Exploring Nature and Wellness: Reflections from Death Valley with Dr. Sapna Rajput, Primary Care Doctor - Mountain View, CA
- drshethrajput
- Jan 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 5
Nature Is Vital to Our Health and Well-Being
Recently, we visited Death Valley. The name “Death Valley” sounds so ominous, yet it is one of the most beautiful places I have seen. Prior to visiting Death Valley, I had zero expectations.
When I saw the vastness of Death Valley, I felt like a child in the biggest playground. The untouched expanse of Death Valley was so welcoming, inviting me to walk for miles in the pristine, uncommercialized beauty.
Discovering the Raw Beauty of Death Valley
Untouched. No billboards, no litter, no electric wires, no towers. Purely untouched and unapologetic- rocks scattered, abrupt water holes in the middle of salt flats, desert bushes growing wildly, miles and miles of salt strewn in the middle of beautiful rocky mountains, smooth and rough textures side by side, sand scattered frantically forming beautiful dunes. The imperfection of it all made it so perfect!
The Power of Presence
In Death Valley, I experienced the quietest of quiet, sitting alone in a canyon with my youngest during sunset. I witnessed the incalculable expanse of our universe in the night sky, which treated us to multiple viewings of shooting stars. I experienced the adventure of being alone in the vastness of nature with my eldest at dawn, watching the sunrise over the dunes. I witnessed the darkest of dark stargazing, remote from any lights. I experienced the comforting feeling of insignificance amongst the magnitude of the Earth.
Why Connecting with Nature Matters
I share this in hopes that these experiences inspire others to explore nature, even if just outside your home. Connecting with nature is important for our health and well being. It is vital to look up, walk out of our bubble, move, witness the present moment, and experience the awe of the world around us.
Reflections from Death Valley:
-Disappointment arises from expectations. Without expectations, you will see the world as it is and harmoniously accept things as they are.
-Perfection is the accumulation of so many imperfections.
For those who are busy, but want to nourish their well being, here is our itinerary that you are welcome to follow:
3-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Death Valley National Park
Where we stayed: Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel – Convenient, rustic, and near the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
Day 1: Iconic Sights + Stargazing
- *10:00 AM:* Drive to *Badwater Basin*, the lowest point in North America. Short, flat walk with amazing photo opportunities.
- *11:30 AM:* Explore *Devil’s Golf Course*, a surreal salt crystal field.
- *12:30 PM: Hike Natural Bridge Death Valley.
- *2:00 PM:* Lunch
-3:00 PM:* Take the scenic *Artist's Drive* and stop at *Artist's Palette* for vibrant views. Star Wars scenes have been filmed here!
-4:00 PM: Hike *Golden Canyon Trail* (2 miles round trip, good for kids). Star Wars Scenes were filmed here!
- *5:30 PM:* Relax at the hotel.
- *6:30 PM:* *Dinner
- *8:00 PM:* Stargazing at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes or Harmony Borax Works, a historic and quiet spot with excellent dark skies
Day 2: Panoramic Views + Sunset Dunes
- *8:30 AM:* Hike *Mosaic Canyon* (near Stovepipe Wells, easy hike with smooth marble walls, great for kids).
- *11:00 AM:* Visit *Zabriskie Point*, one of the park’s most iconic viewpoints.
- *12:30 PM: Lunch
- *2:00 PM:* Drive to *Dante’s View*, a breathtaking overlook offering panoramic views of the valley.
- *4:00 PM: Drive back to Mesquite Dunes to see the sunset and long shadows
- *5:30 PM:* Relax at the hotel.
- *6:30 PM: Dinner
- *8:00 PM:* Final stargazing night at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Day 3: Sunrise & Departure
6:30 a.m.- sunrise at Mesquite Dunes
Drive back to destination
Closing Thoughts from Dr. Sapna Rajput
Whether you're feeling burned out or just craving fresh air, nature can reset your mind and body. Death Valley is a powerful reminder of how small we are and how beautiful that can be.
Take a moment to pause, breathe deeply, and be present.
Sincerely,