Things to Do in Inyo County in 2026

Sunrise pano from the Mustard Canyon area of Death Valley National Park. Not a great composition but it was my first attempt at a pano so I wasn't really too concerned. I followed a wash for quite a while hoping to find some mud cracks but it wasn't to be that morning.

Just a few hours away from glittering casinos, Death Valley gives you a glimpse into the real landscape. The middle of no where.

Here, at Badwater Basin, you're at the lowest point in North America. Salt flats, devoid of any living creature... Mountains extending forward and upward... Even the sounds are different.

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I took this photo at Death Valley National Park, in California USA. From Dante's View! One of the best viewpoints in this otherworldly national park. I had a memorable time there in December 2016. My 1st time ever in California. But it was only for 1 day, as I was based in Las Vegas. But Death Valley National Park was somewhere I've wanted to go for a very long time. I love this kind of foreboding and otherworldly landscape! And more about this photo and Dante's View: It's a viewpoint terrace at 1,669 m (5,476 ft) height, on the north side of Coffin Peak, along the crest of the Black Mountains, overlooking Death Valley. All quite dark and macabre names, if I do say so myself! Dante's View was even used as a filming location in the 1st Star Wars film. And that big white spot in this photo is a huge salt flat at Badwater Basin. Badwater Basin is the the lowest point in North America, at 282 ft (86 m) below sea level. And Death Valley itself is notoriously hot in many months of the year. It's one of the hottest places in the world in the summertime. I'm glad I went in a December ;). But from this viewpoint it was so cold from the chilly temperature and strong wind that I was forced to quickly put on gloves and a hat ;). All part of the incredible experience!

In the middle of nowhere at Death Valley. Riders on the way.
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Inyo County must see attractions

1. Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is the continental United States’ largest park. It’s also the hottest, driest and lowest. Despite harsh conditions, the park’s more than 3 million acres (1.3 million hectares) aren’t simply desert plains. Find mountains, canyons, sand dunes, extinct volcanic craters and even palm trees and wildflowers.

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Death Valley which includes tranquil scenes and desert views as well as a small group of people

2. Furnace Creek Visitor Center

The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is a useful resource and jumping-off point for exploring the surrounding Death Valley National Park. Drop in to the visitor center’s adjoining museum and learn about the region’s cultural and natural history before heading off on your adventure around the park. Join ranger-led tours, watch an informative film about the park or pick up maps and brochures so that you can plan your journey.

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Death Valley showing signage and desert views

3. Badwater

Snow-white crystals of salt fill the immense pan of Badwater Basin, a crater-like salt flat in the middle of the valley. Flanked by dusky-pink mountain ranges and purple-hued ridges, Badwater Basin is a dreamlike destination. Explore the moonscape saltpan on foot for the chance to say you’ve walked across the lowest point in North America, at 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level.

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Badwater featuring desert views, views and hiking or walking

4. Zabriskie Point

Look out across the colorful sculpted landscape at the foothills of the Black Mountains from Zabriskie Point. Enjoy the vast scene of undulating badlands, which ripple across mudhills, gullies and mountains. In the distance, notice the gleaming white expanse of saltpans in the main valley. Made famous by the Antonioni-directed film of the same name, Zabriskie Point is a dramatic introduction to Death Valley National Park when entering from the east.

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Death Valley which includes desert views and tranquil scenes

5. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes is a spectacular natural phenomenon in the heart of Death Valley. It consists of dunes 100 feet (30 meters) high that offer unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains. Notice the ever-changing patterns carved into this sandy landscape.

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