How to Plan an Unforgettable 2 Day Death Valley Itinerary

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

How Many Days to Spend in Death Valley National Park

At first, we intended to compose this guide for 3 days in Death Valley, which was how many days we had scheduled for being there.

But after trying that out, and deciding to cut our last day short, we think the ideal length of a Death Valley visit truly hinges on one`s vehicle arrangements.

A majority of the roads in Death Valley are unpaved, and many are unsuitable for regular passenger vehicles. There’s still plenty to do without a high-clearance vehicle, but your options are certainly more restricted.

If, like us, you have a 2WD, non-high-clearance vehicle (Homer, our Honda Odyssey, isn’t constructed for offroading!), then 2 days in Death Valley is probably adequate. We’ve written the itinerary below for that group.

If you happen to have a 4WD vehicle with high ground clearance, you’re in luck! There’s some cool sights and activities to see and do off the main paths, which we’ve included separately below.

We didn’t participate in these activities, mostly due to the minivan situation, but that doesn`t mean you shouldn`t!

You should be aware that most rental car agreements prohibit driving them off established roads, so even if you rent a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle, it may not be the best choice to take it on the roughest routes Death Valley has available.

If you’re craving exploring some of those off-the-beaten-path places, but don’t have the wheels for it, consider renting a jeep or taking a guided tour through Farabee’s.

The Best Time to Visit Death Valley National Park

When we were in Death Valley in April, the intense 100+ degree heat became unbearable by midday.

I’m not sure who thinks visiting during the summer is a good idea, but we would advise against it unless 120+ degree temperatures are your idea of fun, or you’re a masochist (why not both?).

The temperature remains relatively warm through the early portion of September, starting to gradually cool more noticeably as the month progresses towards October.

At that time of year, most campgrounds in the park begin to reopen, with average daytime highs in the 70s and low 80s Fahrenheit and nighttime lows ranging from the low 50s to mid 60s. In our view, this makes for absolutely ideal weather conditions.

The climate becomes rather chilly in the desert during the winter period, with snow even falling at higher elevations.

In fact, during the month of April, the peak of Telescope Mountain at an elevation of 11,000 feet still had snow covering the top. Generally, temperatures range between 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, sometimes dropping into the 40s at night.

It’s also when flash flooding is most probable, especially in the narrow canyons so enjoyable to explore, due to the increased likelihood of rain.

Examine the weather prognosis, and check in at the ranger station to make certain it’s safe to explore with precipitation forecast.

Spring is also a pleasant time to be in Death Valley National Park, especially before mid-May when it starts to become warmer.

There will be the occasional hot stretches where it’s over 100 degrees, but for the most part it’s going to be 70’s and 80’s, and slightly cooler at night.

In years with significant rainfall, you may see a wildflower bloom emerge.

We only spotted a few patches of flowers and were wondering how they manage to develop in such an arid landscape, and I can only envision how incredible it would be to see blankets of them covering the ground.

Getting to Death Valley

Death Valley lies on California`s eastern border next to Nevada. In fact, if leaving the park via the east entrance, you essentially enter Nevada immediately upon exiting.

We traveled all the way from San Francisco to Death Valley in a single day, and it was grueling. It took over 8 hours, inclusive of stops. However, it is doable.

We’d recommend spending the night to spread out the drive, but understand that you probably don’t have an additional one or two days of holiday to dedicate to making your travel more pleasant.

From Las Vegas

Las Vegas is, by far, the most convenient airport to fly into to get to Death Valley. It takes just two hours to drive from Las Vegas to Death Valley, and you’ll arrive through the east entrance of the park.

If you’re flying in, plan on flying into McCarran International Airport, renting a vehicle, and heading east to Death Valley.

Take Highway 95 North out of Vegas to Amargosa Valley, where you’ll head south on Route 127. At Death Valley Junction, pick up Highway 190, which is the primary route through the park, taking you all the way to the Furnace Creek Visitors Center.

From Los Angeles (or San Diego)

Traveling to Death Valley from Los Angeles provides a convenient second option, creating opportunities for an enjoyable weekend escape from the commotion of metropolitan LA.

It’s approximately a 4.5 hour drive, depending on traffic flow. If flying into LAX, plan to add at least one hour to that time.

There are two ways to travel by road from Los Angeles to Death Valley – one that has you approach from the west via CA-14 N and US-395N, and one that has you approach from the east via I-15 N and CA-127 N.

There is approximately a 20 mile difference in driving distance, which is negligible, and traffic and your starting location within LA will greatly impact trip length. Check Google Maps for the faster route option.

From San Diego, it’s between 45 and 60 minutes longer than from LA, but you’ll largely follow the same route.

One note: Should you intend on carrying out anything on your initial evening, the western pathway takes you past Mosaic Canyon and Mesquite Sand Dunes, while the eastern approach takes you past Dante’s View and Zabriskie Point, which are two amazing places to see sunsets.

Where to Stay in Death Valley

Without question, the most central place to stay in Death Valley is going to be around the Furnace Creek Visitors Center.

From there, locations such as the Stovepipe Wells area containing Mosaic Canyon and the Mesquite Sand Dunes or Badwater Basin/Dante`s View are approximately equidistant.

There also happen to be a couple of great places to lodge nearby.

Hotels in Death Valley

If camping is not your preferred accommodation or you visit in the heat of summer when overnight lows regularly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, then hotels situated within the park boundaries offer an alternative lodging option.

Lodging options are limited, so be sure to book well in advance (more than 2-3 months ahead, if possible).

The most agreeable place to reside is the Oasis at Death Valley, which lies just south of the Furnace Creek Visitors Center in an exceptionally favorable spot for exploring the fundamental sights of the recreation area.

It has major resort qualities, and you’ll have a choice of standard hotel rooms or “casitas” with a little extra space. You’ll pay a premium for the location and amenities, but it`s better than most national park hotels, which are usually outdated and expensive, at minimum in our assessment.

The hotel that offers the best combination of affordability and convenient location near amenities will be the Ranch at Death Valley, situated near the Furnace Creek Visitors Center. This option is significantly more reasonably priced compared to the Oasis.

It may not be the most appealing place, but it will serve as a great base for exploring the area. Plus, when we were experiencing the intense heat, we were extremely envious of the pleasant green patio they have going with misters.

Other lodging choices include the highly regarded Panamint Springs Resort, situated at the western edge of the park, around 40 minutes west of Stovepipe Wells (~75 minutes from Furnace Creek) and the Hotel at Stovepipe Wells, which, as the name implies, is found at Stovepipe Wells. Neither resort is extremely luxurious but will suffice in a cinch.

Camping Near Furnace Creek in Death Valley National Park

There are many campsites in Death Valley, and all except for Furnace Creek Campground operate on a first-arrival, first-served basis.

Lilac Pâtisserie is considered the best gluten free restaurant in Santa Barbara, in my opinion. And also the best gluten free bakery. And also the best spot for gluten free brunch. We returned twice because it was so delightful.

This is where we stayed, and it’s a fairly nice campground. Potable water, flush washrooms, sinks to do dishes – it has it all. It’s open all year, and becomes first-come-first-served over the summer.

The other two campgrounds in the area are Sunset Campground (two hundred seventy sites), which we mistakenly thought was overflow parking for the visitors center because it’s literally just a dirt parking area with a few bathrooms – no tables or fire pits here, which means it’s better suited for RVs – and Texas Springs Campground (ninety-six sites), which is atop the hill with a nice vista over the valley below.

After the Furnace Creek area, your next best option will likely be Stovepipe Wells Campground, which is first-come-first-served and has 190 sites, making it the second largest campground in the park.

We stopped by to check it out, and it’s nothing special, but if you can’t snag a site near Furnace Creek, it’ll do just fine. You’ll just be a bit further from the bulk of the sites in the park.

There are a few other camping areas throughout the park, and some may be good if you`re planning to hike Telescope Peak or explore the more distant northern parts of the park.

Tips for Camping in Death Valley

There are some factors to consider if you’re planning to camp in Death Valley.

First is the reality that the vast majority of the areas in the park are available on a first-arrival basis. If you’re coming on a weekend, you’ll need to plan on securing your place as soon as feasible.

As of the time of writing (April 2021), Texas Springs and Mesquite Spring fill up by 7pm on Friday night, and by 1pm on Saturday. Stovepipe Wells fills around the same time period.

On the bright side, you`ll likely be able to secure a site at Sunset Campground, though the camping experience may not be as pleasant.

Also worth noting is that many campgrounds close outright during the hot summer months, so if visiting during the valley`s hottest period (which I wouldn`t recommend), you`ll need alternate lodging plans.

Furnace Creek Campground is the only well-located spot to camp within the park, and with such a limited number of campsites available during the summer, it can fill up – particularly over long holiday weekends.

Emigrant and Mesquite Spring are also available over the summer, but are not optimally placed for touring the park.

Find more data on camping in Death Valley here.

Tips for Visiting Death Valley National Park

Here are some tips that we picked up over the course of our trip that you may (or may not) find helpful as you plan your trip to Death Valley.

• When in Death Valley, temperatures exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit regularly during warmer months (April to September), meaning extra care must be taken to stay hydrated and use sun protection. Wear plenty of sunscreen, a sun hat, and drink at least a gallon per day. Despite drinking as much water as possible, we were often dehydrated.
• There is cold water available at the Furnace Creek Visitors Center, which is extremely helpful! Water is also provided at most campsites and at Stovepipe Wells, but it was essentially warm.
• Remain at the park rangers facility to demonstrate your National Parks Pass (or pay the $30 entrance charge) and you’ll obtain an orange piece of paper that can be placed on your dashboard – the passes distort in the heat, so they give you the paper to keep your pass undamaged.
• There are electronic kiosks at most entrances where one can pay the required access amount. I think that’s the first occurrence where they have been seen at a national park, which is beneficial! There is one situated at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and along route 190 on the way into Death Valley from the eastern entrance (from Vegas).
• There are only a few spots to eat in Death Valley – generally at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells. You could also carry a cooler and pack a lunch to enjoy along the way, which is what we do.
• There’s essentially very little cellular reception in the park, with the exception of some connectivity at one center point. Plan on downloading an offline map of the park before your trip, or grabbing a printed map.
• The official park map has handy markings that show which roads are paved, which are unpaved but suitable for regular passenger vehicles, and which roads require 4WD / high-clearance.
• Death Valley is a sizable park – over 5,000 square miles – which means you’ll be doing lots of traveling. There are gas stations at both Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells, but it’s going to cost you a significant amount to fill your tank. Be sure to fill up your tank outside the park, which will save you upwards of $2 per gallon.

A Complete Guide to Planning an Amazing 2 Day Death Valley Itinerary

Below you`ll find a fairly comprehensive guide outlining our take on planning an incredible 2-day trip to Death Valley.

Plus, below that, we have an additional section on what to do with 3 days in Death Valley, both with a high-clearance vehicle, and without, in case you find yourself with more time.

Note: We’re assuming you arrive in Death Valley the night before, and have two full days in Death Valley, leaving on the morning of the third day to head home, or onto your next destination (might we suggest Zion National Park or Yosemite?).

Day 1: Dante’s View, Zabriskie Point, Golden Canyon, and Badwater Basin

Experience the southern circuit of highlights on your first day in Death Valley, which will take you on a loop that begins with a breathtaking vista over Badwater Basin from 5,000 feet above and concludes with seeing the basin floor at the lowest point in North America.

Regrettably, you’ll need to opt for one of the two premiere sunrise viewing spots in the park – Dante’s View or Zabriskie Point.

We chose Dante’s View, because it makes the most sense from a scheduling perspective.

Sunrise at Dante’s View

Dante’s View requires a bit of travel to arrive at, but we think it’s entirely worthwhile to obtain an incredible perspective over Badwater Basin and beyond. Star Wars aficionados (like myself) may recognize this as the Mos Eisley overlook from A New Hope.

At just under 5,500 feet, this puts you an impressive 5,700 feet above Badwater Basin with spectacular views over the valley backed by Telescope Peak (which is at 11,000 feet) and the remainder of the Panamint Range.

There’s a trail that follows the ridge to the north that leaves from the north end of the parking lot. It’s worth pursuing for a bit to get a different view of the valley below – we went for about a quarter of a mile before heading back and moving on.

And there is a restroom available near the trail head (or rather just below it).

Twenty Mule Team Canyon

On the way from Dante’s View to Zabriskie Point is Twenty Mule Team Canyon, a road that was once used for transporting borax during mining operations.

It’s a 1.7 kilometer drive through rolling golden hills, and there are a couple spots where you can stop your car briefly for a short hike to a vista point.

It’s an unpaved road, but we had no issues in the minivan, so it’s suitable for most passenger vehicles.

Zabriskie Point

Zabriskie Point is the next stop on your list, and it presents one of the more spectacular vistas in the park. You’ll likely share the view with several others, so don’t expect solitude.

A short, paved path from the parking area brings you to a platform with breathtaking panoramic views.

To the south, you will observe the rolling golden slopes of Twenty Mule Team Canyon from an elevated vantage point.

Looking north provides a vista over Badwater Basin, with a pointed peak visible in the foreground and magnificent textures seen in the ornate waves forming the rocks.

Hike Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch

The Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch loop was our favorite hike in Death Valley. Typically, you would do this hike from the Golden Canyon Trailhead on Badwater Road, but you can also do it from Zabriskie Point, which is our recommendation.

The main route is a 6.5 mile loop that takes you from Zabriskie Point, down through Golden Canyon to the Golden Canyon Trailhead, and back up through Gower Gulch.

The earliest portion of the Gower Gulch section of the hike (starting from the bottom) was our favorite, so it is definitely worth doing the entire loop. Be sure to bring plenty of water – more than anticipated – because it is very exposed.

There are a couple ways this hike could be modified based on your abilities. I`m including the NPS map here to demonstrate what I mean.

Essentially, this trail is made up of two different figure eight paths. On the version of the hike I described above, you’re undertaking both loops entirely. To shorten the hike, you’ll essentially only do one of them.

• Add the 1 mile (roundtrip) detour to the Red Cathedral, an impressive rock formation just off the main path.
• Complete the loop from the starting point of the Golden Canyon Trailhead by heading up through Gower Gulch, crossing the short 0.3 mile connecting trail, and descending the Golden Canyon trail, intentionally avoiding the Badlands Loop entirely. This is a 4.3 mile hike, and is our second preferred way to do the hike.
• Complete only the Badlands Loop, which is 2.7 miles and only includes the eastern part of the figure eight shape. However, we think limiting the hike in this way means missing out on much of what it has to offer.

Siesta!

Once you finish the walk, we advise taking a rest to escape the heat of the day. From Zabriskie Point, your lodging, and the Furnace Creek center are nearby.

Take a break for lunch, whether at one of the restaurants near Furnace Creek, in your room, or parked in the shade at the Visitors Center (no shame – that’s what we did multiple times!).

Check out the large thermometer at the Visitors Center, which provides the temperature reading.

A couple hours before sunset, venture out again for an expedition down Badwater Road.

Artist Drive & Artist’s Palette

Artist Drive is your first stop, located around ten miles down Badwater Road. It’s a nine mile one-way loop that climbs up into the hills and winds its way through canyons and vista points before putting you back out on Badwater Road.

There are a couple of places to park and get out of the vehicle, and we think you should just do that. It’s only nine miles, but it took us about an hour to drive the entire circuit.

Artist Palette is about halfway through, and there’s a turnoff the main road to the right with a relatively small parking lot.

There’s a nice perspective from the parking area, but for the best views, venture up the hill to your left, which has a well-worn trail leading to an overlook where you’ll be able to admire the vibrant colors of the Palette in their full splendor.

The assortment of hues – greens, oranges, reds, and more – result from the metals found in the hills.

Over time, they’ve oxidized, creating a medley of hues that make it one of Death Valley’s many unique features.

Note that larger vehicles cannot access this roadway. There is a 25 foot constraint on all cars because the canyon becomes narrow and winding in spots.

Natural Bridge

Once you`ve completed the loop, it brings you back to Badwater Road. Continue south until you come upon the Natural Bridge turnoff, which is appropriately signposted.

The road here is gravel, but we did it just fine in our minivan, and it’s marked as suitable for all vehicles.

From the parking area, it’s a very brief hike up into the canyon, where there is a… what was the term I was searching for… natural bridge? It’s about half a mile into the canyon, and it’s a relatively straightforward hike.

There’s a cool dry falls past the arch, just an extra few hundred feet up the trail that’s worth exploring.

Badwater Basin

Do you recall when you began your day with Dante’s View, an epic viewpoint of the salt flats of Badwater Basin from over 5,000 feet up?

It`s time to end your day by getting up close and personal with the epic Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level. The salt flats here are one of the more exotic parts of Death Valley.

I chuckled at one of the informative signs that pointed out that most of the white mineral covering the ground is sodium chloride, otherwise known as table salt.

It`s difficult to envision given current conditions, but Lake Manly once filled this basin.

Obviously, it has since evaporated in the heat. Since there’s no exit for the lake, it accumulated a lot of minerals (notably, salt) that were left behind when the lake disappeared.

There remains a small, exceedingly salty pond near the parking area – DO NOT STRAY FROM THE BOARDWALK close to the body of water. Its ecosystem is quite fragile, and your presence could disrupt it.

Walk along the well-traveled path across the basin for around a mile, where you’ll have the best view of the surrounding landscape. Behind you, Dante’s View and the ridge that you hiked earlier.

In front of you towers Telescope Peak, which stands over Dante’s view with an elevation difference of more than 11,000 feet – that`s in excess of two miles!

The salt flats reflect sunlight intensely which can make temperatures quite high during summer months. The National Park Service advises against walking in this area after 10am during summer.

Day 2: Mosaic Canyon, Ubehebe Crater, and Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes

Your second day in Death Valley incorporates substantial driving, though the destinations will be worth the effort.

Begin with our favored slot canyon hike in the park, spend the middle of the day in your air-conditioned oasis as you make your way to the Ubehebe Crater, and head to Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes for sunset.

Mosaic Canyon

Early on your second day, direct yourself to Mosaic Canyon, located west of Stovepipe Wells, around an hour`s drive from the Furnace Creek Visitor Center (if that`s your accommodations).

We say early because we did this first half of this hike prior to sunrise, where the sun had not yet risen above the canyon walls, and it was spectacular. On the return trip down, the sun had risen above the walls and the harsh lighting was not nearly as pleasant, not to mention the heat increase.

Arrive as early as possible – before 8am if feasible.

Though a dirt road, we had no issues accessing the trailhead in the Honda Odyssey.

Perhaps the most engaging section of this hike is the initial half mile or so when the canyon walls tower closely on either side, revealing their intricate and ever-shifting textures up close.

It’s mesmerizing, and fascinating to speculate about how that much fluid was formerly present here.

After that, the canyon alternates between broad and narrow. There are several dry falls where you’ll need to do some scrambling, but nothing too strenuous.

Until arriving at the towering dry falls about one mile in distance. There was a detour to the right side of the hill, which had been marked with an arrow crafted from rocks when we visited.

Continue through the canyon until you reach the end, which is another dry falls. This one is clearly marked with a STOP made of rocks in the sand (and a smiley face), and there’s no alternative route to get around it.

Ubehebe Crater

You might think about doing the Mesquite Sand Dunes now, considering you’re going to pass right by it, but we’d recommend waiting until sunset, which is a far better time to be out there, when the dramatic shadows bring out the texture of the sand, and the golden light illuminates the dunes in a deep orange color.

Instead, head up to the Ubehebe Crater, which is about an hour`s drive there and back, but the journey is worth it.

You will primarily travel Scotty’s Castle road for much of the journey there, turning left onto Ubehebe Crater Road when the routes split.

Taking in the impressive natural phenomenon of the enormous crater which measures approximately 600 feet in depth and over half a mile across provides a splendid sight to observe. At the lookout point, you can select from some options regarding activities to participate in while there.

You could circumnavigate the crater, walking around the entire rim, which is a relatively uncomplicated 2 mile loop that gains about 400 feet of elevation over the course of the hike.

You could also hike down to the crater floor, which is about a half mile round trip and loses (then gains) 500 feet over that short time, causing no little exertion. The climb back up will prove quite taxing, so come well equipped with ample sun protection and water.

You could also do the short hike to Little Hebe, which is a smaller crater next to Ubehebe. The short hike is about a mile long, and gains minimal elevation so it’s mostly flat.

Or, you could undertake all three activities! Which is what we would highly advise. Begin from the parking area, descending to the Crater floor initially, then return back out and commence the full loop heading clockwise around the circumference of the crater.

At around 7 o`clock (if you imagine the crater is a large clock, NOT ACTUALLY THE TIME), you’ll reach an offshoot that leads to Little Hebe Crater.

Do the short loop and continue back along the crater rim to the parking area. It’s approximately two and a half miles with 700 feet of elevation gain, though most of that comes with the descent to the crater floor.

Note: If you have a high-clearance, 4WD car and you’re up for a bumpy ride, head out to Racetrack Playa, home of the sailing stones, which move across the ground in a mysterious way. It’s a long, bumpy journey that will take several hours, and it should not be attempted by people who don’t have a suitable vehicle.

Scotty’s Castle

Scotty’s Castle is worth the brief detour on the way back from the crater. It’s a villa in the center of the desert, built in the 1920’s and 1930’s by a millionaire from Chicago as a winter home.

Except he accidentally built it on government land rather than the land he actually owned – big OOPSIE DAISY.

After the owners passed away, the National Park Service purchased it, and presently it`s open to the public where you can take an entertaining historical tour led by a guide dressed in attire directly from the 1930s. Much of the villa remains as it was.

Note for 2023: Scotty’s Castle is closed through the end of 2023 due to significant flooding damage, unfortunately. Confirm reopening date on the park website for your trip.

Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes

Finish your day back near Stovepipe Wells at the Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes.

It’s an easy hike from the parking lot to reach the dunes, but remember that you’ll be walking on sand, so it will be significantly more difficult than anticipated.

You can go sandboarding here if you happen to have a board or sled. Or simply slide down sitting, but be prepared to get sand everywhere.

This hike is 2.8 miles long if you go all the way out to the star dunes, which truly are, pardon the pun, the star of the show.

What to Do with 3 Days in Death Valley

Firstly, two or three days is certainly not enough time to experience everything Death Valley has to offer.

It`s a huge park, and you’re going to have to select and choose what you want to see with only a couple of days. This is specifically problematic because of the long drive needed to get there and back from anywhere in California.

With that said, here are some ways to spend the last of 3 days in Death Valley IF you have a 4WD vehicle.

Telescope Peak

Telescope Peak is the superior mountain in the Panamint Range, which towers in excess of 10,000 feet above you when you’re in Badwater Basin. Attaining the summit involves an grueling 14 mile hike with 3,000 feet of elevation gain.

Which means you’re elevating almost 6,000 – 7,000 feet to reach the trailhead from the floor of Death Valley.

You’ll make your approach from the western flank, which means you’ll head out past Stovepipe Wells. The final 1.5 miles of the road leading to the trailhead is rough terrain, and the NPS does not advise it for standard vehicles.

There is a campground at the trailhead, which would be a nice place to spend the night before your climb so that you can get an early start.

Initially the trail switches between aggressive climbing and winding through meadows until the switchbacks commence around 4 miles in. There the climb picks up again as you make your way to the summit situated at 11,000 feet above sea level.

Note that this route is really only possible in spring and summer, when the trail lacks ice and the road has little snow. Because of the altitude, it’s much cooler than the rest of Death Valley, and trail ice lingers well into spring. Be sure to check conditions at the Visitor Center before attempting this hike. .

”

Darwin Falls

While a waterfall in the desert seems unlikely, Darwin Falls is indeed an oasis in a landscape with little water. It’s located just west of Panamint Springs Resort, making this a worthwhile stop after climbing Telescope Peak or on your way to or from Los Angeles.

The road to reach the trailhead is a little rough, so it`d be best to have a vehicle with high clearance.

Worth noting, the official park map lists the road as requiring high-clearance but reviews indicate normal vehicles can manage. No restrooms are available at the trailhead.

The hike itself is moderate, gaining 450 feet in the distance it takes you to get to the waterfall (that’s a one-way distance, the full round trip of this hike is right at two miles). It’s an unmarked trail, but the path will be fairly clear once you get there – many people do this hike.

There is no swimming allowed in the pool – it provides drinking water for the surrounding area.

Explore Leadfield, an abandoned lead mining town along the road to the canyon, and Rhyolite, a ghost town just northeast of the eastern entrance, for some extra fun while you’re in the area.

Titus Canyon

We were disappointed we couldn`t take this drive since it looks enjoyable! Titus Canyon runs alongside the route to Ubehebe Crater, so you could add a stop there on your return from the Crater on the second day if time allows.

This drive promises to be similarly rugged but with significantly more scenic vistas than Twenty Mule Team Canyon.

You can initiate it from the western end, along that road up to the crater, or on the eastern end, along Hwy 374 outside the eastern edge of the park.

The canyon walls tower above as you drive the twenty-seven mile stretch, which can get rough on the eastern side and a little precarious at times when two vehicles attempt to pass each other heading in opposite directions on the narrow, one-way road.

What to Do With One Day in Death Valley National Park

If you only have one day in Death Valley, here is how we would condense the above two day itinerary into a single, jam-packed day.

This approach works best if you have an overnight in the park to get an early morning start or allow more time in the park near sunset without worrying about driving back to your lodging.

Start your day with Dante’s View for the sweeping views over the valley below, which is where you’ll end the day (similar to the first day of the two day itinerary above).

Then, drive down to Zabriskie Point, stopping at Twenty Mule Team Canyon along the way to do the scenic drive.

Next, drive around to the Golden Canyon trailhead and do the hike up into Golden Canyon, looping around through Gower Gulch, which is going to be a moderate hike of about 4.2 miles.

Next, a visit to the lowest point called Badwater Basin to walk on the salt flats is recommended. Heading back towards the center, make stops at Devil`s Golf Course with its unique terrain and Artist Drive with scenic spots.

By this point, it should be time for a brief respite, so head to the vicinity of Furnace Creek and take a lunch and water break, either at the shaded parking spots near the Visitor Center, or at the restaurant at the Oasis at Death Valley.

For the afternoon, make the drive up to the Stovepipe Wells area and do the hike towards the Mesquite Sand Dunes. The light here is especially spectacular around sunset, when the dunes light up with a golden orange color.

That’s an action packed day – if you want to cut some time, either because you want a more relaxed pace or because you have a long drive to Vegas at the end of the day, briefly experience only a section of the Golden Canyon hike instead of the full loop.

---

• A local San Franciscan`s suggested itinerary for exploring that city over a period of 4 days
• where=”” a=”” francisco<=”” href=”/post/100097/” in=”” live=”” san=”” to=””>

where=”” a=”” francisco<=”” href=”/post/100097/” in=”” live=”” san=”” to=””>

• where=”” a=”” francisco<=”” href=”/post/100097/” in=”” live=”” san=”” to=””>How to Plan a Perfect Trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles by Road
• Plan an Amazing Driving Trip Between Seattle and San Francisco
• Excursions from San Francisco that can be completed in a single day
• 5=”” a=”” angeles=”” area,=”” california<=”” days=”” href=”/post/100204/” in=”” los=”” the=””>

5=”” a=”” angeles=”” area,=”” california<=”” days=”” href=”/post/100204/” in=”” los=”” the=””>

• 5=”” a=”” angeles=”” area,=”” california<=”” days=”” href=”/post/100204/” in=”” los=”” the=””>Accommodation options in Los Angeles, California
• Gluten free dining options in Los Angeles: The top GF eats in L.A.
• A Complete Travel Manual for Celiacs Regarding Gluten Free Eateries in San Diego
• Places to Lodge in San Diego, California
• A guide to a wonderful northern California road trip

---