#Vinecations: Exit planet Earth in Death Valley

Death Valley, located just east of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California, is a place of extremes. It records the highest temperature, lowest elevation, and driest climate in the United States. So if you’ve dreamed of road tripping to another planet, Death Valley National Park‘s fascinating otherworldly landscape could be the next best thing.

Related: Take the road trip less traveled on California Highway 395.

What to See and Do

Climb the sand dunes at Mesquite Flats. These white sandy dunes are a favorite attraction in the park. Not only are they fun and challenging to climb and explore, but they are particularly beautiful in the late afternoon light, and make for a good spot for enjoying the sunset. Early morning is the best time for exploring the dunes to discover tracks of nocturnal animals, while also avoiding the heat of the day.

Take a “been there done that” selfie at Badwater Basin. This is the lowest elevation in North America (282 feet below sea level). Look out for a sign way up on the ridge that marks sea level, and wander out on the lake bed salt flats nearby. Stick to the trails, as the salt crystals are uneven and fragile.

Watch for wildlife everywhere. Keep yours peeled for coyotes and hares along Artist’s Drive, and search for big horn sheep on a drive through Titus Canyon. If you prefer exploring canyons on foot, head to Mosaic Canyon, where you might spot reptiles and rodents among the rocks.

Pitch a tent and camp under the stars. Death Valley is one of the darkest and clearest places on earth to watch the night skies. It has been designated an International Dark Sky Park, making it a perfect place for stargazing, meteor showers, comet spotting, and admiring the Milky Way stretched across the sky. Astronomy events are regularly held here.

Witness the mysterious Racetrack. At this famed spot, rocks and boulders seemto have mysteriously slid along the lake bed, leaving long tracks in the dried mud surface. As most of the access road to this remote area is unpaved and rough, it’s important to have a vehicle with high clearance and heavy-duty tires.

Related: Your roadside guide to the quirky, cool Florida Keys.

Getting There

While Death Valley is located in California, the closest major airport is Las Vegas, Nevada. From Las Vegas, or from Los Angeles, you’ll want a good 4-wheel drive rental car, since you’re going to be driving to get there, and will need wheels to get around as well. There’s more to Death Valley than can be covered in a day trip, so plan accordingly.

Tips for Visiting

GPS navigation can be unreliable in the remote parts of the park, so be sure to carry up to date maps (which can be downloaded from the nps.gov website), or check in at the Visitor’s Center for current road conditions. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended. Always carry plenty of water, and plan your time to spend the hottest part of the day driving or resting somewhere with air-conditioning.

Where to Stay

Death Valley covers a huge area, which means there are plenty of options for familiar and comfortable hotels in and near Death Valley National Park. Because a visit to Death Valley requires flexibility, the good news is that Orbitz does not charge cancel or change fees for reservations of Death Valley National Park hotels.

Tagged: California