Thanksgiving Journey to Death Valley
In the United States, Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of November, followed by Black Friday and the weekend—creating a rare four-day holiday. Our trip to Death Valley was planned just a week in advance due to the anticipated crowds, and we quickly launched into preparations.
We departed from the Pacific coast of Southern California, using the four days to enter Death Valley twice and explore its surrounding landscapes during the remaining time. What we saw, heard, and felt left a deep impression on us all. This place is a complex fusion of the ancient and the futuristic—a contradiction between fantasy and reality, where soft lines meet sharp edges in perfect harmony.
About Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park (DVNP) is a massive basin straddling eastern California and western Nevada. It stretches over 160 miles from north to south, and is roughly 50 kilometers wide. Covering an area of 7,800 square kilometers, it holds three extreme records in the Western Hemisphere: the hottest, driest, and lowest location.
Telescope Peak, on the canyon’s western rim, rises to 3,366 meters, while Badwater Basin—its lowest point—sits at -86 meters. The elevation difference between the two is over twice the depth of the Grand Canyon (for reference, see: "[Arizona] Flying over the Grand Canyon with the Wind").
The canyon's low elevation traps hot air, which is reheated by intense sunlight. Temperatures here have reached up to 56.7°C, the highest ever recorded in the Western Hemisphere. Annual rainfall averages less than 2 inches, and some years see none at all. Yet within this harsh terrain, you’ll find endless sand dunes, expansive salt flats, towering snow-capped mountains, vibrantly colored rocks, natural canyons, and the famous “moving stones.” It’s otherworldly, mesmerizing, and full of surprises.
Overview of Our Four-Day Journey
Our trip spanned over 1,600 kilometers, and within those four days, we experienced what felt like all four seasons. We were constantly reminded of nature’s magic. Each day’s itinerary will be shared in detail in separate blog posts and linked back here.
Day 1: To Lone Pine via Red Rock and Fossil Falls
- Route: California Highway 14 → Red Rock State Park → Mojave → California Highway 395 → Fossil Falls → Lone Pine
- Evening: Visited Alabama Hills before sunset, dined at a Western-style local restaurant.
Mojave's airplane graveyard was a spectacle—dozens of parked Boeing jets. Why are they there? Airlines store unused planes in Mojave’s dry climate to prevent rust and to give the illusion of constant operation.
Onward, we passed California City, a grand name few people recognize. Entering the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the blue-gray peaks and yellow-green vegetation clashed beautifully. The scenery turned barren yet majestic.
- Red Rock State Park introduced us to a prehistoric narrative written in stone.
- Fossil Falls told a deeper story—where volcanic lava met glacial melt millions of years ago.
- In Owens Valley, we passed the mostly dried Owens Lake before arriving in Lone Pine.
Day 2: First Entry into Death Valley
- Morning: Left Lone Pine (temperature: -7°C), thick frost on the car roof.
- Destinations: Mosaic Canyon and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
- Evening: Returned to Lone Pine after sunset
The sheer size of Death Valley can only be grasped by being there. This day’s plan focused on two sites but still left us exhausted—and in awe.
Day 3: Golden Canyon and Beyond
- Early Morning: Sunrise photography in Lone Pine
- After Breakfast: Re-entered Death Valley
- Destinations: Golden Canyon, Badwater Basin, and Natural Bridge Canyon
As the sun gave its final glow, we exited the park reluctantly. Two days in Death Valley left us with countless memories, many regrets, and an eager desire to return. This place demands time and reverence.
- Bonus Moment: I wrote “I Love DV” in the frost on the car roof—a simple but heartfelt memento.
Day 4: Whitney Portal and Heading Home
- Morning: Visited Whitney Portal, west of Lone Pine
- Goal: To strengthen our resolve to hike Mount Whitney next spring
We were met with golden autumn hues and snow-covered peaks. After descending from the mountain mid-afternoon, we began our journey home, ending a beautiful and rewarding four-day adventure.
Travel Tips for Death Valley (DV)
Here are some firsthand recommendations categorized for ease of planning:
Clothing
- Winter (Nov–Mar): Mild at the valley floor. Wear layered quick-dry tops, light jacket, long pants, sunglasses, and SPF 50+ sunscreen. Regular hiking shoes and wool socks are sufficient.
- Summer (May–Sep): Extremely hot. If hiking is unavoidable, wear brimmed hats, sunglasses, moisture-wicking clothing, and carry double the usual water. Gloves optional for rugged climbs.
Food
- Bring your own food and water. Some areas have restaurants, but they are limited.
- There are no trash cans in most areas. Even fruit peels must be packed out.
- Winter: bread, sausages, fruit, 2L water/person/day, and perhaps some avocados.
- Summer: at least 4L water/person/day, and extra salt to prevent dehydration.
Accommodation
- Resorts: Stovepipe Wells Village, Furnace Creek Inn/Ranch, Panamint Springs Resort
- Pros: Inside the park, but expensive (typically $200+/night)
- Budget Alternatives: Lone Pine (west) or Pahrump (east), $60–90/night
- Pro tip: Book early to match your itinerary and reduce travel stress.
Transportation
- No public transit in Death Valley. Personal vehicle is required.
- Ordinary cars can navigate most routes; 4WD recommended for unpaved roads.
- Caution: Do not attempt unknown routes. Fatal dehydration cases have occurred. Follow park signage and stay informed.
Essentials to Bring
- GPS (cell service is unreliable)
- Trash bags
- Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Trekking poles
- Camera gear: tripod, spare batteries, shutter remote, memory cards
- Emergency GPS beacon (optional but highly recommended; ~$200 on Amazon)
Closing Thoughts
I’m still a newcomer to Death Valley, but even one visit arms you with firsthand knowledge more vivid and practical than any guidebook. This vast, surreal land deserves more than just a glimpse—it deserves your full attention.