Technically you can’t have a farm and travel much. Since starting our homestead journey, we have been exploring less than we ever have in our life. I miss new travel adventures but love all the exciting new life on the farm. We are still trying to figure out how we can travel more. We plan on hiring help in the near future.
Now this isn’t our first time in Death Valley and won’t be our last. We absolutely love this National Park. We have yet to explore all 3.4 million miles of this park.
We are hikers. Even if majority of the time I don’t look like a hiker this is a reminder that it can get really hot in Death Valley. Always carry water with you.
Mosaic Canyon
This is a popular trail to take. You will be hiking over 3 miles out and back. It isn’t a hard hike but get ready to use your hands to climb up here and there. If you’re a geology geek then this hike is for you. When you first start the hike, it will be narrow, and you’ll have two large smooth stones surround you. This polish marble is a sight to behold. The first part of the trail and the last part of the trail before you have to turn around are the most breath taking.
Salt Creek Interpretive Trail
Here is where you will find the fish known as Salt Lake pupfish when walking on the boardwalk. Now these fish are small, 4cm long and they are endangered. In fact, they can only be found in Death Valley. It is amazing how they can survive in such a harsh place. There are benches here and this is a place that you can enjoy on a much slower pace.
Artists Palette and Artist Drive
It sure looks like God painted these rocks. It is a popular place. Brides and grooms come here to get their wedding photos taken. You will want to do this drive when the sun is starting to set to really see the contracting colors.
This is a one way, 9-mile loop drive and your car can’t be over 25ft because of all the turns and narrow parts of the road. There is a parking lot for the Artist Palette so you can actually get out of your car. We tried to bring a tripod and take pictures together, but it was extremely windy here when we came.
Zabriskie Point
This point is worth stopping for. We came early so it wasn’t crowded. The highest point is known as Manly Beacon, and it rises to an elevation of 823 feet. Who would have thought that an erosion could make something this beautiful? It is recommended to come here early for the best lighting.
Benton Hot Springs
This has to be one of the coolest campsites because each one comes with a private hot springs tub. After all that exploring at the park our bodies were ready to soak in the natural springs. Benton Hot Springs is two and a half hours away from Death Valley National Park. If you haven’t been able to see the stars at home, you sure will see them here. The water is really warm here which is perfect for those cold nights.
Located at 55137 CA-120, Benton, CA 93512.
Thank you for reading our blog post. If you enjoyed this blog post then you might like Death Valley to Hoover Dam.