Death Valley National Park, California

RV Trip to Death Valley National Park

December 1~3, 2020

After our last trip to Arizona in October, we were going to just stay home for a while during this pandemic. I was just checking on the web to see if camping spots were available and accidentally came upon a full hook-up site at the Furnace Creek Campground after Thanksgiving. Furnace Creek is the only campground inside the park that has hook-ups. And out of all the sites, there are only 10 full hook-up sites and usually they are booked far ahead of time. Just couldn't miss this opportunity and quickly snatched up that site for the opened two days. I suppose someone must have cancelled their planned trip at the last minute. With our America the Beautiful passes for National Parks, we also received a $11 discount which means we only have to pay $25 a night for the spot. What a deal!

We left the house a little late December 1 and making it even later was we had to go home after about half an hour of driving because we forgot a couple of items needed on the trip. Without stopping other than getting gas in the little town of Baker, we arrived at the campground just before it turned dark. After setting up and had dinner, we were tired and ready for a good restful night.

Woke up to a beautiful, sunny winter morning the next day. This is a huge, long site on asphalt that can fit any full-size RV plus a tow. Other than RVs, there are tent camping sites scattered around also.

It was a short, walking distance from our campground to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. Making it a pleasant walk on this beautiful day! 

This is also the most photographed spot in the park with the thermometer. You can imagine what that thermometer will show in the hot summer months.

Both the campground and the Visitor Center are located right next to the main highway 190 inside the park.

Public washing station outside.

These are the full hook-up sites.

Restrooms

Our site was very spacious.

Badwater

After the Visitor Center, we started our exploration of the park. It seemed that even though this should be high season for tourists in this National Park, there were not that many cars or people. Made for a safer visit during this time. After driving about 20 miles from the campground, we arrived at Badwater, the most popular spot in Death Valley. We have been here before years ago, but I was too lazy to even walk down to the basin. I decided to take the long walk this time around.

Good parking space for the RV. Notice the little white sign up on the rock? That's the sea level marker. Which means we are under sea level now.

Such interesting landscape.

Story board that shows the places below sea level around the world.

282 feet below sea level

Yep, it was definitely a long walk but we wanted to check out what's there.

Walking on the salt flats.

This was as far as we went. Some people were having their photo shoots there that day. 

Could be very interesting.

After resting and having lunch inside the RV after the long walk, we continued our drive around. There were places we decided not to go because of rough road condition or limited length and size of vehicles. I would have liked to see the Artist Palette area but the one-way loop was limited to vehicles that are within 25 feet. Ours is just 24 feet but we decided not to risk it. Instead we stopped at the roadside stop at Golden Canyon Trail where we found good parking for the RV.

Golden Canyon Trail

This turned out to be a very interesting canyon that has two trails that lead to Zabriskie Point. We had no intention to go on the trail but just taking a peek at the canyon was fun enough for us oldies.

MOR hiked up a little further on the trail and this was what he saw. 

I, on the other hand, just waited for him back at the entrance of the canyon.

Exiting the canyon.

From the Golden Canyon parking lot looking at the Badwater Road.

Stovepipe Wells

Stovepipe Wells is located north of the park but south of Scotty's Castle. The whole area of Scotty's Castle was closed due to flood damage so we did not attempt to drive up that direction. There are campgrounds in Stovepipe Wells also but no hook-up facilities, all dry camping. 

Stovepipe Wells Village

There are some stores and restaurants in the village, I believe.

A big General Store across the street, making it looked more busy with visitors.

Campground is just right next to the store. 

After this, we drove back to the campground and ended our day of exploration.

On the second morning, we woke up early to enjoy the sun rise right outside our RV.

And then got ready to leave the park.

Zabriskie Point

After checking out of the campground, on our way out of the park, we stopped by the roadside attraction of Zabriskie Point. I found this to be my favorite spot in the park. Very unique and special.

Had to hike up to see the views but it wasn't bad actually.

Isn't this gorgeous?!

Wonders of God creation.

This is right next to Highway 190 with good parking.

I thought this canyon-like landscape was quite interesting. It was much better seeing this in person right next to the parking lot.

Parking lot at Zabriskie Point.

This is a short visit spending two nights inside the park. I know we have only scratched the surface and for those who are active it would be a lot of fun staying there a few more days. Hiking the trails, bike riding, and driving to all the scenic spots. As for us, it was a nice break from our stay-at-home time away from home. After Death Valley, we also stayed two nights at our favorite campground in Pahrump, Nevada which will be on the next post.

To watch the videos on our visit in Death Valley, please click for our YouTube here. Please subscribe, like, and share. Thank you!

 

"If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit."  -- Matthew 15:14