🔥 Death Valley National Park: Earth’s Extreme Playground

#landmarks

Welcome to the hottest, driest, and lowest place in North America — and one of the most surprisingly stunning landscapes you’ll ever see. It’s like visiting another planet… only with more salt. Here are the top landmarks you have to see 👇

🏜️ Badwater Basin
The lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level — a surreal salt flat that looks like a cracked white ocean.
📸 Go early or late in the day for dramatic shadows and cooler temps.
👟 Pro tip: Walk a bit away from the parking lot to find pristine salt polygons.

🌈 Artist’s Palette
A technicolor hillside with shades of pink, green, purple, and gold — all caused by oxidized minerals.
🎨 The drive through Artist’s Drive Scenic Loop is short and jaw-dropping.
💡 Best viewed near sunset when the colors really pop.

⛰️ Dante’s View
An unreal panoramic viewpoint perched over Badwater Basin. You’ll feel like you’re floating above the valley.
🌀 On clear days, you can see both the lowest and highest points in the lower 48 (Badwater + Mt. Whitney).
🌄 Perfect spot for sunrise if you’re an early riser.

🌊 Devils Golf Course
Spiky, jagged salt formations that look like something out of a sci-fi movie.
⚠️ Not for walking — the terrain is sharp and brutal. But so cool to see up close!
🎧 Bonus: In the heat, you can sometimes hear the salt crystals popping.

🏞️ Zabriskie Point
Iconic viewpoint of golden badlands — a must-see for sunrise.
📸 Think wavy ridgelines in gold, pink, and bronze tones.
🎬 Featured in movies and music videos — it’s that photogenic.

🧭 Travel Tips
✅ Summer is brutal — temps can hit 120°F+ 😰 Go in winter or early spring for safer, more comfortable exploring
✅ Bring way more water than you think (at least 1 gallon per person/day)
✅ Fuel up — gas stations are few and $$$
✅ Cell service is spotty — offline maps are essential
✅ No shade, no joke — sun protection is key: hat, sunglasses, SPF!