Beyond Bend: Death Valley

Death Valley is often described as one of the harshest places in the U.S., but for us, it became one of the most unexpectedly fun and memorable stops of our trip. We found an old abandoned campground that still had traces of its past life — and it became our home base for an entire week.

 
Our Abandoned Campground Hideaway
Tucked away from the main roads, the campground had just a few other campers scattered around, giving us plenty of space and quiet. We parked where the old pool used to be, which turned into a giant open lot for the kids. They spent hours zipping around on remote control cars, scooters, and rollerblades, laughing until the desert sun dipped behind the mountains.

 
Exploring Death Valley’s Wild Variety
One of the things that surprised us most about Death Valley was how different each area felt — almost like visiting several destinations in one park.

Badwater Basin – A surreal white expanse of salt flats, stretching out as far as the eye can see. The ground sparkled in the sunlight, and walking out into the basin felt like stepping onto another planet.
Zabriskie Point – Rolling, golden-colored badlands that looked painted with shades of cream and honey. We arrived just before sunset, and the light made the ridges glow.
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes – Towering waves of sand, perfect for climbing, sliding, and taking in panoramic views. The wind reshaped the dunes constantly, so no two visits looked the same.
Artist’s Palette – A drive through canyons splashed with bright pinks, greens, and purples from mineral deposits. It’s the kind of place that makes you pull over every few minutes just to stare.
Dante’s View – A sweeping overlook from high above the valley, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the salt flats and surrounding mountains. Cooler air, endless views, and a perfect spot to just breathe it all in.

Why We Stayed a Week
Originally, we thought we’d just pass through Death Valley for a night or two. But the mix of quiet desert mornings, adventurous day trips, and evenings under some of the clearest starry skies we’ve ever seen made it impossible to leave.

Every day brought a different adventure — from exploring alien-like salt flats to watching the kids race their RC cars in the abandoned pool lot. It was the perfect blend of exploration and relaxation, and by the time we finally packed up to go, we knew we’d be back someday.