Day Itinerary
8 Activities
Day 1
245 mi0.9 mi
Headed to Death Valley National Park
Red rocks, strange formations of the earth and the vast desert are on the books today – all of which have starred in some Hollywood film or another. The first stop is at Vasquez Rocks, a fun place to scramble and hike through, followed by a quick stop at Red Rock Canyon Park and the Trona Pinnacles. This last stop is optional if you start early enough – it includes a 5-mile dirt entrance, which can take some time to drive.
And then into the park. Start early to ensure you can fit it all in, and see it all in the most comfortable temperatures (earlier or later in the desert is always better). Pack plenty of water and snacks, your hat and sunscreen, and you'll be ready to go. Don't forget your camera, too. The sights you'll see are ones you'll want to share!
And then into the park. Start early to ensure you can fit it all in, and see it all in the most comfortable temperatures (earlier or later in the desert is always better). Pack plenty of water and snacks, your hat and sunscreen, and you'll be ready to go. Don't forget your camera, too. The sights you'll see are ones you'll want to share!
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09:0045 min
Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center
Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park showcases seismic lifting of enormous rock plates and has been the location of countless TV and movie shoots. Specific hikes are available from the visitor center, but this is also a great spot for simply meandering around, scaling rocks and taking in the other-worldly vibes.
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78.8 mi
1 hr 20 min
11:1530 min
Red Rock Canyon State Park
Just off the highway, Red Rock Canyon Park is an often overlooked recreational area full of bright rocks and unique geologic formations. Some interesting spots here include Turk’s Turban, Camel Rock, Hagen Canyon, and the Red Cliffs Natural Area. You'll find some Joshua Trees here, too.
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59.8 mi
1 hr 10 min
13:0045 min
Trails Drive In
This is an iconic drive-in restaurant for burgers, fries, shakes, and soft serve, open since 1958. There are two restaurants and two gas stations in the town of Trona, California, and this is one of them!
The town is known for large, pink salt crystals (halite) that are mined here as well as the Trona Pinnacles – over 500 tall rock formations. Bookmark the Pinnacles for another trip!
The town is known for large, pink salt crystals (halite) that are mined here as well as the Trona Pinnacles – over 500 tall rock formations. Bookmark the Pinnacles for another trip!
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73.3 mi
1 hr 30 min
15:155 min
Parking Lot
Leave your car at this parking lot and take a 20-minute walk to see the mesmerizing Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
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0.9 mi
20 min
16:001 hr 30 min
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are Death Valley National Park's playground, located just outside Stovepipe Wells. These aren't the tallest dunes in the park (they rise up to 100 feet), but they are the most accessible.
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27.4 mi
40 min
18:1530 min
Zabriskie Point
Catch the sunset at this iconic lookout spot overlooking Golden Canyon. And, perhaps plan a return for a sunrise in the morning? Don't forget to wait around until nightfall – the Milky Way and other stars here are spectacular.
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4.7 mi
10 min
19:001 hr 30 min
The Last Kind Words Saloon
The Last Kind Words Saloon (a name taken from a Larry McMurtry novel of the same name) is a restored saloon and center of the community for the Furnace Creek area. While you wait for your food, check out all the fascinating artifacts and nostalgia of the Old West. Order one of the many classics on the menu and have a drink by the fire on the patio.
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1.3 mi
5 min
20:4511 hrs
It's not surprising that the desert can make you tired. Take advantage of your comfy bed and head in early. You'll want to make the most of your morning to enjoy the best light of the day.
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