11 Tips for Your First Trip to Death Valley
Death Valley National Park in California is an enigmatic and surreal feast for the eyes. There’s so much to do and see in this park that the possibilities are almost overwhelming. Like most national parks, this wild and remote area can also be dangerous without the proper precautions. Many first-time visitors arrive only with the knowledge of the park’s unique landscapes and record-breaking temperatures. They’re not prepared for its size and potential dangers. Following these tips when you visit Death Valley will be key to making sure you avoid any costly mistakes and have the best trip possible.
Get ready for a safe and well-planned visit to Death Valley with these 11 tips.
TIP #1: KNOW WHERE YOU WANT TO GO
Death Valley is massive! It’s the largest National Park in the contiguous U.S., which means you can drive for hours to reach certain parts of this park. My advice? Make a list of your absolute must-see spots and then put them into Google Maps to get an idea of how much time you’ll need to travel from one place to the next. Also, consider where you’re staying. The closest town is Beatty, NV which is only 10 minutes from the entrance to the park…but about an hour from most of the places you’ll want to visit. Be aware of how close or far everything is in advance so you don’t get surprised or run out of time.
Read More: Top Things to Do in Death Valley National Park
TIP #2: DRIVE THE RIGHT VEHICLE
Once you’ve figured out where you want to go, make sure you have the right vehicle. While most of the top attractions can be accessed with any type of vehicle, there are some areas of the park that require a bit extra. You’ll need a 4×4 and high clearance vehicle to check out the Racetrack Roads and Titus Canyon, for example.
If you’ll be renting a car, I highly recommend checking out RentalCars.com to find the best deal. It’s what I use every time I need to book a rental.
TIP #3: BRING PLENTY OF WATER
This is one of the most important tips for visiting Death Valley. It’s no secret that Death Valley is home to the highest recorded temperatures on Earth. No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll want to be prepared. The National Park Service recommends drinking at least one gallon (4 liters) of water per day. Don’t forget a vacuum-insulated water bottle to keep your water cool. In addition, always keep extra water in your car in case of emergency.
TIP #4: PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE SUN
There is little to no shade in many areas of Death Valley. Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen as well as a wide-brim hat if you have one. It’s also recommended to avoid hiking during midday (especially at Badwater Basin). Deaths have occurred in the park due to heat exposure, so play it safe and also stay hydrated (see tip above).
Related: 5 Classic Hat Styles for Travel (& How to Pack Them)
TIP #5: BE CAUTIOUS OF DANGEROUS WILDLIFE
Many assume that there isn’t much wildlife in Death Valley. On the contrary, it’s actually home to a number of species. Although sightings aren’t entirely frequent, rattlesnakes, scorpions, and black widow spiders can all be found in the park. Use common sense and don’t put your hands or feet anywhere that you can’t see.
You may also come across wild burros while you’re here! These are not native to the area and are actually considered pests, so rangers have worked to keep them outside of the park limits. Although you’re unlikely to find them in the park, they’re often spotted on the outskirts. While these guys can be fun to watch, never try to approach a wild burro. They’re aggressive animals that will defend their territory and young.
TIP #6: STOCK UP ON FOOD, SUPPLIES, AND GAS
There are a few dining options in Death Valley, but it’s always best to have food with you as well. Depending on where you are in the park, you could be hours away from a restaurant. Come prepared by packing lunch and snacks to keep you satiated while you explore. Additionally, be sure to arrive with any supplies you may need in tow. General stores are hard to come by in this area.
While gas stations are available near Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells, they’re pricey. Fill up your tank before entering the park to avoid paying inflated rates and to ensure you don’t run out of gas. Again, depending on where you are in the park, you could be an hour or more from the nearest gas station.
TIP #7: DOWNLOAD AN OFFLINE MAP
As you might imagine, cell service can be scarce in a remote location like Death Valley. WiFi is available at the Furnace Creek visitor center, but aside from that, you may be out of luck depending on your carrier. It’s a good idea to have a paper map handy, but I’m also a fan of downloading offline Google maps that can be used even when you don’t have internet access. You can find instructions for downloading maps on your Android or Apple device here.
TIP #8: AVOID DRIVING ON ROUGH ROADS
Stick to paved roads as you drive through Death Valley. The remote, unpaved roads can be jagged enough to puncture your tires, which is literally the last thing you need. Being stranded hours from civilization with little to no cell service in ridiculously hot temperatures? Nope, I’ll pass.
TIP #9: BE PREPARED FOR ALTITUDE CHANGES
This might be one of the most unexpected tips for visiting Death Valley. Many are surprised to learn that there are areas of high elevation in Death Valley. One of the most popular viewpoints in the park, Dante’s View, sits at an elevation of 5,476ft (1,669m). That’s higher than Denver! Additionally, the nearby Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America. Going from Badwater Basin to Dante’s View can be a shock to your system. If you’re sensitive to high elevations, be sure to come prepared in order to avoid altitude sickness.
Read More: Tips for Preventing Altitude Sickness
TIP #10: PACK LAYERS
Do you know how I mentioned that Death Valley can be ridiculously hot? Well, it can also get super cold. Like other desert regions, temperatures can drop below freezing once the sun goes down. Even during the day, temperatures can fluctuate dramatically. The winter season from November-March has been known to get particularly windy as well.
Exhibit A: While exploring Badwater Basin, I went from needing a fleece sweatshirt and jacket to wearing a tank top in a matter of about 30 minutes.
TIP #11: VISIT DURING A NEW MOON
Death Valley is a designated International Dark Sky Park, meaning the low light pollution makes this one of the best places in the country to stargaze. To experience the night sky at its best, visit during a New Moon when there won’t be any moonlight. Fun Fact: It takes your eyes about 30 minutes to fully adjust to the dark. Be sure to stay outside long enough to get the best view.
For more tips for visiting Death Valley, head to the National Park Service website before planning your trip. If you have any questions about your first visit to the park, be sure to leave them in the comments below.
PIN IT FOR LATER
Shop My Travel Essentials
Some links on this page are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you purchase a product using the link. As always, I only link to products and brands that I personally use and recommend. Thank you for your support!
