Death Valley National Park

Salt Flats, Sand Dunes, and Desert Extremes

California & Nevada’s Desert Wonder

Est. 1994

Death Valley National Park is a land of extremes. It’s home to the lowest point in North America — Badwater Basin, 282 feet below sea level — yet nearby peaks rise more than 11,000 feet above. Summer brings some of the hottest temperatures on Earth, while winter nights reveal some of the darkest skies in the country. Between salt flats, golden badlands, shifting dunes, and colorful canyons, every view feels otherworldly.

Despite its harsh name, Death Valley is alive with surprises: spring wildflowers, historic ghost towns, ancient petroglyphs, and desert wildlife adapted to this extreme environment. It’s a park of contrasts, where every sunrise and sunset transforms the desert into a living canvas.

Featured Experiences

Death Valley’s vastness can be intimidating, but guided tours make it approachable and safe. Expert guides know the best times to explore, how to handle the desert’s heat, and where to find the most dramatic views.

From Las Vegas day trips to VIP small-group tours, guided experiences take you to Zabriskie Point’s golden badlands, the surreal salt flats of Badwater Basin, and the sculpted curves of Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Night tours reveal the Milky Way in skies free of light pollution, while history tours bring the park’s mining and Native heritage to life.

Suggested Itineraries

Death Valley is vast, but its highlights are surprisingly accessible with smart planning. In just one day you can catch sunrise over golden badlands, walk the salt flats below sea level, and watch the sun set from the dunes. With more time, you can dive deeper into ghost towns, colorful canyons, and stargazing under some of the darkest skies in America. These sample itineraries help you pace your trip so you see the best of the desert without feeling rushed.

1 Day Itinerary

Start at Zabriskie Point for sunrise, where golden ridges glow in the morning light. Walk the salt flats at Badwater Basin, then drive Artist’s Drive to see the pastel hills of Artist’s Palette. Spend the afternoon exploring the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes before ending the day with a sunset at Dante’s View, high above the valley floor.

👉 Best for first-time visitors wanting the highlights.

3 Day Itinerary

Day one follows the highlights loop: Zabriskie Point, Badwater Basin, Mesquite Dunes, and Dante’s View. Day two takes you deeper into history — tour Harmony Borax Works, visit Rhyolite Ghost Town, and stop at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. Day three, explore Golden Canyon or Titus Canyon (if open) for colorful hikes through dramatic desert landscapes.

👉 Balanced mix of natural wonders and cultural history.

Weeklong Adventure

A week in Death Valley opens the door to adventure. Add side trips to remote spots like Ubehebe Crater, the Racetrack’s mysterious moving rocks, and the Telescope Peak hike. Include ghost towns, mining ruins, and ranger-led night sky programs. Each day contrasts starkly with the last, showing how vast and varied Death Valley really is.

👉 Best for travelers wanting to experience both the highlights and remote backcountry.

Let Us Plan Your Vacation

Find Experiences, Plan Your Days & Book It All With Us!

Death Valley is incredible, but planning it on your own can feel intimidating — services are scarce, distances are long, and safety is essential in the desert. Our trip planning form makes it easy. Share your travel dates and favorite activities, and we’ll create an itinerary that blends comfort, safety, and adventure.

See Death Valley your way.

From iconic overlooks to hidden ghost towns, explore the park with expert guides.

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What to Expect Each Season

Every season transforms Death Valley.

Few parks change as dramatically with the calendar as Death Valley. Winter brings crisp skies and comfortable days, spring can bloom with wildflowers, summer pushes the limits of endurance, and fall eases into cooler hikes. Knowing what to expect — and how to prepare — ensures your visit is as safe as it is spectacular.

Spring (March–May)
Mild weather and, in wet years, wildflower blooms that turn the desert into a brief oasis of color.
Best for: Hiking, photography, and scenic drives.

Summer (June–September)
Extreme heat dominates, with highs often exceeding 120°F. Visits are limited to early mornings and evenings.
Best for: Sunrise views, photography, and stargazing.

Fall (October–November)
Cooling temperatures return. Ideal for hiking Golden Canyon, exploring ghost towns, and enjoying longer days outdoors.
Best for: Cultural history, hiking, and scenic overlooks.

Winter (December–February)
Peak season in Death Valley. Cool days, crisp skies, and open trails make this the safest and most popular time to explore.
Best for: Full-day tours, stargazing, and hiking.

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Death Valley National Park Tours

View All Death Valley Tours & Activities

From small-group VIP tours to ghost town explorations and stargazing nights, Death Valley is best experienced with local guides who know how to navigate its extremes. Tours make it easy to see the highlights safely, while learning the stories behind the landscape.

Sightseeing Tours

Day trips from Las Vegas showcase Zabriskie Point, Badwater Basin, Mesquite Dunes, and Dante’s View in comfort. Small groups mean more time at each stop.

Not sure which Death Valley experience is right for you?

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Visitor Centers At The Park

In a park as extreme as Death Valley, visitor centers aren’t just orientation stops — they’re essential for safety. Rangers provide updates on road closures, flash flood risks, and tips for staying cool.

Furnace Creek Visitor Center

The park’s main hub, with exhibits on geology, desert wildlife, and human history. Features a park film, bookstore, restrooms, and rangers available daily.

Tip: Always check conditions here before exploring backcountry roads — weather can change plans fast.

Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station

A smaller station near Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Offers basic info, maps, and advice.

Tip: Convenient if you’re based in Stovepipe Wells Village.

Scotty’s Castle Visitor Center (when open)

Focuses on the history of the castle and mining lore.

Tip: Check for updates — Scotty’s Castle has been closed for repairs, but rangers provide alternatives nearby.

Get a better picture of your travel plans.

VIEW PARK MAPS

Visiting On Your Own

Death Valley is vast, and preparation is key. Highway 190 and Badwater Road connect many highlights, but distances are long and services are scarce. Bring water, fuel, and snacks.

Entrance fees are $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass, or $80 for an America the Beautiful annual pass. Backcountry camping and off-road exploration require permits.

Tips:

Carry at least one gallon of water per person per day.

Download maps offline — cell service is unreliable.

Avoid hiking in summer heat.

Check with rangers about road conditions before venturing off-pavement.

One Day Highlights

What Should You Do In The Park?

Wilderness Act Explained

Learn About the Wilderness Areas Of The USA

Park Information & Details

Food & Drink

Dining is limited. Furnace Creek offers restaurants and a general store, while Beatty and Pahrump outside the park have more options.

Tip: Pack food and snacks — services inside the park are minimal.

What to Bring

Water, sun protection, sturdy shoes, and layers for cool mornings and nights.

Tip: A headlamp is useful for sunrise or night sky programs.

Safety Tips

Extreme heat and long distances define Death Valley. Never rely on cell phones for navigation, and always tell someone your plans.

Tip: Stick to marked trails and avoid canyons during flash flood warnings.

Shuttle / Transport Info

There is no in-park shuttle system. Personal vehicles or guided tours are essential.

Tip: Guided tours from Las Vegas provide safe, convenient access without worrying about heat or fuel.

Going Into Death Valley Wilderness

A Spring Break Trip Documented

Visiting With Your Pets

B.A.R.K. Ranger Giving Advice

Accessibility For All

Despite its ruggedness, several Death Valley highlights are accessible:

Badwater Basin Boardwalk: A short, level boardwalk to the salt flats.

Zabriskie Point: Paved path to one of the park’s most iconic views.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: Roadside parking provides sweeping views even without hiking.

Furnace Creek Visitor Center: Fully accessible with exhibits, restrooms, and ranger talks.

Tip: Visit in cooler hours for comfort — even paved paths can be draining in desert heat.

Maps Of The Park & Region

Death Valley’s size and limited services make maps essential. Use them to plan fuel stops, highlight clusters, and backcountry routes.

Overall Park Map

Wilderness Hiking Map

Backcountry & Wilderness Access Map (pdf)

Driving To The Park Map

Download Driving Map (pdf)

Area Map Of Death Valley

Every season transforms Death Valley.

Find tours and activities that match the time of year you’ll be visiting.

Check Out Tours

Park Gateway Towns

Death Valley has no large gateway cities at its doorstep, but small desert towns provide the essentials — lodging, fuel, and dining. Each has its own character and convenience for exploring the park.

Furnace Creek, CA

The park’s main hub, with the Visitor Center, Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch, dining, and campgrounds.

Stovepipe Wells, CA

Rustic and practical, with a lodge, general store, and ranger station. Close to Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.

Beatty, NV

Just outside the northeast entrance, this former mining town offers motels, fuel, and dining. A convenient base with ghost town access nearby.

Pahrump, NV

South of the park, Pahrump has larger hotels, casinos, and restaurants. More comfortable for those wanting modern amenities.

Grand Canyon Welcome To Las Vegas Sign At Dusk

Las Vegas, NV

Two hours away, Las Vegas is the main arrival hub and tour departure point.

SEE TOURS FROM LAS VEGAS

What Visitors Say About The Park

Sunrise over the Bryce Amphitheater was the most beautiful moment of our trip. The hoodoos glowed like fire.

Visitor from Arizona

Riding horses into the amphitheater felt like stepping back in time. Our guide was fantastic.

Visitor from Colorado

Walking the salt flats at Badwater Basin felt like stepping onto another planet.

Visitor from California

Climbing the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes at sunset was magical. The colors kept changing with the light.

Visitor from Texas

The ghost towns around Beatty were fascinating — history in the middle of nowhere.

Visitor from Nevada

Plan Your Death Valley Adventure – Book Tours & Tickets Today

From surreal salt flats to starlit skies, Death Valley offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else on Earth. Let us help plan your trip — book tours, secure permits, and design your perfect desert adventure.

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Death Valley National Park

California & Nevada’s Desert Wonder

Featured Experiences

Suggested Itineraries

1 Day Itinerary

3 Day Itinerary

Weeklong Adventure

Book-open Book-open Let Us Plan Your Vacation

See Death Valley your way.

What to Expect Each Season

Ready to plan your Death Valley adventure?

Death Valley National Park Tours

Sightseeing Tours

Not sure which Death Valley experience is right for you?

Visitor Centers At The Park

Visiting On Your Own

One Day Highlights

Wilderness Act Explained

Park Information & Details

Food & Drink

What to Bring

Safety Tips

Shuttle / Transport Info

Going Into Death Valley Wilderness

Visiting With Your Pets

Accessibility For All

Maps Of The Park & Region

Overall Park Map

Wilderness Hiking Map

Driving To The Park Map

Area Map Of Death Valley

Every season transforms Death Valley.

Park Gateway Towns

Furnace Creek, CA

Stovepipe Wells, CA

Beatty, NV

Pahrump, NV

Las Vegas, NV

What Visitors Say About The Park

Plan Your Death Valley Adventure – Book Tours & Tickets Today

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