Some people might go to an all-inclusive resort on their anniversary, we decided to take a road trip on the motorcycle to Death Valley. Death Valley is the hottest place on earth. Even in early April it was warmer than we thought it would be. We rode from Phoenix to Las Vegas. Stayed overnight in Vegas and then drove out to Death Valley National Park in California. The ride from Las Vegas is around two and a half hours.
Death Valley National Park
This surreal national park is one of the hottest places on earth. Our first stop was going to be Dante’s View, however the road was closed on the day of our visit. Disappointed, but excited to see the National Park we drove on to Zabriskie Point.
Zabriskie Point
Our first stop in Death Valley National Park is Zabriskie Point. You will walk about a half a mile from the parking lot to the Point.
From here you have a view of the badlands. For a moment it looks like you may have landed on another planet. The different shades of colors are amazing.
Millions of years ago this area was flat. The waves and tilts of the land are attributed to seismic activity and rainfalls.
In the 1930’s borax was mined in this area. Today there are a few hiking trails to explore this unworldly place.
From here we rode towards Badwater Basin. We reach sea level on the way there.
Badwater Basin
At 282 feet below sea level Badwater Basin is the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere.
The extremely dry climate evaporates the water and leave salt flats behind.
The salt flats look kind of like ice.
From here we headed back the way we came to the main road. On our ride back we took a side trip down the curvy Artists Drive.
Artists Drive
A drive down Artists Drive is a must. It is especially fun on a motorcycle.
Artists Palette is visually stunning in person. The oxidation of mica, iron, and manganese create the beautiful rock colors.
There are many tight curves on the road and we found many people just stopped their vehicles, so just be cautious when going around the curves.
Furnace Creek
Top off your tank, grab some water and snacks at Furnace Creek. There is a gas station, a campground, a visitor’s center and a museum here.
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
By the time we made it to the sand dunes I was wishing we were in an air conditioned car. If we make this ride again I would go in February or March. The sand dunes are an incredible sight to see.
Stovepipe Wells
We stopped in Stovepipe Wells to cool off and grab a bite to eat.
Sierra Nevada Mountain Range
We drove towards Mount Whitney to see the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountain range before heading back to Nevada.
We had a 2.5 hour ride back to Las Vegas, so we head back to Nevada.
