I love Death Valley National Park, and this week we’re heading slightly off the beaten path to explore a unique desert spot. Join me at Devils Golf Course.
Location
The Death Valley salt pan is one of the largest protected salt pans in North America. Although the exact boundaries are roughly defined, it spreads from the the Ashford Mill ruins area all the way to the Salt Creek Hills, covering well over 30 miles. The main viewing area of Devils Golf Course can be found less than 10 miles from Badwater Basin. Badwater Rd leads to the gravel turnoff for Salt Pool Rd, which is a mile long unpaved road that’ll take you to the heart of this unique landscape.
History
Devils Golf Course received its name after a 1934 NPS Death Valley guidebook said, “only the devil could play golf” on this harsh terrain, and the name stuck. The salt pan we see today was once the site of Lake Manly, which is believed to have reached depths of over 600 feet at one time. Thousands of years ago the lake dried and left behind dissolved minerals. Over centuries, these minerals dissolved in the lake and became increasingly concentrated. Salty water would then rise up from underlying mud, and as it evaporated, a jagged salty residue was left behind. Shaped by wind and rain, these salt spires are constantly changing…though they grow very slowly, as little as one inch every 30 years.
Exploring
The road stops at a small parking lot, and while there are no official trails that take you further into the terrain, views from this point are striking with the Panamint Mountains towering behind you. On a hot day, if you really listen you can actually hear a popping and crackling sound as these salt formations expand and contract with the heat. While you are technically allowed to explore here, it is not recommended to venture out on top of the salt pinnacles…these formations are so jagged that falling can result in painful cuts or broken bones for visitors.
Know Before You Go
• Hiking in Death Valley is not recommended after 10am in the brutal heat of Summer months. Always bring extra water and sun protection for any Death Valley adventure.
• Please remember the Leave No Trace Principles so this spot’s natural beauty can be enjoyed for years to come.
• Most vehicles can make the one mile gravel/dirt road to Devils Golf Course, but always check current park conditions before your visit (the road becomes muddy and more treacherous after a recent rain storm).
Top 10 Death Valley Spots
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me today in Death Valley. For a virtual visit of Devils Golf Course, watch my Behind the Blog YouTube video at the top of this post. Until next week I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
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Read this Flying Dawn Marie travel guide to hiking the Mosaic Canyon Trail inside Death Valley National Park. Along this moderate hike we find narrow slot canyons & unique rock formations, making this one of the top things to do in Death Valley. This is one of the best hikes on any road trip to Death Valley because the 2 mile gravel road leading here means it's a lesser visited area in the park.
You can hike to an arch rock in Death Valley! Check out this Flying Dawn Marie travel guide for hiking the Natural Bridge Trail in Death Valley National Park, which leads you through slot canyons to the largest natural arch in the park and to a dry waterfall. Enjoy views of Badwater Basin and its temporary lake along this easy to moderate hike, which is one of my top things to do in Death Valley.
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Read this Flying Dawn Marie travel guide for hiking the trail to Badwater Basin, one of my top things to do in Death Valley National Park. These salt flats are home to the lowest elevation in North America and we're exploring them for an early morning night sky and sunrise photoshoot. We'll enjoy aspenglow views of Telescope Peak and the Panamint Mountains from this harsh desert landscape.
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Read this Flying Dawn Marie travel guide to visiting Dante's View in Death Valley National Park. This is one of the top things to do in Death Valley due to the amazing views of Badwater Basin, Telescope Peak, Panamint Mountains, and Mount Charleston. There are 2 hiking trails that offer more unique overlooks of this unique terrain. Dantes View is a great place for sunrise, sunset, and stargazing,
Read this travel guide for 24 hours in Death Valley National Park. Get a behind the scenes look at how we capture content for the Flying Dawn Marie blog and YouTube channel as we take road trip to some of our top places and favorite things to do in Death Valley, such as Dantes View, Badwater Basin, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Harmony Borax Works, and Furnace Creek Campground.
Read this Flying Dawn Marie travel guide for the best trips in California to take in 2023. Listed out in this article are 6 top road trips to take during each season, Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. We'll explore mountain adventures in Yosemite and Lassen Volcanic National Park, as well as beach destinations in Big Sur. We'll head to the desert to discover unique landscapes in Death Valley.
About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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