Hike-in Required
No
ADA accessible
Yes
Guided tours
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The salt flats in Badwater Basin of Death Valley are minerals that remain after the evaporation of Lake Manly over 10,000 years ago. Uniquely shaped by wind and rain, Devils Golf Course is the area's largest example of this phenomenon. These halite salt crystal formations are like hard, jagged rocks that dominate the landscape. Although you are allowed to go out on the golf course, it is not recommended; the terrain is uneven and sharp, and visitors are prone to cuts, twisted ankles, and broken bones. This salt flat is gets it's name from a 1934 National Park Service manual that states "only the Devil could play golf" on such a course. 

Devils Golf Course is a short drive from the Furnace Creek Area down Badwater Road and onto a rocky access road that leads to the middle of the salt flat. You can access Devils Golf Course in a car, but an SUV or off-road vehicle is preferable. The road stops at a small parking lot with enough room for about a dozen vehicles. There are no trails that take you further into the Golf Course, though none are needed. The views from this point are amazing. The Panamint Mountains tower over you and provide a fantastic backdrop to the eerie "golf course." There are no restrooms or water at this location. Dogs are allowed on leash, but not they are not recommended. 

 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

National Park Pass

Pros

Breathtaking views. Short drive within the park.

Cons

None.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Features

Geologically significant
ADA accessible

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

03/14/2017
The Devil's Golf Course is truly an amazing place. Check it out around full moon for a different perspective. The short dirt road to it is quite well-graded and ok for any vehicles.
Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.