The Ultimate Guide to Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park shouldn’t even be on this planet. The landscapes here are so otherworldy that George Lucas used them as the setting for Tattoine in Star Wars Episode IV and Episode VI. It’s certainly unlike anywhere else in California and is definitely one of the most unique places in the country, if not the world. Comprised of over three million acres, it’s also the largest National Park in the contiguous United States. There’s a ton of ground to cover (literally) when planning your trip to Death Valley. This guide has all the deets on where to stay, where to eat, the best things to do, and more.
Get ready to take a trip to another planet with this guide to Death Valley National Park.
The Basics
Entrance Fee: $30/vehicle. If you’re planning to visit three or more National Parks this year, be sure to pick up an America the Beautiful Pass to save on entrance fees.
Location: Death Valley, California, USA
Hours: 24/7, year-round
Notable Wildlife: Burros (donkeys), bighorn sheep, sidewinders, scorpions, pupfish, jackrabbits.
Pets: Leashed pets are allowed anywhere a car can go. However, this park experiences extremely high temperatures that are dangerous for pets.
How much time do you need in Death Valley?
While you could technically see most of the top spots in one day, I recommend spending at least two days here. These landscapes truly are unique and awe-inspiring, so you’re not going to want to rush from place to place. Two full days will give you time to see most of the iconic places mentioned in this post. That being said, Death Valley is also 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 plug them into Google Maps to get an idea of how much time you’ll need to travel from one place to the next. Keep in mind that if you’re staying outside of the park, it will generally take about an hour to reach most of the places you’ll want to visit.
Read More: 11 Tips for Your First Trip to Death Valley
Getting to Death Valley National Park
Death Valley is located in a remote area on the border of California and Nevada, so you’ll need a set of wheels to get here. Although the region is somewhat isolated, it’s just a two-hour drive from Las Vegas and a four-hour drive from Los Angeles. If you don’t want to road trip all the way to Death Valley, fly into either of these major airports and then rent a car. Be sure to plan out what areas you want to visit before booking your rental – some roads require a high-clearance vehicle.
The Perfect Playlist for the Drive
This Spotify playlist was inspired by Death Valley and is perfect for all the driving you’ll be doing around the park!
Best Time to Visit
SPRING
Mid-March through April is the most popular time to visit. The temps are more manageable and wildflowers often bloom throughout the park. Crowds of visitors head here during this time, particularly during Spring Break, so campground and lodging reservations need to be booked months in advance.
SUMMER
Death Valley is famous for having the highest recorded temperatures on Earth. The heat reaches dangerous levels during the summer months, so avoid visiting from May through September if you want to do any hiking or camping. Many of the dining options in the park are also closed during the summer. Surprisingly, summer still brings plenty of visitors to the park, so if you think you’ll be avoiding crowds by braving the heat, you would be mistaken.
FALL
The weather starts to cool by late October and crowds begin to dissipate. However, visitors flock to the park the second week of November for the Death Valley 49ers’ Encampment and again for the Thanksgiving holiday.
WINTER
The low light and snow-capped mountains make this one of the most beautiful times to explore Death Valley. December through February see much more moderate temperatures than any other time of year. Winter is also the least crowded season in the park, aside from the holiday periods of Christmas through New Year’s, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Presidents’ Day.
For the best weather with fewer crowds, visit during late October through February (avoiding holidays).
Packing Tip
No matter what time of year you visit, be sure to pack layers. Even though this park is known for its high temps, evenings and early mornings get chilly. Areas with flat landscapes are also prone to wind gusts, so a light jacket will come in handy.
Where to Stay
I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again – Death Valley is BIG. Drive times between your lodging and the places you want to visit can be long, so plan accordingly. Knowing what areas of the park you want to visit will definitely be helpful in determining where to stay.
Stovepipe Wells
This spot has a hotel, RV park, campground, pool, gas station, and a Western-themed restaurant and saloon. The rooms here are pretty standard and prices are on the budget-friendly side.
Panamint Springs Resort
This spot has budget motel rooms, custom small cabins, and a campground. Panamint Springs also has a bar and grill, a gas station, and a general store (which can be super handy in this remote park).
The Oasis at Death Valley
For something a little bit more luxurious, check out the beautifully designed space at The Oasis. There are three types of stays here – The Ranch, The Inn, and The Campground. For upper-midrange lodging, check out The Ranch, and for a pampered resort stay, head to The Inn. The Oasis also has dining options, a saloon, a spring-fed pool, and a golf course.
AirBnB: Beatty, NV
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly, non-camping option, look for an AirBnB in Beatty. This small town in Nevada is located ten minutes from the entrance to the park (…buuuuut about an hour from popular spots like Badwater Basin). This is the closest town to stay in outside of the park – others, like Pahrump, will have you driving even further each day. Bonus: if you stay in Beatty, you can also visit the ghost town of Rhyolite located near the park’s entrance!
Where to Eat & Drink
Have I mentioned this park is big? At any given moment you could be an hour or more from the closest available food source. I highly advise having a packed lunch or snacks with you at all times – no one wants to get hangry (especially with that heat – woof). The remote location also means food options are limited. If you have allergies or follow a restricted diet, you’ll likely want to stay someplace that enables you to cook your own meals.
Toll Road Restaurant & Badwater Saloon at Stovepipe Wells
This Western-style restaurant serves up mostly American pub food with a few vegetarian options as well. After refueling at the Toll Road restaurant, hit up the Badwater Saloon for a drink at their full bar.
The Inn Dining Room at The Oasis
Like The Inn itself, the dining room is the fancy spot in Death Valley. They even have a dress code – resort attire, which apparently means t-shirts and tank tops are not permitted. Let’s be honest, this restaurant is overpriced, even by National Park standards (hello $16 avocado toast), but if you’re looking for an upscale place to dine in the park, this is it. Reservations may be required, so plan accordingly.
Last Kind Words Saloon at The Oasis
This beautiful saloon is similar in price and cuisine to the Inn Dining Room but is located on the more casual Ranch side of the resort. This spot also serves up draught beer, wine, and whisky and is decorated with historical relics like “Wanted” posters and antique firearms.
Best Things to Do in Death Valley National Park
Viewpoints
ZABRISKIE POINT
This is my favorite view in the park! Millions of years of erosion and volcanic activity have left behind an unreal landscape, unlike anything you’ve ever seen. This is a great spot for sunset as well.
DANTE’S VIEW
Over 5000 ft. above sea level, this spot offers a wide overlook of the southern part of the park. From here, you can see both the highest and the lowest points in the contiguous United States – Mount Whitney and Badwater Basin.
DEVIL’S GOLF COURSE
The terrain here is super unique. The rocks blanketing the surface have been eroded by wind and rain to create a landscape so jagged that “only the devil could play golf” on such a surface. If you listen closely, you might hear little pinging sounds of salt crystals expanding and exploding in the heat.
ARTIST’S PALETTE
Artist’s Palette is the highlight of the scenic Artist’s Drive. These technicolor rocks get their pigment from the oxidation of metals in the rock, leaving behind various hues of purples, blues, pinks, and greens mixed into the orange rocks. You can either view Artist’s Palette from the lookout spot off the road or take a short hike to get a closer look.
UBEHEBE CRATER
The Ubehebe (pronounced oo-beh-heh-bee) Crater is the result of a volcanic eruption that occurred over 2,000 years ago. It was created when magma reached groundwater, creating steam that expanded and produced a huge explosion. You can view the half-mile (.8 km) wide crater from the rim, walk around the edge, or hike the 600 feet (182 m) down to the bottom of the crater. You’ll also find clusters of other volcanic craters around here as well as cinder fields that cover the area from the explosions.
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Hikes
BADWATER BASIN
Badwater Basin is located in the region of the park that famously boasts the world’s highest recorded temperature. It’s also the lowest elevation in North America. The salt flats here make for an easy hike, albeit a toasty one. You can walk as little or as far out as you’d like, but reaching the best part of the flats will require about a 1-mile hike. Bring along plenty of water and don’t skimp on the sunscreen. There is zero shade here, so it’s best to avoid this spot at midday when the heat can be unbearable.
TIP: Be sure to wear shoes that can withstand the salty environment. Materials like suede won’t hold up and can quickly get damaged beyond repair.
MESQUITE SAND DUNES
There are no marked trails at the Mesquite Sand Dunes, which means you can explore them to your heart’s content. Keep in mind that hiking across sand dunes is harder than it looks, and walking a short distance takes longer than you might expect. The dunes are best visited at sunrise when they’ll be footprint-free and before the midday heat hits.
Keep an eye out for dangerous wildlife
Contrary to the name Death Valley, there’s plenty of life in this park. Although sightings are infrequent, poisonous critters like rattlesnakes, scorpions, and black widow spiders can all be found at Death Valley.
A less obvious dangerous species is the wild burro. Yep, a donkey. Although you’re unlikely to find them in the park (they’re actually considered pests, so rangers work to keep them out), 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.
DARWIN FALLS
1.9 mi (3 km) | Easy | Out and Back
What starts off as a gravel-bottom canyon trail turns into a lush oasis in the middle of the desert. This hike will have you passing over creeks, walking amongst cottonwood and willow trees, and ending at a 20-foot waterfall – in the desert! Darwin Falls Trail is on the western side of the park which sees few visitors, making it a peaceful spot to explore.
MOSAIC CANYON
2.6 mi – 4 mi (4 km – 6.4 km) | Easy – Moderate | Out and Back
The best part of this trail is found right at the beginning where you’ll pass through the Noonday Dolomite. The trail winds along the narrow slot canyon lined with smooth marble walls, carved out by flash floods. Most hikers turn around after the canyon opens back up about 1.3 mi (2 km) into the trail. To hike the full 2 mi (3.2 km) route, you’ll need to crawl through a boulder jam to continue past the slot canyon.
RACETRACK PLAYA
0.5 mi (0.8 km) | Easy | Out and Back
This stunning dry lakebed is known for its mysterious moving rocks that baffled scientists for decades. A half-mile (0.8 km) hike will get you to the best viewpoint of the Racetrack, but there are other hiking trails in the area as well (like the strenuous hike up to Ubehebe Peak). You’ll need a 4WD, high-clearance vehicle with good tires to witness the natural phenomenon at Racetrack Playa. It’s located in a remote area of the park, and the rough road has been known to impart flat tires on visitors.
SKIP THE NATURAL BRIDGE TRAIL
Although this is one of the most popular hikes in the park, it’s rather unimpressive (especially compared to the rest of the park). A one-mile walk along a gravelly path will lead you to a somewhat anti-climatic rock arch. The whole thing will take about an hour, and there are so many better ways you can use your time in Death Valley.
Scenic Drives
ARTIST’S DRIVE
The views along Artist’s Drive are stunning! This nine-mile, one-way scenic route winds its way through the mountains with several pull-offs to view the salt flats below. About midway through the route, you’ll find the pull-off for Artist’s Palette – the highlight of Artist’s Drive.
TWENTY MULE TEAM CANYON ROAD
Similar to what you’ll find at Zabriskie Point, the scenery along this short, 2.5 mi (4 km) scenic drive is spectacular. The one-way road winds through the otherwordly, colorful badlands, making this a really fun little detour. Death Valley was once heavily mined, and wagons of borax were carried across the rugged landscape by 18 mules and two horses. These wagons were referred to as 20 Mule Teams, which is how the canyon got its name.
Stargaze
Death Valley is one of the best places in the country to view the night sky. It’s a designated International Dark Sky Park, which means it has exceptional starry nights and is protected from light pollution. Time your visit to be during a New Moon for the best stargazing environment.
Golf at the Lowest-Elevation Course in the World
The Furnace Creek Golf Course is situated 214 feet below sea level. The low barometric pressure (not to mention the coyotes that occasionally steal balls) makes the 18-hole course an interesting challenge.
Death Valley National Park will leave you awestruck. The landscape is just so unreal it’s hard to even fathom. This is one of my favorite National Parks, and I bet even a short visit would win you over as well.
Have any questions or thoughts about your upcoming trip to Death Valley? Throw them in the comments below!
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