Death Valley is known worldwide for its unique beauty and extremely high temperatures. Visiting Death Valley National Park will bring you to aptly named sites like Devil's Cornfield, Dante's View, Furnace Creek, and the Devil's Golf Course, all of which remind you that you are visiting a place known for its dry and hot conditions.
I remember leaving my home in March for my first visit, where the high temperatures were averaging in the mid-sixties, and two days later, I'm sweating in nearly 100-degree weather. It was an amazing experience to see the salt flats and the beautiful views that Death Valley had to offer.
The views from the top of Dante's View were breathtaking, looking down at the salt flats below. If I were looking at pics, I'd almost believe that I were looking at swirls of snow or water down below. Surprisingly, despite the high temperatures of the area, at sunset, the top of Dante's View can get a little chilly.
Exploring the Devil's Golf Course was interesting as I picked my way over the ragged edges of salt and rock formations. These features were enormous, many coming up to my knees, and had sharp edges. I was even warned to tread carefully, as a fall would likely result in the need for some minor first aid.
Devil's Cornfield and the adjacent sand dunes were equally impressive. This is one spot that I learned quickly, even with some good winds making the high temperatures tolerable, it was still very important to stay hydrated. Walking back to my car, I was quickly hit with a mild case of heat exhaustion.
In so many of these locations, I mildly remember other people, quite a few people in fact. But I never felt crowded. The wide open skies and massive spaces that make up Death Valley lend to the feeling of peace and solitude even when surrounded by others.
One common trend throughout the locations, hot and dry. A park ranger I spoke with shared that visitors should always be prepared. She told me that you should have a vehicle that is in good working condition, tools, and supplies (food and lots and lots of water!). Cell service in Death Valley is spotty at best, and you might get service at Furnace Creek Inn, Furnace Creek Visitor Center, or nearby Stovepipe Wells.
A Desert Oasis
Walking onto the property of the Furnace Creek Inn of Death Valley National Park was so odd to me. I loved going from the dry desert to the lovely, lush green lawns and water features of the inn. My favorite moment was standing at the edge of the garden with a small pool of water, and just a few feet past the pool was the expanse of the mountains of Death Valley jutting up, and not a single plant growing on them.
Going into Furnace Creek Inn was entering a portal into another world. A tunnel entry flanked with bright pink bougainvillea welcomed us as we travelled through the stone-lined tunnel into the inn. Inside the inn, you are in another world. A world of luxury, a world of indulgence, beauty, water, and delicious dining.
As much as I enjoyed the inn and the dining, I much preferred spending my time outside. Despite the heat, I loved wandering along the stone pathways among the palm trees and grassy lawn. I enjoyed sitting near the pond, listening to the water, and enjoying the tranquility of the space.
Death Valley brings a lot of beauty and wonder to the visitor. I loved checking out the different sites and have every intention of returning. Perhaps in the future I'll make it to the Artists Pallete, the Kilns, or one of the many other sites. I just know, I'll be back and this time, I'll have a lot more water with me.
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