Overview
Death Valley National Park straddles the California–Nevada border and encompasses roughly 3.4 million acres, making it the largest national park in the contiguous United States. It sits primarily in Inyo County, California, and includes a small portion of Nye County, Nevada. The park was designated a national monument in 1933 and elevated to national park status in 1994.
The valley floor at Badwater Basin sits at 282 feet (86 m) below sea level — the lowest point in North America — while Telescope Peak rises to 11,043 feet (3,366 m) just a few miles to the west. This dramatic elevation range creates a variety of ecosystems within a single park boundary.
Death Valley holds the record for the highest reliably recorded air temperature on Earth: 134°F (56.7°C) measured at Furnace Creek in July 1913. Rainfall averages less than 2 inches per year in the valley floor. Despite its extreme reputation, the park supports more than 1,000 plant species, 440 bird species, 50 mammal species, and 36 reptile species, many found nowhere else.
The park's human history is equally layered. The Timbisha Shoshone people have lived in and around the valley for at least a thousand years, and their tribal homeland is recognized within park boundaries. Nineteenth-century borax mining shaped the valley's modern identity, and the famous 20-mule-team wagons that hauled borax ore remain a lasting symbol of the region.
Before You Go
Entry Requirements
Death Valley is part of the U.S. National Park System. Entry fees apply and are collected at staffed entrance stations or self-pay stations; verify current fees at the official NPS website (nps.gov/deva) before your visit, as prices are updated periodically. An America the Beautiful annual pass covers entry and is worth considering if you plan to visit multiple federal lands.
For international visitors, visa requirements depend on your country of citizenship. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the U.S. Department of State's official website for the most current guidance before booking travel.
What to Pack
- Water: The most critical item. Carry far more than you think you need — at least one gallon per person per day is the standard recommendation, more in summer.
- Sun protection: Wide-brim hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen.
- Layers: Despite searing daytime heat in summer, nights and high-elevation areas can be cold, especially in winter.
- Emergency car kit: Extra water for your vehicle's radiator, a spare tire in good condition, and a basic toolkit.
- Navigation: Cell service is unreliable across most of the park. Download offline maps and carry a paper map available at visitor centers.
- Food: Options within the park are limited. Stock up in Pahrump, NV, or Lone Pine or Ridgecrest, CA, before entering.
Health Considerations
Heat illness — including heat exhaustion and heat stroke — is a genuine medical emergency in Death Valley. The NPS strongly discourages hiking on valley-floor trails between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. from May through September. Know the symptoms of heat stroke (confusion, cessation of sweating, extremely high body temperature) and treat it as a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate evacuation.
Getting There
By Air
The closest major airports are Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Nevada, roughly 120 miles (193 km) to the southeast, and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), approximately 270 miles (435 km) to the southwest. Las Vegas is generally the more convenient gateway for most visitors. Smaller regional airports in Inyokern/Ridgecrest and Bishop serve limited routes and may be options for some travelers — verify current schedules and carriers directly.
By Car
Personal vehicle is by far the most practical way to reach and explore Death Valley. From Las Vegas, the most common route follows US-95 north to SR-160 west to SR-372 into Pahrump, then CA-178 west into the park, or alternatively US-95 north to SR-267 south. From Los Angeles, US-395 north to various entry roads is a popular approach. Confirm current road conditions with the park before departure, as flash floods and extreme heat can close routes without warning.
By Bus / Shuttle
There is no scheduled public bus service that regularly enters Death Valley National Park. Some tour operators based in Las Vegas offer day trips and multi-day excursions to the park; verify current availability and reputable operators through review platforms or the park's official site.
Fuel
Fuel is available within the park at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells, but prices are typically significantly higher than outside the park. Fill up before entering when possible, and never let your tank drop below half in summer.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle — ideally with good ground clearance and a reliable spare tire — is essential for getting around Death Valley. The park's paved roads cover the main corridors, including Badwater Road, Artists Drive, and the road to Dante's View. Most visitors will be fine with a standard passenger car on paved routes.
Approximately half of the park's roads are unpaved. Roads such as Racetrack Valley Road (to the Racetrack Playa) and Titus Canyon Road require a high-clearance, ideally four-wheel-drive vehicle and should be attempted only after checking current conditions with the Visitor Center. Even experienced off-road drivers have been stranded or damaged vehicles on these routes.
Bicycling is permitted on paved and dirt roads open to vehicles, but the combination of heat, long distances between facilities, and heavy traffic on some routes makes it a pursuit best suited to experienced desert cyclists in the cooler months. Hiking trails range from short, accessible boardwalks (such as those at Salt Creek and the Devil's Golf Course pullout) to strenuous backcountry routes.
Rental cars are not available within the park. Arrange a rental in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, or another regional city before arrival.
Where to Stay
Accommodation within the park is limited and books up far in advance, particularly for the October–April high season. Options inside the park boundaries include lodging at Furnace Creek (which has historically included a historic resort and a more modest inn) and basic motel-style lodging at Stovepipe Wells and Panamint Springs. Verify current availability, pricing, and any refurbishment closures directly with the operators or through booking platforms.
Campgrounds are available at multiple locations within the park, including Furnace Creek, Mesquite Spring, Stovepipe Wells, and Wildrose, among others. Some campgrounds accept reservations through Recreation.gov, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Campsite availability and fee information should be confirmed on the NPS website before your trip.
Many visitors opt to base themselves outside the park in Pahrump, Nevada (roughly 50–60 miles from Furnace Creek), where a broader selection of budget and mid-range motels is available. Lone Pine, California, on the western side, is another option for those approaching via US-395. Both towns offer gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants that are largely absent within the park itself.
Backcountry camping is permitted in most areas of the park at least 2 miles from paved roads and 0.25 miles from water sources and established trails. No permit is required for most backcountry camping, but registration at a visitor center is encouraged. Leave No Trace principles apply strictly.
Things to See & Do
Iconic Viewpoints and Landmarks
- Badwater Basin: Walk out onto the vast salt flat at the lowest point in North America. A short boardwalk trail is accessible year-round; the flat itself extends for miles.
- Dante's View: At roughly 5,475 feet (1,669 m), this overlook provides a sweeping panorama of the valley floor and the Panamint Range. A paved road leads to a parking area; the final stretch is unsuitable for large RVs and trailers.
- Zabriskie Point: One of the park's most photographed viewpoints, overlooking eroded golden badlands. Sunrise is particularly dramatic here.
- Artists Drive and Artists Palette: A one-way scenic loop road passes multicolored volcanic deposits. Late afternoon light intensifies the pinks, greens, yellows, and purples in the hillside.
- Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: Located near Stovepipe Wells, these dunes reach up to 100 feet (30 m) and are accessible via a short walk from the parking area.
Hiking
- Golden Canyon: A 2-mile out-and-back trail through a narrow canyon of golden rock, easily combined with Zabriskie Point for a longer loop.
- Mosaic Canyon: A slot canyon hike near Stovepipe Wells featuring polished marble walls; the trail is approximately 4 miles round-trip to its upper section.
- Telescope Peak Trail: A strenuous 14-mile round-trip to the park's highest summit; typically only suitable from late spring through fall and requires preparation for significant elevation gain.
Stargazing
Death Valley is designated an International Dark Sky Park. The combination of low light pollution, dry air, and clear skies makes it one of the premier stargazing destinations in North America. The area around Badwater Basin and remote backcountry locations offer exceptional viewing.
Wildflower Blooms
In years with above-average winter rainfall, the valley floor and surrounding slopes can produce spectacular wildflower blooms between February and April. These events are unpredictable; check the NPS website or local naturalist blogs close to your travel dates.
Food & Drink
Dining options inside Death Valley are sparse. The Furnace Creek area has historically offered the widest range of on-site dining, including a sit-down restaurant and a general store with prepared foods and groceries. Stovepipe Wells and Panamint Springs each have a small restaurant and bar. Hours, menus, and operations vary by season and can change; verify current options with the park concessioner before relying on any specific establishment.
The most practical approach is to bring your own food and water in quantity. A well-stocked cooler with non-perishable snacks, electrolyte drinks, and easily prepared meals is standard practice among experienced Death Valley visitors. Stock up thoroughly in Pahrump, Ridgecrest, or Lone Pine before entering.
Drinking water is available at Furnace Creek Visitor Center and several campgrounds, but should not be assumed at any other location. Water sources can be turned off during extreme heat events or maintenance periods. Hydration is a safety issue here, not a comfort preference — plan accordingly.
Alcohol is available at park concessions and is permitted in the park, but drinking alcohol in extreme heat significantly increases the risk of dehydration and heat-related illness.
Practical Information
Visitor Centers
The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is the park's main information hub, staffed by rangers who can provide up-to-date road conditions, weather forecasts, and safety guidance. A smaller contact station operates at Stovepipe Wells seasonally. Hours vary; check nps.gov/deva for current schedules.
Cell Service and Connectivity
Cell service is extremely limited throughout most of the park. Furnace Creek has partial coverage on some carriers. Do not rely on your phone for navigation or emergency communication once you leave gateway towns. A satellite communicator device (such as a SPOT or Garmin inReach) is a worthwhile investment for backcountry travel.
Emergency Services
The park has a small emergency medical services capability, but the nearest hospitals are in Lone Pine, California, and Pahrump, Nevada. For any serious medical emergency, call 911 where coverage permits, or use a satellite communicator. The park's non-emergency dispatch number should be verified on the official NPS site.
Accessibility
Several key areas of the park are accessible to visitors with mobility limitations, including the Badwater Basin boardwalk, Zabriskie Point paved overlook, and the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. The NPS website has a detailed accessibility guide for Death Valley.
Pets
Pets are permitted in the park but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. They are restricted from most trails, backcountry areas, and ranger-led programs. Bringing a pet to Death Valley in summer is strongly inadvisable — asphalt and salt flat surfaces reach temperatures that can cause fatal burns within minutes.
Safety
Heat is the park's primary hazard and should be taken seriously at all times of year, but especially from May through September when temperatures on the valley floor routinely exceed 115°F (46°C). Hyperthermia (heat stroke) can develop rapidly and is fatal without prompt treatment. Always carry at least a gallon of water per person per day, hike only in the early morning or late afternoon during warm months, and never underestimate how quickly conditions deteriorate.
Flash floods can occur with little or no warning, even when skies above you are clear — a storm miles away can send a wall of water down a canyon. Do not camp or park in dry washes or canyon bottoms, and monitor weather forecasts.
Vehicle breakdowns are a significant risk given long distances between services and extreme temperatures. Carry extra water for your radiator, ensure your tires are in good condition and properly inflated for heat, and let someone outside the park know your itinerary. If your car breaks down, stay with your vehicle — it is far easier for rescuers to find than a person on foot.
Wildlife in the park includes rattlesnakes, scorpions, and black widow spiders. Watch where you place your hands and feet, shake out footwear left outside overnight, and give wildlife appropriate space. Coyotes are common and may approach campsites; secure food properly.
Local Culture & Etiquette
The Timbisha Shoshone Tribe has deep, continuous cultural ties to the Death Valley region, predating the park by many centuries. Their village at Furnace Creek is the only permanent Native American settlement within a U.S. national park. Visitors are encouraged to approach the Timbisha Shoshone Homeland as a living community, not simply a historical artifact — treat the area with the same respect you would any other community.
The park's 19th-century borax mining heritage is extensively documented at the Borax Museum, located near Furnace Creek. The outdoor exhibit includes original 20-mule-team wagons and period mining equipment. The museum is operated by the park concessioner; verify current hours and admission locally.
Death Valley has a surprisingly rich cultural footprint beyond its wilderness identity. It has appeared in numerous films, television productions, and works of literature, and has attracted artists and photographers since the early 20th century. The annual Death Valley 49ers encampment each November commemorates the emigrants who crossed the valley in 1849 and contributes to a sense of ongoing human connection to this seemingly inhospitable landscape.
