One of the more well-known places in Death Valley is the Devil’s Golf Course. It’s a great stop to make, showing one of the more otherworldly landscapes which the National Park has to offer.
We turned off of Badwater Road and drove the 1.3-miles on yet another gravel road to the parking area.
We had to wait for a minute or two for a parking space as it was jam-packed.
Stepping Onto The Devil’s Golf Course
We ventured out onto the salt flat, being vigilant of where we put our feet. We didn’t want to disturb the pinnacles or twist an ankle. Taking a tumble onto one of these sharp formations would undoubtedly hurt.
Positioning one of our cameras near to the ground, we snapped a couple of photos. It almost looks like a canyon from this angle.
How Did the Devil’s Golf Course Get Its Name?
The National Park Service jokingly put in their guide book “Only the Devil could play golf on this surface”. That was back in 1934, and the name stuck, although golfers don’t find it that funny. On numerous occasions they turn up at the Devil’s Golf Course for a round, not realising that the actual golf course is at Furnace Creek!
Between 2,000 and 4,000 years ago, the massive Lake Manly which was 30-ft deep and covered 620 sq miles, evaporated. The mineral deposits which were left behind crystalised forming the spiky formations we see today. Through exploration in the 1930s, the mineral deposits were discovered to be more than 1,000 ft deep. In more recent studies, the depth is in the region of 9,000 ft.
How it Looks Today
Some of these salt pinnacles can be as high as two-feet making the surface extremely uneven and very difficult to walk on. They are also very sharp.
The salt towers grow as little as 1-inch every 35 years or so, with the winds and rain continuously shaping them.
Apparently, on a warm day, if you listen carefully, you can hear the crystals cracking as they expand and contract.
Our Takeaway
The pair of us spent about 15 minutes snapping photos and reading the information plaques. We didn’t wander too far onto the flats as we felt there was no need.
We would have probably spent a little longer if there hadn’t been so many people.
If you are travelling along Badwater Road, it is definitely worth stopping.
IN A NUTSHELL
- 1.3-miles unpaved road off of Badwater Road (closed in wet weather) 2WD OK
- The parking lot has no facilities
- Sharp and uneven terrain
- Wear suitable footwear
- Please remember that these salt pinnacles grow very slowly, try not to destroy them
- No cell service
- Leave no trace – Pack it in, pack it out
location map of the devil’s golf course
- For more places to visit in Death Valley, click the link below
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