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Experiencing Death Valley in California USA was one of the most anticipated adventures of our trip.
Situated among Nevada and California, Death Valley National Park is the second biggest in the United States. We invested half a day there on our 10-day West Coast road trip since we were merely passing through Death Valley on our journeyfrom Las Vegas to Yosemite.
Before delving deeper into some attractions, here are the top 10 highlights of Death Valley:
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN DEATH VALLEY
- Mesquite Flat
- Badwater Basin
- Dante’s view
- Zabriskie Point
- Salt Creek
- Artist’s Palette
- Racetrack Playa
- Salt-encrusted desert landscape.
- Golden Canyon Trail
- Rhyolite Ghost Town
Temperatures in Death Valley are extreme year-round. Therefore, it is important to note our list of tips for visiting Death Valley if you don’t want an unfavorable experience. We will offer all the information you need for a safe and enjoyable trip through Death Valley National Park.
Table of Contents
WHAT IS DEATH VALLEY?
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Death Valley is situated in southeastern California, roughly 186 miles north of Los Angeles and about 149 miles west of Las Vegas. In fact, it is the closest National Park to Las Vegas. The valley stretches over 124 miles from the northern tip to the southern end and approximately 12 miles from east to west.
Some of the highest temperatures in America can be found here in Death Valley, particularly in an area known as Badwater basin situated 279 feet underneath sea level. It is famed for being the lowest point in the United States.
The remarkably high temperatures have claimed hundreds of lives throughout history, primarily during the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries. The bulk of deaths in Death Valley were immigrants trying to reach the coast of California for improved living conditions and pay, unknowingly entering into the area.
Parched and on the brink of heat exhaustion, they couldn’t escape Death Valley alive, thus the name of this most arid desert of the United States.
Other visitors who risked their lives coming to Death Valley in the past included the borax and gold miners, even though the gold rush in Death Valley was brief.
Today, it is much simpler to visit Death Valley National Park. You won’t encounter any risks in Death Valley as long as you stay near the main attractions and follow a good guide to Death Valley. This way, it would be easy to find help if your vehicle breaks down or runs out of gas. In brief, although there are certain risks, these are minimal and visiting Death Valley is completely worthwhile.
HOW TO VISIT DEATH VALLEY
There exist only a small number of guided journeys through Death Valley offered from Las Vegas. However, these are typically scheduled in quick succession, so advanced booking is necessary. If you plan to reside in Las Vegas for just a small amount of time and don`t have an automobile, participating in an organized full-day excursion to Death Valley may be a suitable choice. Actually, it`s one of the prime activities available in LV. If self-driving isn`t an option, my recommendation is to sign up for a single-day guided tour of Death Valleyhere (this represents one of the premier day excursions offered from Las Vegas).
In our case, we explored Death Valley as part of our road trip. Driving along Highway 190 had been high on our list of goals and experiencing Death Valley from the vantage point of a vehicle resulted in an unforgettable experience. You will be surrounded by landscapes reminiscent of another planet as you approach the entrance to Death Valley National Park – and believe me, the best scenery was yet ahead!
Other adventurers risk crossing the Death Valley by bicycle, although this option is only for you if you are trained for extreme cycling. There are also Death Valley Bike Tours if you are interested in visiting in this alternative way.
The upcoming topics will be examined in our guide to Death Valley by car:
- Where to rest inside the Grand Canyon National Park
- Top sights to visit in Death Valley
- How to arrive at Death Valley
- Entrance fee for Death Valley
- Death Valley opening hours & seasons
- Optimal conditions to visit Death Valley: Weather patterns in Death Valley
- Amount of time necessary for exploring Death Valley
- Interesting Facts about Death Valley
- Locations to Spend the Night in Death Valley
- Death Valley Map
HOW TO GET TO DEATH VALLEY
This section contains the various driving directions for getting to Death Valley by automobile. You can also check our technique for obtaining affordable rental vehicles or the top RV rental companies across the USA here.
There are two entry points into Death Valley National Park if we travel Highway 190 (the road that crosses the National Park from east to west). We will come in through Panamint Springs in the west and Death Valley Junction in the east.
HOW TO GET TO DEATH VALLEY FROM LAS VEGAS
It merely requires two hours to travel from Las Vegas to Death Valley (the distance between Death Valley and Las Vegas is 110 miles). From here, we will access the park through the east entrance.
Here you can check our guide on how to hire a vehicle in Las Vegas. If you do not wish to drive, you can also book a excursion to Death Valley from Las Vegas.
HOW TO GET TO DEATH VALLEY FROM THE GRAND CANYON
From Grand Canyon to Death Valley, we will have to cross through Las Vegas, which increases the travel time to 4 hours. Here you can check our guide to the Grand Canyon.
HOW TO GET TO DEATH VALLEY FROM SAN FRANCISCO
The most direct way to travel from San Francisco to Death Valley is taking Interstate 5 to Bakersfield, then heading north toward the western entrance of Death Valley National Park.
The total travel time between Death Valley and San Francisco is 7 and a half hours (460 miles). As this is quite a lengthy trip, I recommend halting halfway and continuing to Death Valley from Bakersfield the next day.
If you`re coming from this city, check out the most popular activities in SF and places to stay in San Francisco.
HOW TO GET TO DEATH VALLEY FROM YOSEMITE
Another good choice for those originating from San Francisco is to travel to Death Valley from Yosemite, so you can visit another incredible National Park on a similar trip.
It is a 4.5 hour trip between Death Valley and Yosemite, and you will enter through the west entrance of Panamint Springs.
See our guide of all the activities to do in Yosemite National Park
HOW TO GET TO DEATH VALLEY FROM LOS ANGELES
Completing the journey from Los Angeles to Death Valley through the western entrance requires a timeframe of 4 hours. The distance separating Los Angeles and Death Valley is 200 miles.
If you are arriving from this city, check the best activities in LAand accommodation in Los Angeles.
HOW TO GET FROM DEATH VALLEY TO SEQUOIA PARK
Death Valley and Sequoia National Park are only 3 hours apart from one another. We will also access through the west entrance.
BEST THINGS TO SEE IN DEATH VALLEY
In this section, you will learn about some of the main attractions that can be seen in Death Valley within a single day. Most of these destinations can be visited during the same timeframe and represent important elements of Death Valley. However, if one wishes to go hiking, explore further locations, or learn more about the native flora and fauna of Death Valley, I would suggest spending at least two full days there.
In any case, the first thing to do is make a stop the Death Valley Visitor Center to pay the entrance fee, grab a map, and get the most updated information on weather conditions.
MESQUITE FLAT
Unlike what numerous people assume, less than 1% of Death Valley is blanketed with dunes. In addition to sand and wind, you also need the proper geological foundation that accumulates sand to form dunes, which does not happen here.
Mesquite Flat, the most popular dunes in Death Valley, is very accessible from the main road. This area of dunes rises to a maximum of 328 feet, covering a large region. They are also the only dunes in Death Valley where Sandboarding is allowed.
It bears underscoring that anyone opting to traverse the dunes must exercise caution. Getting lost within is easy, and dehydration could prove fatal without a point of reference allowing one to locate their means of transport once more.
Undoubtedly, Mesquite Flat is the primary attraction that must be witnessed in Death Valley National Park.
BADWATER BASIN
Another experience worth having in Death Valley is visiting Badwater Basin. This expansive 985 square feet salty flat is one of the largest worldwide. It is also famous as the lowest point in the United States at 282 feet underneath sea level.
Reaching Badwater Basin takes approximately 20 minutes from the main road, and we were unable to visit as we simply spent half a day in Death Valley.
ZABRISKIE POINT
Zabriskie Point is one of the essential viewpoints to see in Death Valley. Situated directly by the road, it is an easy stopover to incorporate in your one-day Death Valley travel schedule.
Here, panoramic scenery will present itself including varied tones of brown and yellow sedimentary mountains.
Near Zabriskie Point, we can drive to Twenty Mule Team Canyon, an incredible geological structure. The one-way road taking travelers from northwest to southeast is an easy dirt road to traverse.
On the other hand, if you want to hike, I recommend the Golden Canyon, which starts on the road leading to Badwater and takes visitors into the same rugged mountains seen from Zabriskie Point.
DANTE’S VIEW
To arrive at Dante’s View, we must cross a 13-mile road without exit points. It will take over half an hour, but trust me, it is completely worth it. From this high vantage point, we obtain a bird`s-eye view of Death Valley and see the pure white color of Badwater Basin, which we could not see from up close on the ground.
For me, enjoying the views from Dante’s View is one of the essential activities in Death Valley.
ARTIST’S PALETTE
If you visit Badwater Basin, you should know that there are other thrilling things to see on this road.
One of the most notable spots is the Artist’s Palette, a region where the oxidized minerals of the mountain exhibit reddish, pink, yellow, green, and gray hues. To reach this place requires a 20-minute semicircular route. Artist road is a one-directional drive moving from southeast to northwest, and the views along the entire journey are fascinating.
DEVIL’S GOLF COURSE
The entrance to the sandy path guiding to Devil’s Golf Course lies on Badwater Road between the entry and exit of the Artist circular road. If you come from the south to see the Artist’s Palette, you could unwittingly overlook this location.
The salt pan of Devils Golf Course stands out for its geometric formations, where salt crystals shape large voids in the ground (therefore its name), an astounding phenomenon necessary to witness in Death Valley.
SALT CREEK
This short interpretive excursion on the edge of Salt Creek is another interesting activity for your Death Valley day trip, as it is a brief distance from Mesquite Flat.
Despite the high salt content in the stream where visible salt crystals can be seen around the shore, one of the more unusual species inhabiting Death Valley, the Salt Creek Pupfish, lives here.
FURNACE CREEK
Furnace Creek was an Indian village, and presently it is one of the few places within Death Valley National Park where you can find lodging, restaurants, and the Furnace Creek Visitor Center.
Fuel is also available at a gas station, though quite expensive – it is recommended to enter the park with a full tank.
Nearby is The Old Harmony Borax Works, the remnants of Death Valley’s main borax mine that was functional from 1882 to 1889.
RACETRACK PLAYA
One of the most famous mysteries in Death Valley is the sailing stones. These sliding rocks in Death Valley are located in the so-called Racetrack Playa, two and a half hours from Highway 190. In a 1-day route through Death Valley, we would not have enough time to discover the mystery of these rocks. In any case, you can see this video where the secret is unveiled. Fun fact: the mystery of the moving rocks in Death Valley wasn’t solved until 2013.
OTHER DUNES IN DEATH VALLEY
The Mesquite Flat sand dunes are impressive accumulations, but they are so accessible that it will be challenging to locate a spot where there aren’t tracks in the sand. If good pictures of the dunes are wanted, I suggest exploring any of the following instead and considering spending more than one day in Death Valley.
EUREKA DUNES
Eureka Dunes represent the tallest sand mountains found in California, reaching a height of 656 feet. Reaching the summit is challenging as the sand grains give way underfoot and the inclines are very steep, but those who succeed will be rewarded with spectacular vistas and the acoustic phenomenon known as “singing sand”, a sound created when sand cascades down a steep slope.
Additionally, since these dunes are entirely isolated from the remainder, unique species of wildlife and plant life not discovered in any other dunes globally inhabit there.
PANAMINT DUNES
The Panamint Dunes can be seen from a distance along Highway 190. To get closer, you need to drive 5 miles further and then walk another 3 miles. They are quite difficult to access, and I would only recommend a visit if you have planned a 3-day itinerary in Death Valley.
IBEX DUNES
Accessing the Ibex Dunes necessitates approximately a half-mile hike from the road leading to Saratoga. In the east of the dunes, an old talc mine can be seen at the base of Saddle Peak Hills. This area is also home to the Mojave tipped lizard.
DUMONT LITTLE DUNES
While not situated inside the area officially known as Death Valley National Park, the Dumont Little Dunes deserved inclusion in this Guide to Death Valley. They are correctly at the southern entrance point, and while accessible, they are not very popular. If time permits and one desires to capture beautiful images of dunes bereft of footprints and people in the frame, this is your best choice.
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN DEATH VALLEY
There are other pursuits to engage in in Death Valley if more time is available:
TITUS CANYON
Titus Canyon is a single direction vehicular route through a narrow canyon. It starts near Rhyolite Ghost Town, one of the most renowned abandoned towns with banks, school, jail, and even a train depot, just outside the National Park.
The sandy trail directing to Titus Canyon extends for an overall distance of 24 miles and will take roughly 3 hours to traverse. Along the way, you will see steep mountains, colorful rock formations, another abandoned settlement called Leadfield, etchings into rock, wildlife, uncommon plants, and a spectacular canyon that narrows particularly in the last section, once inside Death Valley National Park.
The final area, which is also the most striking, can also be explored on foot from the opposite way for those who do not want to take the complete tour.
UBEHEBE CRATER
If you visit the Eureka Dunes, it may interest you to go to the Ubehebe crater, at 656 feet deep and 2624 feet in diameter.
Parking is at the edge of the crater, and from there, you can see the most fascinating sights. However, if we want to further explore and discover other smaller craters like the Little Hebe, we will have to walk around the rim of the crater.
We can also descend into the crater`s interior. This route may appear basic, but it is complex when returning uphill to the parking area.
Also nearby is Scotty’s Castle, a mansion of a wealthy family during the gold rush era that later served as a visitor center. Currently it remains closed due to flooding in 2015, and reopening is anticipated in 2020.
AGUEREBERRY POINT
Aguereberry Point offers a contrasting perspective compared to Dante’s View. However, the majority of visitors who have experienced both locales preferred Dante’s View for its more panoramic and spectacular vistas.
Additionally, accessing Aguereberry Point necessitates a 4×4 vehicle and specialized driving techniques since the path is not without challenge.
In this area, one can also explore the Charcoal Kilns, ten charcoal kilns situated in Wildrose Canyon shaped like beehives, representing one of the most scenic in Death Valley.
TIPS FOR VISITING DEATH VALLEY
In this section, you will find all the information you need and best tips to visit Death Valley.
DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE FEE
The standard entrance cost to access Death Valley is $25 per vehicle for a period of seven days. However, if you also plan to visit other national parks, I suggest purchasing an America the Beautiful annual pass – providing admission to an extensive selection of federal sites across the USA.
Bear in mind that there are no ranger stands at the entrance of the park to collect your charges. They rely on the good faith of visitors to compensate at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. You may be penalized if you do not pay the fee.
DEATH VALLEY OPENING TIMES
Death Valley is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The Death Valley Visitor Center opens daily from 8 am to 5 pm, where visitors can watch a 20-minute video about the park. During the winter months from November to April, other activities such as ranger talks and guided walks are offered. For more information on scheduled activities, go to the Death Valley Visitor Center.
BEST TIME TO VISIT DEATH VALLEY: Weather in Death Valley
The climate in Death Valley, California is extremely arid and warm throughout the year, especially during summer when temperatures easily surpass 122 degrees Fahrenheit. During winter, humidity levels range from 32% (daytime) to 55% (nighttime), and 10% to 25% during summer respectively.
Therefore, the most suitable time to explore Death Valley is during the chilliest months. If possible, try to avoid visiting Death Valley in summer: late May, June, July, August, and early September.
However, visiting even amid these months is still worthwhile, as demonstrated by our August trip where we found Death Valley to be captivating.
If extremely hot climates cannot be tolerated, the best time to visit Death Valley is during winter. For example, December temperatures in Death Valley typically range from 64 to 70°F. Those interested in hiking will also find winter the most suitable season in Death Valley.
If one wishes to behold this desert`s maximum splendors, then missing the peak flowering of plants during spring is not an option. This phenomenon occurs subject to rainfall levels in the autumn and winter season. If the winter was much more humid compared to prior years, a super bloom may arise between March and April, since the seeds remain intact for years until ideal conditions materialize.
It is also the best time for photography in Death Valley as you can have the opportunity to capture a desert full of hues.
HOW MANY DAYS Do YOU NEED TO VISIT DEATH VALLEY
Most follow a 1-day Death Valley route stopping only at popular Highway 190 sites like Zabriskie Point and Mesquite Flat, bypassing locales further from the road.
If you do not have much time available, a good 1-day Death Valley itinerary may be the best option. If possible, include the iconic Badwater Basin in addition to the main points that we have explored.
If you enjoy capturing photos at night, spending a night in Death Valley will allow you to experience one of the darkest night skies in the world and take impressive astrophotographs.
This will transform into a 2-day itinerary for Death Valley, where visitors can discover some remote sand dunes in a more secluded location or enjoy a hiking path in one of the driest regions on earth.
CURIOSITIES ABOUT DEATH VALLEY
In this section, we will discuss some curiosities of Death Valley.
MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE IN DEATH VALLEY
The highest temperature ever recorded within Death Valley was 134.1 ° F, which occurred in Furnace Creek in 1913. This elevation stands as the highest temperature ever documented on planet Earth.
situated at the lowest elevation of Death Valley and where peak temperatures have been documented.
Keep in mind that Death Valley is not drier than the Sahara Desert. Actually, the Atacama Desert, in northern Chile, has the least rainfall in the world, even more so than Death Valley and the Sahara.
DEATHS IN DEATH VALLEY
Currently, demises in Death Valley are not typical and if you pay attention to the safety guidance and have purchased the best travel insurance, you will not face any problem.
Even so, considering the cost of medical care in the USA, I suggest that coverage under the travel insurance for visits to the United States be more than $300,000. If you intend to spend an extended time in America, examine the option of long stay travel protection.
While going through Death Valley used to pose danger due to its extreme climate, modern day travel has made exploring the region much more secure as all routes are frequently marked and traversed.
Throughout history, many individuals had perished in Death Valley, especially when this desert was uncharted territory and the mining industry compelled men to work in intolerable conditions.
Besides these reported incidents, there are additional Death Valley deaths that similarly heightened the mystery surrounding this desert region. Bodies of missing individuals have been discovered miles from their homes, some with their internal organs removed. For those interested, I recommend perusing this article which examines the topic in more depth.
Where to Stay in Death Valley
There are some accommodation options available inside Death Valley National Park – hotels, resorts, and campsites. Another alternative is to find lodging near Death Valley. We discuss all the possibilities you have to stay within Death Valley National Park in this article. However, we will summarize the best options in this article.
ACCOMMODATION IN DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
Within the area specified as Death Valley National Park, there are four lodging locations and nine campgrounds.
HOTELS IN DEATH VALLEY
These are the only lodging alternatives we could discover in Death Valley:
- The Inn at Death Valley: If you seek a luxurious lodging facility to reside in Death Valley, this constitutes the optimal selection. It is situated in the most favorable location within Death Valley.
- The Ranch at Death Valley:This freshly renovated hotel, placed in an identical region as the preceding one, additionally gives a pleasant area to remain in Death Valley.
- Panamint Springs Resort: This resort offers both tourist accommodations and lodging in tents.
CAMPING IN DEATH VALLEY
There are 9 campgrounds in Death Valley, marked in red on the map at the close of this article. The main campsite in Death Valley is Furnace Creek Campground, which remains open all year and is the only one that can be reserved in advance.
The rest of the campsites have varying dates of operation, and most close during the summer. The price also differs from one campsite to another, like some free campgrounds in Death Valley. For more information on camping in Death Valley, you can visit this website.
ACCOMMODATION NEAR DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
If you are having trouble locating lodging inside Death Valley National Park, try browsing accommodations near one of the entrances. Options surround the areas close to Beatty,Pahrump,Lone Pine,Death Valley Junction and Shoshone.
DEATH VALLEY MAP
To conclude this post, a Death Valley Map was prepared below, where the primary points of interest to view in Death Valley National Park are designated.
If you want to utilize this map of Death Valley National Park on your mobile device while offline:
- Download the Mapswithme app on your mobile phone.
- Acquire and safely stash the accompanying KML record in your Dropbox.
- You can open the stored file from your mobile phone through Dropbox. A dialog box will appear where you need to select opening the file with the Mapswithme app (Maps.me).
Ready? You possess everything necessary to start your trip!
