Translate
Overview
Death Valley National Park sits on the California–Nevada border and is the largest national park in the contiguous United States, covering roughly 3.4 million acres. It contains the lowest point in North America — Badwater Basin at 282 feet (86 m) below sea level — and holds the record for the highest reliably recorded air temperature on Earth (134°F/56.7°C in July 1913, though that figure remains debated among meteorologists).
Despite its forbidding name, the park sustains a surprising range of life: bighorn sheep, coyotes, kit foxes, and the endangered Devils Hole pupfish all call it home. Spring wildflower blooms, when rainfall cooperates, can transform the valley floor. The park is also a designated International Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places in North America for stargazing.
The park's human history stretches back thousands of years. Timbisha Shoshone people have lived in the region for centuries and maintain a presence at Furnace Creek today. The late 19th-century borax mining boom gave the valley many of its landmarks and, eventually, its national fame. Death Valley was designated a national monument in 1933 and upgraded to national park status in 1994.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Death Valley is within the United States. Entry requirements depend on your nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for current requirements before travel.
Park Entry Fees
The park charges an entrance fee, collected at staffed entry stations or pay stations. Fees change periodically; verify the current rate at the National Park Service website (nps.gov/deva) before your trip. America the Beautiful annual passes are accepted and may offer savings for visitors planning to visit multiple federal lands.
What to Pack
- Water: Carry far more than you think you need — at least one gallon (about 4 liters) per person per day, more in summer.
- Sun protection: High-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, and light long-sleeved clothing.
- Car supplies: A spare tire in good condition, extra coolant, and jumper cables. Cell coverage is extremely limited throughout the park.
- Cash and fuel: Fill your tank before entering. Gas is available at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells but verify availability and hours locally, as services can be limited.
- Layers for winter nights: Even in milder months, temperatures drop sharply after dark at higher elevations such as Dante's View or Telescope Peak trailheads.
Seasonal Considerations
Summer (June–September) brings genuine life-threatening heat. Hiking and strenuous outdoor activity below 3,000 feet elevation is strongly discouraged from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during this period. Flash floods, though rare, can occur after heavy rain year-round. Winter can bring snow to higher elevations and occasional road closures.
Getting There
By Air
The closest major airports are Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), approximately 120 miles (195 km) east, and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), roughly 270 miles (435 km) southwest. Both offer the widest choice of international and domestic connections. Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is a smaller option to the northwest.
By Car
Personal vehicle or rental car is the primary and most practical way to reach and explore Death Valley. From Las Vegas, the most common route runs west on US-95 and then into the park via SR-160 or SR-374 through Beatty, Nevada. From Los Angeles, travelers typically take I-15 north and then SR-127 and SR-190 into the valley. Road conditions can change quickly; check Caltrans and the NPS website before departure.
By Bus
There is no scheduled public bus service into Death Valley. Some guided tour operators run day trips from Las Vegas; verify current offerings independently, as schedules change seasonally.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle is essential for most visitors. The park's main corridor along SR-190 is paved and manageable for standard cars, but many secondary roads — including the route to Racetrack Playa and parts of Saline Valley — require a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle. Check road conditions at the visitor center or on the NPS website before venturing onto unpaved routes.
Furnace Creek serves as the park's informal hub, with the main visitor center, the park's primary lodging and dining options, a gas station, and a general store. Stovepipe Wells and Panamint Springs are secondary service points with more limited facilities.
Cycling is permitted on paved and unpaved roads but is extremely demanding due to heat, elevation, and traffic on narrow roads. It is not recommended in summer. There is no rideshare or taxi service within the park. Keep a downloaded offline map (such as the NPS app or a dedicated offline map app) loaded before you lose cell signal, which happens quickly after entering the park.
Where to Stay
Lodging options within the park are limited and book up months in advance, especially for peak season (October–April). The Oasis at Death Valley (formerly The Inn at Death Valley and The Ranch at Death Valley) in Furnace Creek is the primary in-park lodging complex, offering a range of room types from historic inn rooms to more casual ranch-style accommodations. Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel and Panamint Springs Resort offer simpler alternatives at other points in the park. Verify current availability, pricing, and amenities directly with each property or through their booking sites.
The park has several developed campgrounds including Furnace Creek, Mesquite Spring, and Emigrant, among others. Some sites can be reserved in advance via Recreation.gov; others are first-come, first-served. Dispersed backcountry camping is permitted in certain areas with specific rules — review NPS guidelines before attempting it.
The nearest towns outside the park with broader lodging options include Beatty, Nevada (east) and Ridgecrest, California (southwest). These can serve as more affordable base options, though driving distances into the park's main attractions are significant.
Things to See & Do
Iconic Landscapes
- Badwater Basin: Walk out onto the vast salt flat at the lowest point in North America. The short boardwalk is accessible year-round, though midday summer visits should be brief.
- Zabriskie Point: A short walk from the parking area rewards visitors with panoramic views over eroded golden badlands, particularly striking at sunrise.
- Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: Near Stovepipe Wells, these photogenic dunes rise up to 100 feet and are most pleasant to visit at dawn or dusk.
- Artist's Drive and Artist's Palette: A one-way scenic loop past colorful volcanic deposits in shades of pink, green, yellow, and purple.
- Dante's View: At roughly 5,475 feet elevation, this overlook takes in Badwater Basin and the Panamint Range simultaneously — one of the park's most dramatic vistas.
Hiking
Trails range from easy paved walks to strenuous backcountry routes. Notable options include Golden Canyon (moderate, ~3 miles round trip), Natural Bridge Canyon (easy to moderate), and the demanding Telescope Peak Trail (strenuous, high elevation, snow-covered in winter — verify conditions). Always carry water far beyond what you think you need and inform someone of your plans.
Stargazing
The park's remote location and strict lighting controls make for exceptional dark skies. The area around Harmony Borax Works and the dunes near Stovepipe Wells are popular spots away from Furnace Creek's modest light pollution.
History and Culture
- Scotty's Castle: A 1920s Death Valley Ranch built by Chicago businessman Albert Johnson, associated with the colorful desert character Walter Scott ("Death Valley Scotty"). The site suffered significant flash flood damage in 2015 and restoration work has been ongoing; check the NPS website for current access status before visiting.
- Harmony Borax Works: The ruins of an 1880s borax processing plant, with interpretive signs explaining the 20-mule team operations that made the valley famous.
Food & Drink
Dining options within the park are very limited. The Oasis at Death Valley complex in Furnace Creek has the park's most varied food and beverage offerings, including a sit-down restaurant and a more casual option; hours and menus vary seasonally, so verify locally. Stovepipe Wells and Panamint Springs each have a small restaurant or grill attached to their lodging. A general store at Furnace Creek stocks basic groceries, snacks, and supplies, but selection is limited and prices reflect the remote location.
Most experienced visitors recommend bringing a significant supply of food and water from outside the park. A well-stocked cooler loaded before entry gives you flexibility, reduces dependence on in-park services, and is considerably more economical. There are no fast-food franchises or supermarkets inside park boundaries.
Alcohol is available at in-park establishments for adults 21 and over, consistent with California law. Drink water consistently throughout the day regardless of thirst — dehydration in the desert often progresses before you feel thirsty.
Practical Information
Cell Service and Connectivity
Cell coverage is sparse to nonexistent across most of the park. A small amount of service may be available near Furnace Creek. Download offline maps, the NPS Death Valley app, and any other resources you need before you lose signal. Some lodging areas offer Wi-Fi; verify with your accommodation.
Emergency Services
The park has a small ranger station at Furnace Creek with emergency services. In a medical emergency, dial 911 if you have any signal; otherwise, drive or send someone to the nearest ranger station or visitor center. The nearest full hospital is outside the park — verify the closest facility location before your visit. A personal satellite communicator (such as a SPOT or Garmin inReach device) is a worthwhile investment for anyone doing backcountry travel.
Money
Credit cards are accepted at main in-park facilities, but carry some cash for pay stations and smaller purchases. ATM availability is very limited — withdraw cash before entering.
Pets
Pets are permitted in the park but are restricted to paved roads, parking areas, and campgrounds. They are not allowed on trails or in the backcountry, and must never be left in a parked car. Heat can be fatal to animals extremely quickly.
Leave No Trace
Death Valley's fragile desert ecosystem recovers slowly from disturbance. Stay on designated trails and roads, pack out all trash, and do not remove rocks, plants, or other natural or cultural materials.
Safety
Heat is the park's primary hazard and should be taken seriously at any time of year below 3,000 feet elevation, and critically so from May through September. Heat stroke can develop rapidly and is a medical emergency. Symptoms include cessation of sweating, confusion, and hot dry skin. If these occur, move to shade immediately, cool the person aggressively, and seek emergency help.
Flash floods can occur suddenly, even when skies are clear overhead, if rain falls in distant mountains. Do not shelter in canyon bottoms during or after rain. Check the NPS website and ranger bulletins for flood watches before entering narrow canyons.
Vehicle breakdowns in remote areas are a genuine risk. Before driving any unpaved road, ensure your vehicle is suitable, your fuel tank is full, and you have water, food, a first-aid kit, and a way to signal for help. Tell someone your itinerary and expected return time. Do not attempt to walk long distances for help in extreme heat — stay with your vehicle where rescuers can find you.
Wildlife, including rattlesnakes, scorpions, and black widow spiders, are present. Watch where you step and place your hands, especially around rocks and in dark spaces. Maintain safe distances from larger wildlife including coyotes and bighorn sheep.
