TRIP IDEA

Extra few Hours to Explore? "Must See" Spots in Death Valley

Death Valley National Park

An expansive view of a desert valley floor from a desert ridge.
Topic(s) Geology, Mining, Mountains, Night Sky, Scenic Views, Trails, Wilderness
Activities Scenic Driving, Hiking
Parks Death Valley National Park
Sand dune fields stretch into the horizon.
The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are the largest dune field in Death Valley.

NPS photo

Do you have a few extra hours to explore Death Valley after visiting the "Must sees for 1-3 hours"? Choose one of these spots to explore the park a little deeper.

Location: Travel north from the Furnace Creek Visitor Center to visit the attractions below.

Restrooms: Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes parking area, NO restroom at Keane Wonder Mine

Food and Water: Stovepipe Wells Village has camp general store and a restaurant. This is located a few miles west on Highway 190 from the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes parking area.

Pets: Pets will NOT be able to explore these sites if you wish to leave the parking area. Pets should not be left in vehicles.
  • Death Valley National Park

    Visit Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
    • Duration: 10–180 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Fall
    • Time of Day: Any Time
    Tawny, shaded dunes extend out to distant desert mountains.

    Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are the largest dune field in the park. This dune field includes three types of dunes: crescent, linear, and star shaped. Polygon-cracked clay of an ancient lakebed forms the floor. Mesquite trees have created large hummocks that provide stable habitats for wildlife.

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  • Death Valley National Park

    Check Out the View at Dantes View
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Scenic Driving
    • Pets: No
    A vast desert valley is seen from a rocky desert mountain top.

    At 5,475 ft (1,669 m), the most breathtaking viewpoint in the park. Facing west, the view of the Panamint Mountains towering over the lowest point (-282ft / 86m) in North America (Badwater Basin) offers one of the best sunrises in the park. The barely visible mountains on the far western horizon are the Sierra Nevadas, home to the highest point (14,505ft / 4,421m) in the contiguous United States - Mount Whitney, however the peak itself isn't quite visible.

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  • Death Valley National Park

    Step Back in Time at the Keane Wonder Mine
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Scenic Driving
    • Pets: No
    A historic wooden tram terminal structure in a desert setting.

    Step back in time and experience one of the most unique historical mining sites in Death Valley! In November 2017, the Keane Wonder Mine will be reopening after its closure in 2008. Operating in the early 1900s, the Keane Wonder Mine was one of the most successful gold mines in Death Valley. It now remains as one of the best examples of a historical gold mining operation in the national park.

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Last updated: September 27, 2018