RV Tour Leg 23 - Death Valley National Park

Our route so far - making our way around the US clockwise

Death Valley is a land of extremes—both in beauty and in nature. We spent a week exploring its vast landscapes and still felt like we barely scratched the surface. The canyons were stunning, each one unique in its colors and formations. Some were stark and almost alien, so it makes sense that parts of Star Wars movies were filmed here. It’s easy to imagine yourself on another planet.

At the Top of Red Cathedral from Golden Canyon

Badlands Loop outside of Zabriskie Point

Falls Canyon

One of the highlights was hiking to Darwin Falls, a true desert oasis. The contrast between the lush, green waterfall and the surrounding arid desert was striking.

After 2.5 miles of hiking in the desert to Darwin falls, we see the beginning of the trickle of water

A little farther down the stream at Darwin Falls

Darwin Falls

We also hiked up to Ubehebe Crater, a massive volcanic crater that left us in awe.

Ubehebe Crater

Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level, was another surreal experience—the salt flats stretched endlessly in every direction, giving the illusion of walking on another world​

Badwater Basin

We camped at Stovepipe Wells, which wasn’t the most scenic campsite (just a gravel lot), but it gave us breathtaking sunsets. After days of almost no internet, we were thrilled to discover that moving our camp chairs just a tenth of a mile toward the ranger station granted us access to blazing-fast National Park Service Wi-Fi—a small but exciting victory.

Stovepipe Wells Campground at Sunset

Getting on WiFi at Stovepipe Wells

The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes at sunset were mesmerizing, the shifting golden hues creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Then there was The Oasis, a lush retreat of palm trees and gardens—such a stark contrast to the rest of the park.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

Gardens at the Oasis at Death Valley

Despite its ominous name, Death Valley didn’t feel foreboding. In fact, it had an inviting, almost magical quality. Maybe the park needs a name makeover because “Death Valley” sounds like a haunted house attraction when, in reality, it’s an adventurer’s paradise.