Death Valley National Park

Nestled in California’s desert landscape, Death Valley National Park stands as a testament to nature’s extremes. Renowned as the hottest, driest, and lowest point in North America, this park features blistering temperatures, expansive salt flats, and surreal rock formations. It promises an unforgettable adventure for the intrepid explorer.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit
Due to Death Valley’s extreme climate, timing your visit is crucial. The cooler months of late fall, winter, and early spring are ideal, with more manageable daytime temperatures and less sweltering heat.

How to Get There
Death Valley is accessible from Las Vegas and Los Angeles. From Las Vegas, drive about 2 hours west on Highway 95, then east on Highway 374. From Los Angeles, head north on Highway 14 and turn east onto Highway 190. Both routes offer scenic views and a glimpse of the park’s rugged beauty.

Entrance Fees and Passes
The standard entrance fee is $30 per vehicle, valid for seven days. For access to all National Parks, consider the America the Beautiful Pass, which is valid for one year.

Key Roads in the Park

• California 190 (CA-190): Runs from east to west, providing access to many key attractions.
• Badwater Road: Connects Furnace Creek to Badwater Basin and is essential for visiting famous sites.
• Artist’s Drive: A scenic loop leading to the vibrant Artist’s Palette.
• Scotty’s Castle Road: Leads to the northern park but is currently closed for repairs.
• Racetrack Valley Road: A challenging dirt road to the Racetrack, known for its moving stones.

Check road conditions before your visit, as closures due to flood damage can affect access.

Top Attractions and Activities

Hiking
Explore Death Valley’s rugged terrain on foot with these hikes:

• Salt Valley Interpretive Creek: An easy boardwalk trail leading to small salt flats.
• Darwin Falls: A three-mile trail to a waterfall oasis.
• Golden Canyon to Red Cathedral: A three-mile hike through stunning rock formations.
• Mosaic Canyon: A four-mile trail featuring narrow canyons and smooth rock formations.
• Sidewinder Canyon: A challenging five-mile hike with the park’s only slot canyons.

Autotouring
Enjoy scenic drives in Death Valley:

• Badwater Road: Leads to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America.
• Artist’s Drive: Known for colorful hillsides at Artist’s Palette.
• The Racetrack: A high-clearance dirt road offering views of moving stones.
• Twenty Mule Team Canyon: A scenic route through badlands.

Viewpoints and Natural Wonders
Death Valley offers numerous breathtaking viewpoints:

• Badwater Basin: The lowest point in North America.
• Devil’s Golf Course: Known for its unusual salt formations.
• Zabriskie Point: A dramatic viewpoint over the Death Valley Badlands.
• Artist’s Palette: Famous for its vibrant, multi-colored hillsides.
• Dante’s View: Offers panoramic views, ideal for sunset.
• Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: Towering dunes in the park’s central region.
• The Racetrack: Known for stones that appear to move across the desert floor.

Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise and sunset in Death Valley are magical. Popular spots include Zabriskie Point, Dante’s View, and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. The unique lighting during these times enhances the park’s dramatic landscapes.

Stargazing
As an International Dark Sky Park, Death Valley offers some of Southern California’s best stargazing. The clear, dark skies are perfect for night sky observation, whether independently or through a ranger-led program.

Detailed 2-3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Badlands and Badwater Road
Explore the Badlands and drive along Badwater Road. Visit Badwater Basin and the Devil’s Golf Course, and enjoy the sunset at Zabriskie Point.

Day 2: Stovepipe Wells Area
Focus on the Stovepipe Wells area. Hike through Mosaic Canyon and explore the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Catch sunrise here before visiting other nearby sights.

Day 3 (Optional): The Racetrack or Alternative Routes
If you have a high-clearance vehicle and an extra day, drive to The Racetrack to see the moving stones. Alternatively, explore other scenic routes or revisit favorite spots.

Where to Stay

In-Park Hotels
Options include Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells Village, offering varying levels of comfort and amenities.

Campgrounds
Death Valley features several campgrounds, such as Furnace Creek, Sunset, and Texas Springs. Make reservations well in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Practical Tips

Safety in Extreme Conditions
Carry ample water, sunscreen, and a hat. The desert environment can be harsh, with sudden temperature changes.

What to Bring
Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and clothing suitable for temperature fluctuations.

Getting Around
Be aware of road conditions and closures. High-clearance vehicles are necessary for some areas, especially backcountry roads.

Unique Natural Phenomena

• Moving Stones in The Racetrack: Witness the mysterious movement of stones across the desert floor.
• Salt Formations at Devil’s Golf Course: Explore unique salt formations stretching across the landscape.
• Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: Enjoy the sweeping vistas and shifting sands of these iconic dunes.

Photographic Opportunities

Capture Death Valley’s stunning landscapes with tips for shooting in challenging conditions. Best locations include sunrise and sunset spots like Zabriskie Point and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.