Devil’s Golf Course is a fascinating and otherworldly landscape located in Death Valley National Park, California. This area is a large salt pan formed by the evaporation of an ancient lake, leaving behind vast fields of jagged salt formations. Over time, the wind and occasional rain have sculpted these formations into sharp, uneven spires and ridges that stretch as far as the eye can see, making it resemble a surreal, alien landscape. You can walk among the rocks to explore, but be extra careful, a fall onto this surface could definitely cause some cuts and scratches.
To Get There
- Google Maps Devil’s Golf Course
- There isn’t a trail, but you can walk among the jagged rocks. (Be careful)
- The road to get here is dirt for about half a mile, you don’t need 4-wheel drive, but if you have a sedan drive slowly and carefully.
When To Go
Best month’s to go: February, March and November (April and October could work too, but bring more water and hike in the mornings and evenings)
Explore Devil’s Golf Course
The name “Devil’s Golf Course” comes from a 1934 National Park Service guidebook that stated, “Only the devil could play golf on such rough links.” The terrain is incredibly rough and sharp, and walking on it is difficult and dangerous due to the risk of injury from the salt spires.
The area sits about 282 feet below sea level, and the intense heat of Death Valley, combined with the low elevation, makes this a harsh and desolate environment. However, it’s a popular spot for visitors seeking to experience one of the most unique landscapes in the park. When visiting, it’s best to come during cooler months, as Death Valley can reach dangerously high temperatures in summer.
A fun fact is that if you stand quietly, you might hear popping or cracking sounds. This is caused by the salt crystals expanding and contracting due to temperature changes, which is a mesmerizing phenomenon.
This stop is worthwhile. It’s a short offshoot from the main highway and the photos don’t even do it justice. This is a truly interesting sight to see. Have any other interesting facts to share about the Devil’s Golf Course? Please leave them in the comments below.
For a full list of things to do, check out my post 3 Days In Death Valley National Park.
Just For Fun Park Tees
These tees are unnecessary for hiking, but it’s always fun to get a tank or tee with the National Park name on it for photos. I found these Tees on Etsy.
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