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Death Valley National Park straddles the California–Nevada border and covers roughly 3.4 million acres, making it the largest national park in the contiguous United States. It sits within the Mojave Desert and holds the record for the hottest reliably recorded air temperature on Earth — 134°F (56.7°C) — logged at Furnace Creek in July 1913. Despite that extreme reputation, the park is a place of remarkable variety: multicolored badlands, towering mountain ranges, volcanic craters, seasonal wildflower blooms, and a thriving population of wildlife adapted to arid conditions.
The park's name traces to an 1849 incident in which a group of emigrants crossing the valley during the Gold Rush suffered tremendous hardship. Today, roughly a million visitors come each year, most arriving in the cooler months. Furnace Creek, near the park's center, serves as the main visitor hub with a ranger station, lodging, a fuel station, and services.
Elevation within the park ranges from Badwater Basin at 282 feet (86 m) below sea level — the lowest point in North America — to Telescope Peak at 11,049 feet (3,368 m) above sea level. This dramatic vertical range produces microclimates and ecosystems that contrast sharply over short distances, rewarding visitors who explore beyond the main road.
Before You Go
Seasons and Temperature
Summer (June–September) brings genuinely dangerous heat; daytime temperatures routinely exceed 115°F (46°C) and ground surfaces can exceed 200°F (93°C). Hiking is strongly discouraged during midday in summer, and some trails are officially closed when temperatures are extreme. If you visit in summer, limit outdoor activity to very early morning or after sunset, and carry far more water than you think you need.
The ideal visiting window is November through March. Spring (February–April) can bring spectacular wildflower blooms in wetter years, though bloom intensity varies significantly — verify forecasts through the National Park Service before planning a trip around this feature.
Entry and Fees
Death Valley charges an entrance fee per vehicle; an America the Beautiful annual pass (sold by the National Park Service) covers admission and is worth considering if you plan to visit multiple federal lands. Verify current fee amounts at nps.gov/deva or at the park entrance station, as fees are subject to change.
What to Bring
- Water: The NPS recommends a minimum of one gallon per person per day; carry more in summer
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective clothing
- Food: Dining options inside the park are limited and expensive; stock up in nearby towns
- Fuel: Gas is available at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells but is significantly more expensive than outside the park — fill up before entering
- Paper maps or downloaded offline maps: Cell service is extremely limited throughout the park
- Vehicle readiness: Check coolant, tires, and oil; pull over and turn off the A/C briefly if your car shows signs of overheating on long climbs
Getting There
By Car
The vast majority of visitors arrive by private vehicle. The park has several entrance points. From Las Vegas, Nevada (approximately 120 miles / 2 hours), the most common route runs via US-95 South to State Route 373 through Amargosa Valley. From Los Angeles (approximately 275 miles / 3.5–4 hours), drivers typically take I-15 North and SR-127 North, or US-395 and SR-190 through Lone Pine. CA-190 is the main corridor through the park.
By Air
The nearest major airports are Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Las Vegas is the more practical gateway for most itineraries given its proximity. Smaller regional airports exist in Ridgecrest and Mammoth Lakes but serve limited routes.
Fuel Warning
There are no fuel stations between the park's interior and most gateway towns. Running out of fuel in summer heat is a genuine safety emergency. Do not enter assuming you can coast to the next station.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle is essential for visiting Death Valley. The park's attractions are spread across hundreds of miles and there is no public transit, shuttle system, or rideshare service operating within park boundaries.
Road Types
Many of the most rewarding destinations — Racetrack Playa, Saline Valley, Eureka Dunes — require high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles on unpaved roads. Standard two-wheel-drive sedans can reach the majority of popular attractions including Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Artist's Drive, and Dante's View, but drivers should check current road conditions with the visitor center before attempting any unpaved route. Flash flooding can close roads without warning.
Cycling
Cycling is permitted on paved and unpaved roads, but it is an expert-level pursuit given distances, heat, limited water sources, and vehicle traffic. It is not recommended for casual visitors.
Tours
Several Las Vegas–based tour operators offer day trips into the park. Verify operator credentials and reviews independently before booking.
Where to Stay
Lodging options within the park are limited and should be booked well in advance, particularly for the October–April peak season. The main in-park options are clustered at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells. The historic Inn at Death Valley (Furnace Creek) and the Ranch at Death Valley are the two principal in-park properties; the former is a higher-end resort while the latter offers more accessible motel-style rooms and a campground. Stovepipe Wells Village also offers rooms and camping. Verify availability and current rates directly with Xanterra Parks & Resorts, which manages these properties, or through the NPS website.
Camping is popular and several developed campgrounds operate within the park, some requiring advance reservations and others operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Backcountry camping is permitted in many areas with specific rules — check the NPS site for current regulations.
If in-park lodging is unavailable or outside your budget, the towns of Beatty, Nevada (approximately 40 miles from Furnace Creek) and Pahrump, Nevada offer additional motel options at lower price points. Lone Pine, California, on the park's western edge, is another practical base.
Things to See & Do
Iconic Viewpoints and Natural Features
- Badwater Basin: Walk the salt flat at 282 feet below sea level; a short, flat walk from the parking area is accessible to most visitors
- Zabriskie Point: Eroded badlands with dramatic golden-hour light at sunrise and sunset; short walk from a paved parking area
- Dante's View: A paved road leads to a 5,476-foot overlook with views across the valley floor and the Panamint Range — one of the park's most striking panoramas
- Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: Accessible dunes near Stovepipe Wells; best at dawn or dusk when light is soft and temperatures are lower
- Artist's Drive and Artist's Palette: A one-way scenic loop through multicolored volcanic deposits
- Ubehebe Crater: A large volcanic maar crater in the northern park; short rim walks available
Hiking
Trails range from easy walks (Salt Creek Interpretive Trail, Natural Bridge) to strenuous summit routes (Telescope Peak, which requires navigation in snow during winter). Always carry more water than recommended minimums, tell someone your plans, and start early. Many trails have no shade whatsoever.
Stargazing
Death Valley is a designated International Dark Sky Park. The absence of artificial light across vast stretches makes it exceptional for stargazing; the Mesquite Flat area and Eureka Dunes are frequently cited by photographers. New moon weekends are optimal.
Wildflowers (Seasonal)
In years with above-average winter rainfall, the valley floor and surrounding slopes can produce remarkable wildflower blooms between late February and April. The NPS provides bloom forecasts on its website; conditions vary enormously year to year.
Food & Drink
Dining within the park is limited. The Inn at Death Valley and the Ranch at Death Valley each have restaurants, and Stovepipe Wells has a small saloon and café. Prices at all in-park food outlets are higher than you would pay outside, which is expected given the logistics of supply in a remote desert environment.
The most practical approach for most visitors is to bring the majority of your food. Stock up at supermarkets in Las Vegas, Ridgecrest, or Lone Pine before entering the park. A cooler with ice (available at park general stores) allows you to carry perishables. There is a small general store at Furnace Creek that sells basic provisions, snacks, and limited camping supplies.
Hydration is not optional — water should be your primary drink throughout your visit. Alcohol and caffeine both accelerate dehydration and should be consumed with caution in high-heat conditions. Free potable water fill stations are available at developed areas including Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells; verify these are operational at the visitor center.
Practical Information
Cell Service and Connectivity
Cell coverage is minimal to nonexistent across most of the park. A small amount of service may be found near the Furnace Creek visitor area, but do not rely on it for navigation or emergency communication. Download offline maps before you arrive. Satellite communicators (such as a SPOT or Garmin inReach device) are worth considering for backcountry travel.
Medical and Emergency Services
There are no hospitals inside the park. The nearest hospital facilities are in Las Vegas and Ridgecrest. The park has ranger-staffed stations and emergency response capability, but response times in such a large and remote park can be significant. In an emergency, call 911 if you have cell service, or drive or send someone to the nearest ranger station immediately.
Visitor Center
The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is the main information point for the park. Rangers can advise on current road conditions, weather, trail closures, and safety. Hours vary by season — verify on nps.gov/deva before your trip.
Accessibility
Several key sites including Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, and the visitor center have accessible pathways and facilities. The NPS accessibility page for Death Valley provides current details on which facilities meet accessibility standards.
Pets
Pets are allowed in the park but are restricted from trails and most backcountry areas. Leaving a pet in a parked vehicle in summer heat is extremely dangerous and potentially fatal for the animal even with windows cracked.
Safety
Death Valley presents real, well-documented hazards that require active planning — not casual awareness.
Heat
Heat-related illness (heat exhaustion and heat stroke) is the park's most common medical emergency and has caused fatalities. Symptoms of heat stroke — confusion, cessation of sweating, very high body temperature — require immediate emergency response. Hike only in the early morning or after dark in summer, stay in air-conditioned spaces during peak afternoon heat, and never underestimate how quickly dehydration can set in at these temperatures.
Flash Flooding
Despite being a desert, Death Valley receives intense but infrequent rainstorms that can send walls of water through canyons with no warning. If you are in a canyon and hear rumbling or see clouds building over mountains miles away, move to high ground immediately. Check weather forecasts and ranger advisories before entering slot canyons.
Vehicle Breakdowns
Breaking down on a remote unpaved road in summer without water, shade, or cell service is a genuine survival situation. Always carry extra water in your vehicle beyond what you plan to drink while hiking. Inform someone outside the park of your itinerary and expected return time. Do not leave your vehicle and walk for help in summer — stay with the vehicle, which is far easier for rescuers to locate.
Wildlife
Rattlesnakes are present; watch where you step and place your hands, particularly around rocks. Scorpions are common; shake out shoes and clothing left outside. Coyotes are frequently seen and should not be fed.
