Death Valley's Best Photo Spots

Although not the oldest geological feature in the park by far, this crater is definitely one of the most spectacular. The volcanic crater, 600-feet deep, was created from steam and gas explosions from rising magma. There are other smaller depressions in the vicinity, some of which might have been made 300 years ago. On the Nevada side, you can take Hwy 95 to Rt 267 which will turn into Scotty's Castle Rd...

This playa is famous for the rocks that seemingly move on their own, creating "tracks" across the crusty surface. The movement is actually a phenomenon of erosional forces which cause the rocks to fall from surrounding mountains, leaving behind linear trails as they move. Some have moved about 1,500 feet. Because the ground is very rugged 4x4 vehicles with a higher undercarriage are recommended on Racetr...

The plant referred to in the name is actually a bush of the evergreen variety. Also known as arrow weed, they litter the monochrome landscape. Native Americans used the tough growths to make arrows which is where the nickname comes from. The "fields" can be seen right off CA-190.

For the best experience visit this elevated overlook at sunrise when the early sun casts a golden glow over the sand dunes. The otherworldly atmosphere has made its way into pop culture, most notably on the cover of the U2 album "Joshua Tree" and as a film location of the 1960 film "Spartacus." In recent years a photo of the dune-covered landscape was altered to create the planet of Arvala-7 in "The Mand...

Located on the west side of the otherwise dry 3-million-plus-acres of Death Valley National Park, this waterfall is fed from one of four continuous streams within this vast region. It's the highest waterfall in the park at 80 feet high. To get to the trailhead, take Route 190 to Old Toll Rd. Drive for about 3 miles and you'll see the parking lot on your right-hand side.

The natural sandstone arch is located about 15 minutes from the parking lot but you can also opt to walk the 2.3-mile trail. It's about 46 feet long and was created from flash flood erosion. You can find the parking area right off of Badwater Rd; the trail is open 24/7.

The craggy, pockmarked landscape would be the playground for the Prince of Darkness, hence the descriptive name. The spiky formations are created when water evaporates from the salt-rich earth, leaving behind spires, some of which are as high as 2 feet. The unholy golf course is part of Death Valley National Park and is open 24/7. You might even hear snaps, crackles, and pops, which are the crystals of s...

The focal point of Artist's Drive, this colorful spot in the 3.50-million-acre Death Valley National Park gets its vibrant hues from a mixture of oxidized metal in the soil. Continued chemical weathering and oxidation keep the rainbow tints from fading. The splash of color is located about 7 miles from the entry point of the drive (from Badwater Road).

A scenic, one-way, 9-mile drive through Death Valley National Park provides you with plenty of photo opportunities. Don't miss out on them as you won't be able to backtrack without doing the entire trip again. This is the most colorful part of Death Valley that is composed of more than just the neutral hues often depicted in professional photography.

Named after the Italian poet who wrote "The Divine Comedy," this terrace overlooks Death Valley. Although Dante had no knowledge of this deep depression in Earth's crust, perhaps the view could be described as one of the nine circles of hell. Most visitors cite sunrise or sunset as the best times to visit. The terrace is open 24/7. To get there, take CA-190 to Furnace Creek Wash Rd. which will take you d...

Long before this was a national park, a Catholic priest with an adventurous spirit traveled here in the 1930s to preach to the people of Inyo County Parish. The point and the surrounding canyons are now part of the R-2508 Complex where the military performs test flights. If you come during the day, you might hear the roar of jets flying overhead or in the nearby Star Wars Canyon. The parking lot is locat...

This drainage basin is the lowest point in North America at a depth of 282 feet below sea level. Even though there is no outflow to a larger body of water, it provides a nice habitat for plant and animal life. The accumulation of salts does make the water undrinkable, but when it evaporates, it leaves behind a network of hexagonal-shaped salt flats. Because this is a delicate area with a fragile ecosyste...

Soft, silky beds of sand cover this area of Death Valley in a sea of golden ripples. Visitors love hiking, sand-boarding, or simply relaxing. Stick around after sunset to get awesome views of the constellations. The hike to the tallest dune is about 2 miles of moderate activity, just east of Stovepipe Wells Village off CA-90. There is a paved lot where you can pay for your entrance fee. The park is open ...

The mill's namesake, Harold Ashford, commandeered a gold mine in 1907 from Keys Gold Mining Company. Soon thereafter, Keys took Ashford to court - but to no avail. For all of Ashford's hard work and legal troubles, the mine was never successful; no one would reap a profit from the scant ore. Today, the concrete remnants of buildings dating back the 1930s and '40s stalwartly resist the oven-like temperatu...

Located in what was once known ironically as Greenland, this borax mining operation was started in 1881. It was part of the "20-mule team" advertising campaign which probably wasn't so pleasant for the mules hauling the salt compound to Mojave. It only remained in operation until 1888. Today, leftovers of the operation remain, including the mule-team wagon. To get there, take CA-190 to Borax Mill Rd. whi...

A boardwalk makes this hike easy for people of most fitness levels. It features a river with small pupfish and plenty of bird-watching and interpretive signs along the path which tell you about the different species native to this area. The best time to visit this mile-long trail is from November to April.