Where the Desert Plays Rough: Exploring Devils Golf Course in Death Valley
A stark, crystalline landscape where the desert sculpts salt into jagged works of art—best seen with a plan and a full water bottle.
The sun slants low and the salt—sharp as broken glass—throws back a white so bright your pupils ache. You step off the sandy shoulder of the road and the ground underfoot shifts from firm desert crust to a surreal field of jagged salt pinnacles that catch the light like coral fossilized in frost. The wind has a voice here; it scrapes and sighs through the teeth of the salt, daring you to walk farther. This is Devils Golf Course, one of Death Valley’s most strange and stubborn landscapes: a place that looks less like earth than like a petrified ocean the planet forgot.
Trail Wisdom
Start early or go late
Temperatures are far kinder in morning and evening—plan your visit around sunrise or late afternoon to avoid heat and to get the best light for photos.
Carry more water than you think
Bring at least 2–3 liters per person for a short stop; desert dehydration creeps up fast even during cooler months.
Protect your gear from salt
Salt is corrosive—use zip bags for cameras and brush off clothing and equipment before bringing them back to the car.
Respect fragile formations
Walk only near the edge of the salt pan; many salt features take years to reform after damage.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Artists Palette: a short detour for vivid, color-banded hills along Artists Drive
- •Rhyolite Ghost Town: an evocative ghost town with photo-worthy ruins, about an hour’s drive near the park border
Wildlife
Desert bighorn sheep, Black-tailed jackrabbit (and occasional kit fox)
Conservation Note
The salt formations are fragile; visitors should avoid walking on delicate crusts, pack out all trash, and follow Leave No Trace to help these slowly changing features persist.
The valley’s human history ranges from Timbisha Shoshone habitation to 19th-century borax mining and early 20th-century prospecting—each layer visible in trails, ruins, and place names.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: wildflower blooms in higher elevations, cooler daytime temps, photography of soft light
Challenges: occasional wind storms, temperature swings, potential flash floods after rare rains
Spring brings milder temperatures and can be pleasant for daytime visits, though wind and sudden weather shifts are possible.
summer
Best for: stargazing after nightfall, avoiding crowds at dawn, experiencing extreme desert conditions
Challenges: extreme heat often exceeding 115°F (46°C), limited services and higher risk of heat illness, shortened safe visiting windows
Summer is intensely hot and not recommended for extended daytime visits; if you go, plan only nighttime stargazing or very early morning stops.
fall
Best for: comfortable daytime temps, photography in clear light, longer daylight for exploring other park sites
Challenges: busy weekends, cooler nights, variable wind
Fall offers some of the best conditions for hiking and touring—days are warm without the summer extremes, making it an ideal time for full-day tours.
winter
Best for: mild daytime temperatures, sunset and sunrise photography, stargazing on clear nights
Challenges: cold nights, possible rare winter rain that changes conditions, varying daylight hours
Winter is the optimal season for most visitors—temperatures are mild, days are comfortable, and nights are excellent for stargazing.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
3 liters of water per personEssential
Hydration is essential even for short visits—bring extra beyond what you think you need.
Sturdy closed-toe shoesEssential
The salt is sharp and uneven—trail runners or hiking shoes protect feet and provide traction.
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF 30+ sunscreen)Essential
Desert sun is intense; protect skin and eyes during daytime visits.
Camera with protective bag and a small tripod
A tripod helps for low-light and star shots; keep gear sealed from salt and dust.
Common Questions
How do I get to Devils Golf Course?
Drive into Death Valley National Park; Devils Golf Course is accessible from the Badwater Road pullouts near the salt flats, with parking available at a small roadside lot—check park maps for exact turnoffs.
Can I walk on the salt formations?
You can walk to the edge of the salt pan and explore cautiously, but avoid trampling delicate crystalline areas—stick to durable, already-trodden ground to prevent damage and injury.
Are there restrooms or services at the site?
Facilities are minimal or nonexistent at the immediate pullout; plan ahead and use facilities at Furnace Creek or other park visitor centers before arriving.
When is the best time of day to visit?
Early morning or late afternoon offer cooler temperatures and the best light for photography—midday can be dangerously hot in warmer months.
Is Devils Golf Course wheelchair accessible?
The salt pan itself is uneven and not wheelchair-friendly; the roadside viewpoints offer views but not a full accessible experience into the field.
Can I visit as part of a tour from Las Vegas?
Yes—multiple guided day trips and private tours run from Las Vegas and include Devils Golf Course alongside stops like Zabriskie Point and Badwater Basin.
What to Pack
Water (3L), sun protection (hat, SPF), sturdy closed-toe shoes, camera with protective bag — for hydration, heat protection, foot safety, and photo opportunities.
Did You Know
The jagged pinnacles at Devils Golf Course are crystallized salts left behind by the evaporation cycles of ancient Lake Manly; cycles of flooding and evaporation continue to reshape the field.
Quick Travel Tips
1) Fuel up and bring water—services are sparse; 2) Time your visit for morning or late afternoon light; 3) Use guided tours from Las Vegas for convenience and interpretation; 4) Keep gear sealed from salt and sand.
Local Flavor
Furnace Creek offers simple desert comforts—ranch-style dining, park-run visitor centers, and cultural exhibits highlighting the Timbisha Shoshone and mining history; combine a Devils Golf Course stop with a visit to a local museum or a ghost town photo walk.
Logistics Snapshot
Entry: National Park fees apply; Parking: small roadside lot; Accessibility: limited on-site; Best time: sunrise/sunset or winter months; Safety: bring water, shade, and sun protection.
Sustainability Note
Stick to durable surfaces, avoid disturbing salt formations, and pack out everything—every footprint on these slow-changing features can last for years.