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    Devil's Golf Course

    4.8 (24 reviews)

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    Nadine C.

    What is The Devil's Golf Course??? Interesting name, right??? We just had to take a look when our friend, Niki, suggested it. She had been here before and was our tour guide. I had no idea that this phenomenon existed! Niki pointed me in the right direction. I just drove about 15 miles per hour as she advised because of the large rocks on the unpaved road. She pointed out a few cars in the distance that were parked on the edge of the "golf course", so, we kept going until we reached the informational sign and the other cars. It turns out that this area used to be a lake. It dried up and left behind a gigantic field of salt crystals. It was amazing and vast. It looked like the surface of another planet or some other world. A tourist asked us why it's named The Devil's Golf Course... Well... If you golf, you wouldn't want to play here ... Haha! It is jagged sharp! We didn't even want to touch it or walk on it! I read Sarah C.'s review which stated that a guidebook from the 1930's stated that "Only the Devil could play golf on such a surface". Ahhh... That's how this place was named! It was hot, so we didn't stay long. We just took a few photos, admired the artwork of Mother Nature and went onto the next cool site at Death Valley National Park! Thanks to Niki for sharing this fabulous place with Marlina and me!

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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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    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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    Father Crowley Vista Point - CC-130 that went wide

    Father Crowley Vista Point

    4.9(11 reviews)
    11.4 mi

    It was nice, great view of Death Valley. Nice there was information on Father Crowley…read more Not a lot of people there, but then again, it was quite hot that day. We saw a few birds soaring over the valley, it was really a beautiful sight! I wonder how people could have lived there at first, then I realized how. Just beautiful. Go take a visit.

    Nice views into Rainbow Canyon: Death Valley National Park…read more Not many people know this spot to be part of the Death Valley National Park... at least I didn't at first but this was my second visit here for the beautiful scenic features. It is located near the western park boundary. When we drive to Las Vegas we stop here to stretch our legs, use the restroom and enjoy the beautiful landscape. Perhaps this lookout is more well known for its use as a military flight training site at Rainbow Canyon. Remember in the original "Star Wars" movie the way the fictional X-Wing starfighters flew through deep corridors of the enemy Death Star?... Air Force and Navy military pilots are known to dangerously but skillfully maneuver their jets (F/A-18E Super Hornets) through the high-walled cliffs that way too and that's why the vicinity has been nicknamed "Star Wars Canyon." It would be so cool to catch this one day as it is never a guarantee which days training flights will take place. We saw a few people there with camera tripods. Rainbow Canyon is below Father Crowley Lookout. There is a plaque on a stone monument at the parking area in memory of Father Crowley. He was known as The Desert Padre. He would often stop here and admire the views when he visited his parishioners to/from Death Valley and his home in Lone Pine. He hit a steer on one of his trips. Review #2123

    Photos
    Father Crowley Vista Point - F/A-18E from Lemore NAS

    F/A-18E from Lemore NAS

    Father Crowley Vista Point - F/A-18F

    F/A-18F

    Father Crowley Vista Point - F-16 D coming right at me

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    F-16 D coming right at me

    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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    Fall Canyon - Big moth caterpillars eating frantically before the summer sun wipes out the tender green plants.

    Fall Canyon

    5.0(3 reviews)
    18.6 mi

    Of all the places we visited as a family for Spring Break in Death Valley, Fall Canyon was my…read morefavorite. Situated in the northern half of the park, Fall Canyon is accessed via a 3 mile road off the main highway, consisting of dirt, sand, gravel, and rocks up to about the size of a cantaloupe-- not impossible to pass in your 1994 Ford Festiva, but I wouldn't recommend it. The park map suggests a "high-clearance vehicle," which means the few extra inches under a Jeep, a truck, or an SUV could mean the difference between making it to the gravel-covered parking lot, or blowing out your exhaust system on the rocks... the latter could prove to be life-threatening in the heat of the desert. That said, before setting out on any hike in DV, be sure to prepare: even traveling with my 4x4 truck, we carried two gallons of water per person in the truck, with Camelbacks that stored 3 liters of water each during our hikes, plenty of shelf-stable snacks like dried fruit, nuts, and trail mix, sunscreen, a couple of lighters, a good knife, light clothing, hats, a first aid kit... I know, rather Boy Scout of us, but you don't take chances when you're traveling on the periphery of civilization with young kids. Phones generally don't work here. Now that all the worry stuff is out of the way... Fall Canyon is desolate and beautiful. Unlike any canyon in my local San Gabriel mountains, Fall Canyon's stark rock walls, carved by aeons of occasional swift moving flash flood waters, rise in stark contrast from the flat canyon bottom of gravel and rocks. This place is a rockhound's dream: if you know where to look, a geology enthusiast can find pre-Cambrian igneous rock (that's nearly 1.7 billion years old, Mildred), limestone, sandstone, breccia, conglomerate, mudstone, quartz, quartzite, gypsum, and maybe even a few other surprises, brought here from far away by fast moving waters. During our trip in April, the area was flecked with colorful wildflowers, growing in earnest against the deadly heat just a few weeks away, and providing food for voracious hornworm caterpillars, eating as fast as they could. A beautiful collared lizard crossed our path, and we had a brief photo-shoot with it before releasing it unharmed. As the sun went down, lots of bats emerged from the caves in the canyon walls, feasting early evening insects. With young kids, we only journeyed about a mile and a half into the canyon. In some places, the slot canyon narrows, while in other areas, it is wide; in most cases, the steep walls on either side keep you directly on the path. I can't wait to return to this area either sans offspring or when they are a little older and can carry their own water, to further explore the deeper parts of this beautiful area.

    NO FALLING, JUST A LITTLE SLIPPING!!!!…read more BACKGROUND: Fall Canyon is one of many colorful ravines in the hills surrounding Death Valley in California; shaped by occasional flash floods that flow from the higher mountains beyond, the canyon is remote and little-visited; deep and moderately narrow for many miles, with occasional shaded, cave-like passageways of great beauty. Some of these narrow, twisting sections are enclosed by smooth granitic walls with an unusual bluish tint. As with most other Southwest canyons, the rocks are layered, but quite differently to the orderly slot canyons of Utah - here the strata are multi-colored, buckled, twisted and eroded, the result of ancient geological forces. Fall Canyon is easily reached and offers a perfect wilderness experience, though it should be avoided during the summer months when the weather becomes too extreme. STATS: Distance: 9 miles Elevation Gain: Approx. 2,200ft. or roughly 400-500ft./mile ESSENTIALS: At least 2 liters of water Know your limits Comfy hiking shoes with good lugs Layered Clothing High protein food/snacks Electrolytes Camera Hat (optional) Sunscreen Trek poles (optional) High profile vehicle (strongly recommended) OUR ROUTE: Before heading home from a magically majestic weekend in Death Valley, me and The Crew headed here to Titus-Fall Canyon for a quick in-&-out. The drive from the paved road to the trail head was more than a little dirty and dusty, it was quite bumpy, thank goodness for high profile vehicles. Low profile cars would probably bottom out and leave a trail of car parts on the road. From the trailhead we headed up a soft sandy wash for about three miles, similar to the one at Furnace Creek. There is very little elevation gain, so it's completely doable for beginner hikers. It's the sandy wash provides a quad workout. The canyon closes in a smidge and provides some shade and the shadows created by the slightly limited shinning sun creates some breathtaking sites and colors of the slot canyon. The slots in this canyon don't get so narrow that packs have to be removed, and there's no need to spoon to the left or spoon to the right to get through. There are offshoot slots throughout this wash, which are worth taking a gander, especially if you are not wanting do all nine miles of this hike. Although there are no signs leading you to the end of the trail, the mouth of a 30ft. waterfall will be your sign that the end is here. DISCLAIMER: Hiking is not something that can be taken lightly. It can be life-threatening as you see and hear on the news, people die or get lost all time. Please, if you are going to hike, never go alone and prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Remember when going for a hike, no matter how short you think it may be, always be prepared. Carry at least two liters of water for every five miles (more if the weather is warm), protein bar, nuts, and electrolytes. Wear sturdy lug sole shoes and protective clothing. Some areas the weather can change quicker than a fireman can put on his gear. It is also very important, always always always let a family member or friend know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Lastly, have fun when you hike it up. Review 86 Yelp 100+ Challenge 2015 #deathvalley #hikingdeathvalley #hiking #belowsealevel

    Photos
    Fall Canyon - Titus-Fall Canyons slots are WIDE

    Titus-Fall Canyons slots are WIDE

    Fall Canyon - Beautiful contours of Titus-Fall brought to you by wind and flash flooding

    Beautiful contours of Titus-Fall brought to you by wind and flash flooding

    Fall Canyon - Collared lizard in situ

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    Collared lizard in situ

    Salt Creek Trail

    Salt Creek Trail

    5.0(4 reviews)
    23.3 mi

    Hike to see the pupfish of Death Valley!…read more To most people Death Valley is a dead and barren desert where nothing survives, but that is the furthest thing from the truth! Death Valley is full of surprises. This desolate and arid valley was once part of a massive freshwater lake! Salt Creek is a remnant of the long gone freshwater lake. As the giant lake dried up about 10,000 years ago freshwater converted to salt water. The creek is now home to a two-inch long fish called the Salt Creek pupfish. The fish lives nowhere else but here! As the home of this fish changed from freshwater to salt water, it evolved and managed to survive in its new environment. The pupfish can also survive in water from near-freezing to above 100 degrees Fahrenheit! To see this fascinating specie all you need to do is hike the 1-mile (roundtrip) long Salt Creek Interpretive wheelchair-accessible boardwalk trail. It traces the path of Salt Creek, and you can peer down into the pools of water and spot the fish swimming around. You must do this during the spring time, however, as the fish go dormant during the heat of the summer. You may also see songbirds and great blue herons during your visit at any time of year. Salt Creek Road is off CA-190 and located 13 miles west of Furnace Creek. It is unpaved but passable to sedans, I know because on my first visit in 2016, I drove my 2005 Thunderbird to the trailhead!

    Salt Creek Trail is on a boardwalk that is a 1/2 mile loop over desert sand and spring fed salt…read morecreek. We were excited to locate the rare pupfish that spawn during Spring months, these tiny pupfish have survived in the Valley for 10,000 years yet surviving after a spawn for year ~ WOW! Unique stop worth popping over for an easy stroll to see flora, fauna and the rare pupfish. Plenty of parking and bathroom facilities plus picnic tables along with benches throughout the boardwalk to sit and enjoy the beautiful views all around.

    Photos
    Salt Creek Trail
    Salt Creek Trail
    Salt Creek Trail

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    Titus Canyon Road - View heading towards Leadfield

    Titus Canyon Road

    4.7(6 reviews)
    18.6 mi

    A highlight in Death Valley! Definitely want a vehicle that can go off-roading for this valley…read moreadventure. There are a few deserted mine that you can stop at and visit as well as picturesque landscapes that highlight the beauty of Death Valley. The canyon itself is pretty cool and scenic. It's towards the end so when you get to the canyon then you'll exit the mountain and back onto the main roads. Great to pair with the Ryolite Ghost Town in Nevada as well. We finished the Titus Canyon road in about 2.5 hours including stopping at the sights.

    Activity Type: Hiking Nearby City: Stovepipe Wells…read moreLength: 6 total miles Elevation Gain: 6,562 feet Trail Type: Out-and-back Skill Level: Moderate Duration: 4 hours Season: Best Times: Cool to warm Top Elevation: 5,280 feet Other Uses: Good for kids This is one of the classic 4WD (or two-foot!) canyon tours of the American West and should be near the top of your must-see list. Named after Morris Titus, a prospector who disappeared in this area in 1906, Titus Canyon offers fun driving (or hiking), beautiful scenery, and extraordinary geology. From Red Pass, the Titus Canyon Road drops a vertical mile, at times winding through passages hundreds of feet deep but barely wide enough for your vehicle. Check with Death Valley rangers before driving this route, as it's often closed due to snow, mud, or flash floods. Do not enter the canyon if thunderstorms threaten. Vehicle: HC/4WD.

    Photos
    Titus Canyon Road - End of the road!

    End of the road!

    Titus Canyon Road
    Titus Canyon Road - YAAASSSSS!

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    YAAASSSSS!

    Devil's Golf Course - hiking - Updated May 2026

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