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    Devil's Golf Course

    4.8 (24 reviews)

    Devil's Golf Course Hiking Photos

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    It goes on for miles...
    Shayla B.

    Epic views of miles and miles of crystallized salt formations with the gorgeous Panamint Valley as your backdrop! I know that everyone glorifies Badwater Basin, and while it's certainly a beautiful sight, I found the views and overall experience here to be far more thrilling. It's a short drive from Badwater Road, but the kicker here is the rough, unpaved road that you must drive down to get here. It makes total sense as to why more people don't come here. They're scared of the drive. But honestly, it's not that bad. Definitely isn't as bad as the drive up Natural Bridge (wouldn't do that drive again). If you don't have a 4 wheel drive and your tires are in good condition, just drive really slow down the bumpy road. Once you make it to the end, you'll be met with the most stunning views of the saltpans. It literally felt like I was about to film a movie. Everywhere you turn, it's like BAM! Gorgeous valley views. These salt formations are something else. I get why they named it Devil's Golf Course. I mean... could you imagine the Devil trying to play golf here? I mean seriously... all of those beautiful jagged edges. Yikes! But damn is it stunning. You're looking at billions of salt crystals that have been eroded by years and years of wind and rain. Oh yeah, and for you social media junkies; TONS of photo ops here. Endless photo ops! Just be careful when walking through the terrain because the rocks are extremely jagged. This was one of my favorite stops within Death Valley National Park. If your car can handle the rough but short drive, I'd say DO IT like Nike.

    Dec 2021, a beautiful blue dusk at Devil's Golf Course
    Angela C.

    Devil's Golf Course was one of my favorite stops during our Dec 2021 visit to Death Valley. Visiting during winter is the "high season" for Death Valley due to the much milder temperatures, and we spent a few hours earlier checking out the Badwater Basin, which had a lot of people walking up and down the trail. In comparison, close to sunset, the Devil's Golf Course was pretty deserted! We headed here after driving the Artist's Drive nearby. It was easy to find (imagine driving on a single winding road, and then coming up is a simple brown sign pointing you the way to DEVILS GOLF COURSE; this was the case for all of the sights in the park) and we turned to a gravel-ish road and drove carefully down to a small parking area where we were surrounded with salt formations. Since it was late in the day for daylight it was only us and two other vehicles ahead of us - as the sun grew dim the surroundings almost looked eerily, otherworldly blue against the sea of formations. The salt formations here were more impressive than the ones at Badwater Basin, larger and craggier, and whiter too without people walking around them. The nearby signs had additional photos of what the delicate salt formations can look like without disturbance from visitors. Wonderful!

    George L.

    Do you want to die in sweltering heat standing on painfully sharp rocks? Devil's Golf Course is for you. Badwater was neat, but this place embodies what Death Valley is about. Sunscreen and a hat is basically mandatory, as there's no shade and no plants. The unpaved road was something I did not want to get a blown tire in either, hence drive carefully and take your time. You'll see that the "golf course" radiates far out from the road, and personally I wouldn't hike it for long as falling on the rocks will seriously hurt. Great for photos though! Try not to die in this hellish landscape, and you'll get some breathtaking desolate landscape shots.

    Jasmine Z.

    Really unique and pretty place. The pictures don't do it justice. I am really glad I trekked out to see it even though the road was closed when I visited in February 2024. People just hiked on the dirt road, which took around 20-30 minutes each way. The views along the hike were nice and I liked seeing the sand turn into salt.

    Sarah C.

    I went on a hike with a group and stopped by here today and it was fascinating and surreal. This area was once covered by a lake, the water evaporated some 2,000 years ago, leaving behind a 1,000 foot-layer of mineral and salts. The Devils Golf Course got its name from a guidebook back in the 30's that stated: "Only the devil could play golf on such a surface." This is accessible via a half mile dirt road that you can drive with no problem. It is on the main road in the park between Badwater and Furnace Creek. There are signs posted that direct you there. Once you are there, you will notice you are in a sea of jagged salt pieces. It was fun taking pictures there. The ground is so full of spikes. A must see!!

    Christi S.

    Drive down a short dirt/gravel road to get here and walk around! No shade, but room for parking!

    What the devil....
    Alex H.

    If you happen to pass by the neighborhood of Death Valley, make sure you drop by the Devil's Golf Course. Not too far from the Badwater basin, it's truly an extraterrestrial sight to behold. Your car can park all the way to the parking lot in the middle of this barren area, where it looks an atomic bomb has been spit out on it during the creation. Only a few caveats when visiting this must-see spot in Death Valley: 1) The rocks are hard and have sharp edges, so watch your steps and don't fall. 2) The small road from the main road to the parking lot is a 1/4 to 1/2 mile drive on dust bowl road with uneven surface with large potholes, so watch out and drive slowly. 3) Have enough fuel, drink, and don't get stranded in Hades. Truly a marvelous, unforgettable natural wonder of our planet.

    Sorry for the snapchat
    Joanna A.

    Really cool spot to stop by at. If you have a low car I definitely do not recommend you driving into here! The drive way is dirt and very rocky. I was literally driving 9mph at one point. It was interesting to look at the salt crystals and take some cool photos. Just be careful where you step if you decide to venture out. The salt crystals formed into a hard point and it will definitely hurt if you fall on it.

    Jay C.

    Much like Badwater Basin itself, Devil's Golf Course is a very hot but interesting place geared for tourists. It is a little further off of Badwater Road, but worth the short drive. I find this a lot more interesting than Badwater Basin itself. Here the salt crystals start to take shape and form little mini sculptures. It's just a very hot place (it was 120f when I was there) and you need sunscreen, water, as there is no shade.

    The easy access road headed towards The Devils Golf Course.
    John T.

    This was one of our favorite stops during our Death Valley NP visit during the winter of 2017. This is one of those spots that you have to see to believe...and the description is apt. Massive fields of crusty salt crystals formed at the base of a dry lake...so cool! We took the long graded access road into the "golf course" where there are a few interpretive panels and plenty of spaces to park. This is passenger car friendly, although we had our 4WD truck so no problems there. The temps and wind were mild here on our visit, but as always, check the weather when you have service so no nasty surprised. Or just look up, plenty of sky views to give you a clue...lol. We took lots of pictures here and spent an easy hour walking out into the crusty fields of geologic/wind/water eroded salt. Definitely wear closed toed shoes here, as the ground has the option to reach out and bite exposed skin. Be careful with foot placement when walking the course, as it would be easy to lose footing and incur a nasty spill. Mark this as a must see if you choose to visit Death Valley, as the Devil's Golf Course won't disappoint.

    Devils golf course
    Laura P.

    Quite simply one of the most amazing things we have ever seen. These salt boulders of the Devil's Golf Course stretch for what seems like forever. The salt boulders have weathered into unique jagged formations that are nevertheless beautiful and eerie at the same time. Be careful if you explore into the salt field -- the boulders are sharp and some are hollow. We found some small pieces of salt loose and tasted it -- so much saltier than regular table salt, and with a deeper flavor too. The crystal formations are always shattering and cracking, and when they do it sounds like metal objects clinking. Fascinating stuff!!

    Tyler L.

    Don't forget your sand wedge for sure. This bizarre landscape in the midst of Death Valley is somewhat unbelievable until you get out of the car and get up close. A long hike isn't suggested due to the challenging landscape, but getting out to explore a bit is definitely a good idea. The ground feels like a mix of swiss cheese solidified and something from the moon. Definitely a unique experience in Death Valley.

    Ryan C.

    I can't even imagine what the first explorers trying to cross these salt formations must have thought. These salt formations are razor sharp crystals that spread across the flats as far as you can see. On these expansive flats, it's easy to find a spot to pull over and enjoy them without anyone else nearby. On a hot day you can hear the crystals pop as they shatter in the heat. A unique experience you won't find other places.

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    Ask the Community - Devil's Golf Course

    Review Highlights - Devil's Golf Course

    Not too far from the Badwater basin, it's truly an extraterrestrial sight to behold.

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    Death Valley National Park - This plant looked like it was giving me the finger LOL!! (Ubehebe Crater)

    Death Valley National Park

    4.7(396 reviews)
    18.6 mi

    The Nümü Tümpisattsi; Timbishsha or Panamint Shoshone people's name for this place is Tümpisa,…read morereferring to red ochre found in the Black Mountains. These indigenous people lived in ans around this valley over 10 millenia before the Bennett-Arcan and Jayhawker wagon trains passed through, headed for California's gold fields, naming it Death Valley on their way out. The Park Service has an excellent account of that journey of bad timing. The Park Service also states the hottest certifiable temperature on the planet was recorded at Furnace Creek and in Kuwait in 2013, This region's elevation ranges from 300 feet below sea level at Badwater to 11,000 foot (1,880 meter) Telescope Peak in the Panamint Mountain Range. This range of elevations give The Park a vast dirseity of plants and anumals, including the fabled North American Tourist. The Tourists began.migating through the Valley about 1937, and now, arriving from every corner of the earth. Should you come to Death Valley National Park? Of course you should. Many visitors arrivebinnthe region intent on seeing wvery National Park from Point Reyes to Yellowstone in three or four weeks. I discourage this, especially in summer, but...it is once in a lifetime and allnyou need os a selfie for the people back home to see your adventure.

    We visited for a long weekend in January and such a cool experience! Known as the hottest part of…read morethe US. We loved the different scenery in different areas of the park. Going in January was not very hot and some water was in the basin which was cool to see! We were there from 10AM to sunset and was able to hit all the major spots and get a longer hike in. The park is pretty spread out too so be mindful of driving time. Most hikes are easy, out of the parking lot to a short walk but we did one longer hike that was fine with a January cooler temp, but I'm not sure I would visit during summer time.

    Photos
    Death Valley National Park - I slayed a dragon lol!! (Part of a Cotton Top Cactus in one of the slot canyons)

    I slayed a dragon lol!! (Part of a Cotton Top Cactus in one of the slot canyons)

    Death Valley National Park - I made it

    I made it

    Death Valley National Park - Leftover spring blooms backlit in the sunset at one of the mountain vistas (taken with a macro lens - Dec 2024)

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    Leftover spring blooms backlit in the sunset at one of the mountain vistas (taken with a macro lens - Dec 2024)

    Harmony Borax Works Interpretive Trail

    Harmony Borax Works Interpretive Trail

    4.3(10 reviews)
    13.7 mi

    Nice little interpretive trail with interesting history and description of how the borax was…read moreprocessed.

    There was so much history at Death Valley! Harmony Borax Works is now registered a National…read moreHistoric Landmark. Harmony Borax Works was the central feature in the opening of Death Valley and the subsequent popularity of the Furnace Creek area. The plant and associated townsite played an important role in Death Valley history. After borax was found near Furnace Creek Ranch in 1881, William T. Coleman built the Harmony plant and began to process ore in late 1883 or early 1884. When in full operation, the Harmony Borax Works employed 40 men who produced three tons of borax daily. During the summer months, when the weather was so hot that processing water would not cool enough to permit the suspended borax to crystallize, Coleman moved his work force to the Amargosa Borax Plant near present day Tecopa, California. Getting the finished product to market from the heart of Death Valley was a difficult task, and an efficient method had to be devised. The Harmony operation became famous through the use of large mule teams and double wagons which hauled borax the long overland route to Mojave. The romantic image of the "20-mule team" persists to this day and has become the symbol of the borax industry in this country. The Harmony plant went out of operation in 1888, after only five years of production, when Coleman's financial empire collapsed. Aquired by Francis Marion Smith, the works never resumed the boiling of cottonball borate ore, and in time became part of the borax reserves of the Pacific Coast Borax Company and it successors. Harmony Borax Works was the central feature in the opening of Death Valley and the subsequent popularity of the Furnace Creek area. Come to visit this fascinating landmark in Death Valley!

    Photos
    Harmony Borax Works Interpretive Trail - 2023 - Harmony Borax Works in Death Valley

    2023 - Harmony Borax Works in Death Valley

    Harmony Borax Works Interpretive Trail
    Harmony Borax Works Interpretive Trail

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    Badwater Basin

    Badwater Basin

    4.7(101 reviews)
    2.9 mi

    The farthest point I think in the park and we got to see it with a little water which created this…read moreincredible reflection. Good amount of parking and you can walk as far as you'd like on the basin. Peep the sea level sign on top of the mountain to really grasp how 'low' you are!

    We decided to take a little day trip out to Death Valley to view the wildflower bloom, hike a bit…read moreand visit Lake Manly (otherwise known as Badwater Basin). I really wanted to walk in the glorious saltwater. We were there on a Thursday and this place was hopping with people. I had forgot that spring breaks have begun. We eventually found a place to park and made our way out to the water via the boardwalk that heads out. We all know that Badwater Basin is the lowest point in the USA. It is 282 feet below sea level and it sure was pretty. The basin normally does not have water, but with all the rain California received this winter the water was almost up to my shins. The saltwater flats cover over 200 miles. The basin includes sodium chloride, gypsum, borax, and calcite. The best part of the visit was that by the time I stepped out of all that saltwater, my feet were so soft. It was truly a natural exfoliation for the feet. Be respectful and leave your pets at home as they are only allowed on designated dirt roads. Most of all LEAVE NO TRACE and Happy Adventuring.

    Photos
    Badwater Basin - Once in a lifetime, kinda thing  sitting  at 282 feet below sea level

    Once in a lifetime, kinda thing sitting at 282 feet below sea level

    Badwater Basin - Family of 3

    Family of 3

    Badwater Basin

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    Darwin Falls - Darwin Falls

    Darwin Falls

    4.4(12 reviews)
    38.9 mi

    This is one of the best hikes in Death Valley. So amazing to see a waterfall in this dry and…read morepatched desert. There are 2 parking lots, one close to the road and one at the trailhead. You will need a high suspension vehicle to make it to the trailhead parking lot, which I highly recommend, as the hike from the road is quite long. There isn't a set trail to the waterfall, you'll have to make your way there going through water, bushes and scrambling over rocks. But it is a fun hike and you can see the effects of water as the area grows in vegetation the closer you get. Even saw some butterflies, which isn't something I associate with deserts. The waterfall is such a delight to see. It is cool water, and a welcome rest place before heading back. We visited mid- February, the trees had leaf buds. A few more weeks and everything would be very green.

    It's gone. Sadly last year's floods and continual flooding since has destroyed the road leading to…read morethe trail. What used to be a 2 mile out and back trail to the falls is now 6 miles thru a recently washed out area. The falls are still amazing but without the road, I'm not sure it's worth it when considering the time. It was a long, loose footing, sandy hike. Plus it started raining so there's that. Disappointed this time but it's still amazing to see when you think about where you are.

    Photos
    Darwin Falls - Riparian area approaching the falls

    Riparian area approaching the falls

    Darwin Falls
    Darwin Falls - Hillside surrounding the canyon

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    Hillside surrounding the canyon

    Sunset Campground - Sites I (eye) 7 and 8

    Sunset Campground

    3.7(6 reviews)
    11.4 mi

    This campground is great because it never fills up, does not require reservation, and our group can…read morepark next to each other without issue. There's potable water, dump station, dish washing stations, and flush toilet bathrooms. It's five minute walking distance to the Ranch at Death Valley and a couple more minutes walk to the visitor center. That said, it is essentially a big gravel parking lot. But it's inexpensive and if you don't want generator noise, there's Texas Springs campground. If you have a trailer or RV fill your water tank at the potable water hose by the dump station (north east corner of the campground). Don't try to fill it at the dish washing station and risk damaging the station structure and your rig. There are no showers at Sunset. You can get a shower pass ($14) from the Ranch at Death Valley by going to the registration desk (Town Hall bldg). It's good for the day (8 am to 11 pm), which includes use of the pool. FYI, there are no electrical outlets in the shower/bathroom.

    This space was great when we couldn't make a reservation at Furnace Creek. I was worried about…read moredriving all that way when it was first come, first serve but as everyone else said - it's huge. Lots of spots but it really did fill up by Saturday morning. It's nice for groups to all be close to each other and the bathrooms were real clean when needed. Only issues: the row letters, traffic arrows, and site numbers are super hard to see at night and honestly even during the day. And the pay kiosks are terrible, super shotty and need replacing but after a few attempts they got the job done. Overall, the campground fit our needs, people were respectful of the quiet hours, and it's the perfect location.

    Devil's Golf Course - hiking - Updated June 2026

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