Camping at Death Valley National Park and Las Vegas Visit

 Dear Soul,

“Our thoughts are Our power! We are the architects of our life!”

How it all started?

Some trips have a backstory that makes them even more interesting and keeps us looking forward to it. My DD1 wanted to have a buffet for her 12^th birthday and my DH offered to take her to the best one… in Vegas! Of course it comes with its own T&C, that we will explore Death Valley for the two days before. Combining the Camping at the Hottest, Driest and Lowest place on earth followed by the luxurious stay at glitzy glammy Vegas has to be the weirdest combination, but couldn't miss the perfect opportunity to experience a rare, historic weather event in this famously dry landscape caused by the recent Fall storms.

Sunday, November 23: All day drive

With car full of camping gear and hearts full of enthusiasm for a special reason that my DH's cousin's family was joining us, we started driving south from the bay area to Ridgecrest, CA, 2 hours away from Death Valley. Coalinga/Avenal Southbound Rest Area was a timely stop for lunch to enjoy the homemade food packed with love by parents; well enough for dinner too so we can have a good sleep and early start for the next day.

Monday, November 24: Death Valley – Canyons and Sand dunes

We started early to Death Valley through Trona, reminded me of a ghost town while the mind started to weave stories how we can spend our whole lives in that little town! Once on Hwy190, since the days are short and we have a lot to see, we skipped going East to Panamint springs for Father Crowley Vista point and Darwin Falls trail and chose to drive towards Stovepipe Wells village.

We stopped by a Scenic vista point and took pictures at Death Valley sign before going on Mosaic Canyon hike. The rough gravel road access to the trail head was beaten up even more by recent rains, but well worth it and the best part of the canyon is the first 0.5 miles.

After a rest stop at Stovepipe Wells Village, we went to Mesquite Flat Sand dunes, where my DH grilled a good lunch in the shade of the car. At Harmony Borax works, it was hard to imagine the borax mining in 1880s and wagons driven by 20 mule teams to take it to the nearest railhead.

Finally, we reached Furnace creek visitor center, central hub to all things Death Valley, got maps and info on the park. “Death Valley National Park is the homeland of the Timbisha Shoshone and preserves natural resources, cultural resources, exceptional wilderness, scenery, and learning experiences within the nation’s largest conserved desert landscape and some of the most extreme climate and topographic conditions on the planet.”

Our campsite was luckily dry and big enough to accommodate both the tents with parking fairly close. Contrary to what I had thought, the rest rooms were quite developed, with running water and a huge wash area outside for dishes (main importantly the water was not freezing cold!). We enjoyed the night sky and campfire, but the monsoon moisture soaked us wet. Death Valley is an internationally recognized night sky park, living up to its tagline: “Half the Park is After Dark.”

Tuesday, November 25: Death Valley – Salt Flats and Badlands

Mesquite Flat Sand dunes shone bright at Sunrise (just like Namibia), right time to witness them. After breakfast, we hiked to Natural Bridge, with the most amazing Badwater Basin views from the trailhead where kids did some rock scrambling at the end of the trail.

At Badwater Basin, lowest point in NA at 282 ft below sea level, rain water formed a shallow lake (colloquially called “Lake Manly” not as big as the one that formed after the remnants of Hurricane Hilary passed through the park in 2024) submerging the salt flats that reflect the sky and surrounding snowy peaks looking beautiful and reminded of Bolivian Salt flats.

Devils Golf Course and Artists Drive were closed with the flood damage. We had picnic lunch at Furnace creek visitor center and went to campsite for rest (Surprisingly in nice shade). We went to Zabriskie point for sunset, and saw the magnificent yellow and brown stripped badlands, revealing colors and textures that wash out in the harsh light of midday.

Coming back, we explored the furnace creek area and I was shocked to see what seemed all desolate, quiet and simple valley turned into a lush resort with water fountains, pool, golf course and shopping, just couldn’t believe the extravagance.

Wednesday, November 26: Red rock Canyon NCA

After Morning Sunrise at Zabriskie point and Golden Canyon hike, we packed up the tent. It was low 70s but the dry air made it exhausting, no wonder a person can lose 2 gallons of water per day just sitting in the shade!!! 

We skipped Dantes View and started driving to Red Rock Canyon NCA after booking a timed entry reservation. It could be due to its proximity to Vegas, it felt very busy. But climbing the red rocks was very fun and enjoyable. We definitely needed more time than half a day to explore this beautiful one-way 13-mile scenic drive.

Finally, when we arrived in Vegas late evening, kids couldn’t believe their eyes at the first sight of the flashy bright lights of the strip. We checked in at the Caesar’s palace and made Buffet reservations for the next day. We had dinner at the Celebrity food hall and went to bed early 😊

Thursday, November 27: Thanksgiving @ Las Vegas

Starting the day at Brahma Shrine just outside the Caesar's palace was the least expected surprise, and enjoyed a monk lighting incense sticks and praying at all four sides of the temple. 

We toured the Christmas decorations at Bellagio, our DD’s favorite Eiffel tower at Paris Paris and made it to the most awaited part of the trip: Buchannon buffet at Caesar’s palace. Highlight was the Thanksgiving menu: Pumpkin and Apple soup, Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows, Roast Chicken, and the Crepe Dessert. 

We had to take a nap after the very big and sumptuous brunch and then went around to explore shopping at The forum shops and Venetian, the Strip and Sphere Views from High Roller (Ferris wheel), had fast food dinner and relaxed in the soaking tub for the last night in preparation for all day drive home the next day!