The Death Valley region offers many opportunities for both art and photography enthusiasts to capture the beauty of the area.
Here are some popular and remote locations to consider:
Easy-to-Access Locations
These locations are accessible in any vehicle. They are all less than an hour's drive from the Furnace Creek Visitor Center.
BADWATER BASIN
The lowest point in North America, this surreal salt flat provides a unique backdrop for photographers. The patterns and textures of the salt formations create an otherworldly atmosphere.
ARTISTS PALETTE &
ARTISTS DRIVE
A scenic drive through the park, Artist’s Drive features the colorful Artist’s Palette, where mineral deposits have created vibrant hues in the rocks. This area is perfect for landscape photography and painting.
DANTES VIEW
This elevated viewpoint offers a breathtaking panorama of the Badwater Basin and surrounding mountains. It is a popular spot for landscape photography, particularly at sunrise and sunset when the light casts dramatic shadows over the valley.
MESQUITE FLAT
SAND DUNES
These dunes provide a classic desert landscape with rolling sand dunes and picturesque mountains in the background. Photographers and artists often visit during sunrise or sunset to capture the dunes’ contrasting shadows.
ZABRISKIE POINT
This viewpoint offers panoramic vistas of the park’s badlands and is a favorite spot for photographers, especially during sunrise and sunset when the light creates dramatic shadows and colors.
Remote Locations
These locations require either a longer drive (1 hr or more) or 4WD high-clearance vehicle. Aquire a Backcountry Map and review Backcountry Guidelines for more road details.
AGUEREBERRY POINT
A less frequented viewpoint compared to Dante’s View, Aguereberry Point provides panoramic vistas of the park, including Telescope Peak and the surrounding mountain ranges. The spot is excellent for landscape photography and capturing expansive views.
CHARCOAL KILNS
Found in the western part of the park, these well-preserved beehive-shaped structures are remnants of the area’s mining history. They offer an interesting subject for photography and a glimpse into the past.
DARWIN FALLS
A rare desert waterfall near the park’s western edge, Darwin Falls provides a lush, green oasis in the otherwise arid landscape. This hidden gem is ideal for capturing the contrast between the desert and the water.
EUREKA DUNES
Located in the remote Eureka Valley, these dunes are the tallest in California and offer a serene and less-visited alternative to the more popular Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. The dunes are perfect for capturing the untouched beauty of the desert.
RACETRACK ROAD &
RACETRACK PLAYA
This dry lakebed is famous for its “moving rocks.” It features striking cracked mud patterns, ideal for photography and art enthusiasts. Do not walk on the playa when it is wet or muddy. Caution: Rough and Remote Road
TWENTY MULE TEAM
CANYON
This winding, one-way dirt road takes you through a colorful badlands landscape that was once used to transport borax. The intricate patterns and hues of the eroded hills make for excellent subjects.
UBEHEBE
CRATER
This volcanic crater offers a unique landscape for photographers, with its colorful layers of rock and ash contrasting against the surrounding desert terrain. The rim of the crater provides panoramic views of the area, perfect for capturing stunning images. Walking to the bottom of the main crater is easy; however, the trip back up can be exhausting, so it is not recommended. Walking around the rim is the recommended route. It is moderately difficult due to loose footing.
