A Cozy Detour through Death Valley

ghost town, aliens, Jedi battles, & wildflowers

So… we took this trip last year.

And yes, I just got around to editing it this week. But hey—we’re into slow living around here, not rushed uploads. 😉

My kids, dog, and I were heading up to Reno to visit my husband (he was working on a project there for several months), and instead of taking our usual route along the 395, we decided to detour through Death Valley—because why not add a little adventure to a road trip?

The day started at Calico Ghost Town. It was early, the sun was soft, and we basically had the place to ourselves. We skipped the reenactments and just wandered. Dogs are allowed, so ours tagged along for a peaceful, dusty stroll through history. No crowds, no rush—just the way we like it.

We made a stop in Baker to see the world’s tallest thermometer (because obviously), then popped into Alien Fresh Jerky—because when you're road-tripping with three kids, kitschy roadside stops are non-negotiable.

In Shoshone, the restaurant we hoped to eat at was closed, so we assembled a snacky lunch from the convenience store and called it a win. #RealLifeTravel

Our main goal? To see Lake Manly at Badwater Basin—a rare lake that appears in Death Valley after heavy rainfall. We didn’t hike beyond walking to the water’s edge or hit every must-see spot in the park. With kids and a dog, it’s less about checking boxes and more about being present for what we can do.

We stopped at the visitor center for a quick souvenir run, then hit the sand dunes, where my kids staged an intense Star Wars reenactment. Luke, if you’re reading this, don’t worry—they’ve got it handled.

We passed through Panamint Springs and ended our day in Lone Pine. Somewhere along the way, wildflowers started popping up and it was pure magic. If you’re thinking of visiting Death Valley, try spring after a rainy season—it’s stunning.

So no, we didn’t see everything.

But we saw our things. The ones that worked for our family, our pace, and the energy we had that day. And honestly? That’s what slow travel is all about.

Thanks for coming along on our detour. Let me know if Death Valley is on your list—or if you’re also a fan of quirky roadside stops and snack-lunches cobbled together from gas station shelves.

xo,
Xuan