Adventure Highlights in Death Valley National Park
This is the ultimate location to experience some fantastic hikes as well as some really awesome biking trails! The park contains more than 3 million acres of wilderness.
4X4's are also an extremely popular way to experience the Valley. In fact, if you stay on the paved roads, it's possible to see a lot of the remote attractions within the park by rental car. So no matter what kind of vacation you have in mind, you're sure to find adventure either by car, by foot, or by cycling!
Death Valley Adventure Activities
For hikers, there are literally thousands of trails to choose from. If you're looking for a scenic day hike - there's a lot of trails ranging from about 1 to 6 kilometers. But what's really spectacular about Death Valley is its outstanding back country trails. Experienced hikers can enjoy some truly amazing vistas on trails ranging from 2 to 30 kilometers in length. Two of the best "well maintained" trails in the Valley are:
Biking around Death Valley is nothing short of spectacular! Although you're only allowed to cycle on roads open to automobile traffic, you can still get away from it all by biking on the many miles of dirt roads that wind through the valleys and canyons. These roads provide the ultimate in adventure cycling!
Our top five biking trail recommendations in the Park - the trails that have the lowest level of vehicle use:
Whether you choose to hike or bike around Death Valley, you're sure to find adventure by exploring the many ghost towns that are scattered throughout the park.
Most of these 'turn of the century' towns were built to accommodate mining and exploration from silver to copper and gold. Today they provide a unique glimpse into the past - outdoor museums in the harshest of climates! Best Time to Explore the National Park
The best time to visit is from February to the end of April. These months also see the highest number of visitors to the park! It's during this time that the weather is not too hot and conditions are ideal for camping and pursuing outdoor adventure activities.
Another great time to see the Park is in the fall. The somewhat cooler temperatures make for excellent hiking conditions during the day.
Death Valley Safety Tips
Many people wonder if it’s safe to drive through or visit in the summer months! Absolutely! Just make sure you're prepared - ensure your vehicle is in good condition and that you have proper supplies with you. Always stay with your vehicle in case of breakdown.
If you’re planning on doing some back country hikes, its best to check with the park ranger prior to heading out. They will provide you with a voluntary hiker form or permit. This is for your protection and safety as it lets the ranger station know where you are going and your approximate time of return. Dress properly for outdoor activities. Shirt, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen are absolute necessities. Carry enough water with you. It's quite easy to consume 4 liters of water in a half day, especially when the temperatures are high! Also be careful where you walk. There are snakes - but if you leave them alone, they'll leave you alone! Death Valley - Where to stayThere are some really excellent accommodation choices close to Death Valley National Park.
Emigrant, Furnace Creek and Mesquite Spring Campgrounds are open all year and provide some amenities like flush toilets and water. Always check with the Park Ranger when you enter the park on where to camp close to where you want to go. Stovepipe Wells, Sunset, and Texas Spring Campgrounds are open from October to April each year and charge a fee of 10 to 12 dollars.
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Furnace Creek Inn is a historic hotel located in the middle of a beautiful oasis. It boasts not only resort style accommodations but also caters to families in ranch style settings with full amenities.
Panamint Springs is a small resort located on the western edge of the Park. You can choose to stay in a variety of rooms on the property - There's a Motel, Campgrounds and an RV Park.
Stovepipe Wells Village is located within the Park. Aside from camping, this place is a real bargain considering its location. Mosaic Canyon and some of the most popular ghost towns are nearby!