Death Valley's Most Spectacular Sights

It's one of the driest and hottest places on Earth, and only a few living things survive there. Still, Death Valley is descended upon by tourists from all over the world and has been a venue for many epic adventures. Miserable it may be under the hot desert sun especially in the middle of summer, but it's also wildly beautiful, its wide open spaces full of panoramas and natural wonders so spectacular they inspire gasps and wonder.

Here are 10 of the best, and therefore, must-see ones.

A flat land full of salt may not sound that impressive, but Badwater Basin is one of those places you have to see in person to really appreciate. The spring-fed salt depression is known for its honeycomb salt crust wonders whose size range from only a few inches to several feet, and they're stunning to look at, fringed by the nearby peaks or by the starry sky at night.

Tip: Visit in the early morning, late afternoon or at night when the sun isn't blazing. The road it's on is full of gravel so drive slower.

Even when riddled with footprints, there's no denying the beauty and appeal of the Mesquite Sand Dunes. It's right off the 190 so it's very accessible, and they're not only amazing to look at, but they're also fun to trek on. A climb to the highest dunes is an undertaking you must do if you've got the energy, but the lower dunes not too far from the parking lot are also incredible.

Tip: The best photo spots are on the highest dunes or to the left of the parking lot away from all the foot traffic. Flipflops or sandals are a better choice of footwear. Better yet, go barefoot.

The 9-mile winding road of Artist's Drive, not too far from Badwater Basin, is perhaps one of California's most stunning, albeit short, drives. Running through a multi-colored canyon, this drive is full of incredible slopes and peaks 'painted' with different minerals so that instead of the normal, golden desert color, you get pinks, reds, blues, greens and purples.

Tip: Do the whole drive, but go slow to make it last. There are places to pull over for photo opportunities.

Of course, while you're driving down Artist's Drive, you must stop at Artist's Palette, a specific spot on the hills where all those colors convene, looking pretty much like an artist's palette. It's right off Artist's Drive and has its own parking lot and viewpoint, so it's easily accessible. While most folks just park, take photos and drive, a short hike to it is more than worth the effort.

Tip: The best time to go is before sunset when the setting sun is painting Death Valley with its golden light. That's when the colors really come out.

The best time to visit Zabriskie Point is before sunrise or in the early morning when the light is soft, not harsh. For one of Death Valley's most photographed areas, it's a surprisingly accessible spot. You just need to park in the parking lot and go on a quick uphill hike along a well-paved road. The views up top are gorgeous and boast a uniquely-eroded landscape.

Tip: Take both wide-angle and telephoto lenses with you. The Manly Beacon, shaped like a shark tooth, is a popular landmark. If you can spare the time, squeeze in a hike.

Although these charcoal kilns don't exactly have an interesting story, they're still a really cool Death Valley attraction that's worth driving an hour or so for. It's much further away from the national park's most famous landmarks-you have to drive on a winding road on a hill then through a valley to get there-but its otherworldly feel, as if you've just walked into Star Wars, is definitely worth experiencing.

Tip: A section of the drive is an unpaved road, so be sure you're driving an appropriate vehicle. There are a couple of nearby hikes if you have the time.

The road to the Natural Bridge Canyon trailhead is a rocky dirt road that might put your vehicle to the test. But drive slow, if you don't have a four-wheel drive or a pick-up truck, because this fairly short and relatively easy hike is worth it. It boasts three landmarks worth stopping at, including the natural bridge and the dry waterfalls.

Tip: Bring plenty of water for your hike. A wide-angle lens is just the ticket to capture the canyon's grandness.

Dante's View must be your first or last stop in Death Valley. The viewpoint along the crest of the Black Mountain affords an awe-inspiring view of the national park in all its legendary, if harsh, beauty, and is, therefore, an appropriate venue for an epic welcome or a lovely farewell to it. Of course, the best time to visit it is during the early morning or late in the afternoon, not only because it's cooler but also it's twice as photogenic.

Tip: A wide lens camera should do the trick in capturing the panoramic view.

Named aptly for the sailing stone that traverses the lake's dry and crusty bed, leaving "racetrack" imprints in their wake, Racetrack Playa is one of Death Valley's harder to reach sites. You'll need a four-wheel vehicle with high clearance to travel along the rough road that leads to it, not far from Ubehebe Crater. However, this incredible, almost ethereal site is more than worth the trip.

Tip: Find out how the rocks, some weighing 700 pounds, move and make those tracks. It's a pretty cool little tidbit.

Head straight east from Furnace Creek, about 30 minutes or so along the 190, where the road seems to go on forever and the entire desert landscape really opens up. The landmarks along this road are lesser known, but the view is just as spectacular. For example, just before you reach Panamint Springs is a short, fairly straight stretch that offers a cool view of the road ahead zigzagging its way up the mountains.

Tip: Be sure you have enough fuel before you make the trip. A telephoto lens will let you capture this view above.