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Death Valley Rally
#DeathValleyRally TravelNevada.com/Death-Valley-Rally
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Hit the Road
Start: Las Vegas Suggested Duration: 3-4 days Distance: 373 mi
Nevada is a state of extremes, and nothing highlights our delightful dichotomies better than a road trip from Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park. Sure, it could take just three hours to drive between the two points, but then we’d say you’re missing the point. Slow down and savor the lowest point in North America paired with the nearly 12,000-foot peak of Mt. Charleston. Take a moment to stop at a rugged biker bar or an elegant winery in Pahrump. If you’re really slowing your roll, we’ve got ghost towns and, well, Las Vegas. Now why would you ever want to rush through all that?
From one extreme to another and back again.
After getting your fill of neon and noise, hit the road and find some sweet solace in the transition from asphalt to awesome. Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is nestled against the verdant hills and natural springs that once drew early settlers, as well as the burros, deer, and antelope you can still see today. Guided hikes are the perfect way to start your exploration of southern Nevada’s truly wild side.
Next up, perched in Mountain Springs Canyon, is the world-famous Mountain Springs Saloon—a perfect pit stop and treasured biker bar. And if contrasts are your thing, plan for an overnight in Pahrump. This town with fine wine is the perfect overnight on your Death Valley Rally. Sanders Family Winery is one of the largest wineries in the state, and with your glass, you’ll enjoy vintage views of the Spring Mountains and Nopah Range.
Back on the road, get ready for some more wild wonders. Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Amargosa Valley is a surprising desert oasis, that offers a safe haven for rare and endemic plants and animals. Historic cabins and prehistoric desert pupfish—the rarest fish on Earth—are just two of the many reasons to stop here. After the refuge, stop into the Longstreet Inn & Casino for a bite to eat, and make sure to take a photo with Big Bovine (don’t ask, just trust us).
Time to hit the main attraction, Death Valley National Park. Leaving Amargosa, head into the park well-stocked with water, snacks, and sunscreen. The glories and dangers of the park are legendary, and both should be met with respect. Rolling sand dunes and spiky peaks are challenging enough for the desert tortoise, jackrabbits, and bighorn sheep, let alone humans. Take only pictures, and leave only your memories of this incredible landscape.
PLANNING CHECKLIST
The most extreme road trip requires the most extreme packing list. From the hottest, driest place in the country to the potentially snowy slopes of a massive mountain, you’re going to want options.
Don’t forget:
more snacks and water than you think you'll need paper map clothing layers (don't forget sandals & boots) sunscreen spare tire
A spring visit to the park offers the best chance at viewing the annual wildflower bloom, which carpets the desert landscape in a testament to their hearty nature. And maybe you'll even be lucky enough to catch a once-a-decade superbloom.
Beatty is your next stop, and the Gateway to Death Valley is here to host your park adventure for as many days as you like. While you're in town, grab some grub at the Happy Burro Chili & Beer and stop at the Beatty Museum and Historical Society to learn about the Bullfrog Mining District and tour one of the best collections of historical photos in the state.
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Rhyolite Ghost Town and the Goldwell Open Air Museum are required visits when in Beatty. Rhyolite’s train depot is almost fully intact and worth the trip alone, but you’ll also find other oft-photographed structures of considerable size, including Tom Kelly’s bottle house, which was built from more than 50,000 bottles. Goldwell sits at the mouth of Rhyolite, and there’s no missing Albert Szukalski’s ghostly “The Last Supper” sculpture or the towering "Lady Desert—The Venus of Nevada," which appears to be made of Legos. Only in Nevada. Get the full itinerary, plus road trip essentials, including downloadable directions, maps, podcasts, and tunes for your adventure. TravelNevada.com/Death-Valley-Rally Heading back toward Las Vegas, make the detour to see 11,916-foot Mt. Charleston, Nevada’s fifth-tallest peak and southern Nevada's only place to ski and snowboard. Hike through the bristlecone forests or get in some snow play at Lee Canyon, if the season holds. Back to Las Vegas now, with your camera roll full, your FEBRUARY-APRIL 2022 shoes dusty, and your heart full of extreme adventures. David N. Braun (camping), Sally Hanrahan (Death Valley flowers)
