Six Scenic Wheelchair-Accessible Spots to Catch a Death Valley Sunrise
Nothing beats the natural beauty of Death Valley; and one of the best ways to enjoy it is to experience a magical sunrise or sunset over the desert. Of course you can see the sun rise and set from anywhere in the park, but these spots offer some of the most scenic vantage points. And although some are more accessible than others, there’s a wide range of choices for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
Sunrise Spots
Dantes View
Located off of Highway 190, east of 20 Mule Team Canyon, this overlook has one of the best views in the park. There’s accessible parking at the top, with curb-cut access over to the viewpoint. A level sidewalk leads around the overlook, and since it’s located on the spine of the Black Mountains it offers an impressive view of Death Valley Basin. And in the mornings there’s an excellent view of the sunrise over the Greenwater Range. The windshield views on the drive to and from the viewpoint are also quite scenic.
Harmony Borax Works
These remains of the Harmony Borax Works, which operated in the 1880s, are located west of the visitor center, off of Highway 190. An asphalt trail leads around the site, and it makes a great backdrop for a sunrise visit. There’s a slight uphill grade on the first part of the trail, so make sure and take the loop in a counter-clockwise direction for the best access. It’s a .20-mile walk to the lower exhibits, which include a 20 mule team wagon which was used to haul borax out of Death Valley. Some manual wheelchair-users may require assistance because of the grade on the upper part of the trail; however even if you can’t manage the whole trail, the trek out to the lower exhibit is worth the walk.
Zabriskie Point
This popular viewpoint, which is located on Highway 190 just east of the Inn at Furnace Creek, was originally constructed by the Pacific Coast Borax Company back in the 1920s. Named for the company’s founder, Christian Zabriskie, it offers a panoramic view of the Death Valley badlands. That said, the paved pathway to the overlook is extremely steep and not doable for manual wheelchairs; however there are a few benches to sit and rest and enjoy the sunrise along the way.
Sunset Spots
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Located off of Highway 190 near Stovepipe Wells, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes area is doable for many wheelchair-users and slow walkers. From the parking area, a 250-foot hard packed dirt trail leads out to the brink of the dunes. There’s about a one-inch step down to the trail, and although there are a few small rocks here and there, they are pretty easy to dodge. This is one of the most accessible sand dune areas in the park, and a nice place to enjoy a sunset. .
Artists Drive
Located off Badwater Road just north of the Devils Golf Course, this one-way drive winds through the colorful mountains and offers an up-close-and-personal view of this scenic Death Valley landscape. Artists Palette Overlook, which is located along the route, is a nice place to enjoy a sunset. There’s accessible parking next to the accessible vault toilet, and a barrier-free path over to the interpretive plaque. The volcanic minerals in the hills, which have been chemically altered by the extreme heat, causes the vibrant hillside colors. It’s especially striking at sunset..
Badwater
Last but not least, don’t miss the lowest point in North America – Badwater. Located just south of the Devils Golf Course, this site offers a short accessible boardwalk that leads out to the salt flats. There’s a well trod path out over the salt flats and the first quarter-mile is pretty tramped down, and accessible for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. Not only is it the perfect vantage point for a dramatic Death Valley sunrise, but you’ll also get a gander at Dantes View, which is located some 5,000 feet above the salt flats.
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