The name “Devils Golf Course” was given to this unique landscape in Death Valley National Park for a specific reason. Back in 1934, a guidebook published by the National Park Service described the terrain as being so harsh and unforgiving that only the devil himself could play golf on it. This metaphorical statement stuck with visitors and locals alike, and the name Devils Golf Course became the official name for this salt pan.
To understand why this name was given, it’s important to know a little bit about the geological history of the area. The salt pan we see today was once the bed of an ancient lake called Lake Manly. It is believed that this lake reached depths of over 600 feet at one point in time. As the lake gradually evaporated over thousands of years, it left behind a vast expanse of salt and other minerals.
The resulting landscape is incredibly rugged and jagged, with sharp, spiky formations covering the ground. The surface is composed of crystallized salt, halite, and other minerals, which have been sculpted by the elements into bizarre and otherworldly shapes. These formations can be quite treacherous to walk on, as they are extremely sharp and can easily cut through shoes or skin.
The name Devils Golf Course perfectly captures the hostile nature of this landscape. It implies that even the act of playing golf, typically seen as a leisurely and enjoyable pastime, would be impossible here. The terrain is so inhospitable that it mocks the idea of any recreational activity taking place on it, even something as seemingly benign as a game of golf.
Visiting Devils Golf Course is a truly unique experience. As you walk along its surface, you can’t help but feel as though you are exploring an alien world. The sharp, crystalline formations stretch out as far as the eye can see, creating a surreal and desolate atmosphere. The harsh sunlight reflecting off the salt crystals can be blinding, adding to the otherworldly feel of the place.
In my personal experience, visiting Devils Golf Course was both awe-inspiring and humbling. Standing amidst the jagged formations, I couldn’t help but marvel at the forces of nature that shaped this landscape over millennia. It’s a reminder of the incredible power and beauty of our planet, even in its harshest and most unforgiving environments.
Devils Golf Course in Death Valley National Park got its name from a 1934 NPS guidebook that humorously stated only the devil could play golf on such a harsh terrain. The salt pan we see today was once the bed of an ancient lake, and the resulting landscape is characterized by sharp, spiky formations made of crystallized salt and minerals. The name perfectly captures the hostile nature of the terrain, and visiting the site offers a surreal and otherworldly experience.