater before, and this one is easily accessible. You can see it from the parking lot. You can also walk down into it, but the uphill climb back up, I understand, is a little steep. I didn't go down. From Stovepipe Wells, where we stayed, it's an easy 30 mile drive on paved road. Well worth the trip.
3. Titus Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 455 reviews
Perhaps the most memorable thing about this Death Valley canyon is the trip you'll take to it.
Reviewed By V6350LQrichardl - Cook, United States
Was one of, if not the best, dual-sport / adventure motorcycle rides I have ever done. Simply spectacular. Perfect for moderately skilled adventure motorcyclists, though may be a bit too much for a novice on a heavy bike. Would probably be fine for a novice on a light enduro, though note National Park rules restrict motorcycles to street legal bikes I think, which is good because it limits traffic. Would be no problem in any stock high clearance 4X4, though longbed pickups may not be able to get around some of the tight turns. On a Sunday at noon, I rode the whole trail and saw only one other party, a couple in a jeep, all of which contributed awesomely to the sense of isolation and wonder. The ascent from the east is unremarkable, and one may think, "What's the big deal?", but then you crest a couple passes and you are blessed with amazing views down into the narrow valley falls that away from you. Descending into it on narrow steep switchbacks through incredible, steep rock formations was so fun and visually stimulating. Every 30 seconds, you are saying, "Holy S***!" Ghost Town! Petroglyphs! After a couple miles of steep descent, one has the sense that you are about to emerge out of the valley, but you would be wrong! The valley floor, essentially a large dry riverbed extends another several miles, narrowing dramatically. Each new turn provides another seemingly even better view than the one just before. Finally, you get dumped out at the end of the canyon. I want to do it again!
4. Artist's Drive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,751 reviews
Reviewed By WorldExplorer50 - Irvine, United States
Good thing this is a one-way drive to contain rogue tourists ... beautiful colors, suprisingly long drive (nearly 10 miles) through gorgeous mineral hills of varying colors. Sundown is wonderful as the sun hits the hills.
5. Artists Palette
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,012 reviews
Reviewed By Escapethecold44 - Denver, United States
The drive up to Artists Palette was one of my favorites at Death Valley (loved that it was 1 way, the dips in the road are fun, and the scenery was stunning!). When you get to Artist Point, I recommend walking to the right on the near side of dry creek bed for good pictures and to see where the Sand Crawler was parked in the first Star Wars movie. We also walked down into the river bed below Artists Palette (this is where R2D2 gets attached). The green rocks were my favorite.
6. Mosaic Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 498 reviews
Reviewed By alisaj_12 - Santa Clarita, United States
This was one of my favorites in DV! Easy hike, is best at mid day. The sunlight on the marble veined walls is amazing. There are a few marble slides, the kids and adults will like, and if you've got a rock hound they'll be in heaven!
7. Darwin Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By Desert-Explore
Hard to imagine something like this exists in the middle of DV. Nice hike, beautiful area and a shirt distance from a great campground, Panamint Springs Resort
