Salt Flats, Colorful Rocks, and Stunning Vistas: The Best of Death Valley

Linger at this colorful geologic anomaly called Artist's Palette. These rainbow hills are formed by different layers of minerals, each with a different hue. Explore the various paths to get a new perspective. This is a place that changes drastically at different times of the day.

Welcome to the lowest point in North America, coming in at 282 feet below sea level! These are the salt flats of Death Valley. Feel free to explore the flats and play with perspective if photographing. You may need to walk further out than where most people tread to find the salt polygons this area is known for. Wherever you find yourself, this unique landscape looks as if it never ends.

You'll head back towards Furnace Creek, California, and it may be starting to get warm. Nowhere more than Death Valley is an ice cream shop appropriate. Inside The Ranch at Death Valley is a wonderful Ice Cream Parlor, and more than just ice cream, it's an old-timey soda fountain and ice cream parlor from the days of yore when ice cream didn't just mean a scoop of cold stuff on a cone. Cool down properly with a root beer float or a banana split sundae. And, some lunch is a good idea too. Enjoy!

Dante's View is offers a spectacular view from 5,000 feet above sea level to Badwater Basin below. No hiking is required at this spot, just take in the view and see where you explored earlier.
Then, you'll head east on 190 towards Death Valley Junction, where a curious little Opera House stands.

The Amargosa Opera House was the performance hall for a Marta Beckett, a ballerina from New York City who performed solo shows here for four decades after she lovingly restored the buildings – once a hotel and social hall for the local borax company workers.
It still takes guests today. Tours of the opera house are fascinating, giving glimpses of the 16th-century Spanish royal court audience that Marta painted, for times when the house was empty. You can check the tours' schedule on the official website.

Enjoy the therapeutic waters at Delight's Hot Springs Resort. To have a soak in the hot water, purchase a Night Pass. If you time it right, you'll get a glorious sunset. Unless you want to drink the hot springs water, make sure to bring your own.

Head back towards Baker on I-15 to hit up the classic Mad Greek Cafe, refueling travelers since 1974. A gyro sandwich, or other Mediterranean delight, will do you right for the ride back.
After soaking tired bones and filling up on Greek food, it's time to hit the road home. May the journey be fast and enjoyable.