The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The entrance fee at Death Valley National Park is $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, and $15 for pedestrians or bicyclists, valid for seven days. An annual pass is $55, and an America the Beautiful pass is $80 for a year.
From Las Vegas, take Interstate 95 north to NV 373, then Route 190 west, immersing yourself in stark desert landscapes and unique geological wonders.
Death Valley has various parking lots, including large areas for cars, RVs, and motorcycles. Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells have designated RV parking with some full hookups. Overnight parking is allowed in campgrounds, but not in day-use lots. Fees apply for camping and some lots.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Partial
Death Valley National Park, a vast and arid paradise, beckons travelers to immerse themselves in its stark yet mesmerizing beauty. Located in California’s Mojave Desert, this park is a realm of extreme contrasts, where the lowest point in North America, Badwater Basin, sits beneath the towering Black Mountains. Here, the salt flats stretch out like an endless white canvas, their hexagonal crystals glistening under the intense desert sun.
The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, rising gently from the desert floor, offer a surreal landscape perfect for hiking, sandboarding, and star gazing. As dawn breaks, the dunes transform into a kaleidoscope of shadows and hues, a photographer’s dream. Zabriskie Point and Dante’s View provide panoramic vantage points, each offering a unique perspective on the valley’s expansive landscape.
For those seeking history and luxury, Scotty’s Castle is a must-visit, a Spanish-style villa built in the 1920s that stands as a testament to the region’s intriguing past. The park’s diverse flora and fauna, including the iconic Joshua trees and a variety of desert wildlife, add to its natural allure.
Seasonal changes bring their own magic; summer evenings are ideal for stargazing, while the cooler winter months make it perfect for hiking through the park’s numerous trails, such as the Echo Canyon trail. Though there are no lakes in Death Valley, the park’s dramatic landscapes and unique features make it a destination that is both hauntingly beautiful and deeply immersive. For travelers seeking an unforgettable experience, Death Valley National Park is a place where the harsh desert beauty converges with rich history and unparalleled natural scenery.
- Area (mi²)
- 5310
- Annual visitors
- 1 100 000
- Established year
- 1933
Top 3 Facts about Death Valley National Park
In this region, the highest surface temperature ever recorded was 201.0 °F (93.9 °C) on July 15, 1972, at Furnace Creek, which is also the highest ground surface temperature ever recorded on Earth.
In this arid yet vibrant landscape, over 1,000 plant species thrive, including ancient bristlecone pines and ephemeral spring wildflowers. Desert bighorn sheep roam the mountains, while coyotes, kit foxes, and bobcats stalk their prey among kangaroo rats and antelope ground squirrels. Unique flora like creosote bush and Joshua trees dominate the lower elevations, while rare species like the rock lady flower bloom in isolated habitats. The saltpans may be barren, but where water flows, an abundance of life bursts forth, including the endangered Death Valley pupfish in Salt Creek and Cottonball Marsh. This diverse ecosystem, shaped by extreme conditions, offers a captivating glimpse into nature’s resilience and beauty.
In this arid landscape, the Badwater Basin stands as the lowest point in North America, a staggering 282 feet below sea level. The surrounding mountains, frosted with winter snow, starkly contrast the scorching desert floor, where temperatures have soared to a record 134°F. Unique geological formations, such as the Devil’s Golf Course with its jagged salt crystals, add to the surreal beauty of this extreme desert environment.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Ranger-led Tours
- Night Sky & Astronomy
- Family Camping & Overnight
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Visit in late fall or early spring for comfortable weather. Attend the Dark Sky Festival for stargazing. Plan a few days to explore trails and sights. Arrive early, park at designated lots, and visit the visitor center. Anticipate rocky terrain, rest often, and pack meals due to limited options.
Pack Appropriately
Pack layers for extreme temperature swings, sturdy hiking shoes, sunscreen, and a hydration system to stay safe and comfortable in the harsh desert climate. Bring a headlamp and essential medicines for longer stays.【4】【5】【3】
Respect Wildlife
Respect the desert’s harsh beauty: stay on trails, avoid disturbing wildlife, and hydrate during extreme heat. Enjoy wildflowers in season, but don’t pick them. Leave no trace to preserve this unique ecosystem.
Stay Informed
Pack ample water, wear layers, and apply sunscreen frequently. Stay on marked trails, beware of venomous animals, and check weather conditions. For emergencies, call 911 or park authorities at 760-786-3244. Stay informed about fire restrictions and park rules. Exercise caution near ledges and water features.
Seasons
Spring brings warm days in the 70s-90s and mild nights in the 60s-80s, ideal for hiking and spotting spring wildflowers. Windy conditions are common. Visit in March and April for optimal weather before the intense summer heat sets in.
Experience the extreme in summer, May-September, with temperatures often over 100°F. Rise early to explore before 10am. No special events, but witness the surreal landscape under scorching sun. Not for the faint of heart.
Visit in fall for pleasantly warm days with highs of 82°F and clear skies. Enjoy the park’s tranquility in October and November, ideal for hiking and scenic drives. No significant events, but fewer crowds make it a serene time to explore.
Winter, from December to February, offers mild days with temperatures in the 60s-70s°F and crisp nights in the 40s°F. Sunny skies and minimal crowds make it the ideal time to explore this desert landscape. Perfect for hiking and scenic drives, winter is the best season to experience the unique beauty of this arid wonderland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Death Valley National Park has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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For easy access and amenities, consider staying in Beatty, Nevada, which is just 10 miles from the park entrance and offers lower prices than options within the park. Alternatively, Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells inside the park provide convenient access to main attractions. If you prefer a bigger city, Las Vegas is about 120 miles away and can be a good option for a day trip.
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The easiest hiking trail is the Harmony Borax Works, a 0.4-mile stroll along a gravel path with only 29 feet of elevation gain, making it stroller friendly. This trail explores the remnants of a historic borax mine and is a short, flat walk. Another easy option is the Badwater Basin Salt Flats, a 1.9-mile walk on flat, hard-packed salt with no elevation gain.
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No, dogs are not allowed on trails, including paved trails like the one to Zabriskie Point. Dogs can only be taken on roads, in campgrounds, picnic areas, and other developed areas, and must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
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Parking is included with admission, but you still need to pay the entrance fee, which covers parking at trailheads, viewing points, and parking lots. There are no additional parking fees beyond the entrance fee.
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Start with sunrise at Zabriskie Point for stunning views, then hike and explore the Mesquite Sand Dunes. Visit Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, and drive the Artist’s Drive loop to see the colorful rock formations at Artist’s Palette. End the day with a visit to Dante’s View for a panoramic overlook of the valley.
