One of our favorite spots in the US is Death Valley National Park. The landscapes are extreme, and unlike anything you’ll see anywhere else in the country. It’s not just the scenery that is extreme. The park sits next to the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states but is also home to the lowest point of elevation in the country. So, from top to bottom, you experience a wild range of peaks and valleys. This park should be on everyone’s list, so we have put together a guide to Death Valley National Park to give you our favorites and some helpful tips for your visit.
We visited Death Valley in winter – February 2020 and had only one full day in the park. Our original plan was to camp, but the winds were so crazy that we struggled even to open our car doors at the Furnace Creek campground. But, we made the best of our time and already have a list for our next visit below.
Introduction to Death Valley Guide
Let’s start with some of the background information on Death Valley National Park and some fun trivia facts.
Why is it called Death Valley?
The park was named after a group of pioneers in the late 1800s who got lost in the valley. One group member died, and the rest were sure that would be their fate, but they were rescued by two scouts. When leaving, they said, “Goodbye, Death Valley!” The nickname just stuck. The extreme heat and rugged terrain proves to be a struggle for visitors even today. Still, if you follow the guidance of the park rangers and pack proper items, you’ll be able to enjoy this breathtaking area without much concern.
Fun Facts about Death Valley National Park
- Death Valley is the hottest place on earth. In the summer of 2018, the temperatures averaged 108.1 degrees Fahrenheit (including the nighttime lows). There were four days in a row when the temps reached 127 degrees. Temps in Death Valley in winter are in the 60s and 70s.
- There is an endangered fish species that live in the park called the Devil’s Hole Pupfish. You can spot them yourselves if you visit the Ash Meadows section of the park (in Nevada) by heading to the boardwalk area. The water temps and oxygen levels in the water here are impossible to survive for most species, but not the Pupfish.
- Death Valley has been a movie set quite a few times. The most famous movie shot there was Star Wars: A New Hope. You’ll definitely feel like you’ve visited another planet.
- Wildflowers grow in this climate. Every few years, you can even see a super bloom some years. The park website shares update on the blooms if you are thinking about taking a trip there in the spring, you can keep an eye on it.
- Watch for roadrunners, coyotes, snakes, and other unique wildlife in the park. Just make sure always to keep your distance.
The Best Spots in Death Valley National Park
This Death Valley guide is filled with all of our favorites. Death Valley National Park is filled with rugged backcountry and unpaved roads that could keep visitors busy exploring for weeks. As I mentioned, we had just one long day, so we packed in as much as possible along the main strip. Have no fear if you only have a day, it’s easy to fall in love with this incredible scenery in less time than that. We entered the park at the Death Valley Junction and traveled to the west entrance in
Dante’s View
There is no shortage of incredible views of Death Valley, but Dante’s Peak is one of the easiest to access. Located on the ridge of the Black Mountains, you’ll get a view from over 5,500 feet above the valley. It was our first real stop in the park, and I was surprised that I needed a sweatshirt. It’s easy to forget that there are high-elevation spots in the park that is also the hottest place on earth. Watch the sunset or take a few minutes to enjoy the gorgeous views of the park.
Zabriskie Point
In our opinion, we liked this view better than Dante’s Peak. Something about all the different layers you can see and the colors early in the morning made it extremely memorable. You’ll be looking at the Panamint Range from this unique vista point. Some incredible hiking trails leave from this point so you can explore the nearby canyons and rolling hills.
Devil’s Golf Course
An old guidebook for the park described this area by saying, “only the devil could play golf on such rough links.” Even though you cannot actually bring your golf clubs, it’s still worth visiting this strange landscape. You’ll drive out a pretty easy, gravel road and then the golf course is easy to access. Just be careful for the sharp features. They make cool sounds as they pop in the heat.
Badwater Basin
This is officially the lowest point in the park. There is a path to make your way out to the center of the salt flats – less than half of a mile. Look back towards the east, and you’ll see the sign showing you where the sea level is. Look the other direction, and you’ll see Telescope Peak, which is the highest in the park at 11,049 feet. I felt really small standing in this vast wide open valley between the ranges. Even with all the people around, it was incredible. Be aware that the salt isn’t always super white. If there have been floods or weather issues, you might find yourself in a field of brown salt, like our photos, instead of some of the photos you’ve seen online.
Artist’s Palette and Artist’s Drive
On your way north from Badwater Basin, don’t miss the nine-mile scenic loop to Artist’s Palette. It’s a one-way road that connects back to the same route. You can only turn in on the south side. The loop takes you winding through crazy rock formations until you reach the highlight – the artist’s palette. This colorful section has been a bit over-photoshopped online, but it’s still a breathtaking sight. You can park and take a short hike to get closer to the sections of blue and purple rocks. It is definitely something you need to see with your own eyes.
Furnace Creek Visitor’s Center
While there isn’t much infrastructure within the parks boundaries, the main hub is located in the Furnace Creek area. The visitor’s center includes the usual information about the wildlife and plants you can find in the park as well as some interesting history about the area. If you absolutely need gas, you can find a gas station here (although prices are usual at least double what they are in nearby towns. In addition to the visitor center, you can find a few shops and places to get snacks and supplies. If you’re looking to stay in the park, this is the spot with the most options and we’ll get into that later.
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Travel along the 2.8 mile out and back trail to get up close to the beautiful Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. These are the most accessible sand dunes in the park and are extremely photogenic with the mountains as a backdrop. I think these are just as cool as White Sands National Park and Great Sand Dunes in CO. Bring a sled or board if you want, but we haven’t heard of too many successful sandboarding experiences. If you visit during the day, beware of the heat and bring extra water. It’s a lot harder to climb and drudge through the sand than you might think.
Scenic Drive on Highway 190
The western section of the park doesn’t have as many big hitters, but the drive along 190 from the sand dunes all the way into Lone Pine was amazing. As you travel up and over the mountain pass, you might be treated to snow, wildflowers, or clear views of Mount Whitney. There were tons of viewpoints and overlooks to stop at along with a few trailheads for hikes we weren’t able to do this time because of timing. If you can find a way to travel all the way through the park to the western side, you won’t be disappointed.
Plans for Our Next Trip to Death Valley National Park
Scotty’s Castle
This historic building in the park was closed when we were there for refurbishing after a brutal flood, but there is talk that it will be open again for visitors in the future. I would love to see it because it provides a glimpse into what the area would have looked like in the roaring ‘20s. The castle was originally built as a vacation getaway by a Chicago millionaire. It’s unlike any other structure in the park and I’d love to see it with my own eyes. In the meantime, you can do a virtual tour.
Darwin Falls
A waterfall in the desert? I love a waterfall anywhere but especially in a surprising place. This 18 foot plume of water flows year-round. It’s spring fed and draws quite a few creatures and unique plants. To get to the falls, there is a moderate two mile round trip hike. I would love to make it to this hike at some point.
Mosaic Canyon Hike
Another two hour hike that is on my wishlist is the Mosaic Canyon Hike. You get to explore the canyon itself and make your way along the trail. The pictures look like it’s similar to a slot canyon, but with a bit more room.
Ubehebe Crater
This giant volcanic crater in the park is 600 feet deep and a half mile across. The road to get to the crater was closed when we were there, so you’ll want to check at the visitor’s center to see if it’s open. There is a scenic view point along the ridge or you can hike down into the crater. I’d love to explore this section of the park more on our next visit.
Important Information for Your Trip to Death Valley National Park
Entrance Fee for Death Valley National Park
Like most national parks, there is a $30 entrance fee per car (good for seven days). We recommend purchasing the America the Beautiful Pass which is good for any location managed by the National Park Service for an entire year. Unless you only plan to visit Death Valley, it will save you money. We pick ours up at REI each year – grab one here to save time when you arrive at the park.
Remember to Leave No Trace
Anytime you spend time in the outdoors, make sure to review the seven principles of Leave No Trace. Reduce your impact on the great outdoors and protect the parks. It’s easy to follow these simple rules, so make sure you and your group comply.
What to Pack for Death Valley
- Layers – The temps and conditions can change, so having layers is smart. As you move from higher elevations and cooler mornings to the hotter temps midday, you’ll want to have the right clothes.
- Sunscreen & Sunglasses – Desert sun is no joke. Make sure to protect your eyes and wear SPF to save yourself from sunburns.
- Tons of water – Staying hydated is critical while exploring Death Valley. Make sure you have water bottles or a Camelbak with you on any hikes.
- Maps – There is little cell signal in Death Valley. Make sure you either have a paper map and brochure or have maps downloaded on your phone before you come.
- Full tank of gas – Gas prices are crazy expensive at the gas stations in the park. Fill up before you head in for the day.
- Road trip essentials – Consider any other items you like on a trip. Safety items for your car are important. Snacks and drinks are always a good idea as well.
Where to Stay When Visiting Death Valley
Without many towns too close to the park, your choices for lodging are not as plentiful as some other parks. If you want to spend the night, make sure to book your stay as far in advance as you can to ensure there is a spot for you.
Campgrounds
There are a few developed campgrounds in the park. These aren’t open in the summer when the temperatures are extreme, but they are open the rest of the year. We booked a pretty last minute site at the Furnace Creek Campground, but once we arrived, the wind was so bad we couldn’t even get our tent set up. Check the weather and have a backup plan.
Lodging in the National Park
Book your stay in one of the two beautiful resorts in the park. Just remember that these spots book up first, so jump on them early. Escape the desert heat by diving into the pools onsite or enjoying a little air conditioning during the hottest parts of the day. Click here to compare the prices of the two hotels.
Lone Pine
Lone Pine is a cool, little mountain town on the western side of the park. There are plenty of great options in town. We ended up staying in a motel there when we couldn’t camp. We woke up the next morning with views of the Sierra Nevadas from our bed. It’s quite a drive from a lot of the main attractions of Death Valley, but it’s great stop if you are continuing on with more destinations in Southern Californai.
Here is a list of options in Lone Pine.
Tecopa
Tecopa is a town that’s a little closer to the center of the park and there are a few options there. We drove through this area super early in the morning, so I’m not sure what there is to offer, but the location is convenient to be able to explore the park for a day or more.
Check out the options in Tecopa.
Frequently Asked Questions About Death Valley
We’ve covered our favorite spots and the important information about the park. Here are a few of the questions that have come up in conversations.
Does Death Valley get cold?
When we were there in February, it was sweatshirt and leggings weather throughout the day. The wind was pretty crazy and there was snow in the higher elevations. That’s not totally normal, but it was interesting to be in the hottest place on Earth and wanting layers. Make sure you check the weather forecast and have layers ready in case things change.
When is the best time to visit Death Valley?
We’ve only been in the winter, but I can’t imagine that anyone would say the summer months are better. It’s impossible to imagine hiking or even being outside much when the temps are over 100 degrees. Spring months have the possibility of a superbloom, so I would recommend visiting between January and April for decent temps and the chance to see colorful flowers.
Is there cell service in Death Valley?
For most carriers, there is not signal throughout the park. You may get a bit in certain parts, but it’s best to plan to not have it. Download Google Maps and trail maps offline and make sure you have any music you may want available offline.
What is the closest city to Death Valley National Park?
If you are trying to figure out how to get to the park, Las Vegas is definitely the closest large city with an airport. It’s possible to take a day trip from Sin City, but it would be a long day. Taking a two day trip would be a much better option because you’d have the chance to catch a sunset and sunrise in the park. You can also roadtrip from Las Vegas to Los Angeles with a detour through Death Valley, which is what we did.
Why is Death Valley so hot?
Death Valley is the hottest place on earth, but why? The little precipitation in the park means there is little plantlife and the sand takes in the heat of the sun. Because there are mountains on all sides, the heat gets trapped in the valley. Cars and people overheat frequently in the park, so it’s extremely important to have the proper supplies and take care of yourself.
Are dogs allowed in Death Valley?
Dogs aren’t allowed on any trails, only parking lots and roads. With the extreme temperatures, it’s not a great place for a four-legged creature to hang out. For this park, I would recommend leaving your pup at home.
Closing Thoughts on Death Valley National Park
There are so many things I love about Death Valley National Park, but I think one of the reasons that it was my favorite is that it reminded me of the Namib Desert in Namibia. It isn’t on the list of the least visited National Parks, but it feels like it. The vastness of this park will make you feel like you have places all to yourself. Enjoy the unique scenery and crazy extremes of Death Valley.
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