There are so many sights to see, canyons to hike, mines to investigate and ghost towns to visit when exploring Death Valley, and it’s possible in a 2WD.
Obviously, many places are unreachable unless you have a high-clearance 4X4. But, as long as you are sensible, know your vehicle, drive slowly on unpaved roads, there is plenty to see and experience.
It is ALWAYS advisable to check at the Ranger Station first, just in case there has been flooding or road closures.
If this is your first visit and you plan on spending a few days, or if you are passing through on a road trip there is something of interest for everyone.
Here is a list of places we visited while exploring Death Valley in our minivan.
badwater basin
Badwater Basin is one of the most iconic places in Death Valley and the most visited. It is the lowest place in the Western Hemisphere at 282 feet below sea level.
ballarat ghost town
Ballarat, established in 1896 and named after the gold mining, boom-town in Australia. An old jail/morgue, a crumbling post office and a few adobe structures are all that remain of this once-thriving hamlet.
DARWIN FALLS
Darwin Falls is spring-fed and flows throughout the year. It is one of the only permanent water sources throughout the Death Valley area.
DARWIN GHOST TOWN
Today there are only 35 people who call Darwin home. There is no gas, food or lodging, no schools or churches.
DESOLATION CANYON
Dry waterfalls, rainbow rocks and an incredible view of the valley. This canyon hike is quieter than others making it one of our favourites.
DEVIL’S GOLF COURSE
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.
Dublin Gulch
When one envisions a ghost town, they think of abandoned, dilapidated buildings, either made from wood or brick. The cave dwellings of Dublin Gulch is not the typical ghost town.
eureka mine
A short two-mile drive along an unmade road will lead you to an old mining camp, called “Harrisburg Site” and the mine named “Eureka”.
HARMONY BORAX WORKS
Borax became known at “White Gold’. This 0.4-mile interpretive trail is fascinating, and there are some amazing views of the ancient dry lake bed.
KEANE WONDER MINE
There are countless remnants scattered across the mountainous acreage it occupies and in the wash below. Not to mention the Aerial Tramway that gains over 1,000 feet in elevation, built in 1907, with its cables still intact!
MOSAIC CANYON
Mosaic Canyon trail is a moderate 4-mile out and back trek through a slot canyon, where there are several dry waterfalls to clamber over.
NATURAL BRIDGE CANYON
Over millennia, water and flash floods eroded the rocks forming the canyon we see today. Finding the path of least resistance, it has carved this massive rock formation. The arch or bridge is 35-feet think and connects one side of the canyon to the other.
rhyolite ghost town
Rhyolite Ghost Town sits dismantled and devastated in the Bullfrog Hills, although it was once a boom town forming in 1905.
RYAN CAMP TO WIDOW MINE
Discover old mines, dilapidated bridges and an abandoned railway on this hike just outside the boundaries of Death Valley National Park
Salt Creek
A 0.5-mile interpretive trail along a boardwalk. Crossing over the meandering creek where the endangered Pupfish play. A fun walk which the whole family can enjoy.
wildrose charcoal kilns
These ten, 25-foot high beehive-shaped kilns, built in 1877, were used to create charcoal for local mining operations.
We love exploring Death Valley, and we think you will too. Stay tuned for more excursions.
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