20 Attractions to Explore Near Death Valley National Park

This sculpture of a reclining woman amidst the vast desert landscape is a sight to behold. It's not every day you stumble upon a giant naked lady sculpture out in the middle of nowhere. But if you do, you better stop and take a picture! Lady Desert is a tribute to the beauty of the female form and was created by artist Dr. Hugo Heyrman. To some, it may seem controversial, but to me, it's a stunning work of art that perfectly captures the essence of the desert.

This dazzling outdoor museum showcases a collection of unique and mind-bending art installations that are sure to captivate your imagination. From the towering and stark "Last Supper" sculpture to the quirky and whimsical "Ghost Rider" installation, this museum is a true feast for the eyes. But don't let the desert sun fool you - each piece of art has a deep and profound meaning behind it. Personally, I think this museum is a hidden gem that's well worth a visit.

Tom Kelly's Bottle House is a sight to behold with its colorful exterior made entirely of glass bottles, some of which date back to the 1800s. This quirky attraction was built in the 1950s by Tom Kelly, a local miner who found a creative way to recycle thousands of empty bottles. If you're expecting luxury accommodations, this isn't the place for you. But if you're up for a unique and unforgettable stay, spending a night in this bottle house will be an experience like no other.

Ah, the Montgomery-Shoshone Mine of Nye County, Nevada! It's not just any old mine - it's a piece of history that's worth exploring. Operating from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s, it produced enough gold and silver to make Scrooge McDuck envious. But what really catches my attention is the mine's fascinating ownership history. It was owned by a mishmash of characters, including a dentist, a lawyer, and one of the founding fathers of Las Vegas.

This road is no ordinary route; it's a 27-mile gravel narrow road that winds its way through the rugged and beautiful backcountry of Death Valley National Park. Along the way, you'll find yourself in awe of the stunning scenery that surrounds you - towering cliffs, colorful rock formations, and endless vistas. But fair warning, this road is not for the faint of heart. It's narrow, with steep turns and the occasional drop-off, so you'll want to keep your hands at ten and two.

The Beatty Museum & Historical Society is a delightful gem in the middle of the desert. This museum houses artifacts and exhibits that showcase the rich history of the area, from mining and ranching to the art of fly fishing. But what really sets this museum apart is the friendly and knowledgeable staff. They will regale you with tales of the town's past and answer any question you may have with a smile. Plus, their gift shop has some of the most unique souvenirs you'll find in the state.

Nestled amidst the sprawling mountains and scorching desert of Nye County, lies the charming town of Oasis Valley. Known for its serene natural beauty and vibrant community, this place is truly a hidden gem. With picturesque hiking trails, cozy cafes, and quirky art galleries, Oasis Valley has something for everyone. Despite its small size, this town packs a punch with its rich history and unique character.

This charming town is famous for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty. Don't let its size fool you, there's plenty to keep you occupied here; from hiking in the nearby national parks to savoring some of the region's best food at its many eclectic eateries. In my humble opinion, Bullfrog Hills is a hidden gem that more people need to discover. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and come see what this vibrant town has to offer!

The Keane Wonder Mine and mill is an abandoned mining facility located within Death Valley National Park in Inyo County, California. It is located in the Funeral Mountains east of Death Valley and Furnace Creek, California. It was among the most successful gold mines in the valley and followed the course of a rich vein of ore. The miners attempted to remove as much of the ore as possible, and as a result dug out large areas, with only a few pillars to keep the mine from collapsing.

This short hike along Salt Creek takes hikers through one of the more unique areas of Death Valley National Park. With the surprising presence of water in the midst of the salt flats, this area looks positively lush compared to the rest of the basin.This is a very popular area for hiking, walking, and other nature trips, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.

Mountain-fringed sand dunes reaching 100 ft. A prime spot for sand-boarding.

Mosaic Canyon is a 4 mile hike in Death Valley with short sections of rock scrambling.The trailhead begins at the end of Mosaic Canyon Road, a 2.3 mile dirt road that begins just across the street from Stovepipe Wells Campground. The road is usually passable for most passenger cars, but you may want to check with the rangers if there’s been rain recently. Although there are some nice, shady sections of the trail here.

The Amargosa Desert is a unique and stunning landscape that's not for the faint of heart. But if you're up for the adventure, you won't be disappointed. The desert is home to a variety of plants and animals, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. With its rugged terrain, towering cliffs, and expansive vistas, the Amargosa Desert is truly a sight to behold. I may be biased as a desert-loving AI, but there's something special about the stark beauty of these arid landscapes.

An abandoned borax mine. They became famous through the use of large twenty-mule teams and double wagons which hauled borax through the long overland route to the closest railroad in Mojave, California.

Ah, the infamous Yucca Mountain. This Nevada landmark has been the center of controversy for years. It's a proposed site for a permanent repository for high-level radioactive waste from nuclear power plants across the country. Some argue it's the safest option, while others claim it poses too many risks to the environment and surrounding communities. Personally, I think it's a bit of a gamble. But hey, hasn't Nevada always been known for taking a few risks?

Death Valley National Park, the hottest and driest national park in the United States, located in Death Valley, largely in southwestern California, though a small portion extends into Nevada’s Bullfrog Hills. The park is home to many species of plants and animals that have adapted to this harsh desert environment including creosote bush, Joshua tree, bighorn sheep, coyote, and the endangered Death Valley pupfish, a survivor from much wetter times.

Manly Beacon is a towering spire that rises above the Death Valley badlands. The peak stands out in stark contrast to the backdrop of the Red Cathedral formation and the surrounding mud hills. To many people, the peak may look unclimbable, but there is a narrow ridge that accesses the small summit, where there are unforgettable views of the surrounding badlands, the Death Valley salt pan, and Telescope Peak, the often-snowcapped highpoint of the Panamint Range.

The Golden Canyon in Death Valley National Park is probably the most famous hike in the park. It is easily accessible and you can enjoy the view from manly Beacon and explore the golden mudstone hills . It is one of the iconic location for trekkers and also there are so many things to expore.

Golden Canyon Trailhead is a locality in Inyo County. Golden Canyon Trailhead is situated west of Red Cathedral Junction, and west of Zabriskie Point Junction.This route features tons of geologic and human history – you’ll pass through layers of strata defining the different ages of Death Valley’s past, see canyons painted in dozens of different colors, and pass old mining shafts and claims from the area’s industrial heyday.

Zabriskie Point is a part of the Amargosa Range located east of Death Valley in Death Valley National Park in California. It is composed of sediments from Furnace Creek Lake, which dried up 5 million years ago—long before Death Valley came into existence.