We wanted to kick off 2022 with a trip to a fun National Park nearby and were torn between Yosemite and Death Valley as they are both great parks to visit during the winter season and easily drivable from Los Angeles! We decided to take advantage of the cooler weather in Death Valley. 🙂
Before we get into the itinerary, I wanted to go over one of my most frequently asked questions…and that is, “how are you able to travel so often?”. Our secret is earning credit card points on all our everyday expenses and then redeeming them for travel needs!
Credit One Bank Wander Card:
We have just recently been approved for the new Credit One Bank Wander Card and love the benefits of using this card to fuel our travel wanderlust!
Here’s how we used our Credit One Bank Wander Card during our weekend road trip to maximize on rewards points and earnings for future travels:
- Gas for the rental car
- Hotel/Lodging
- Food and snacks for the trip!
Here are some of our favorite card benefits for those of you who are interested in learning more about how we take advantage of our Credit One Bank Wander Card for our domestic travels and adventures!
Why we love the Credit One Bank Wander Card:
- Earn reward points on all of your purchases.
- Earn reward points on eligible recreational travel!
- Earn reward points on lodging and restaurants as well as any other purchases on your card!
- For more information visit this website: https://www.creditonebank.com/credit-cards/wander/wander-card?C1BSourceID=C1OT_CS_05&C1BDescriptorID=BRG0520L01&C1BSpecificationID=wander-infl
What to do in one day:
Zabriskie Point
This iconic Vista is a must-see! It’s best to visit during sunrise or sunset as the sun lights up the canyons! The total hike is 0.4 miles out and back so you can imagine how heavily trafficked this trail is. There is a parking lot with plenty of parking but it can get quite full!
Artist Palette
After our first stop at Zabriskie Point, we drove over to Artist Palette which is about 30 minutes away. The drive will take you along the Artist Drive Scenic Loop first. You’ll find the beautifully colored and painted hills of Artist Palette soon after! The colors can be seen right from the parking lot! The drive is about 9 miles one way and the hike itself is up to you! You can hike a mile in or see it from the Parking lot! The incredible colors are produced from oxidation of the metals and elements and makes up the pastel colors you see here! You’ll have to see it to believe it. 🙂
Mequite Flat Sand Dunes
Less than 1% of the desert is covered in sand dunes but you wouldn’t think so just by looking! The hills look vast! The eroded canyons and washes provide plenty of sand. In terms of activities, sand boarding is quite popular and legal to do so here! Off-road vehicles however are not allowed in order to preserve the desert sand. There is also a parking lot right in front of the dunes and the hike in can be about 2.8 miles dependent on how far in you’d prefer to trek!
Badwater Basin
Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America at 282 ft (86 m) below sea level. Why is it called Badwater Basin? Stories suggest that Badwater Basin earned its name when a mule belonging to an early surveyor refused to drink from the spring-fed pool near the present-day boardwalk.Badwater Basin was once the site of the large ancient inland Lake Manly which evaporated tens of thousands of years before. The pool and boardwalk are easily accessible from the parking lot off Badwater Road, but the best views of the salt polygons can be see within an easy 1.5-2 mile hike out! It’s an incredible landscape and another stop requiring just an easy walk from your car!
What you will need to know to prepare for your trip
Passes required:
You will need either a National Park Pass or a day pass to enter. We purchased an Annual Park pass for $80 which allows access to every National park in the country for one year (a great deal if you plan to visit at least 3-4 parks within 12 months!).
When’s the best time to visit?
Winter months (November-March) the summer months can be brutal as the temps can get up to highs of 134 degrees!
Where to stay?
Camping options include Furnace Creek Campground and Stovepipe Wells campground as two popular locations!
For hotel lodging, the most convenient place to book your stay may also be one of the more expensive, but you can stay within the park at https://www.oasisatdeathvalley.com
What to pack?
Camera and tripod for cool photo opps as you explore the otherworldly landscapes here!
Sunblock (even during winter the sun is out)
Hiking shoes
Water (bring lots, especially if you visit during the warmer months! Heat stroke can be deadly)
Snacks for the road or a cooler with food if you prefer not to dine at the park resort
Sunglasses
Hats
Where to eat?
There is just one option for dining within the park and that is located at The Ranch at Death Valley. They serve breakfast and lunch and offer both indoor and outdoor dining options! The menu is small and also a bit pricey with sandwiches and burgers in the $22-25 range.
Are there restrooms?
There are small restrooms available by some of the parking lots designated for the scenic lookouts.
Tip: make sure you have a full tank of gas (enough to get you around all the different stops on your list and enough to get you out of the park and into the next gas station in the nearest town!) If you’re in a pickle, don’t worry there is a gas station (The General Store) near the visitor center but be warned you’ll be paying top dollar for gas as it’s the only option for gas in the park! Example: it was 5.05/gallon vs 3.75/gallon outside the park during the time of our visit in January 2022.
GPS/Cell Service:
Download offline maps and save to your phone in advance, there is no service within the park! Hope this was helpful and most importantly have fun enjoying the outdoors and this beautiful National Park!
