Devil's Cornfield
Explore the surreal, salt-encrusted landscapes of Devil's Cornfield and Devil's Golf Course in Death Valley.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Devil's Cornfield
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the surreal, salt-encrusted landscapes of Devil's Cornfield and Devil's Golf Course in Death Valley.
"An otherworldly landscape unlike anything you've ever seen, a true natural wonder."
🚗 AWD Recommended
While not strictly off-road, an AWD vehicle is helpful for some access roads. Check conditions before you go!
💧 Hydrate Constantly
Death Valley is extremely dry. Carry more water than you think you'll need.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Devil's Cornfield
Death Valley National Park
An otherworldly landscape of salt-encrusted mesquite plants, creating a surreal, alien terrain.
Devil's Golf Course
Death Valley National Park
A vast expanse of jagged, salt-crusted formations resembling a surreal, alien golf course.
Devil's Hole
Death Valley National Park (Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge)
A mysterious aquifer with unique geological features and home to an endangered pupfish species.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Respect the Environment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 AWD Recommended
While not strictly off-road, an AWD vehicle is helpful for some access roads. Check conditions before you go!
💧 Hydrate Constantly
Death Valley is extremely dry. Carry more water than you think you'll need.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The ground can be uneven and sharp with salt crystals. Protect your feet!
✨ Stargazing Gem
With minimal light pollution, Death Valley offers incredible night sky views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 AWD Recommended
While not strictly off-road, an AWD vehicle is helpful for some access roads. Check conditions before you go!
💧 Hydrate Constantly
Death Valley is extremely dry. Carry more water than you think you'll need.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The ground can be uneven and sharp with salt crystals. Protect your feet!
✨ Stargazing Gem
With minimal light pollution, Death Valley offers incredible night sky views.
📸 Capture the Surreal
The unique landscapes are a photographer's dream. Bring your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Devil's Cornfield and Devil's Golf Course to be unique, otherworldly landscapes that offer a sense of peace and solitude. While some find them 'underwhelming' for a quick stop, others are captivated by the surreal beauty and photographic potential. The challenging terrain at Devil's Golf Course is noted, and the extreme dryness of Death Valley is a constant factor.
"If you’re not paying attention, you might miss it. Many say it’s underwhelming but to me, it was beautiful. No one in sight. The wind was blowing sand everywhere and creating dust windmills. The sound of it was mesmerizing. Yes, it was hot but not unbearable. Certainly a beautiful and peaceful place."
Gabby Lara
"The strange, otherworldly landscape here is unique and unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The ground rises up in odd bursts, something like the surface of another planet. The salt flats see to stretch forever until you remember that you just drove here. A long hike here isn’t suggested due to the difficult ground, but you can always give it a try. A detour is worth it for the unique views."
Tyler Lund
"Interesting plant formations, but it’s the kind of place where you stop for a minute, take a pic, and leave. Good for stargazing. Don’t go out of your way to get here unless you have lots of spare time or you really want to see it."
Vivian
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Devil's Cornfield is located within Death Valley National Park. Access is typically via Badwater Road. From Furnace Creek, head south on Badwater Road for about 15 miles. Look for pull-offs and signage. If you have an AWD vehicle, you might find slightly easier access to certain viewpoints.
The main roads leading to the general vicinity of Devil's Cornfield are paved. However, some access points or viewpoints might involve short, unpaved sections. It's always best to check current road conditions with the National Park Service before your visit, especially after significant weather events.
Yes, Devil's Golf Course is accessible by car. The road leading to it is typically paved, but the surface itself is extremely rough and jagged salt formations. Driving on it is not recommended; it's best to park and explore on foot.
Devil's Hole is located within the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, which is adjacent to Death Valley National Park in Nevada. While often associated with Death Valley due to its proximity and unique desert environment, it's managed separately. Access requires a drive from Death Valley. +1
A personal vehicle is essential for exploring Death Valley. While some areas are accessible by regular cars, an AWD or 4WD vehicle can be beneficial for reaching more remote spots or navigating rougher access roads. Be sure to have a full tank of gas before entering the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Devil's Cornfield is located within Death Valley National Park, which requires an entrance fee. You can purchase a pass at the park entrance stations or online in advance.
Death Valley National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, visitor centers have specific operating hours, and some roads or facilities may be closed seasonally or due to weather.
The entrance fee for Death Valley National Park is typically per vehicle. Check the official NPS website for the most current pricing, as fees can change. Annual passes are also available for frequent visitors.
Devil's Hole is part of the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and is generally accessible without a reservation. However, access is limited to a viewing area, and you cannot enter the water. Always check the refuge's official website for any specific access information or restrictions.
For general sightseeing, no special permits are required beyond the park entrance fee. However, if you plan on activities like backcountry camping or certain research, you may need to obtain permits from the National Park Service.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Devil's Cornfield, the main activity is marveling at the unique, salt-encrusted mesquite plants and the surreal landscape. It's a great spot for photography and experiencing the stark beauty of the desert. 
Yes, Devil's Golf Course is extremely challenging to walk on due to the sharp, jagged salt formations. It's recommended to wear sturdy shoes and be cautious. A long hike is not advised for most visitors.
Devil's Hole is a unique geothermal pool that is home to the Devils Hole pupfish, one of the rarest fish species on Earth. It's also known for its unusual geological formations and its connection to seismic activity, with waves sometimes appearing during earthquakes. +1
Compared to some of Death Valley's more famous spots like Zabriskie Point or Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Devil's Cornfield is often less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience.
Wear light, breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are essential due to the rough terrain.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography at Devil's Cornfield, casting long shadows and highlighting the textures of the landscape.
Absolutely! Devil's Golf Course provides a unique, alien-like landscape that is fantastic for photography. The textures and patterns of the salt formations are incredibly photogenic, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Yes, you can take photos of the viewing area at Devil's Hole. However, remember that it's a protected habitat for an endangered species, so respect all signage and guidelines.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details. For astrophotography, a fast lens and a sturdy tripod are essential.
Yes, Death Valley is an International Dark Sky Park, making it an excellent location for astrophotography. The lack of light pollution around Devil's Cornfield provides a stunning backdrop for the Milky Way.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Devil's Hole offers an educational opportunity to discuss endangered species and unique ecosystems. The story of the Devils Hole pupfish is a compelling one for kids interested in animals and conservation. Remember to carry plenty of water and snacks, as amenities are scarce in these remote areas. Visiting during cooler months is highly recommended for family comfort.
📸 Photographers
+1For astrophotographers, Death Valley's designation as an International Dark Sky Park means incredible night sky opportunities. The lack of light pollution allows for stunning captures of the Milky Way over these unique desert formations. A wide-angle lens and a sturdy tripod are essential gear for capturing the grandeur of these locations.
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
Nature enthusiasts will be fascinated by the extreme adaptations of desert flora and fauna, particularly at Devil's Hole with its endemic pupfish. The sheer resilience of life in such an arid environment is awe-inspiring. Remember to always check trail conditions and weather forecasts, and carry ample water as dehydration is a serious risk in Death Valley.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Ecology of Devil's Cornfield
+1Visitors often describe the scene as otherworldly, with the stark white salt contrasting against the desert hues. The wind can create mesmerizing patterns in the sand around the plants, adding to the visual spectacle. It's a testament to nature's resilience and ability to thrive even in extreme conditions. The area is relatively undisturbed, offering a sense of solitude and a chance to connect with the raw beauty of the desert.
When exploring Devil's Cornfield, it's crucial to stay on designated paths to protect the fragile ecosystem. The salt crust can be brittle, and disturbing the plants can have long-lasting effects. The best times to visit for photography are during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, when the light casts dramatic shadows and enhances the textures of the landscape.
Devil's Golf Course: A Salty Terrain
Exploring Devil's Golf Course is an experience in itself. The sheer scale of the salt flats is impressive, and the textures created by the salt crystallization are fascinating. It's a place that truly feels like another planet. While a long hike is not recommended due to the challenging ground, visitors can park their vehicles and carefully walk short distances to take in the unique views and capture stunning photographs.
This area is particularly striking during sunrise and sunset when the low-angled light illuminates the salt formations, creating a dramatic and otherworldly scene. The silence, broken only by the wind, adds to the profound sense of isolation and wonder. It's a reminder of the powerful geological forces that have shaped Death Valley over millennia.
The Mystery of Devil's Hole
This isolated pool is also the sole habitat of the Devils Hole pupfish (Cyprinodon diabolis), an endangered species found nowhere else on Earth. The pupfish have adapted to the extreme conditions of the hole, including fluctuating water temperatures and limited food sources. A viewing area allows visitors to observe the pool and learn about the conservation efforts for this unique fish.
Access to Devil's Hole is restricted to a designated viewing platform to protect the fragile ecosystem and the pupfish. Visitors are reminded not to enter the water. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into the unique biodiversity and geological wonders of the desert Southwest.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit