Souschef
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The only time I was there I flew into Furnace Creek. It was weird to see the altimeter negative.
Death Valley
- Thread starter Ronstar
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We are huge Death Valley fans. I recommend a drive through 20 Mule Team Canyon. Beautiful badlands-very otherworldly. Also want to recommend a bit of history that I thoroughly enjoyed. “The White Heart of Mojave” by Edna Brush Perkins. You can read it for free on the internet. Those women were tough!
Bamaman
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Do yourself a favor and head for the Grand Canyon or Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon NP instead.
The Death Valley has nothing of interest to see for most people.
The Death Valley has nothing of interest to see for most people.
COcheesehead
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Death Valley is a meh.
I've been to Death Valley several times camping. Some great hiking, but not if you want to do it as a day trip from LV. 4.5 hours of driving is a big push for 2-3 hours of being in Death Valley. But - if you go, Furnace Creek is where the visitors center is.. Scotty's castle is not too far north of there. Badwater is not too far south of there. We also enjoyed the Borax mining site.
If you had to choose between Death Valley and Red Rock - I'd do Red Rock Canyon - you need reservations to drive the loop with starting timed entry. But it's worth it. Lots of good short hikes off the loop, stunning scenery and one of my favorite visitors centers. (The view is framed perfectly from inside the visitors center.)
Earlier this year we camped in Red Rock Canyon and did a side trip to Valley of Fire. You *could* do both in one day. Again, if you had to choose, Red Rock would be my choice.
Red Rock is literally right outside Vegas. We went into town to casinos for dinner bargains on 2 of the nights.
When would you be doing this - it's still pretty hot in Death Valley. But by mid-October it's better.
If you had to choose between Death Valley and Red Rock - I'd do Red Rock Canyon - you need reservations to drive the loop with starting timed entry. But it's worth it. Lots of good short hikes off the loop, stunning scenery and one of my favorite visitors centers. (The view is framed perfectly from inside the visitors center.)
Earlier this year we camped in Red Rock Canyon and did a side trip to Valley of Fire. You *could* do both in one day. Again, if you had to choose, Red Rock would be my choice.
Red Rock is literally right outside Vegas. We went into town to casinos for dinner bargains on 2 of the nights.
When would you be doing this - it's still pretty hot in Death Valley. But by mid-October it's better.
About the red rock reservations:
https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/nevada/red-rock-canyon-national-conservation-area/planning-your-visit
These sell out - so once you determine your schedule, make the reservation. We got ours about 10 days prior... and by 3 days prior it was sold out.
https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/nevada/red-rock-canyon-national-conservation-area/planning-your-visit
These sell out - so once you determine your schedule, make the reservation. We got ours about 10 days prior... and by 3 days prior it was sold out.
ivinsfan
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I take it you didn't care for it then? Did you happen to see the OP wanted a daytrip from Vegas. I don't consider either of the parks you mention a day trip.
ivinsfan
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Robby if you aren't riding a mule in summer you'll be fine
NW-Bound
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Yes, some unprepared visitors did die there.
Major Tom
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I don't remember much about my trip to Death Valley in 2005, but this sign tickled my funny bone.
OP
OP
Ronstar
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Thanks - Got the pass - going next week - we'll take a drive through on our way back from Death Valley
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OP
OP
Ronstar
Moderator Emeritus
Been to GC, Zion and Bryce many times. Want something different.
SecondAttempt
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Zion is an easy day trip from Las Vegas, especially in winter when only the valley is accessible. Not a fan of DV but have driven through a few times and enjoyed it. Everyone has their preferences.
ivinsfan
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The OP has done Zion many times. 10 years ago I would have agreed with your comment about Z being an easy day trip from LV, but the traffic conditions and issues once you actually get into the park have changed my mind. It's common to have long waits to get into the park, to wait for the shuttle and so on.
Chuckanut
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+1
I was surprised on my first trip to Zion NP to find out how popular and crowded it is. Among other things there were tons of foreign visitors at the park. Many were traveling either through or to Las Vegas, which makes Zion a natural day or overnight trip.
Thankfully, I was there the week before the cars were no longer allowed in the park. (pure dumb luck) I got up early, drove in, found a good place to park that was near several trail heads and spent the day enjoying myself. The next day I parked at the visitor center and did a few more trails that were not so popular with people, but still scenic.
Like most NPs, the crowds go down with the square of the distance from the roads and trailheads.
OP
OP
Ronstar
Moderator Emeritus
Made it to Death Valley. Nice little road trip from Las Vegas. Temp 104F 40C at the visitor center. A little warmer at Badwater Basin. Highest temp there was 134 in 1913. Got up to 127 there this year in July. Unique place.
PaunchyPirate
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Glad you got there. Definitely Unique.
OP
OP
Ronstar
Moderator Emeritus
Chuckanut
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Don't listen to the people who pooh-pooh Death Valley. I have yet to visit any US National Park that was not interesting. Some were better than others but non were blah, uninteresting, and boring. And I have been to DV before, though that was over 30 years ago.
But, do be concerned about the road closed by the flash flooding in August and September. Does anybody know if there is a projected completion date for fixing the major highways that go in and out of Death Valley? I am hoping to visit in Spring of next year.
But, do be concerned about the road closed by the flash flooding in August and September. Does anybody know if there is a projected completion date for fixing the major highways that go in and out of Death Valley? I am hoping to visit in Spring of next year.
OP
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Ronstar
Moderator Emeritus
^ here’s current road conditions. I think the park service updates this map frequently.
https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
Chuckanut
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Apparently Badwater Basin in Death Valley is now Badwater Lake due to all the rain hitting California. Kayakers are arriving to paddle on the lowest place in the USA. The lake will not last long. See it while you can.
