Death Valley National Park
- WD - Home
- Nov 4
- 2 min read
Death Valley National Park Travel Guide
Death Valley, a place of extremes, is home to the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S. But this wonder of the Mojave Desert is far from lifeless. Its golden canyons, vast salt flats, multicolored mountains, and the breathtaking beauty of spring wildflower blooms paint a picture of a park that is truly out of this world. Straddling the California-Nevada border, Death Valley is a vast and surprisingly diverse landscape that will leave you in awe.
Death Valley is Earth turned up to full volume, heat, color, and silence stretched across a desert that feels otherworldly.
How to Get There
The closest big hub is Las Vegas (LAS, 2 hrs), making it the most common entry point. Los Angeles (LAX, 4 hours) is another option for a more extended California road trip. From either, visitors enter via Highway 190. Roads inside the park are well-paved, but distances are vast, fill your gas tank before venturing far.
Nearest Airports: LAS (2 hrs), LAX (4 hrs)
By Car: Access via Hwy 190; carry extra water and fuel
Pairings: Mojave Preserve, Joshua Tree NP, Red Rock Canyon
Know Before You Go
Summer heat in Death Valley can be deadly, temperatures can soar above 120°F. It's crucial to plan hikes only in the early morning or avoid them altogether during the summer. Services are limited, so always carry extra water and food. Entry is $30 per vehicle.
Entry Fee: $30 per vehicle
Safety: Extreme heat in summer
Permits: Needed for overnight backcountry
Wildlife: Coyotes, roadrunners, kit foxes
Best Time to Visit
Winter and spring are the best times, with highs in the 60s–80s. Wildflower blooms after rainy winters are legendary. Fall is also pleasant. Summer is a dangerous time for hiking, but it can still be enjoyed for scenic drives.
Best Things to Do
Badwater Basin: Lowest point in North America (-282 feet)
Zabriskie Point: Sunrise overlook of the Golden Badlands
Artist's Drive: 9-mile loop through multicolored mountains
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: Iconic dune fields near Stovepipe Wells
Dante's View: Panoramic overlook high above the valley
Best Hikes
Golden Canyon to Red Cathedral (3 miles, moderate): Vibrant canyon walls
Badwater Salt Flats (2 miles, easy): Walk out into the dazzling white basin
Mosaic Canyon (4 miles, moderate): Smooth marble walls and narrows
Places to Stay
Inside the park, Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells offer lodging and campgrounds. The Inn at Death Valley is a historic luxury stay. Outside, Beatty and Pahrump (NV) offer motels.
In Park: The Inn at Death Valley, Furnace Creek Ranch, Stovepipe Wells Village
Nearby: Motels in Beatty, Pahrump
Places to Eat
Dining options are limited inside the park, primarily available at inns and ranches. For more options, Pahrump offers a variety of restaurants, ranging from steakhouses to Mexican cuisine.
In Park: The Inn Dining Room, Toll Road Restaurant
Nearby: Symphony's Restaurant (Pahrump)
