Where Are Those Morgans

Visiting Death Valley National Park In December

By: Author Mark and Kristen Morgan

Posted on Published: November 18, 2022  - Last updated: March 21, 2024

Categories North America Travel Blog

Visiting Death Valley National Park In December

If you visit Death Valley National Park in winter you can expect cool temperatures, fewer crowds, more lodging availability and snow capped peaks. We’ve visited Death Valley in December and we think it’s a great time of year for you to visit if you want to avoid overcrowding and save money, as long as you don’t mind cold mornings and shorter daylight hours.

In this guide we walk you through the 10 most important things you should know about visiting Death Valley National Park in December based on our experiences.

Our Experience

Mark and Kristen from Where Are Those Morgans sat with the Death Valley national park sign

We first visited Death Valley for 3 days in October 2019, and then we went back for another 3 days in December 2021 . It’s one of our favorite US national parks because it’s incredibly unique, vast and photogenic. We love hiking and photographing diverse landscapes and this hostile but beautiful environment has it all.

What we liked most about visiting Death Valley in winter was how quiet it was at hikes, photo spots, viewpoints and attractions. Sure, we’ve run into a few incidents in the park (which we’ll explain later), but it’s one of the hottest places on Earth, so incidents are par for the course! Read more about us .

Badwater Basin lowest point in the US salt crystals on a sunny day in December with no crowds

Death Valley is a popular national park but it doesn’t get the same volume of tourists as the likes of Zion, Grand Canyon or the Great Smoky Mountains. And at 3.4 million acres, it’s the largest national park in the lower 48 , so even when it’s busy, it never suffers from the same serious overcrowding issues. Even better news for your visit is that December is the least crowded month of the year in Death Valley.

Our experience : Even though fall is also a quieter time to visit the park, we still noticed a difference in crowd numbers between October and December. We never had any issues getting parked anywhere, we had places like Badwater Basin and Mesquite Sand Dunes almost entirely to ourselves, and we barely saw other hikers on the popular trails.

How Does Fewer Visitors Benefit You?

  • More availability at hotels
  • Cheaper prices at hotels
  • Parking lots at popular spots won’t fill
  • Cool temperatures are better for hiking
  • Hiking trails will be quiet
  • Easier to get photos

We think December represents the perfect time for you to visit Death Valley if your top priority is to avoid crowds. There’s lots of great benefits and the trade-off is minimal.

Hiker with t-shirt pants and hat on walking the crest of a sand dune leaving footsteps behind at dusk with pink clouds

December is the coldest month of the year in Death Valley National Park; it’s when average highs and lows are the coolest they’ll be all year. But considering how oppressively hot it can be in spring, summer and fall, we honestly think winter is the most comfortable time of year to visit Death Valley. It also marks the beginning of the park’s stormy season, but they’re very rare.

Our experience : We noticed a huge difference in temperature between our October and December visits to Death Valley. In October we were struggling with heat on hikes and even at night it felt like we were trapped in a sauna. Whereas, we found mornings and evenings to be slightly on the chilly side in December, but we were mostly hiking in shorts and t-shirts during the day. Personally we prefer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds every time, how about you?

Death Valley December Weather Statistics

  • Average high – 65°F (18°C)
  • Average low – 38°F (3°C)
  • Average temperature – 51°F (10°C)
  • Record high – 89°F (32°C)
  • Record low – 19°F (-7°C)
  • Average precipitation – 0.19 in

Source: NPS

More weather features you might be interested in:

  • Fourth highest amount of precipitation (still very low)
  • Highest humidity of the year (around 41%)
  • Least amount of sunshine (just over 7 hours per day)

Source: Weather US

3. Daylight Hours

Unique landscape filled with rolling yellow mounds leading to a deep blue sky

One of the rare negative aspects to visiting Death Valley in December is shorter days and fewer daylight hours. There’s not a single day in the month with over 10 hours daylight, and on December 21st (winter solstice) you’d only get 9 hours and 40 minutes daylight. Plus, the clocks go back for daylight savings in November, so sunset is around 4:30pm every day in December. Check sunrise and sunset times here.

Our experience : We must admit the early sunset time was challenging during our visit. We had to get really early starts and be out in the car by 6:30am so we could make the most of the day, and then be at sunset spots like Zabriskie Point by 4:00pm latest. But the good thing about early sunsets is getting to dinner at a reasonable hour!

How Will Shorter Days Impact Your Visit?

In essence, the shorter days will result in you having less time to see and do the best things in Death Valley. There are very few things you can do at night in unless you’re interested in astrophotography, so the key is to start as early as you can manage and get a head start on the daylight. We were caught out a few times on hikes with darkness creeping in by 3:30pm, so it’s important to carry headlamps in your daypack.

And by starting early you’ll also get the beat on any day trippers arriving into the park, so a bit of advice from us is to go to whatever’s at the top of your bucket list early in the morning. The final reason it’s great to start early is because you can hike any trails before it gets too hot around lunch time. You might have guessed that getting an early start is our top recommendation!

The Ranch arch sign with stone pillars and wooden board

Getting back to big positives, you’d benefit enormously from lower occupancy rates and cheaper prices at hotels near Death Valley if you visited in December. We think lodging inside the park is excessively expensive year round for what you get; you’re basically paying for the convenience of being close to attractions. But you can also stay at a number of small towns around the park boundaries, and that’s where you’ll save the most in winter.

Our experience : After two trips to the park, we can confidently say that figuring out places to stay is the most difficult part of itinerary planning. Death Valley is gigantic and its attractions are spread out so it makes sense to move hotels each night, unless you stay at one of the two super-expensive hotels in Furnace Creek. But we refuse to pay those prices, so we’ve stayed in Lone Pine, Beatty, Furnace Creek (camping) and Pahrump for a total of 6 nights.

Where To Stay

IN THE PARK : If you don’t mind paying over the odds prices, you should stay at The Inn At Death Valley or The Ranch At Death Valley because they’re centrally located between all of Death Valley’s top attractions. Alternatively, you can stay at Stovepipe Wells or Panamint Springs which are cheaper and still inside the park, but they’re further from most attractions.

  • Furnace Creek – The Inn at Death Valley
  • Furnace Creek – The Ranch at Death Valley
  • Stovepipe Wells – Stovepipe Wells Hotel
  • Panamint Springs – Panamint Springs Motel

CAMPING : If you want to stay centrally in Furnace Creek but you’re visiting on a super-low budget, you can camp or park an RV at one of three campgrounds : Sunset, Texas Springs or Furnace Creek.

Exclusive : Our readers can take advantage of our exclusive no-strings 30-day free trial with The Dyrt Pro to get notifications when fully booked campsites have cancellations.

NEARBY : Finally, you can stay in towns like Beatty, Lone Pine or Shoshone which are all located close to the park’s attractions. You’ll get cheaper rates and more amenities like restaurants and laundry.

Our recommendations:

  • Beatty – Death Valley Inn
  • Shoshone – Shoshone Inn
  • Lone Pine – Dow Villa Motel

Whether you stay inside or outside the park, what we do know for sure is that you’ll get cheaper rates in winter when compared to any other season.

READ : Where to stay around Death Valley

Woman hiking a narrow trail wit soft stone from erosion smooth surfaces

Death Valley’s most popular trails are all located in its lowest altitudes at the bottom of the valley, so December is a perfect time to hike in comfortable conditions. But you won’t be able to hike any of the higher altitude trails unless you have serious equipment and lots of experience. Remember about the lack of daylight and earlier sunsets if you start a hike after lunch.

Our experience : We definitely preferred hiking in December than in October because the temperatures were much cooler and the trails were much quieter. It’s a win-win. We ended up hiking the full Golden Canyon Trail, Mosaic Canyon, Mesquite Sand Dunes, and Desolation Canyon during our winter visit.

Recommended Hikes

  • Golden Canyon
  • Mosaic Canyon
  • Desolation Canyon
  • Natural Bridge
  • Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
  • Salt Creek Interpretive Trail
  • Sidewinder Canyon
  • Darwin Falls

6. Photography

Abandoned old car in a barren and desolate landscape at night with bright blue sky from moonlight

Death Valley is a fantastic place for beginner and professional photographers to challenge themselves in a unique environment filled with unspoiled nature. And because it’s so quiet in December, you get a lost world feel, as though you’re going to be the first person to ever take a photo at a certain location in the park.

Here’s what makes winter great for photography:

  • Storms are more common
  • Earlier sunrises mean fewer people will be out
  • Earlier sunsets mean you can get out to dinner early
  • Lower angled sunlight creates deeper canyon contrasts
  • Cooler temperatures mean you can stay out all day
  • Soft light at golden hours
  • Fewer tourists getting in your backgrounds

Our experience : We’re travel photographers , and we think Death Valley is a hugely underrated landscape within the US national park system. Yes, it’s barren and bleak, but if you look hard enough, it’s also raw and strikingly beautiful. We enjoyed photography on hikes, drives, sand dunes, viewpoints and even at night in the ghost town.

Recommended Photo Spots

  • Rhyolite Ghost Town
  • Titus Canyon
  • The Racetrack
  • Ubuhebe Crater
  • Mesquite Sand Dunes
  • Badwater Basin
  • Zabriskie Point
  • Dante’s View

7. The Food Scene

Badwater Saloon in Stovepipe Wells

Death Valley’s food scene is the same in December as it is the rest of the year, not great. In fact, we’d go as far as saying the facilities overall could do with some improvement, or at least more options becoming available inside the park (especially in Furnace Creek). If you’re camping, staying in an RV or bringing along a cooler, we recommend you stock up with lots of food and drinks.

Our experience : Inside the park we’ve only eaten at Stovepipe Wells restaurant and it was good, so we recommend you eat there or in Panamint Springs if you can. Outside the park we’ve eaten Chinese food in Lone Pine, barbecue in Beatty and pizza in Pahrump, and they were all fantastic. During the days we ate pre-packed sandwiches and wraps from our cooler.

Where To Eat

IN THE PARK : The Inn and Ranch hotels in Furnace Creek have decent food, but they’re very expensive and you have no other choices. Stovepipe Wells has the top rated eateries in Death Valley, with a bar and restaurant serving up good quality food at more reasonable prices. Panamint Springs also has a good place to eat with a huge selection of beers available.

  • Furnace Creek – The Inn At Death Valley Dining Room
  • Furnace Creek – Last Kind Words Saloon
  • Stovepipe Wells – Toll Road
  • Panamint Springs – Panamint Springs Restaurant

Note : The problem with Stovepipe and Panamint is that unless you’re staying there, or you’re on your way in or out of the park to the west, they’re quite a way out from the major tourist area around Furnace Creek. There are general stores in Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells and Panamint Springs with snacks, drinks and light groceries but they’re mostly designed for people staying in campgrounds.

OUTSIDE : You’ll have more dining options if you stay in a town near the park, plus you can buy cheaper and better food in the morning to use as a packed lunch when you’re in the park.

  • Lone Pine – Seasons Restaurant
  • Lone Pine – Merry Go Round
  • Beatty – Smokin’ J’s Barbecue
  • Beatty – Mel’s Diner
  • Shoshone – Crowbar Cafe Saloon
  • Pahrump – Farinata Pizza

Sky high gas prices for unleaded and diesel at Furnace Creek in Death Valley during a December visit

Your safety is the most important topic we cover in this guide. Death Valley is a harsh and hostile environment no matter when you visit. It’s enormous, isolated, barren, mountainous and extreme. Plus, cell service is limited in most areas, so you really don’t want to get stuck in the middle of Death Valley-nowhere an hour before sunset because you forgot to top up your oil!

Our experience : So far in Death Valley we’ve had a sandstorm tear through the campground at 4:00am (we almost lost our tent and had to sleep in the car), our SUV has overheated because there’s no shade anywhere and we’ve had sunburn despite putting on lots of sunscreen. And remember this is in October and December, not May-September.

What You Should Consider

CAR : Get your car properly checked out before you visit Death Valley. Top up all your fluids, make sure all your tires are in good shape and carry spares. You should also have emergency gear in your trunk in case you breakdown.

GAS : There are three gas stations in the park at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells and Panamint Springs. But it’s important to know they often have unexpected opening hours and the prices are astronomical. We’re talking over $7/gallon at Furnace Creek. If you must fill up in the park, do it at Stovepipe Wells because gas is cheaper. Otherwise, fill up before you enter each day.

HEAT : Sure, temperatures aren’t going to be 120F like in summer, but you’ll find the days still get hot in winter because the valley traps heat between the mountains. We found ourselves guzzling water and feeling heat-fatigued on hikes.

WATER : It really is critical that you carry more water than you think you need. Take a few gallons in containers and leave them in your trunk, then simply top up your water bottle to carry around on hikes. You could be miles and miles away from civilization and have problems with your car, so you must have water.

Woman stood next to Joshua Tree pointing to the sky with light layers on after packing for winter in Death Valley

Packing for Death Valley in winter is fairly straightforward, just treat it like you’re going to any of the popular northern US national parks in spring or fall. You won’t need any specialist gear or equipment unless you plan to take on hikes like Telescope Peak, but you will need layers, and lots of them.

Here’s what you’ll experience throughout the day:

  • Chilly early morning
  • Cool mid-morning
  • Hot between lunch-afternoon
  • Cool early evening
  • Chilly nights

Our experience : We were driving from Seattle to Sedona late in the year so we had lots of clothes and shoes with us in Death Valley. Mark spent most of the time in shorts, t-shirts and hiking shoes, whereas Kristen wore light hiking pants with t-shirts to hike and a middle layer sweater for in-between. But we both put our coats on for astrophotography at night!

Basic Essentials List

  • Underwear and normal socks
  • Hiking socks (we use Darn Tough )
  • Shorts or light long pants for hiking
  • Moisture wicking t-shirts for hiking
  • Medium layers to pack on hikes
  • Casual gear for evenings
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen and baseball cap
  • Medium coat, gloves and hat for nights
  • 2 pairs of shoes for hiking and evenings
  • Camera, lenses, tripod and plenty of data storage

10. Things To Do

Photographer in red t-shirt contrasting against the soft yellow colors of Death Valley mounds at dusk

The beauty of visiting Death Valley in winter is that you can do the same things as you could any other time of year, but with fewer people around, cooler temperatures and cheaper hotels. Usually there’d be a trade-off with activities, but not here. Hiking, photography, driving 4WD roads and visiting unique attractions are the best things to do in Death Valley in December.

Our experience : We hiked awesome canyon trails, watched sunset at Zabriskie Point and Mesquite Sand Dunes, photographed Ryholite at night and walked alone on Badwater Basin in December. During our previous trip in October we also drove Titus Canyon 4WD road which was incredible, but we only recommended it for high-clearance vehicles.

Recommended Activities

  • Hike canyon trails
  • Photograph the landscape
  • Sunrise at Zabriskie Point
  • Sunset at Mesquite Sand Dunes
  • See Artist’s Palette
  • Drive Titus Canyon
  • Rhyolite Ghost Town at night
  • Climb Ubuhebe Crater
  • Visit The Racetrack

The Morgan Conclusion

Couple hiking together and holding each others arms in the air at the bottom of an eroded waterfall in a dry canyon

Death Valley is a unique landscape that’s busiest in spring, summer and fall despite temperatures being dangerously high. Personally, we think December is the best month of the year to visit because it’s quieter, cheaper, safer and better for hiking.

Unless we wanted to climb to the high peaks, we would choose December again the next time we visit Death Valley, so we could take advantage of the perks without sacrificing on attractions. The only real downside is fewer daylight hours, but that’s something we can work around. Can you?

M ore Seasonal Guides

  • Acadia National Park in the fall
  • Grand Canyon in winter
  • Lake Tahoe in November
  • Las Vegas in November
  • New York City in April
  • New York City in winter
  • Sedona in December
  • Yellowstone in April
  • Yellowstone in October
  • Yosemite in October
  • Zion National Park in winter

Want more California content?  Head to our  California Travel Guides  to explore National Parks, popular road trips and things to do in major cities of the sunshine state.

We hope this guide to visiting Death Valley in December helps with planning your trip to California!

Please let us know if you have any questions in the comments below.

Happy Travels ,

Mark and Kristen

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The most important things you need to know about visiting Death Valley National Park in December, including crowds, weather, hotels, hiking and much more.

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visit death valley in december

Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

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The Crowded Planet

What to do in Death Valley in Winter

Updated February 20, 2024

// By Margherita

Welcome to Death Valley, one of the largest, most varied and craziest national parks to visit in the US! Winter is actually the best time to be there – so there you go, here is our guide to visiting Death Valley in winter 2024 and beyond!

Planning to visit Death Valley from Las Vegas? Check out these wonderful tours!

We love organizing our tours with GetYourGuide – they offer lots of different tours with 24/7 assistance, flexible booking and great prices!

  • From Las Vegas: Death Valley Day Tour – discover all the must-see sights around the park!
  • From Las Vegas: Death Valley & Rhyolite Ghost Town Day Trip – the best of the park, plus a
  • From Las Vegas: Full Day Death Valley Group Tour – includes all the sights mentioned in this article!
  • Las Vegas: Death Valley Day Trip w/ Stargazing & Wine Tour – see the best starry sky of your life… with a glass of Californian red!
  • From Las Vegas: Death Valley Trekker Tour – a fun day tour on striking pink jeeps!

If you’ve been following this blog, or our social media, you’ll probably know we spent two months on our US Southwest road trip of a lifetime , between January and February 2020. 

During our trip, we visited several US national parks in winter. We hiked in Zion , marvelled at the snowy landscape of Bryce Canyon , toured the desert in Big Bend , got lost amid the dunes in White Sands , and more.

Visiting national parks in the coldest months of the year came with disadvantages – the cold weather, fewer hours of sunlight, and sometimes partial closures.

death valley sunset

However, advantages more than outweighed problems – the national parks we visited in winter were very, very quiet. Visits were always an enjoyable experience, with no crowds and queues. 

Death Valley National Park doesn’t fit into this pattern. Winter is high season in Death Valley – the only season in the year where temperatures are actually bearable, and you can visit and even hike without dreaming of air con. 

This means that visiting Death Valley in winter needs to be planned ahead. You need to reserve accommodation in advance if you plan to stay in the national park, and decide where to go – did I mention Death Valley is huge? It’s actually the largest US national park in the Lower 48!

After visiting Death Valley in winter , we’ve put together this guide to make planning easier for you. Let us know if there are any info you wish us to include!

death valley zabriskie

Things to Know About Death Valley in Winter

Death valley winter weather.

Death Valley is one of the hottest places on earth , because of a combination of lack of water, elevation below sea level, and rocks in the valley floor and surrounding mountains, trapping the heat in the depression. 

Death Valley is also the place where the hottest temperature ever was recorded on Earth – a whopping 134°F (57°C), recorded at Furnace Creek on July 10, 1913.

In summer, Death Valley is truly scorching. Temperatures top 120°F (49°C), and only dip into the 90s°F (mid-30s°C) at night. Even getting out of a vehicle to walk to a viewpoint becomes hard due to the severe heat – hiking is near impossible unless you have a death wish. 

In contrast, winter is a very pleasant time to visit Death Valley. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s°F (between 20-25°C), dropping just above freezing at night. You can hike without breaking into a sweat after 5 seconds, and there’s no need to really worry about rain – it hardly ever rains in Death Valley , in winter or otherwise. 

Does it Ever Snow in Death Valley?

In short, the answer is no. It only rains an average of 3/4 days in Death Valley throughout the year, and given that temperatures are well above freezing usually, the chances of enough snowfall to accumulate on the valley floor are very small indeed. 

However, don’t forget that not all of Death Valley National Park is below sea level.

The park does indeed include Badwater Basin , the lowest place in North America, at an elevation of 282 feet (86 m) below sea level. However, there’s a huge elevation difference between the lowest and highest point in the park – Telescope Peak, 11,043 feet (3,366 m) high.

You will indeed find snow on Telescope Peak and surrounding mountains , but not on the valley floor where you’re likely to spend the majority of your time in Death Valley in winter. 

death valley scenic drive

How to Get to Death Valley

Death Valley National Park is in southeastern California , about 150 miles west of Vegas and 185 miles north of Los Angeles.

The park measures 140 miles from north to south, and it’s between 5 and 15 miles wide. As a result, distances to Death Valley largely depend on where in the park you are planning to go.  There are two main entrances – Panamint Springs  to the west and  Death Valley Junction to the east.

Driving time from Vegas is approximately two hours , and you’ll be entering the park from Death Valley Junction. 

Visitors coming from California will definitely enter from Panamint Springs. Driving time from Los Angeles is about 4 hours and distance is just over 200 miles, depending where in LA you’ll be leaving from.

From San Francisco, driving time is 8 hours , and distance is around 450 miles. We recommend breaking the trip to visit Sequoia National Park, which is also amazing in winter!

Getting Around Death Valley in Winter

Given its sheer size, the best (and only, really) way to get around Death Valley is by car. Most Death Valley points of interest are located close to Highway 190, crossing the park from north to south, and on a one (long) day you can check out most of them. 

It’s also possible to cycle around Death Valley , but please don’t attempt this in any other seasons besides winter, and only if you’re really fit and experienced. 

Is Death Valley Busy in Winter?

Death Valley’s high season is in winter , so you may expect to find crowds. You’ll be pleased to know this is rarely the case! The park is so big, and there are so many things to do and see, that even on a weekend or public holiday visitors are likely to be scattered all over. 

So, Death Valley in winter is pleasant, AND you are unlikely to be stuck in crowds. This is really reason to add it to your California itinerary!

death valley road trip

Best Death Valley Winter Hikes

One of the main reasons to visit Death Valley in winter is that it’s the only time during the year when hiking is actually possible.

Having said that, please be aware that temperatures can soar really quickly in winter as well – the day we visited in mid-Feb, it got to the mid-80s (about 20°C) in the middle of the day, and a seemingly easy hike became strenuous really quickly.

Don’t forget to have plenty of water with you , and avoid hiking in the middle of the day – always prefer morning or late afternoon.

Zabriskie Point Trail

death valley zabriskie point

Distance  0.3 miles / Difficulty Easy / Time  30 mins

As far as Death Valley hikes go, this is probably the easiest , a short trail leading to a viewpoint where you can enjoy sweeping views over the Badlands section known as Zabriskie Point.

The hike is paved and doesn’t present technical difficulties, but it’s uphill and in the blazing sun , so it may be hard if it’s hot. Don’t forget to take your water bottle!

If you want to hike deeper into the Badlands at Zabriskie Point, there is also a 2.7 mile loop departing from the viewpoint , taking you close to the rock formations.

A stop in Zabriskie Point is included along this sustainable 7-day tour of American National Parks – don’t miss it!

Darwin Falls

Distance 2.1 miles return /Difficulty Easy / Time 1.5 hours

Wait a second, isn’t Death Valley National park a desert? So, what is a waterfall doing there?

You’ll just have to take this easy yet rewarding hike to explore this oddity, a small but perennial waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation in the middle of the hottest and driest place in North America!

To see it, drive to the Darwin Falls parking lot just off Old Toll Road, only 3 miles from Panamint Springs. The trail is only a mile each way but it requires a bit of scrambling and creek crossing. You’ll see vegetation increase gradually, until you find the falls right in front of you at the end of the trail. 

Badwater Basin Crossing

Distance 6.5 miles one way / Difficulty Intermediate / Time up to 4/5 hours

death valley badwater basin salt flats

This trail allows you to cross the vast depression known as Badwater Basin , which also includes the lowest place in North America. 

Total length is 6.5 miles point-to-point, and it does get kind of tedious after a while, so we don’t actually recommend hiking all of it – just turn back when you get fed up, or else arrange for someone to pick you up.

The trail starts at the parking lot along Badwater Road, and the first mile or so is well beaten, as this is what most people hike. After that, the path gets narrower and less clear , until it disappears completely.

It’s hard to get lost as the landscape is quite open, but don’t underestimate distance. The complete crossing is a full-day affair, and it can get very hot!

Badwater Basin is also one of the coolest places in Death Valley for stargazing, and winter offers perfect conditions – this Death Valley day trip includes stargazing , a fantastic experience!

Best Places to Visit in Death Valley National Park

Part of the appeal of visiting Death Valley in winter (or any other season, really) is the incredible landscape variety, and the opportunity to see several different scenic locations within relatively short driving distance. 

The following places can all be visited in one day . I’ve listed them in the same order we visited them, entering the park from the east (closest entrance if you’re driving from Vegas), and ending in Panamint Springs.

Don’t forget that Death Valley is huge , so follow the same order to minimise driving time!

This drive can be the perfect itinerary to follow if you’re in Death Valley for just one day. Let us know what you think!

Dante’s View

death valley dantes view

From the east entrance, Dante’s View is only about half an hour drive away. If you wish to start your Death Valley in winter experience with a bang, Dante’s View is the ideal place – a viewpoint on a mountaintop at 5,476 ft (1,669 m), overlooking Death Valley. 

It’s the perfect place to get a sweeping view of Death Valley National Park – you can see the entire depression right before you, flanked by mountains. You can also see the shimmering expanse of Devil’s Golf course, which you’ll be visiting later on. 

The ‘Dante’ in the place name was chosen in reference to Dante Alighieri and the Divine Comedy. 

A stop at Dante’s View is included in this small-group tour of Death Valley NP from Las Vegas , the closest town to the park!

Zabriskie Point

death valley zabriskie badlands

20 miles and about 30 minutes drive from Dante’s Peak you’ll find Zabriskie Point , the most famous Badlands expanse in the national park, known for its colourful rocks.

You can leave your car at the parking lot and follow the short trail described above, or head into the Badlands on a longer trail to get close to the various rock formations.

The colours are due to the fact that the area was once the bottom of an ancient lake – what you see today are sediment layers , worn away by millions of years of erosion. 

In the early 20th century, borax was mined in Death Valley. The general manager was Christian Brevoort Zabriskie , after whom the location was named. You may also remember the name from Michelangelo Antonioni’s 1970 film, Zabriskie Point. 

On your way in or out of Zabriskie Point, you may also want to drive across Twenty Mule Team Canyon , a short, scenic unpaved road through the badlands named after the 20 mule teams that ferried borax away from the mines. 

Devil’s Golf Course

death valley devils golf course

The next location is only 12 miles from Zabriskie Point. Devil’s Golf Course used to be the bottom of a lake – when this evaporated, it left a thick layer of salt, which was eroded over time into sharp, jagged shards , some of which are over two feet high. 

The name comes from one of the early National Park Service guidebooks, which described the location saying ‘only the devil could play golf’ there. Nowadays you may indeed find golfers there attempting to play – but be very, very careful as you walk around, as those salt spikes are sharp!

A fun way to visit Devil’s Golf Course is this 4×4 tour of Death Valley NP on bright pink jeep!

Artists Palette 

death valley artists palette

If you thought nothing could beat the colours of Zabriskie Point, think again! There’s a reason why this sedimentary hill is called Artists Palette – from vibrant pink, to ochre and even aquamarine, mineral layers and erosion have created a true colourful masterpiece of nature. 

To reach Artists Palette, you’ll have to drive down Artists Drive , a 9-mile scenic drive just off Badwater Road. Don’t forget it’s one way, so you’ll have to drive it south to north, which requires a little detour if you’re coming from Devil’s Golf Course. 

Distance from Devil’s Golf Course to Artists Palette is about 15 miles, also considering the scenic drive!

Badwater Basin

death valley badwater basin

Together with the badlands at Zabriskie Point, Badwater Basin is THE place people associate with the image of Death Valley , a pool of salty water surrounded by salt flats, set in a 200-square mile depression.

As we mentioned before, Badwater Basin also includes the lowest point in North America , at 282 feet below sea level.

There’s a sign marking the spot, which gets crowded with visitors – but you just need to hike a little further to have the place to yourself, surrounded by the giant plains. If you want to hike all the way across, be sure to read the hiking informations we described in the previous section.

Fun fact – as you hike back towards the car park, you’ll see a sign on a mountain right in front of you marking sea level , giving you an idea of how ‘deep’ you are!

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

death valley sand dunes

You can’t have a desert without dunes, right? Well, Death Valley delivers also in this department! 

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes is best place in Death Valley National Park to see dunes, especially at sunset. It’s 40 miles from Badwater Basin, not far from Stovepipe Wells were you can also find accommodation, so it’s the ideal conclusion to your 1 day itinerary around Death Valley in winter.

The dunes can get up to 100 feet high, and if you’ve never hiked on dunes before, you’ll soon see how hard it is! There’s no trail as such to follow , but if you’re visiting for sunset you’ll definitely see other people, so there’s no need to worry about getting lost. 

After night falls, you’ll just have to look up to see the marvel of a Death Valley starry sky! 

death valley dusty landscape

Where to Stay in Death Valley

Inside the national park.

-Camping:  the most affordable way to stay inside Death Valley National Park is definitely camping. There are several campsites around the park , varying in terms of facilities, and opening times. The campsite at Furnace Creek is the only one that can be reserved in advance, all the others are available on a first come, first served basis. 

You can find more info about camping in Death Valley on this page on the NPS website. 

-The Oasis at Death Valley Resort: this resort located in Furnace Creek is definitely the best place to stay in the national park.

It is made up of two separate properties – The Inn at Death Valley , a luxury hotel dating back to the early 20th century with a spring-fed pool, and The Ranch at Death Valley , offering slightly more affordable motel-style accommodation.

-Stovepipe Wells: this is the second of the three accommodation options inside the hotel. It’s a Western-themed hotel with a saloon, restaurant and heated outdoor pool.

The main benefits of staying here are that rates are considerably cheaper than the Oasis at Death Valley, and it’s in an official dark sky viewing area. There is also an adjacent campsite and RV park.

-Panamint Springs: here you’ll find the most budget-friendly option inside Death Valley National Park.

Outside the National Park

The three hotels located inside Death Valley National Park are all quite steeply priced, and fill up fast in winter considering it’s also high season. 

For something a little more budget friendly , you may look for hotels in Beatty or Pahrump , two Nevada towns about 40 minutes away from the park. Here are some options!

  • Best Western Pahrump Oasis – fantastic midrange option with excellent breakfast!
  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites – motel-style accommodation with pool and gym
  • Saddle West Casino Hotel – perfect if you’re a casino lover!
  • Death Valley Inn & RV Park – with outdoor pool, hot tub and barbecue facilities
  • El Portal Motel – great budget option with seasonal swimming pool

1 thought on “What to do in Death Valley in Winter”

Thank you so much for a great overview of the traveling in Death Valley!

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Things to see and do in Death Valley

Death Valley in Winter – 17 Amazing Things to See and Do

Last Modified: September 15, 2023 //  by  Anda //   17 Comments

Traveling to a place called Death Valley may not inspire much confidence, but don’t let the name put you off. Despite its ominous name, Death Vallely National Park can be a fascinating place to visit for those who love the desert. Every year, millions of visitors are lured by its rolling sand dunes, rainbow-colored mountains, and barren salt flats. Especially in winter, when the temperatures are extremely pleasant in Death Valley, and they get to see a do a lot during their visit.

Best things to do in Death Valley

Table of Contents

Interesting Facts About Death Valley

Why visit death valley in the winter, 1. dante’s view, 2. zabriskie point, 3. badwater basin, 4. artists drive & artists palette, 5. darwin falls, 6. devil’s golf course, 7. harmony borax works, 8. father crowley vista point, 9. ubehebe crater, 10. racetrack playa, 11. the natural bridge, 12. mosaic canyon, 13. stargazing, 14. lee flat joshua tree forest, 15. wildrose charcoal kilns, 16. mesquite sand dunes, 17. scotty’s castle, important things to know before visiting death valley in winter, where to stay when visiting death valley.

Death Valley was given its creepy name by a group of explorers who got lost in this area in the winter of 1849-1850. Even though only one of the group died they thought they would all perish, so they nicknamed the place ‘ Death Valley .’ 

Old, rusted cars abandoned in Death Valley

Located in the Mojave Desert in California, right on the border with Nevada, Death Valley is a very rough and inhospitable area. It’s the hottest and driest place on Earth! A land of extremes: extreme temperatures, extreme altitudes, and extremely strange environmental occurrences.

Inhospitable road in Death Valley

The highest temperature ever recorded on Earth was in Furnace Creek – an area of Death Valley – where in the summer of 1913 the thermometers hit 134º F. Except for the winter, when the temperatures are pleasant, Death Valley can get very hot.

But despite being a harsh environment, Death Valley has a surprisingly diverse plant life. As a result, this is one of the greatest places to see the desert bloom in spring , when there is enough rain in California.

image showing the desert super bloom

Death Valley is the largest national park on the continental United States, spanning over 5,000 square miles. The Park is home to the lowest point in North America – the Badwater Basin – which lies at 282 feet below sea level.

Badwater Basin

In the early 1900s, the gold seekers who prospected the mountains of Death Valley built many settlements around the area. But when the mining ended in 1915, all these once bustling towns were slowly abandoned, so today there are more than 100 ghost towns in Death Valley.

Rhyolite Ghost Town next to Death Valley

The most famous one is Rhyolite, located right outside the park.

Death Valley is one of the most popular National Park in the United States, so it’s a staple on any California road trip itinerary . The park is open year round. However, by May the valley is already too hot for most visitors. Despite the heat, visitors from all around flock to see the park even throughout the hottest months. But unfortunately they don’t get to see or do too many things when stepping outside of the car feels like getting into a burning oven! That is why we think winter is the best time of year to visit Death Valley.

Below is a chart of the annual temperatures in the Death Valley:

Winter brings cool days and chilly nights in Death Valley, with some snow on the high mountains. Average temperatures are between 40-60ºF, which is just perfect for hiking the sand dunes. This period is particularly beautiful for exploring the valley.

Spring is the second most popular season in Death Valley, with temperatures between 75-90ºF. For many people in spring the temperatures are too high for hiking. However, this is the best time of year to see wild flowers, if California gets enough rain in winter

Summers are brutal in Death Valley! The park becomes a rough and inhospitable place. This is the hottest and driest place on Earth, so summer with temperatures that can rise up to 134ºF. On average, you can expect temperatures between 110-116ºF in Death Valley in summer.

Fall arrives in late October in Death Valley. The temperatures start cooling off considerably and it’s time again for hiking the canyons and visiting the sites. Temperatures vary between 93º-55ºF.

Best Things to Do in Death Valley National Park in Winter

The first time you see the landscape of the Death Valley, whether it iss in spring, in fall, or in winter, you feel like you are on another planet. It’s impossible not to be impressed by the immensity of this valley that opens in front of you. The park is so huge that you can spend weeks exploring it.

Death Valley landscape

Unfortunately, most people don’t have that kind of time, but you should consider spending at least 2 days in Death Valley . Here is a list of the 17 best places to visit in Death Valley.

Located on Highway 190, about 16 miles south of Furnace Creek, Dante’s View is considered one of the most scenic viewpoints over Death Valley. It’s a great place for photography. I highly recommend stopping here first because you’ll get a great perspective of the entire area, as well as amazing views of the Badwater Basin.

View of Death Valley from Dante's Peak

The viewing platform is right next to the parking lot, so there is very little walking to do for those with mobility issues. Hiking to the viewpoint itself it’s not too difficult. Just make sure you wear good hiking shoes as there are loose rocks along the way.

This is another great spot for photography. The light is particularly good at sunrise, when you’ll witness a truly amazing palette of colors that changes very fast, as the sun goes up.

Going up to the viewing platform requires only a short walk from the parking lot. But try to get there early, as the place gets packed with with photographers trying to snap a good shot.

Zabriskie Point

The Badwater Basin lies 282 feet below sea level. This point marks the lowest dry elevation in North America. That’s quite something when you think about. 

Badwater Basin

You can’t really appreciate how vast this salt flat is until you get there and look around. It just seems to stretch for miles! You may take the white stretch of salt for snow, if you are visiting Death Valley in winter, but when you get close you realize it’s not.

Take a stroll for as long as you want and then turn back. That’s about all you can do in this place.

Taking a selfie at Badwater Basin

Parking is really tight here, but you can also park on the side of the road if there is no space available.

The drive up to Artists Palette is one of my favorite things to do in Death Valley. The entire drive is 9 miles and is one way, so you can stop along the way to take pictures. The scenery is absolutely spectacular!

Artists Drive

No wonder Artist’s Palette was one of the filming locations for the movie Star Wars. When you get here, I recommend walking to the right on the near side of the dry creek bed to see where the Sand Crawler was parked in the first Star Wars movie.

View of Artist's Palette at Death Valley

Access to the Artist’s Drive is off Badwater Road. Along the drive there are places where you can park your car and out and hike into the rock formations.

Darwin Falls is an unexpected oasis in the middle of the desert. The trailhead close to the Park entrance , when coming from the California side.

Hiking to Darwins Falls in Death Valley

The dirt road (2.5 miles) is lovely, going though an area with a lot of vegetation and the waterfall at the end is pretty amazing when you think how dry Death Valley is. This canyon reminds me a lot about the Deep Hot Springs hike along the Mojave River. Very similar scenery: an oasis in the middle of the desert.

I can’t think of a more dreadful and inhospitable scenery than the lumpy salt flats at Devil’s Golf Course.

Hiking on Devil's Golf Course

Located near Badwater Basin, these area is worth a quick stop just to see what strange forms salt can take sometimes. These formations can be surprisingly sharp, so be careful when stepping on them.

Harmony Borax Works are the ruins of an old borax ore-processing plant in Furnace Creek Springs. Borax was the “white gold” of the desert, an ingredient used in laundry detergents and in the production of fiberglass.

visit death valley in december

The 0.4 miles Interpretive Trail shows the remains of a building and a well-preserved 20-mule team wagon (minus the mules). It’s not much to see, but it’s still interesting and I think it’s worth the short walk off Highway 190. 

visit death valley in december

Father Crowley Vista is located 7.5 miles west of Panamint Springs along Highway 190 near the western boundary of the Park. This is a good place to stop and enjoy a panoramic a view into Rainbow Canyon.

View from Father Crowley Overlook

Ubehebe Crater is 30-40 miles away from Furnace Creek, which is a good 45 minute drive, but it’s worth the trip. Some people hike down into it, but it requires a lot of effort to get back up, so we didn’t. We only hiked around the crater, which is also very impressive.

Hiking the Ubehebe Crater in Death Valley

Ever since I heard about these mysterious rocks that travel by themselves over a dry lake bottom, I wanted to see the Racetrack Playa. But this is not an easy place to reach.

Dirt road to Racetrack Playa

The only way to get there is via a rough, rocky road covered with gravel and sharp rocks, that passes though a very remote area. Flat tires and accidents are very common on this road. We’ve seen at least 3 on our way there. You’ll need a 4 WD car with high clearance and special off-road tires.

This 27-miles dirt road will take you roughly 2.5 hours to drive (one way.) But once you get there, the scenery is absolutely amazing.

Teakettle Junction

The Mystery Behind the Sailing Rocks

There are obvious traces that prove the rocks are actually moving, although the surface is perfectly level. But how are they moving? What’s the mystery behind these sailing rocks?

It was long thought that strong winds pushed the stones, but it appears that the movement of the rocks is the result of a perfect balance of ice, water, and wind.

Rock on the Racetrack Playa in Death Valley

In the winter of 2014 the scientists were able to capture some time laps that explained the mystery of the “moving rocks” in Death Valley. The rain formed a small pond that froze overnight creating a vast sheet of ice. Driven by a light wind, this sheet of ice broke up and accumulated behind the stones, slowly pushing them forward. And this is how the rocks were sailing.

walking along the Racetrack Playa in Death Valley in winter

This is a very interesting place, but getting here is a challenge and it’s not for everybody. We’ve spent over 7 hours on the road (from Furnace Creek) and swallowed a lot of dust. For us it was worth it, but you’ll have to decide for yourself if you want to put up with this kind of challenge to see the moving stones.

This is a short 1 mile hike (each way) located only 10 minutes away from Badwater Basin.

The Natural Bridge is the perfect spot for a photo-op as you’ll be underneath a stunning 50 foot tall bridge. So if you only want to take a few shots, it takes about 10-15 minutes to reach the natural bridge from the parking lot.

view of the Natural Bridge in Death Valley in winter

The trail is fairly flat with a minor uphill walk through the canyon. After about a mile you’ll see a large boulder lodged in a narrow part of the canyon. This trail is short and can be crowded, but is well worth it.

Natural Bridge trail

Having been to Death Valley a few times, I was surprised we haven’t done the Mosaic Canyon till now, but that’s probably because this was the first time we visited the place in winter. The 1.7 miles trail ends at a steep (dry) waterfall. It’s a beautiful canyon, and even though there were some tricky, steep, parts, the hike is not particularly challenging.

Mosaic Canyon in Death Valley

We took our time to take photos and made it in and out in 3 hours. But you could easily go faster if you want to. We highly recommend doing this hike, but bring lots of water no matter what time of the year you visit, as it gets pretty hot.

To get to Mosaic Canyon, you’ll have to drive about 2.4 miles on a dirt road. We had a 4 WD, but a 2 WD would be ok, as the road is flat.

If you are in Death Valley, don’t miss the opportunity to do some stargazing. The desert’s low humidity and remote location away from the city’s glare make the jet-black nights in Death Valley the perfect place for seeing constellations, planets and even distant galaxies.

Stargazing in Death Valley

There are a few very good spots in Death Valley for stargazing, depending on whee your lodging is. One is at Harmony Borax Works, close to Furnace Creek Visitor Center. Another one is at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, close to Stovepipe Wells, or at Badwater Basin.

If you think you have to go to Joshua Tree National Park to see a Joshua Tree forest, think again. Scattered along a dirt road in one of those remote, isolated parts of Death Valley, we came across a huge forest of JTs.

Driving through the Joshua Tree Forest in Death Valley

The only downside of visiting the Lee Flat Joshua Tree Forest is that you’ll have to drive for about 23 miles on a gravel road. We accessed this place through Saline Valley Road.

A little detour off the Trona-Wildrose Road will take you up to the Charcoal Kilns, at a 6500-foot elevation. Higher elevation means lower temperature, so take a sweater with you. Especially if you plan to visit this place towards the evening.

Dirt road leading to the Charcoal Kilns

Sadly, not many visitors to Death Valley will take the time to come to the Charcoal Kilns. It’s true that getting up here is not easy. It’s long and exhilarating drive, with some treacherous curves hugging the mountain, but it’s worth the effort. If you are visiting Death Valley in winter, you may find the kilns powdered with snow.

Visiting the Wildrose Charcoal Kilns

The 10 perfectly lined up Charcoal Kilns that you see up here were built in 1877. They are exceptionally well preserved and perhaps the best example of historic charcoal kilns in the West. Back in the 1900s they were used in the mining districts of the West to provide fuel for mills and refineries. 

When you see them, it’s hard to believe they are 150 years old. They look like you could produce charcoal even today.

These are not the tallest dunes in Death Valley, but they are very easy to access (as you drive on Hwy 190, heading to Stovepipe Wells). The highest dune (which is about 1 mile from the parking lot) rises only about 100 feet. It may still look impressive if you photograph it from the right angle.

Mesquite Sand Dunes

You have to stop and take a short hike on the dunes, just for the experience. It’s a bit of a challenge, so don’t get carried away. Save your energy to walk back to the car. Walking on sand is harder than you think. However, if you are visiting Death Valley in winter when the temperatures are low, you may not find the hike too difficult.

Scotty’s Castle was built as a lavish vacation home for Walter Scott, a wealthy gold prospector from the 1920s. Since 1970s, the luxurious mansion resembling a castle (hence the name) was owned and operated by the National Parked Services who led tours of the castle.

Visiting Scotty's Castle in Death Valley

Unfortunately, in 2015 the villa was severely damaged in a flood and subsequently almost burned down in a fire.

The tower of Scotty's Castle

Currently Scotty’s Castle is temporarily closed to the public, but there are plans to reopen in 2023. We saw it on one of our previous visits, many years ago and plan to revisit it after they reopen it.

There are a few things that you need to know for before you enter the park, so I’ll be listing them below:

Death Valley Road

  • Death Valley is a HUGE park , so expect to do A LOT of driving between the points of interest.
  • There are very few gas stations in the Park and the prices are double than anywhere else in California. Even so, fill up your tank whenever you come across a gas pump.
  • There is no GPS or cellular service in Death Valley, so we recommend bringing a map with you.
  • We recommend buying a good Death Valley Map , since the ones provided by the Visitors Center are very sketchy.
  • Internet is unusable in Death Valley. Some hotels offer free WiFi, but the signal is too weak.
  • Entrance Fee for the Park is $30/vehicle (valid for 7 days) and can be paid at any of the park entrances or pay stations.

Statue representing a prospector and his donkey passing through Death Valley

There aren’t many lodging options in Death Valley, so expect to pay a lot if you want to stay the park (between $370-$580/night). The only hotels available are: the Ranch at Death Valley, the Inn at Death Valley, and Stovepipe Wells Village.

The first time we visited Death Valley we stayed at Amargosa Opera House Hotel, at the Death Valley Junction. This is a modest hotel, but with a very interesting history. Even if you don’t stay there, the hotel it’s worth visiting for its strange Spanish style Opera House, dating back to 1923.

visit death valley in december

This time we stayed at the Inn at Death Valley and we were very pleased with the level of comfort, but the prices were through the roof! We paid for the convenience of staying in the park, so we were close to all the attractions.

the Inn at Death Valley

They have a first class restaurant on the premises, a large swimming pool, a huge terrace, a bar, and a beautiful green park with a pond.

You May Also Like These:

  • Guide to the Best National Parks Near Los Angeles, California
  • 8 Amazingly Beautiful National & State Parks Near Las Vegas, Nevada

Things to do in Death Valley

Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

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Reader Interactions

April 10, 2022 at 5:12 am

It’s ironical that such a beautiful place has a creepy name. I have a deep sympathy for the members of the group that lost their lives after getting lost in this place.

March 16, 2022 at 3:35 am

I always wondered how Death Valley got its name! To now know it was due to a group of explorers who got lost in this area in the winter of 1849-1850 is interesting (and devastating). I also didn’t realize it is the largest area in the US. What captured my immediate attention is your Vizsla! I’m a Vizsla mom too! I’ve had them for decades and can’t live without having one. How did they manage with the heat on its paws? Reading how hot it can get, I’d be worried about burning them.

March 16, 2022 at 8:20 am

We were there in February, when the highest temperature was in the upper 60s, Rene. Not too hot of her.

March 13, 2022 at 12:30 pm

I loved seeing Death Valley when I visited and I got to see some of the these sites when I was there. I enjoyed the view from Dante’s Peak and seeing Badwater Basin and a few of the drives too. I wish I had time to see the Canyon and do some stargazing too. I too stayed at the Amargosa Opera House Hotel and loved it, I hope one day it gets the renovations it needs as its a beautiful place.

March 10, 2022 at 6:47 am

Wow! I had no idea that there’s a waterfalls in the area. Indeed that was unexpected since when you said Death Valley, I don’t picture out something green and wet. Mostly its just rocks and sand for me.

By the way, super love your photo with the stars. It surely is amazing to do some stargazing.

March 10, 2022 at 7:33 am

Thanks, Clarice.

March 8, 2022 at 6:33 am

Wow, I had no idea there was so much to see and do in Death Valley! What an unusual place of contrasts, as you say. I think it’s so ironic that one of the hottest, driest places on earth would have one of the best spring blooms — that I would like to see! The falls, crater, Scotty’s castle, and so much more that you’ve described has put Death Valley on my bucket list. Your highlights will come in very handy when I get there!

March 7, 2022 at 1:46 pm

One of the National Parks that I haven’t visited yet. Thanks for the recommendation, Anda. I don’t feel overwhelmed after reading your post. I know where to go now, although it will be hard for us to go to Racetrack Playa as we don’t have 4WD. And I see that you brought along your dog with you. I’m sure our dog Snoopy will enjoy the visit with us.

March 7, 2022 at 6:45 pm

He will surely enjoy Death Valley, Umiko. Just make sure you don’t go there in summer though.

March 6, 2022 at 3:21 am

Wonderful pictures of the scenic places in Death Valley. I see that I should at least plan four days to get a good impression of the park. I guess a Garmin GPS should work in the area, as it goes via satellite.

March 6, 2022 at 8:46 pm

I think 4 days would give you plenty of time to see Death Valley. We only had 3 and we feel that wasn’t enough.

March 5, 2022 at 9:11 pm

This is such a complete article on Death Valley. I knew why it was called so but what I did not know was about the many attractions there. I am quite intrigued by the castle and loved the artist’s pallete. The landscapes that you have shared makes me compare this place to Ladakh in India

March 6, 2022 at 8:47 pm

I haven’t seen Ladakh, but you made me really curious about it Ami.

March 5, 2022 at 3:54 pm

I was passing through Death Valley years ago on a trip between Arizona and North California. I saw some of the things you listed but not all. I remember a short hike or two and it was HOT. There certainly is a lot of old west history there.

March 6, 2022 at 8:48 pm

Death Valley is definitely not a place to visit in summer, Rhonda. In fact, even late spring and fall are too hot for me.

March 5, 2022 at 10:06 am

Amazing! I have been to Death Valley for a quick visit but I really want to go back to see more. Especially seeing the floating rocks has been my dream for a while now. This park is so rugged and dry, but beautiful at the same time. Seems like you really took some time to explore everything there.

March 5, 2022 at 6:20 am

Wow, Death Valley really does have views unlike anywhere on earth. It kind of reminds me of the terrain on Mars almost! I would love to go stargazing here, I’m sure it’s an incredible sight!

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visit death valley in december

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The Real Reason You Should Visit Death Valley in Winter

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In winter, this place miraculously morphs into a desert paradise. And when you visit the Oasis at Death Valley — with its AAA Four Diamond Inn at Death Valley and family-friendly Ranch at Death Valley — you’ll discover a place transformed.

Death Valley comes by its sizzling reputation honestly. But that’s only during summer. In winter, Death Valley miraculously morphs into a desert paradise. And when you visit  The Oasis at Death Valley — with its AAA Four Diamond The Inn at Death Valley and family-friendly The Ranch at Death Valley — you’ll discover a place transformed.

During winter, average temperatures range from the mid-60s to the low 70s with overnight lows frequently dropping into the upper 30s. Those cooler conditions combine with clear, sunny days to make winter the perfect season to get explore Death Valley National Park. When the most of the country is shivering, you can be basking in warm, dry days with endless sun.

Here are a few special ways you can enjoy winter in Death Valley.

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Zabriskie Point, Death Valley National Park

Hit the Trail

Winter weather provides the perfect conditions to follow trails into the park’s canyons and see its incomparable geology.

You’ll find easy-to-reach trailheads near the resort along Badwater Road, including the classic hike into Golden Canyon, just five minutes away. But many visitors miss the much less crowded trek that explores nearby Desolation Canyon. It’s an easy-to-follow cross-country route (just look for the footprints) that leads into a canyon, which gradually narrows and reaches colorful formations similar to the brilliantly hued Artist’s Palette (farther south off Badwater Road along Artist’s Drive).

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See stars like you never have before at Death Valley, a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park

Gaze at the Sky

Except at higher elevations, you won’t see any trees at Death Valley. But what you will see is sky — and lots of it.

If you love photography, winter offers optimal shooting conditions. Storms from the Pacific Coast send billowing clouds out over the desert that create an impressive backdrop for pictures of Death Valley’s expanses. The low-angle winter light also helps reveal details in the landscape that harsher sun conditions wash out, and things get especially dramatic when the clouds leave 11,049-foot-high Telescope Peak, the highest point in the park, covered in snow.

After dark, Death Valley boasts some of the best stargazing anywhere in the world. The dry desert air and distance from sources that spew light pollution helped Death Valley earn prestigious designation as a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park from the International Dark-Sky Association.

Even if you don’t have high-end optics of your own (although basic binoculars enhance viewing), during events with park rangers and local astronomy associations you can gaze into the universe through high-powered telescopes. For example, the Las Vegas Astronomical Society holds complimentary star parties at The Ranch at Death Valley.

Golf

Shoot Your Lowest Round Ever (That’s a Guarantee!)

In most of the country, frigid winter weather forces golfers to take a hiatus. After all, a green certainly isn’t green when it’s covered by snow.

But for golfers, winter is prime time in Death Valley.

Many visitors are surprised to discover that Death Valley, the driest spot in North America, actually has a golf course. But thanks to a highly efficient irrigation system, water sourced from nearby natural springs, and tough Bermuda grass that can withstand the area’s weather extremes and salty soil,  The Furnace Creek Golf Course at Death Valley is a duffer’s delight.

Add the world’s lowest elevation golf course, a par-70, 18-hole circuit that’s 214 feet below sea level, to your golf passport. As unique as the experience may be, The Furnace Creek Golf Course at Death Valley is no mere novelty. A beautifully designed and challenging layout, the course has earned honors as one of America’s toughest courses from Golf Digest. And don’t expect your drives to carry as far: The heavier, low elevation air means that you’ll surrender distance on your shots.

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The pools at The Inn and The Ranch are both naturally spring-fed, and consistently 87 degrees year-round

Swim in a Real Oasis

If temperatures in the 30s or 40s hardly sound appealing for a swim, the cool winter nights create ideal conditions for one of the most sublime experiences awaiting guests at both The Inn at Death Valley and The Ranch at Death Valley. Both of these lodging choices have pools filled by natural springs that deliver water that stays in the 80s, even on the chilliest nights. The contrast between the balmy pool and the cold air is positively heavenly. The Inn’s historic pool has been beautifully restored, and if you need a little warm-up after a dip, get toasty in front of one of two wood-burning fireplaces along the deck.

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A rare “super bloom” event covering large expanse of the desert valley floor with wild flowers, dominated by the golden yellow of desert gold flowers (also known as desert sunflowers or Geraea canescens) in Death Valley National Park in California. The Amargosa mountains rise over the valley in the background.

Ooh and Ahh at Wildflowers

From mid-February to mid-April, when the conditions are right, Death Valley is painted with an explosion of color from a carpet of wildflowers. Golden evening primrose, notch-leaf phacelia, sand verbena, purple mat, gravel ghost, and brown-eyed evening primrose brush the arid landscape in Easter egg colors — especially the expansive fields of desert gold for which Death Valley is famous. To appreciate the diversity of blooms, get out of your car and walk. You’ll be rewarded with a spread of color blanketing the desert floor — perfect for Instagram moments.

How to Explore

The Oasis at Death Valley  is situated in a lush oasis surrounded by the vast and arid desert of Death Valley National Park — just 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas and 275 miles northeast of Los Angeles. The resort encompasses two hotels — the historic AAA Four Diamond, 66-room Inn at Death Valley and the family-oriented, 224-room Ranch at Death Valley. The resort includes natural spring-fed pools, an 18-hole golf course, horse and carriage rides, world-renowned stargazing, and is surrounded by Death Valley National Park’s main attractions. For information and reservations, visit The Oasis at Death Valley or call 800-236-7916.

To discover A World of Unforgettable Experiences® available from Xanterra Travel Collection® and its affiliated properties, visit xanterra.com/stories .

Written by: Matt Jaffe

Specializing in California, the Southwest, and Hawaii, Matt Jaffe is an award-winning former senior writer at Sunset magazine and contributes to a variety of publications, including Los Angeles, Arizona Highways, and Westways. His books include The Santa Monica Mountains: Range on the Edge and Oaxaca: The Spirit of Mexico.

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The Best Time to Visit Death Valley

It is a place where the name alone creates intrigue and has so much to offer, but it helps to know the best time to visit Death Valley. Death Valley National Park is located in the southeastern corner of California near the border with Nevada. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Vegas and a 4-hour drive from LA. Death Valley is the largest national park in the contiguous United States with only four national parks in Alaska being larger. Death Valley is the hottest, driest, and lowest of all the national parks in the United States and is famous for being the hottest place on Earth as well as the driest place in North America. So with all of these extremes, visiting Death Valley can take extra planning to ensure a safe visit. We’ll give you what to expect when visiting the park in each season so you can decide on the best time to visit Death Valley.

Table of Contents

On August 20, 2023, Death Valley National Park experienced a large flood event during Hurricane Hilary that closed the park. The park partially reopened on October 15th, 2023. There are still many roads in the park that remain closed due to this past storm damage. Check the National Park Service page before planning a visit.

Disclosure: when you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we would use ourselves and all opinions expressed here are our own. Read more about our privacy policy.

How to decide the best time to visit Death Valley

It helps to know what you want to do and how you want to see the park in order to determine the best time to visit Death Valley. If you want to focus on hiking, biking, and seeing as much of the remote areas you’ll want to go in the winter or early spring. If you’re ok with sightseeing from the car then going May-September is also a possibility, but during these months there are consistent 100°F (38°C) days often with the heat too intense for anything more than 15 minutes outside of the car. Now we’ll break it down by season and what you can expect when visiting Death Valley National Park.

Death Valley’s Extreme Temperatures

The hottest air temperature ever recorded in Death Valley (Furnace Creek) was 134°F (57°C) on July 10, 1913. During the heatwave that peaked with that record, five consecutive days reached 129° F (54°C) or above. Death Valley holds the record for the hottest place on earth. Ironically, 1913 was also the year that saw Death Valley’s coldest temperature. On January 8, the temperature dropped to 15°F (-10°C) at Furnace Creek.

Death Valley Temperatures by Month

Temperature Chart for the Best time to visit Death Valley

Winter in Death Valley (December, January, and February)

In our opinion, the winter months provide the best ability to see the most in the park with moderate temperatures. The highs in these winter months average between 65-73°F (18-23°C) with lows averaging 38-46 °F (3-8°C). Winter daytime temperatures are mild in the low elevations, with cool nights that rarely reach freezing. The higher elevations are cooler than the low valley. Temperatures drop 3 to 5°F (2 to 3°C) with every thousand vertical feet of height gained (approx. 300m). The period after Thanksgiving and before Christmas is the least crowded time of the entire year. Also, if you’re lucky you might be able to catch the beginning of wildflower season in mid-February but the timing and quantity of blooms vary yearly.

Things to do in Death Valley in the Winter

  • Ranger-led programming starts in the winter; you can check here for more details.
  • Golden Canyon and Mosaic Canyon hikes are both really amazing and possible in cooler months.
  • Explore the Sand Dunes like Eureka Dunes, Mesquite Dunes, and Ibex Dunes which are harder to explore in warmer months.
  • Panamint Dunes–is a longer hike at 7 miles roundtrip so should only be attempted in the cooler months.
  • A must-do is watching the sunset at Zabriskie Point
  • The park also has many biking and mountain biking trails to check out with rental options in Furnace Creek.

Spring in Death Valley (March, April, May)

Springtime brings more manageable temperatures and even some clouds. Windy conditions are common in the desert, especially during these months. The highs for Death Valley in the spring months average between 82-100°F (27-38°C) with lows averaging 55-73°F (13-23°C). March and through mid-April are great months to visit the park, but by end of April into May starts the consistent 100 degree days.

Wildflower Season in Death Valley

The spring is also wildflower season and this typically runs from Mid-February to Mid-April. Only under perfect conditions can you find the desert filled with a sea of gold, purple, pink, or white flowers. The super blooms tend to average once a decade, with the most recent super bloom years being 2016, 2005, and 1998. The most likely place to find wildflowers during this time is at lower elevations or on alluvial fans and foothills. Please remember being in a National Park, regulations prohibit the picking of wildflowers so that they may produce seeds for the next wildflower season.

wildflowers in Death Valley National Park the best time to visit

Activities best in Death Valley in the Spring

  • Look for the Dark Sky Festival an annual event held each spring, where visitors are invited to come and learn more about space.
  • Check updated predictions for wildflower viewing
  • Visit Darwin Falls when it’s at its peak water flow
  • Golden Canyon and Mosaic Canyon hikes are both amazing if temps are reasonable (no shade)

Summer in Death Valley (June, July, Aug)

The high temperatures for Death Valley in the summer months average between 110-115 °F (43-46°C) with lows averaging 81-86 °F (27-30°C). Please note the months where temperatures are frequently over 100 degrees Fahrenheit run from May through September and not just the traditional summer months. Most visitors to Death Valley in the summer mostly sightsee by car. The main points of interest remain open, but staying on paved roads and close to your vehicle is highly recommended. The majority of the park’s summer visitors are international travelers.

Things to do in Death Valley in the Summer

  • Scenic drives are best in the summer. Badwater Basin or Artists Drive are good options. Other popular sites like Devils Golf Course, Zabriskie Point, and Dantes View can also be seen from your car or within a 5-minute walk.
  • Summer temperatures make hiking in the desert dangerous. Therefore, we do not recommend hiking in the lower elevations in the summer. There are places to hike in Death Valley at higher elevations but hikes are typically more strenuous. Check out, Dante’s Ridge (4 mil/ 6.4km one-way to Mt. Perry), and Wildrose Peak Trail (4.2 mil/6.8km, one-way). or Telescope Peak Trail (7miles/11km, one-way).
  • Natural Bridge hike does allow you to avoid direct sunlight by walking on the shadow side of the canyon (depending on the time of day). This hike is 2 miles roundtrip, but is uphill to the bridge and downhill back to the parking lot, 1 mile each way. Go early.

Fall in Death Valley (September, October, November)

While the end of summer means many vacation destinations slow down, it’s just the opposite for Death Valley. Early October marks the start of the high season for Death Valley that continues through April. The high temperatures for Death Valley in the fall months average between 106-77 °F (41-25°C) with lows averaging 76-48 °F (24-9°C). These ranges vary significantly because September and October are still very hot in Death Valley so if you’re looking for lower temps try for November. If you’re looking to steer clear of crowds be aware of the Death Valley ’49ers Week and Thanksgiving as these are busier times in the park.

September and October should be treated like “summer” in terms of trip planning and activities you’ll be able to do. November is quite moderate and can include many of the activities noted for winter.

Stargazing in Death Valley

“In Death Valley the sky literally begins at your feet.” -Tyler Nordgren

After dark, Death Valley has some of the best stargazing anywhere in the world. The dry desert air and distance from light sources helped Death Valley earn the designation as a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park from the International Dark-Sky Association. Ubehebe Crater has some of the darkest skies in the park, but the stars can be just as spectacular at Harmony Borax Works. Death Valley National Park holds the Annual Dark Sky Festival each spring, where visitors are invited to come and learn more about space as well as other ranger-led programming. Don’t miss stargazing in Death Valley and check out the clear sky report here if a visit is in your plans.

Stars at Harmony Borax Works in Death Valley

GuideAlong Audio Tour

NEW! Guide Along recently added an audio guide for Death Valley. We love using their audio guides as they provide great context for what you see in the park. If you’re short on planning time this is great because it tells you all the best stops and what you can skip while driving. Download it before entering the park as the service is spotty and it starts before entering.

Unique Things to See in Death Valley National Park

The elusive burros of death valley.

These ferrel donkeys were imported by miners during the 19th century and are an invasive species that the park service is actively working to manage. They can often be seen near Suprise Canyon near the Wildrose area.

Sandstorms in Death Valley

The way the light illuminates the sand across the valley can be a beautiful sight to see. But be careful as it can also hurt and get in the eyes if you’re outside of a vehicle or other shelter.

Abandoned History

If you keep an eye out you can find lots of abandoned history. There’s a car near the Panamint Dunes and the Surprise Canyon trail also has lots of abandoned artifacts to encounter along the way. Harmony Borax Works is located close to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center and has historic buildings and a mule cart. A reminder that you must leave these items as you found them and not take anything with you.

Star Wars Filming Locations in the Park

Download the free NPS App to enjoy a guided driving audio tour of the spectacular Death Valley locations featured in Star Wars.

Military Training Flights at Rainbow Canyon

There is no set schedule, but you might get lucky to see these military training flights in this beautiful canyon. You can find parking at Father Crowley Vista Point for viewing. Typically these planes can be seen in winter, spring, and fall.

The Moving Rocks of Death Valley

Racetrack Playa features rocks that mysteriously slide across the dry lake bed leaving behind long tracks. To access this area you will need a high-clearance vehicle and it is difficult to get to. 

How to safely visit Death Valley in any season

  • Travel prepared to survive: stay on paved roads in summer. If your car breaks down, stay with it until help comes. Carry extra water, food, and supplies needed.
  • Drink and carry plenty of water: Carry with you and drink at least one gallon (4 liters) of water per day to replace loss from sweat, and drink more if you are active.
  • Watch for signs of difficulty: If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or get a headache, get out of the sun and drink water or sports drinks. Dampen clothing to lower body temperature. Heat illness can be severe and even deadly.
  • Download maps and/or carry a paper map as the Death Valley area is a dead zone for cell service and shouldn’t be depended on for navigation or assistance.

Where to Stay in Death Valley

Death Valley is vast and takes a long time to see so maximizing your time can be important. If you only have a short time try to stay in the park as this will save you the one-hour each-way commuting time. The Oasis accommodations are the most centrally located inside the park and there are other hotels in the area . We did stay in Pahrump as there wasn’t availability inside the park and found the drive not to be too bad for a two-night stay.

Hotels near Death Valley National Park

Is Death Valley National Park Open?

Death Valley National Park partially reopened on October 15th, 2023. Many roads in the park remain closed due to past storm damage. On August 20, 2023, Death Valley National Park experienced a large flood event during Hurricane Hilary that closed the park. Check the National Park Service page before planning a visit.

Lastly, we believe the best time to visit Death Valley National Park is between Mid-October and Mid-April as this is when temperatures will likely be more moderate and you can see more of the park. Overall, this park has so much to offer and it’s easy to pack a lot in during whatever season you’ll be visiting. If you’re planning a visit with kids check out our tips for visiting the national parks with kids.

When to Visit Death Valley

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15 comments.

This is SOOOO interesting, I didn’t even know this place existed! Definitely want to go now I’ve discovered it here!

Never been but definitely thinking of going. Thanks for the info! Very helpful.:)

Your content is great I have never heard of Death valley. you have done a great job.keep up the good work 👍

I’ve never heard of the Death Valley. What a beautiful place! It’s on my list now

We were just thinking of heading to Death Valley this year. The stars are so beautiful in areas like that! We love the colors of the night in the desert!

I drove through Death Valley years ago during the summer months. I was lucky in that it was not too hot (around 100). I did some of the short hikes and love the desert environment.

We loved our visit to Death Valley. You’ve inspired me to return to do some stargazing at night. Beautiful photos!

So many great tips. I had no idea that parts of Star Wars were filmed here. My girls would love to see those locations

I remember a few 120+F days from living in Arizona. They are no joke. Great advice for staying safe.

I have lived in So Cal for many years and some how have never made it to Death Valley. I’m putting it on my list now!

Tops of my list to see and do in Death Valley is finding the burros, seeing a sea of wildflowers (might have to keep going back until this happens!), and practicing some astrophotography. Great tips for visiting this unique place.

I drove through Death Valley recently on a trip to Utah, but unfortunately did not have much time to spend there. We visited Valley of Fire National Park, but that was about it! However, I shall make note of these things for next time I visit.

Can I just say your photos are SOOOOOO good. I found the article really interesting, before reading this I’d never really considered Death Valley as somewhere I wanted to visit as I thought it would be boring. But hearing you describe it, and everything there is to do, and especially seeing your photos I am SOLD!

I passed through Death Valley in early summer many years ago and it was quite hot. The dry heat was fine and I was able to do some of the short trail walks with ease. I wish I had stayed for the evening to see the awesome stars and sky.

Death Valley is one of my FAVORITE national parks. We visited in January and the weather was heavenly compared to where we came from in Michigan lol

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The Best Time to Visit Death Valley

The Places Where We Go

Your Guide to The Best Time To Visit Death Valley

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  • Visit Death Valley National Park

A Death Valley National Park visit is an awe-inspiring experience that won’t soon be forgotten. From the vast, challenging terrain and beautiful views to the stillness of the air and the immense size, Death Valley offers a unique opportunity to explore a truly remarkable place. 

With its stark dryness and extreme temperatures, Death Valley is North America’s hottest and driest place. But don’t let this dissuade you; with its stunning views, incredible geology, and unique history, Death Valley National Park is truly a destination worth exploring. 

Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Death Valley offers something for everyone. You’ll find experiences that change with the seasons. Read on to learn about the best time to visit Death Valley National Park.

Death Valley National Park

Table of Contents

The overall best time to visit death valley, temperatures by month in death valley, winter in death valley, spring in death valley, summer in death valley, fall in death valley, what month is best to visit death valley, what time of day is best when visiting death valley, when is the best time to visit death valley for stargazing, dark sky festival in death valley national park, where are the best places to view stars in death valley, what is a superbloom, how is a superbloom predicted, is superbloom an annual event, what types of flowers can i see in death valley, annual events in death valley, how many days are recommended to visit death valley national park, is death valley too hot in april and may, does it snow in death valley, what is the hottest month in death valley, what is the hottest temperature ever recorded in death valley, why should you visit death valley, when is the worst time to visit death valley, where can i stay in death valley, what are the best things to do in death valley, best times to visit death valley – final thoughts, death valley national park – know before you go, more posts about death valley, fuel your wanderlust with weekly travel updates – it’s 100% free, pin it for later.

The best time to visit Death Valley National Park is during cooler months, such as winter. During this time, temperatures are cooler and more comfortable, making it easier to explore the park. The winter months also bring some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing. Many species migrate through or hibernate in the area at this time. 

The cooler temperatures also allow exploring more challenging terrain, like canyons and sand dunes such as Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes . The skies are also generally clearer during this time of year, making great stargazing opportunities. 

Spring and fall are also excellent times to visit Death Valley National Park. These seasons offer mild temperatures and often present beautiful desert wildflowers. 

No matter when you decide to visit, there is always something new to explore in this remarkable place. From its dramatic landscapes to its incredible geology, Death Valley National Park offers an unforgettable experience for everyone. 

Death Valley National Park’s temperatures can vary greatly and change quickly. During the winter months of December through February, temperatures tend to be milder, with an average temperature of around 68°F (20°C). However, temperatures in this area can reach as low as 30°F (-1°C) or drop below freezing at night. 

Spring is generally warmer, reaching over 90°F (32°C). During the summer months of June through August, temperatures can reach a scorching 115°F (46°C) or even higher, making it the hottest and driest place in North America. 

The Fall is usually milder than Summer temperatures, ranging from 80-100°F (27-38°C). 

No matter when you decide to visit Death Valley National Park, it’s a good idea to bring plenty of water and protective clothing for any season. With temperatures that can change quickly, it’s essential to be prepared for any weather. 

Death Valley By Seasons Of The Year

Death Valley National Park is a truly remarkable place. The seasons of the year offer unique experiences for visitors.  No matter when you decide to visit, Death Valley offers something for everyone.  Here’s a snapshot of the Death Valley experience by the season of the year:

These months are typically mild, with occasional rain and even snow in surrounding areas. This makes winter an ideal time to explore Death Valley’s more challenging terrain, like canyons and sand dunes.   

Winter temperatures range from 50-70°F (10-21°C) during the day and can drop to around 30°F (-1°C) at night, so it’s essential to bring warm clothing and plenty of water. Winter is also an ideal time for visitors to take in the fantastic night sky, as there are often clear skies and little light pollution, making it perfect for stargazing. Winter is our favorite time of year to visit Death Valley National Park.

This is the most popular time of year to visit Death Valley. After mid-March, warmer temperatures come to Death Valley, and wildflowers and wildlife viewing opportunities.  Temperatures range from 70-90°F (21-32°C) during the day and can drop to around 30°F (-1°C) at night, so it’s essential to bring warm clothing and plenty of water. 

Spring break is also a popular time for visitors so crowds can be an issue. Despite the crowds, Spring in Death Valley is an unforgettable experience. 

Mid-June through mid-September can be scorching hot and extremely dry. This is the authentic desert experience, and it can be pretty unforgiving.  Temperatures range from 100-115°F (37-46°C) during the day and rarely drop below 80°F (27°C) at night, making it one of the hottest places on earth. 

Summer here is known for its dry conditions and sand storms, and visitors should be prepared for any weather. It’s a great time to see the Milky Way in full glory, and the lack of crowds provides the perfect backdrop for stargazing. Summer may be hot, but Death Valley’s beauty shines bright during this season. 

We’ve heard that the summer months often attract visitors from outside the United States. We recommend avoiding summer in Death Valley, as it is just too difficult to experience the park safely when temperatures get too extreme.

As we move into and beyond October, milder temperatures and stunning sunsets make an ideal time to take in the sights of Death Valley National Park. Temperatures are much more favorable than in Summer, ranging from 80-100°F (27-38°C) during the day and rarely dropping below 50°F (10°C) at night.  Autumn is also less crowded than other seasons, making it ideal for exploring some of the desert landscape’s more remote and challenging parts. 

Fall in Death Valley is an ideal time for outdoor activities. Hiking, biking, and horseback riding are popular activities, as the milder temperatures provide an excellent opportunity to explore the desert landscape. This time of year is also a great time to experience the unique culture of Death Valley, as locals come out to celebrate with festivals, concerts, and other events. 

If you want to photograph Death Valley, fall is an ideal time to visit as the warm light and big clouds cast beautiful shadows across the valley floor. For many visitors, autumn is the best time of year to visit Death Valley. It provides an unforgettable experience that will take your breath away. 

Standing on Badwater Basin - A visit by The Places Where We Go to Death Valley National Park.

If we’re going to pick the single best month to visit Death Valley National Park, we choose November.  Temperatures during this time range from 50-70°F (10-21°C) during the day and can drop to around 30°F (-1°C) at night.  The autumn sun creates beautiful hues as you gaze at the landscape during this time of year. This makes it an excellent time for photography.

As temperatures cool from summer highs, it becomes easier to take in more hours to explore the area on hikes. Dante’s View is one hike we recommend, as you’ll see a fantastic view of the valley below as you look down at Badwater Basin from a great vantage point.

With its mild temperatures and lack of crowds, November in Death Valley is an unforgettable experience.

The best time to explore Death Valley during much of the year is during the early morning and late afternoon hours. We have found that getting to popular attractions early in the morning can provide a more personal experience. Most tourists enjoy a little morning sleep when on vacation, even in national parks.  We’ve been to Badwater Basin at the crack of dawn during winter months and have had the large salt flats all to ourselves.

The best time to visit Death Valley for stargazing is during the winter months when clear skies lack light pollution, and more hours during the night of darkness make it perfect for stargazing. It can get freezing in the evenings during winter in Death Valley, so bringing warm clothing and dressing in layers is essential. Winter is a perfect time to visit if you enjoy nighttime outdoor activities like stargazing.

The Death Valley National Park Dark Sky Festival is an annual event that celebrates Death Valley’s night skies and encourages people to appreciate the beauty of the stars. The festival occurs in November, during the winter months when dark skies are abundant. 

During this time, visitors can take guided stargazing tours led by expert astronomers, explore interactive exhibits, and watch live presentations. Death Valley National Park is known for its lack of light pollution, making it the perfect place to take in the night sky. 

Aspiring photographers can also take advantage of the warm light and big clouds that cast beautiful shadows across the valley floor. The Death Valley Dark Sky Festival is an unforgettable experience you’ll want to schedule to experience!

The best places to view stars in Death Valley National Park are on its highest peaks and ridges. Telescope Peak, the park’s highest point at 11,049 feet (3,368 m), is an ideal spot for stargazing. You can enjoy views of Mount Whitney, the Sierra Nevada range, and beyond from here.

When Can I Visit Death Valley To View A Superbloom?

Death Valley’s iconic super blooms usually arrive in March through May, depending on the rain. The best way to maximize your chances of seeing a superbloom is to plan your trip during the late winter and early spring months. During this time, Death Valley may be filled with vibrant colors from thousands of wildflowers that have sprung up in the desert. 

Note that a super bloom does not happen yearly, so you’ll want to check local conditions if this is why you want to visit Death Valley National Park.

A superbloom is an event that happens when unusually large amounts of wildflowers bloom in the desert. Superblooms usually occur after heavy rains, often lasting for a few weeks. 

Superblooms are most common in deserts like Death Valley National Park but can also occur elsewhere. The sight of thousands of flowers blooming in desert landscapes creates a stunningly beautiful and unique image that can only be experienced in person. Superblooms are a rare but breathtaking phenomenon you’ll remember if you’re lucky enough to experience such an event. 

A super bloom is predicted based on an area’s rainfall in a given year. If the desert gets more rain than usual, there is a higher chance that a superbloom will occur. Additionally, meteorologists and climate scientists use computer models to predict when the ideal conditions for a super bloom may occur. These models help them forecast when a superbloom will happen and the best places to view it. By staying informed on current weather patterns and forecasts, you can ensure that your trip to Death Valley is timed perfectly with a beautiful superbloom. 

No, super blooms are not an annual event. Superblooms occur when there is unusually high rainfall in a given year. As this can vary significantly from year to year, it’s impossible to predict precisely when a super bloom will happen. However, these rare events bring incredible sights and are excellent to experience when nature puts on this show.

Death Valley National Park is home to an incredible variety of flowers and plants, many of which are endemic species found only in the park. Depending on the time of year, visitors can view wildflowers like Desert Gold, Desert Mariposa Lily, and Evening Primrose, as well as cacti like Hedgehog Cactus and Beavertail Prickly Pear. 

Visitors may be lucky enough to witness the park’s iconic super blooms, where thousands of flowers bloom in vibrant colors and blanket the desert floor. Whatever time of year you visit Death Valley National Park, there will be plenty of flowers and other plants to see! 

Death Valley National Park offers various activities and events for visitors throughout the year. Death Valley often springs to life in late spring and early summer with its famous wildflower blooms. Visitors can join guided wildflower tours or go on their own hikes to experience this incredible event. In addition to the wildflowers, Death Valley National Park hosts various other events. 

Astronomy programs are held annually at Furnace Creek Visitor Center, offering visitors an up close and personal look at the night sky. Death Valley’s 48 Hours in the Desert Festival is one of the most popular annual events, which includes music, art, and film screenings set against the stunning Death Valley landscape. 

Finally, Death Valley’s off-road races, such as the Death Valley 300 and Badwater Ultra Marathon, are a great way to experience the rugged desert terrain. 

No matter when you visit Death Valley National Park, there will be plenty of events for visitors to enjoy! Whether you’re interested in astronomy or off-roading, Death Valley has something for everyone. 

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

The number of days visitors should stay in Death Valley National Park depends on their interests and goals for the trip. Three to four days are recommended for leisurely exploring the park. 

Without feeling rushed, this will provide enough time to visit the main attractions, such as Zabriskie Point and Badwater Basin. Those more adventurous and looking to explore the park more in-depth may want to stay for five days or longer. 

Death Valley National Park is famously known for its scorching temperatures, so it’s no surprise that even April and May can be pretty hot. Suppose you want to visit during these months. We recommend paying close attention to the 10-day weather forecast before your visit so you can adequately prepare your itinerary around the temperatures you’ll experience.

Although snow isn’t common in Death Valley, it can snow during winter. While snow is rare, visitors may be lucky enough to witness a light dusting of snow on the surrounding mountains. Snowfall often happens between December and February, though temperatures rarely drop below freezing. 

On a recent trip, we ventured to the nearby Rhyolite Ghost Town, a beautiful winter wonderland in January.

Sculpture covered in snow during winter at Rhyolite ghost town - nearby Death Valley

The hottest month in Death Valley is typically July when temperatures often reach highs of over 117°F (47°C). While the hottest months are during summer, visitors should keep in mind that temperatures at this time can still reach dangerous levels, and precautions must be taken. Carrying plenty of water and wearing sun-protective clothing is recommended to prevent heat-related illnesses. 

The hottest temperature ever recorded in Death Valley was 134°F (56.7°C) on July 10th, 1913 – a record that still stands today! Death Valley is known for its scorching temperatures, so it’s no surprise that this record has stood for over 100 years. Visitors should be cautious during summer as extreme heat can become dangerous. Visitors must wear sun-protective clothing and carry plenty of water when exploring Death Valley National Park. 

Death Valley National Park is a destination like no other. At over 3.4 million acres, it’s the largest national park in the United States outside of Alaska. With breathtaking views of the desert landscape, unique geological formations, and interactive events and activities, visitors will not be disappointed by what they find during their visit! 

There are plenty of activities to choose from, including hiking, biking, stargazing, and bird-watching.  History buffs can explore the early mining history of the area at the remnants of Harmony Borax Works or the museum at Furnace Creek.

The worst time to visit Death Valley is during the peak summer months of July and August. Temperatures during this time can reach dangerous highs, often exceeding 120°F (49°C). Also, sparse rainfall makes for dry conditions and increases the risk of flash floods. 

If you decide to visit in the summer, you should take all the necessary precautions. Wear sun-protective clothing and carry plenty of water when exploring the park. And be sure to keep an eye on the weather – flash floods can occur even in dry conditions due to the desert soil not absorbing rainfall quickly enough.

Visiting in the late fall or early spring is recommended for those who want to explore Death Valley without risking extreme temperatures. Temperatures during this time are more moderate, typically between 70-80°F (21-27°C), and rainfall is relatively low. This is an ideal time to explore and enjoy the park’s unique beauty! 

Check out our guide on the best places to stay during a visit to Death Valley.  We’ve curated a list of locations within and outside the park. It’s a viable destination, especially for people from Los Angeles to the west or Las Vegas to the east. 

Our list includes budget options through luxury options and various accommodations from hotels to B&Bs, RV parks, and tent sites.  You have great options within Death Valley, from Panamint Springs Resort to Stovepipe Wells. Campers have plenty of campsites to select from at Furnace Creek Campground. 

Check out our full list:

Where To Stay In Death Valley – Your Guide to 18+ Top Places

visit death valley in december

Many of the best things to do in Death Valley are easily accessible from the Furnace Creek area. We’ve assembled these into a recommended one-day itinerary. 

Our top attractions include Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Harmony Borax Works, Borax Museum, Furnace Creek Visitor Center, Badwater Basin, Artist’s Palette , and the scenic drive of Artist’s Drive , Devil’s Golf Course , Golden Canyon Trail, and Zabriskie Point.

Lastly, our recommended one-day itinerary considers the time to get from one destination to another and provides a recommended time to visit each attraction.

One-day itinerary for Death Valley

View of Artist's Palette at Death Valley National Park. Photo by https://theplaceswherewego.com/

Death Valley National Park is an incredible destination for exploring the desert landscape and enjoying unique activities. Visitors flock here from all over the United States and the world. Its unusual elevation situates it at the lowest point in North America. Whether you visit in the peak summer months or late fall, Death Valley offers something for everyone!  

Visitors should be cautious during the summer, as temperatures can reach dangerous highs – often exceeding 120°F (49°C). If you decide to visit Death Valley in the summer, wear sun-protective clothing and carry plenty of water.

If you want to walk on land at the lowest point below sea level in North America, this is the place to visit.   No matter why or when you visit Death Valley, it will leave a lasting impression.

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✈️ Closest Airport: Las Vegas McCarren (LAS)

⏰ Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (GMT-8)

Gas Stations: Refer to our Death Valley Gas Stations Guide

6 Awesome Death Valley Sand Dunes – Your Complete Guide

Zabriskie Point Sunset

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Art Dobrucki is a travel writer and podcast host for The Places Where We Go. With his wife Julie, they bring their travel stories to curious travelers to inspire adventures. Art is also a composer and keyboardist with several albums to his credit. Check out more information on our About Us page.

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Death Valley National Park in Winter: 6 Features

Giant Sand Dunes sledding; Star Wars Canyon, Salt Flat, Artists Palette, and Natural Bridge. Pros/cons of Death Valley in winter; crowds, stops, and trails. 2-day adventure

  • Post author By Mrs. Grazy Goat
  • Post date January 15, 2022
  • Post last updated date Last Updated: January 23, 2022

Death Valley is a land of superlatives. It is the hottest, driest, and lowest place in North America . We decided to visit Death Valley last minute, driving from Las Vegas.

Death Valley: 6 features we discovered during our trip

1. convinient location. from las vegas => 2 hours, la => 4 hours of driving.

We came to Death Valley the next day after exploring Grand, Antelope, Bryce, and Zion canyons . Relatively short distances were the #1 reason we could see so much in one road trip.

One of the features during the drive from Vegas to Death Valley was… thousands of Joshua trees . They start to appear soon after the city ends and stretch for miles !

2. Death Valley: winter weather. Pros/cons of visiting in December

Winter (and spring) are very pleasant in Death Valley. During our trip weather was very sunny and dry, +12C. Generally, it is even warmer, around + 18C with occasional rain.

Winter is also considered the best time for hiking , due to the colder temperatures. (November – March temperatures are usually under 30C and considered safe for hiking)

The only cons for us during our visit in December were not being able to watch:

  • Wildflowers (around February to mid-April)
  • Salt Creek Pupfish in spawn (February – April)

visit death valley in december

3. Death Valley: crowds

We visited the canyons and Death Valley during school winter break (but not the initial holiday). Death Valley turned out to be the busiest place of the 4 National Parks we explored on this road trip.

Although parking at the most popular spots was nearly filled, the park itself didn’t feel crowded, so spacious and big it is.

The parking lot at the end of the day, Sand Dunes, Death Valley

4. Size of the park, how many days to spend; accommodation

Death Valley is the largest National Park south of Alaska .

It took us more than 2 hours to drive one way through the park, without any stops and turns. As the days are short in winter there isn’t much time to explore in a single day.

During 1st day we drove through the park, hiked 2 trails, stopped at the visitor center for the movie/Junior Ranger program. 2d day was filled with way back through the park, 2 hikes, 3 viewpoints 1 scenic drive.

We spend a night outside of the park, at the Lone Pine : it was much cheaper than inside of the park. And a nice place to visit:

Mobius Arch, Lone Pine, CA

5. How we explored Death Valley in 2 days: trails, viewpoints, etc.

Harmony borax works, easy hike.

Borax (salt minerals) crystalized on the Valley floor and were used by blacksmiths, farmers, housewives, and morticians for centuries.

Harmony Borax Works has one of the best views of the Valley

Giant Sand Dunes: easy hike and sand boarding: the most favorite place in the park for our kids

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes was the only spot in the park kids asked to come again in the morning :).

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Death Valley

We have spent more than 3 hours at the Dunes until it became really dark. The hike to the furthest dune took us 1 hour. The sand reminds us of Hawaiian sand: soft and fine, just not as white.

We liked Death Valley Dunes much more than the ones in Oregon .

Star Wars Canyon, viewpoint

Rainbow Canyon was nicknamed “Star Wars Canyon” by visitors who observed military test flights. The Canyon can be viewed without effort: just make a stop at the Father Crowley Vista Point.

Since the 1930s, Star Wars Canyon has been used by the military as a part of the huge R-2508 Complex.

Rainbow Canyon aka "Star Wars Canyon"

Badwater Basin Salt Flat: lowest point in North America. Easy hike

We were secretly hoping that salts would be white, as on the pictures , but as our friends said “You guys brought us rains from W A !”

Salt flats were gray from being soaked in water, but still, an interesting place to experience:

visit death valley in december

Natural Bridge: excellent short hike

The hike is an easy, 1 mile out and back to natural bridge formation. The unpaved road is typically passable by a sedan.

visit death valley in december

Artists Palette

We only made a short stop at the Artist Palette, but could go for a walk:

Artists Palette overlook

Artists Scenic Drive

Artists Palette is accessible only through Artists Scenic Drive, a scenic 9-mile one-way loop drive:

Artists Scenic Drive

Zabriske Point: short hike to viewpoint from the parking lot

We stopped for an hour at Zabriske Point, a charming place during sunset:

Zabriskie Point, iconic Death Valley vista

6. Looking for more? Other National Parks, Monarch butterfly migration grove

What is possible to reach from Death Valley:

Grand Canyon, AZ => 6 hours of driving

Zion National Park, UT => almost 5 hours

Joshua Tree National Park, CA => 4 hours

LA, Pacific beaches, CA => 4+ hours

Monarch butterfly migration grove , CA (October -February)=> 6 hours:

We were eager to visit Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks but decided to postpone because of the snow and road conditions.

Make sure to check out hours, fees, and trail conditions before you go

Death Valley in December: Essentials

  • Take the Annual National Parks Pass , if you already have one.
  • Wear comfy shoes and dress in layers.
  • Leather shoes might not appreciate hiking on salt flats.
  • Pack water and snacks, even during wintertime!
  • During long rides through barren landscape kids became bored. Listening to Agatha Christie audio books was a lifesaver for us. 🙂
  • A snow saucer seemed the best thing to ride the Sand Dunes (watch the video above)
  • Some roads were not very good for a sedan (we had 4wd SUV):

Death Valley: driving from Natural Bridge Canyon

National Parks road trip : how we explored Grand Canyon, Antelope, Bryce, and Zion in December. 6 days itinerary. Trails, essentials, etc.

Lone Pine : unknown, Eastern side of California. Alabama Hills, Japanese internment camp, lowest and highest point in the US, hot springs.

7 Things you didn’t know about Iceland , one of the most family-friendly countries in the world. Kissing cousins alarm, grandma’s nightmare, child neglect, etc.

Thank you for reading! 🙂

  • Tags california , death valley , family-friendly , national parks , pros and cons , road trip , winter

visit death valley in december

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Your Death Valley Visitor Guide: Comprehensive Travel Tips

Sure, Yosemite’s mountains are showy and California’s redwoods are towering, but Death Valley isn’t trying to be your best friend. It’s going to challenge you. The park presents a stark, sharp landscape that rewards visitors who are looking for something more edgy.

If that’s you, then read on because this guide will help you plan your Death Valley visit. I aim to be helpful, so this guide is stuffed with practical tips about the park, suggested things to do, an accommodation guide and packing ideas.

Death Valley visit Artist's Palette Drive. Colorful mineral deposits in the desert

(This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase, I’ll make a small commission.)

You can trust me to give you accurate Death Valley travel planning tips because I actually live in California and visit Death Valley at least every other year. I encourage you to scroll the whole article. But if you have particular questions, use this handy table of contents to skip around.

  • Why visit Death Valley
  • Info on the Death Valley Visitors Center
  • How to get to to Death Valley
  • How many days do you need for Death Valley
  • Top things to do in Death Valley National Park
  • The best time to visit Death Valley
  • Where to stay in Death Valley
  • Food, gas and cell service
  • Guided tours
  • What to pack

Why Visit Death Valley

Death Valley is named for the doomed efforts of pioneers who, in 1849, were desperately seeking passage through the southern Sierras. This hot, dry landscape is an unforgiving place for a lost wagon train, but the pioneers persevered. After the establishment of California, Death Valley became a borax mining boom-town in the 1880’s.

In the 1920’s the Pacific Borax Company engaged in a generous act of corporate philanthropy when they lobbied the US government and local citizens to to turn their cash cow into a protected space. The area was designated a National Monument in 1933, and then a National Park in 1994.

Death Valley’s topography includes a vast salt lake bed, which is the lowest spot in the US at -282 feet. In stark contrast, the lake bed is dwarfed by the 11,000 foot Telegraph Peak. There are eroding sandstone cliffs, canyons, volcanic craters and cliffs “painted” with mineral deposits.

The lonely remnants of Death Valley’s mining boom also add historical interest to the park. This forbidding landscape and hard scrabble history has a lot of stories to tell, which is why visiting Death Valley National Park is such a treat.

For more background, check out some of our fun facts about Death Valley .

Visit Death Valley for Dante's View. Mountain overlook and valley floor

Death Valley National Park Visitor Center & Fees

Death Valley actually covers 5,200 square miles of the Mohave Desert. But many of the top things to do in Death Valley are located in a centralized area near Furnace Creek, which is also where the Visitor Center is located.

At the Visitor Center you can also check in for the nearby campgrounds, get advice on how to visit the park’s attractions, get hiking suggestions (with maps), and visit the bookstore. They also have museum exhibits on the park’s history and geology. And you can sign your kids up for the Junior Ranger program.

The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is open most days from 8a-5p.

Death Valley Passes

Death Valley has 5 roads that enter the park and none of them are gated. Access into the park is open all of the time. But you do still need a pass to visit. And the only way to get a park map, is to buy the pass.

The entrance fee for Death Valley is $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. Motorcycles are $25 and people traveling on foot (who does that in Death Valley?) or bike (ditto!) are $15. An annual pass to Death Valley is $55.

You can also use the $80 America the Beautiful National Parks annual pass , the free Military and Veterans pass or the $80 Senior lifetime pass to access the park.

Death Valley Ghost town of Ballarat. abandoned wooden building

How to Get to Death Valley

How far is death valley from los angeles.

LA to Death Valley : 271 miles, 4.75-5.25 hours.

The fastest route is via Ridgecrest and the Panamint Valley. If you go that way, we suggest that you stop into Ballarat Ghost town on the way in.

You can take an a bit of extra time and go in via I15 through Baker and Death Valley Junction. That route allows you to detour down to Dante’s View .

You can even combine Death Valley with a road trip to Joshua Tree National Park . This is a routing that we recommend on our list of the top 20 scenic road trips in CA .

How Far is Death Valley from San Francisco?

SF to Death Valley : 502 miles, 7.5-8.5 hours.

The most reliable way is down I5 or Hwy 99 down to Tahachapi and then into the park via Ridgecrest. I prefer Highway 99 to I5 because there’s less truck traffic and you drive past some pretty orchards along the way. Check out our looping route between SF and Death Valley which has some interesting stops around Ridgecrest and the Central Valley.

The scenic way to get from San Francisco to Death Valley is west on Highway 120 through Yosemite/Tioga Pass to Highway 395. This route has amazing scenery. Make time for extra stops, or even better, add on extra days using our Highway 395 road trip itinerary.

This route requires a Yosemite entrance fee and it’s not open in the winter. The closure is usually from November to late-May, but check the Yosemite National park site for status.

How Far is Death Valley from Las Vegas?

Las Vegas to Death Valley : 111-142 miles, ~2 hours.

Las Vegas is actually the closest airport to Death Valley . There are several ways to do the routing. One takes you near Dantes View and the other comes in further north and goes past Rhyolite Ghost Town .

This guide for doing Death Valley as a day trip from Las Vegas , explains the options and offers key stops.

How Long is the Death Valley Road?

People Google this question but it’s a difficult one to answer because there are many roads in the park and none of them are called “Death Valley Road”.

That said, Highway 190 is the major northeast-to-southwest thoroughfare through Death Valley. It runs 187 miles from Olancha (south of Lone Pine) to Death Valley Junction.

Where is the Death Valley Entrance?

There is no single entrance into Death Valley, but there are three main entrances that most people use. The first is to come in from Highway 395 at Lone Pine. The second is to come up the Panamint Valley Road from Ridgecrest. The third enters west into the park from Death Valley Junction.

There are two less popular but scenic routes. There’s Highway 178 which goes north from Shoshone into Badwater Basin. The other takes the narrow high road on Immigrant Canyon Road, which goes over a 5,300 foot pass.

Is Driving in Death Valley Safe?

Yes. If you are worried about road conditions, all of the top sights listed here are accessible from paved roads. Some of the dirt roads are graded and accessible for normal passenger cars but others are only recommended for all 4×4 vehicles with clearance. The Park Service map has very clearly marked guidance on roads.

Death Valley sunrise couple on Mesquite Dunes

How Much Time do You Need for Death Valley?

Is one day enough for Death Valley? Not really. It’s the largest national park in the continental US and there is a LOT to do and see. That said, some of the most popular sights are centrally situated. With the help of our Death Valley day trip guide , you can see many of the highlights in one day if you don’t mind scurrying around.

Two days will allow you to visit Death Valley’s top sites with time for some longer hikes. Here’s our two-day itinerary .

And a three day Death Valley vacation will allow you to add in yet more hikes in the park.

Death Valley trip- Mesquite Dunes at dawn. Sand dunes in shadow

Top Things to Do in Death Valley

There are so many cool things do to in Death Valley, it’s hard to figure out how to prioritize. We recommend doing a mix of scenic vistas, hikes and historic sites. That way, you’ll get a great sense of what the park is all about.

Mesquite Dunes at Dawn or Dusk

One of the best ways to get your awe inspired in Death Valley is to get up and out before dawn. The warm light against the orange sand is a beautiful wake-up call and this is a fantastic spot for an early morning photo shoot.

Badwater Basin

Badwater basin is the vast drainage aquifer for Death Valley, covering nearly 200 square miles of daunting salt flats. At -282 feet, it’s the lowest spot in the United States. It’s called “badwater” because a surveyor found that his mule wouldn’t drink the extremely salty water. You can visit anytime of day, but the valley is particularly beautiful at dusk, when the sun is setting over Telescope Peak to the west.

The Golden Canyon Gower Gulch Hike

The Golden Canyon trail in Death Valley is popular…and for good reason. While hiking you enter an ancient portal into Death Valley’s unique geology. You leave the flats of Badwater Basin behind and enter the canyon’s narrow runway, flanked by yellow and red rock formations and intriguing tentacles along Golden Canyon’s side shoots.

Most people just do the Golden Canyon hike but we recommend taking the time to add on the Gower Gulch loop. It will give you views of the Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point geology and some of the colorful mineral deposits that characterize the area. Here’s our full guide for hiking Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch.

Artists Palette Drive

This scenic drive is located in the Badwater Basin, so you can add it on before or after doing the Golden Canyon hike or Badwater Basin viewpoint. The Artists Palette one-way, nine mile drive will take you through an amazing geologic rainbow. One option is to simply do the drive and get a quick view of the eye candy. But I recommend that you can stop at the multiple pull-outs along the way.

You’ll be rewarded if you get out of the car and hike closer to these multi-hued rock formations. The second pullout has particularly good access for getting into the colorful side canyons.

Dawn Death Valley view Zabriskie Point

Zabriskie Point at Dawn

Zabriskie Point at dawn is a must see for your Death Valley trip. The point has generous folds of sandstone in the foreground with the Panamint Mountains as a backdrop. Dawn is pretty enough with the morning sun lighting up the Panamint mountains in pink, but things get really interesting about 20 minutes later when the sun rises a bit more and starts throwing shadows onto the sandstone canyon below. From there, you can head down into the canyon for the 2.7 mile Badlands Loop hike. Zabriskie Point is a short ten minute drive from Furnace Creek.

Rhyolite ghost town rail car

Ryolite Ghost Town

Technically, Rhyolite is just outside of the park boundary. But since mining was such an important part of Death Valley’s history, it’s worth visiting. Rhyolite’s crumbling infrastructure offers a great lesson on California’s unpredictable mining history. The town went from boom to bust in just 20 short years. On site, you can poke around the building ruins, old rail cars and a cool building make of soda bottles. You should also visit the nearby Goldwell Sculpture garden.

If you like dusty and abandoned spots, check out this guide to  California ghost towns . It includes a few others that are near Death Valley.

Dante’s View

Dante’s View is 25 miles southeast of Furnace Creek. At a height of 5,400 feet, you’ll get wide angle panoramic views of the Badwater Basin and the Panamint mountain range.

The other cool thing about Dante’s View is that it’s the same view that Luke, Obi Wan, C3PO and R2D2 had when they were headed into Mos Eisley. And if you are a Star Wars nerd, the Twenty Mule Team Drive, Golden Canyon, Desolation Canyon, Mesquite Dunes and Artist’s Drive were also filming locations.

May the force be with you.

Death Valley Sidewinder Canyon hike. Canyon with shadow and mountains

If You Have Extra Time

Ubehebe crater.

The Ubehebe Crater is 58 miles north of Furnace Creek. Death Valley visitors who are in a hurry quite often don’t make the time for it, but I found the crater fascinating. This unique formation is a 600 foot deep inverted volcano. It was formed when gases and magma built up and then exploded all over the surrounding desert floor. The resulting geology has created layers of colorful and textured rock deposits. While there, you can circumnavigate the 1.5 mile rim and/or walk down to the bottom of the crater.

Ubehebe Crater on Death Valley Road Trip

Harmony Borax Works

Borax is a compound used in many detergents and other household products. It’s not as sexy as gold, but during the late 1800’s it was a major part of Death Valley’s mining operations. The Harmony Borax Works offer a quick history lesson on Death Valley’s mining history. It’s located just a few minutes north of Furnace Creek.

20 Mule Team Road

This 2.5 mile one way dirt road takes a drive into the landscape below Zabriskie Point. The short drive takes you through an eroded spare landscape and there is a short .3 mile hike to a nearby overlook.

Sidewinder Canyon Hike

This hike isn’t as popular as Golden Canyon, but it’s quite rewarding for the patient hiker. It’s billed as a 4 mile out and back hike, and the attraction is exploring the four slot canyons that branch off of the main route. They are a revelation and reminiscent of Antelope Canyon in Arizona. Check out our Sidewinder Canyon hiking guide — it has practical tips for how to do the hike with some cool pics that will make you want to go now.

Mosaic Canyon

This 3.5 mile hike takes you through yet another slot canyon with quite a variety of rock textures. If you’re short on time, you can simply wander partway into the canyon and then head out for your next adventure.

Natural Bridge

This 2 mile out and back will take you to a lovely red rock arch. It’s located in Badwater Basin.

Gower Gulch loop Red Cathedral view

The Best Time to Visit Death Valley National Park

The short answer is February/March for pleasant temps and (maybe) wildflowers. Mid-October through December is also very pleasant. The long answer can be found in our when to visit Death Valley article . It includes a temp and precip chart, advice on how to visit in the hotter months and more detail about less busy months.

Whatever you do, try not to go during the summer. It’s often 115′ during July and August. That sort of heat will prevent you from being able to do much of the hiking and sightseeing on this Death Valley itinerary.

If you are visiting Death Valley as part of a larger trip, check out our season-by-season guide for CA to get more itinerary ideas.

The Ranch at Death Valley, with palm trees.

Where to Stay on Your Death Valley Trip

There are 12 private and public campgrounds in Death Valley, disbursed across the 5,200 square miles of the National Park. Which campground you choose will be dependent upon whether you want to be in the thick of things or out in the hinterlands. Use our guide to all Death Valley campgrounds and find the right option for you. You can also book a glamping tent in Panamint Springs .

If you prefer a hotel stay, there are three hotels within the park. They range in quality and, frankly, none are a fabulous deal for the money. But if you aren’t camping, it’s worth staying at one of these three places because the nearest lodging outside of the park is 60 miles away. However, book early because during high season, these lodgings fill up fast.

We have a full hotel guide that also gives suggestions for more budget-friendly places to stay outside of the park.

  • The  Inn at Death Valley  is a fancy historic inn, with lovely grounds and a nice restaurant. Check reviews and book with  Booking.com .
  • The  Ranch at Death Valley  is a centrally located family-friendly place in Furnace Creek. Check reviews and book with  Booking.com .
  • The  Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel  is a perfectly serviceable motel. They don’t have a lot of amenities, but there is a restaurant and small store onsite. Check reviews on  Trip Advisor .

Can you rent a cabin or Airbnb in Death Valley?

There are no cabins for rent in the park. And the closest Airbnbs to central Death Valley are in Pahrump, which is an hour from Furnace Creek. There are also a few listings in Shoshone, Beatty, Lone Pine and yet more in Ridgecrest.

Badwater Basin with lake at dusk.

Death Valley Travel Tips: Food, Gas & Cell Service

Is there cell service in death valley.

You’ll be tempted with a bar or two, but don’t expect much. And forget about it on the more remote areas of the park or while hiking in slot canyons.

So, cache or print this guide in advance of visiting. Use offline Google maps, Alltrails maps and pick-up paper maps and visitor guides in Furnace Creek (or print them in advance).

Where to Get Gas in Death Valley

There are three places within the park boundary to get gas: Panamint Springs (on the west side), Stovepipe Wells Village (north/central) and Furnace Creek (next to the Visitor’s Center). Keep your tank topped up, because they sometimes run out of gas. In addition, Furnace Creek is the only gas station in the park that sells diesel and premium fuels.

There are also gas stations in the towns along the major gateway roads into the park.

Where to Get Groceries in Death Valley

There is no proper grocery store in Death Valley. You can get snacks, treats and light grocery items like sandwich makings at the Panamint Springs store, Stovepipe Village and the Ranch at Furnace Creek.

Where to Eat in Death Valley

The Inn at Death Valley is the fancy hotel in the park. Their main restaurant has breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their dinner offerings are quite good and reservations are recommended. They also have a poolside cafe with sandwiches, wraps and the like.

The Ranch at Furnace Creek has The Ranch restaurant which offers breakfast and dinner. They also have the Last Kind Words Saloon which has a lovely wood bar and serves drinks, steaks, salads and burgers. The Coffee & Cream is open from 1-7p and has casual food, pizza, sandwiches and ice cream. The 19th Hole has burgers and a full bar (but it closes at 6pm).

Stovepipe Wells Village has the Toll Road which offers a breakfast buffet and a dinner menu. You can also eat in their Badwater Saloon .

I’ve eaten at all of these concession venues and can say that they’re fine but overpriced for the value. You’re a captive audience in Death Valley. So if you are on a budget, bring a cooler and pack as much of your own food as you can.

Harmony Borax Works Death Valley. Train car

Death Valley Guided Tours

The National Park sometimes runs guided ranger tours or talks for Golden Canyon, Mesquite Dunes, Badwater and Harmony Borax Works. Check their calendar to see if anything is scheduled for your Death Valley visit.

If you are staying in Las Vegas, you can book onto one of several different Death Valley guided day tours. All of them are approximately 10 hours and will pick-up from Las Vegas hotels and Airbnbs. They are all ~$250 per person for the full day, which includes a guide, national park fee, lunch, snacks and water.

The tours differ by which stops they make and whether or not you can customize your options. Check out these four choices and click on the link to get more info, read reviews and book.

  • The Death Valley Day Trip from Las Vegas : This is a basic “best-of” tour. It adds a stop for the Devil’s Golf Course and doesn’t go to Dante’s View.
  • Small-Group Death Valley National Park Day Trip from Las Vegas : This tour does stop at Dante’s Peak and Pahrump, but it doesn’t go to the Mesquite Dunes.

Hiker in Golden Canyon Death Valley

What to Pack for Death Valley National Park

Bring an old school map . If you do nothing else, please consider getting an old school road atlas. I love the California Road and Recreation Atlas , which features secondary and tertiary roads, parks and camping spots. It’s perfect for going off the beaten path.

Bring double the water . This is the Mohave Desert after all and the hikes and vista points don’t have water. Bring a water bottle for on the go and stock the car with larger refillable bottles like this wide mouth gallon jug .

Bring a cooler full of food . Services are thin on the ground. Take a good sized cooler (like this Yeti ) that will keep cold in the heat and will hold a decent amount of lunch and snack items.

Pack layers . Just because it doesn’t rain (much) in Death Valley, doesn’t mean that there isn’t weather. On my most recent trip, I went through three layers just on the Golden Canyon hike.

Proper hiking pants . Yoga pants and gym shorts don’t cut it when you are hiking because you don’t want to be dropping your phone and keys all over Death Valley. Proper hiking pants or shorts with  zippered pockets  are a must. I love the hiking pants  from Kuhl and Columbia .

Proper hiking shoes . You don’t necessarily need heavy hiking boots for your Death Valley trip, but you should at least invest in some trail runners or light hikers. Flexible sole gym shoes aren’t good for gripping the rocky, gravely soil of Death Valley. We’ve put 1,000’s of miles on the  Hoka Speedgoat trail runners . They have strong foot cushioning and decent grip.

There’s your Death Valley travel guide. We’re hoping that it’s given you all of the practical information that you need for your trip. If you have any questions, be sure to find us on Facebook. Have fun and happy trails!

Explore More California National Parks

  • If you are also got an equally thorough guide for visiting Joshua Tree National Park .
  • Here’s a guide for visiting  Yosemite in the winter , how to  road trip it from San Francisco , and  what to pack  (whatever the season).
  • North Coast  Redwoods road trip  with 9 stops, including Redwoods National Park.
  • Our complete list of ALL  California national parks  (with map). And we have a similar one for all  California State Parks  too.
  • Exploring national park sites in  San Francisco’s Presidio .

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I never considered Death Valley a worthy destination, but you’ve changed my mind. I truly love your writing style- thanks so much for sharing all the great tips!

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Sand Dunes, Salt Flats, and Slot Canyons: The Ultimate 2 Day Death Valley Itinerary

last Updated: May 8, 2023 california Death Valley national park

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Planning a trip to the desert and looking for things to do in Death Valley National Park? You’re in luck, because I’ve put together a massive guide! Full of places to see, where to stay, and a comprehensive Death Valley itinerary. You’ll be on your way in no time!

visit death valley in december

Death Valley is the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the USA. It’s also one of the hottest places on Earth (it gets to a blistering 120°F in the summer). And this heat is no joke — it’s called Death Valley for a reason! 

Out of all the national parks in California , if you’re looking for a wide variety of landscapes and adventures, definitely choose Death Valley.

The park is a land of extremes and contrasts – there’s salt flats, sand dunes, and even slot canyons to explore. Pastel-covered mountains. Creeks and waterfalls (which are weird to find in the middle of the desert). 

Looking for things to do in Death Valley National Park? Here's my guide: full of places to see, where to stay, and a comprehensive Death Valley itinerary.

And scientific mysteries like rocks sailing across dry beds of mud. It’s weird and wild, and a great place for adventurers — as long as it’s not summer. It is one of the best places for a winter weekend getaway in the states if you’re looking to escape the cold!

My never-ending California bucket list is full of things to do in Death Valley, so I was ecstatic when we finally went and I got to cross a few off!

Before I share my Death Valley itinerary and all the fun things to see/do, I’m sharing some tips below!

Death Valley Travel Tips

Where is death valley national park.

Death Valley National Park is located in south eastern California, bordering the state of Nevada. It’s actually not too far from Las Vegas — only 2 hours away! If we’re getting super specific, it’s a desert valley in Inyo County, east of the Sierra Mountains!

How to get to Death Valley

Looking for things to do in Death Valley National Park? Here's my guide: full of places to see, where to stay, and a comprehensive Death Valley itinerary.

From Las Vegas

Death Valley is kiiiinda in the middle of nowhere, so plan to do a bit of driving no matter what. Your best bet would be to fly into Las Vegas (landing at McCarran International Airport), and then make the ~2 hour drive to the park.

There’s two main routes to choose from when driving from Las Vegas to Death Valley:

  • Pahrump and Death Valley Junction (via NV-160)
  • Indian Springs and Amargosa Valley (via US-95)

Our GPS told us to head to Pahrump, go north to Amargosa Valley, then continue to Death Valley Junction. Not entirely sure why, but we made it there! On our route we passed by fields of wacky Joshua Trees, super wild terrain, and even a town known for its UFO sightings. It honestly looked like we were driving through another planet! That’s California for ya! 

From Los Angeles

While Las Vegas is definitely the most convenient option, note you can also drive to Death Valley from Los Angeles . It’ll take approximately 4 ½ hours (plus all that inevitable LA traffic), so you may wanna stay for an extra night. 

How long to stay in Death Valley

We stayed 2 nights, 2 ½ days and thought it was perfect. We kept our exploring to the main highlights near Furnace Creek, so note if you wanna see more, plan another day or two. 

Looking for things to do in Death Valley National Park? Here's my guide: full of places to see, where to stay, and a comprehensive Death Valley itinerary.

There’s honestly so much to see, just note you’ll need to do some long-ish drives. We didn’t feel like the extra driving, so we stuck to the main areas near Furnace Creek. I’ve heard of people staying a week or longer if they wanna explore further afield — like The Racetrack and/or Ubehebe Crater. 

Day Trips to Death Valley

Would I recommend visiting Death Valley as a day trip from Las Vegas? Probably not, as you’ll miss out on so much of the park. 

If you can stay at least one night, definitely do! If you absolutely cannot, get a super early start, and plan to drive back to Las Vegas in the dark. 

There’s a few tours which take visitors to the park from Vegas, which I highly recommend as they’ll know the best spots and you won’t have to drive back after a long, tiring, and possibly sweaty, day.

Looking for things to do in Death Valley National Park? Here's my guide: full of places to see, where to stay, and a comprehensive Death Valley itinerary.

A few recommended tours:

  • Death Valley Small Group Full-Day Tour from Las Vegas : This tour takes you to all the major Death Valley hotspots, including Dante’s View, Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, Devil’s Golf Course and more, all in just one day from Las Vegas! Plus an included picnic lunch in Furnace Creek! It doesn’t get easier than that!
  • Death Valley (plus Rhyolite) Full-Day Tour from Las Vegas : Explore the old ghost town of Rhyolite, snag a view of the valley from Hell’s Gate, visit Badwater Basin, Zabriskie’s Point, the Devil’s Golf Course, the Furnace Creek Museum, the Salt Lake, the Sand Dunes and Artists Pallet. Phew — what a day! Breakfast and lunch included!
  • From Las Vegas: Death Valley Trekker Tour : Not only does the tour visit the main highlights of Death Valley (Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, etc), but also to the quirky Area 51 Alien Center and Rhyolite Ghost Town, all on a luxurious all-terrain vehicle.

Where to stay in Death Valley National Park

Since Death Valley is exceptionally large (3.4 million acres — whoa!), it’s wise to think in advance which parts of the park you wanna visit. And then pick a hotel/campsite nearby! Most visitors stay in Furnace Creek, which is kinda in the middle of all the popular sights — and where we chose to base ourselves (at The Ranch at Death Valley ).

Looking for things to do in Death Valley National Park? Here's my guide: full of places to see, where to stay, and a comprehensive Death Valley itinerary.

Staying inside Death Valley National Park

Hotels inside the park: 

There’s a few hotels located inside the park, but like in Yosemite , they’re pretty pricey. However, given its large size, I highly recommend staying within Death Valley itself if you can swing it.

  • The Ranch at Death Valley : Where we stayed! The Ranch is a family-friendly resort with on-site restaurant, outdoor pool, large grounds, and a general store. We loved the extensive remodeling they just did! The rooms are kinda basic, but for the price and location, the hotel can’t be beat.
  • The Inn at Death Valley : First-class resort with a swanky pool and beautiful patio for sunset wine and cheese. Best for couples and those looking for a super-chic stay. 
  • Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel (located in Stovepipe Wells): No-frills lodging with a restaurant, outdoor pool, general store, and property dogs. Much quieter than other areas of the park. Close to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Mosaic Canyon hike, but further away from the attractions near Furnace Creek.
  • Panamint Springs Resort (located in Panamint Springs):  Small cabins with great views and excellent service. Far removed from the main hotspots of Death Valley, so be prepared to drive a decent amount everyday. Don’t miss Darwin Falls if you’re staying in Panamint Springs!

Camping within the park:

Luckily, if you don’t mind getting your camping on, there’s quite a few campgrounds located within the National Park (for far less $$$ than any hotel you’ll find). Furnace Creek Campground fills up the fastest (due to its prime location), so book that sooner than later! And it’s also the only campground with RV hookups.

If you’re planning to camp in the winter months, keep in mind it gets super chilly at night. With that being said, due to extreme heat, only a few campgrounds are open in the blistering summer months from May – September.

Campgrounds:

  • Furnace Creek Campground (fee)
  • Stovepipe Wells Campground (fee)
  • Mesquite Spring Campground (fee)
  • Wildrose Campground (FREE!)
  • Emigrant (FREE!)
  • Thorndike (FREE!)
  • Mahogany Flat (FREE!)

Staying outside Death Valley National Park

Hotels outside the park: Death Valley is quite remote, so unless you don’t mind driving a fair amount each day, I don’t recommend staying outside the park. However, there’s a few spots to consider:

  • Beatty, Nevada (45 minute drive to Furnace Creek Visitor Center)
  • Pahrump, Nevada (1 ½ hour drive to Furnace Creek Visitor Center)
  • Shoshone, California (1 hour drive to Furnace Creek Visitor Center)
  • Lone Pine, California (1 hour, 45 minute drive to Furnace Creek Visitor Center)

When to visit Death Valley

When you visit the park makes all the difference. And I’m not even joking. Visit between late-October and early-April, as other months see scorching hot temperatures that are simply too unbearable. 

Looking for things to do in Death Valley National Park? Here's my guide: full of places to see, where to stay, and a comprehensive Death Valley itinerary.

But whatever you do, SKIP THE SUMMER. Don’t even attempt a visit — you’ll be unbearably miserable. No one likes sweating and feeling sticky literally 24/7. And you won’t even be able to comfortably visit half the interesting things to do in Death Valley.

I don’t usually include monthly averages in blog posts, but it’s kinda hard to put into words just how hot the park is almost year round, so here ya go:

The way longer answer:

FALL/SPRING: 

Spring in the most popular time to visit Death Valley National Park, because — wildflowers! If there’s been decent rain in the winter months, there might just be color in the desert (usually peaking late March to early April).

Fall is another great month to visit — with milder temps and clear skies. We visited in late fall (mid-November), and found the temps to be almost perfect. I was anticipating cool-ish weather, like low-60s or so, but it was actually a tad warmer. Definitely dress in layers as mornings are chilly and afternoons are nice and pleasant. 

As soon as the sun sets, the temperature drops drastically and almost all of a sudden, so definitely keep a jacket/warm sweater in the car.

Death Valley is one of the best national parks to visit in winter . The average temps range from the mid-60s to the low 70s, making hiking actually enjoyable! Do note that overnight lows frequently drop into the upper 30s, so you’ll need to bring some cold-weather clothing (think, hats, gloves, etc) for stargazing at night. And unlike other parts of the county, there’s lots of clear and sunny days!

Looking for things to do in Death Valley National Park? Here's my guide: full of places to see, where to stay, and a comprehensive Death Valley itinerary.

One negative of a winter visit is the fact that daylight hours are so much shorter (the sun set around 4:30pm in November when we were there). Make sure to get an early start if you truly want to maximize your time.

→ Read Next: 22 Stunning National Parks to Visit in Winter  

Summer starts early in Death Valley, with temps heating up by March, and in the 90s by April. Soon enough, the extreme heat is unbearable to enjoy most activities. It’s hottest in July, with an average high temperature of ~115°F (with records in the 120°s as well)! Talk about sweltering.

With this being said, summer is not a great time to visit the park , as heat exhaustion and dehydration happen all too frequently.

Despite what I mentioned above, if you’re still planning to visit during summer (highly, highly discouraged), plan and pack accordingly. You’ll wanna get your hiking and exploring done in the early morning before the area really heats up. Bring at least a gallon of water per person per day, and don’t overwork yourself. If you’re feeling the effects of heat stroke, take it easy for a while and get outta the sun. 

Where to eat in Death Valley

Well, there’s not many options, and the restaurants that are there are definitely on the pricier side. We had granola/protein bars for breakfast (which we brought from home), skipped lunch everyday (fueled up on snacks), and saved our big meal of the day for dinner.

We’re usually big foodies, but there’s no reason for huge meals in Death Valley. Plus, there’s nothing spectacular to write home about. Keep your foodie trips to Japan , Mexico City , and Rome !

With that being said, highly recommend bringing along snacks with you. Either buy them at home or in Vegas — you’ll be glad you have them.

If you do wanna eat in the park like we did for dinner, check out these two spots:

  • 19th Hole (a casual bar at The Furnace Creek Golf Course – the burgers were great)
  • Last Kind Words Saloon (at The Ranch at Death Valley; the food was good but it was unnecessarily pricey)

Looking for things to do in Death Valley National Park? Here's my guide: full of places to see, where to stay, and a comprehensive Death Valley itinerary.

Additional Death Valley National Park Tips :

  • You’ll wanna fill up on gas before entering the park , and then once again when you leave (Pahrump’s a good option). The limited options in the park are pretty expensive.
  • 100% bring snacks with you (either from home or Vegas). The food is pretty pricey in the park, and there’s not many other options nearby.
  • Although things look pretty close on the map, they’re much farther than they seem. Definitely plan out your days ahead of time so you’re not zigzagging back and forth.
  • I recommend renting an SUV and/or a vehicle with 4WD . We had to drive down some pretty gnarly dirt roads, and we just stuck to the typical tourist spots. I think a typical car would have been ok, but we definitely felt more comfortable being a bit higher up to have more clearance off the ground on those iffy roads.
  • The name implies there’s no life here, but there’s actually some desert plants and wildlife in the park . If you’re lucky you may spot some coyotes, bighorn sheep, and even pupfish (when there’s water in the park).

Things to do in Death Valley National Park

We’ve gotten to all the things to add to your Death Valley itinerary — woo! The best part! I’ve broken them down by Otherworldly Landscapes, Viewpoints, and Short Hikes and Walks. Pick a few from each section and plan your few days in the park (unless it’s summer – then stick to mostly viewpoints).

visit death valley in december

Note if you only have 2 days or so inside the park, all of these things to do in Death Valley won’t really be possible. You’ll want at least 3-4 days to conquer them all. I’ve included a suggested Death Valley itinerary at the end to further help with your planning.

Otherworldly Landscapes in Death Valley

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

OMG this was SO. MUCH. FUN. And by far one of my favorite things we did in the park. Sculpted sand dunes as far as the eye can see. Long-curving shadows. And mountains on the horizon. Now this is what I’m talking about. We spent all morning climbing up and running down the dunes!

visit death valley in december

The dunes are HUGE, and walking on them is a super surreal experience. It’s crazy to think this is California!

Definitely don’t leave the sand dunes off your Death Valley itinerary. I promise you’ll feel like you woke up in the far depths of the Sahara Desert (still on my bucket list).

visit death valley in december

Get up early and head out just after sunrise – the colors on the sand really shine in the morning! And plus, walking in the sand is way harder than it looks, so it makes for a great morning workout! If you wanna try something fun, bring a sled or piece of cardboard for sand boarding!

You can actually see the 100-foot sand dunes from the parking lot, but you’ll need to trek quite a bit for the good stuff. This is because the dunes closest to the parking lot will be covered in footprints, and you’ll only be able to see those untouched ripples in the sand by walking 20-30 minutes out. BRING WATER – it’s tough walking in the sand. 

Looking for things to do in Death Valley National Park? Here's my guide: full of places to see, where to stay, and a comprehensive Death Valley itinerary.

Good to know — there’s actually other sand dunes in the park as well! I heard Eureka Dunes and Ibex Dunes are even more spectacular than Mesquite Flat, but they’re much more remote and much more difficult to reach. We stuck to Mesquite and were more than satisfied. 

And plus, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are the largest dune field in Death Valley, so there’s lots and lots to explore.

  • Badwater Basin Salt Flats 

Imagine walking out to a bed of geometric-shaped salt flats as far as the eye can see. Yup, that’s Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level! It kinda reminded me of the Bonneville Salt Flats which we saw on our cross country road trip from NYC to San Francisco .

visit death valley in december

Out of all the things to see in Death Valley, don’t miss a visit to Badwater Basin. Like at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, the salt flats start right from the parking area, but you’ll need to walk pretty far out to get those views you see online. We saw the polygons starting to form pretty fast when we looked closely, but they’re nothing like they looked in photos. 

We walked for what felt like 35 minutes and still didn’t reach it. Next time! (I later did some research and found out you need to walk at least 1-2 miles to reach the salt hexagons). 110% NOT recommended in the heat of summer. 

Looking for things to do in Death Valley National Park? Here's my guide: full of places to see, where to stay, and a comprehensive Death Valley itinerary.

And make sure to look closely at the salt formations in detail — they’re pretty wild! And you betcha I tasted the salt (and yes , it was salty).

Don’t miss the small natural pool next to the boardwalk. It’s definitely a sight to be seen in the middle of the desert (although highly undrinkable due to all the salt). 

If you’re lucky to visit after a rainfall, the flats will even look like a huge mirror, which typically only happens in winter.

Ubehebe Crater

Ever see a large volcanic crater 600 feet deep and ½ mile across?! You’ll find that over here at the Ubehebe Crater. And plus, it’s ridiculously fun to say, pronounced U-BE-HE-BE. C’mon, you try saying it out loud. Fun, right?

You can see the giant crater from the parking lot, — or, you can hike to the bottom of Ubehebe Crater or to Little Hebe Crater instead.

Although it’s not entirely known when this impressive crater was formed, scientists have confirmed it could have been as recent as 300 years ago. That’s like, during your great-great-grandmother’s time. And how was it formed anyways? By a steam and gas explosion when hot magma rose up! Science is so cool you guys. 

Honestly, it’s quite a far drive out (around an hour and a half each way from the Furnace Creek area), so I don’t recommend it if you’re short on time (like we were). We’ll have to add it to our Death Valley itinerary when we have more time

The Racetrack

Moving rocks in the middle of the desert? WHOA! Another wild and wacky thing to do in Death Valley — anyone sensing a theme here? And no, there’s no actual sports cars here. Just rocks on a barren desert landscape. 

The Racetrack is a playa (a dry lakebed with over 1,000 feet of dry mud), known for it’s moving rocks and surface trails. You guys — THE ROCKS MOVE COMPLETELY BY THEMSELVES. Wait, what?! You heard me right. Just another mystery of the desert.

Many theories have been suggested, but a recent research project suggests the rocks move with a rare combination of rain and wind. The heavy rain makes the surface extremely slippery, while strong winds cause the large boulders to skid.

The Racetrack is really far out there (~3.5 HOURS from Furnace Creek, each way), so we chose to skip it this time around. Also, the road to get there is remote and pretty rough, meaning you’ll need good tires and a 4×4 high clearance vehicle. We’ll be sure to add it to our Death Valley itinerary for next visit (maybe, haha). 

Viewpoints for your Death Valley Itinerary

Viewpoints are some of the best things to do in Death Valley National Park in the summer, partially because there’s little to no effort required. Plan to spend some time at all of these if you’re visiting when it’s super hot out. But even then, you’ll wanna run right back to your air-conditioned car. 

Dante’s View

Out of all the things to do in Death Valley, driving up the windy, curvy roads to Dante’s View is towards the top of our list.

From up here at 5,476 feet, you can see Badwater Basin, Telescope Peak, and even Mos Eisley (in a famous Star Wars scene). The 360° views in every direction are absolutely spectacular.  A great spot for panoramic photos, as you can see 100s of miles, and a highlight of our trip for sure!

visit death valley in december

You’ll need to drive up a curvy, windy road to get here, but I promise the views alone are worth it! And although you can see quite a lot from the parking lot, walk along the path to get even better unobstructed photos. 

Many say Dante’s View is best at sunset, but we went in the early morning and were utterly amazed. I don’t think there’s a wrong time of day to head up here.

visit death valley in december

Because of the super-high elevation, it’s much chillier up here than down in the valley (~20-30° cooler). Be sure to bundle up or steal your partner’s winter clothing (I had to wear my husband’s hat because my head was so cold!).

I recommend heading to Dante’s View either on your way into Death Valley from Las Vegas or on your way out. On the map, it looks like it’s pretty close to Badwater Basin, but it’s actually on a different road (and an hours drive away).

  • Zabriskie Point 

When you think of Death Valley, what quickly comes to mind? I betcha those colorful badlands and rock formations do! Makes sense – Zabriskie Point is one of the most popular things to do in Death Valley!

Looking for things to do in Death Valley National Park? Here's my guide: full of places to see, where to stay, and a comprehensive Death Valley itinerary.

And thankfully, it’s super easy to get these views — no hiking required. After a short uphill walk on a paved path, you reach a scenic overlook with unobstructed 360° degrees from the top. Gazing down at the Martian-like moonscape below you will make you feel like you’re on a different planet, easily.

A few hiking trails start here (one that goes all the way to Golden Canyon!), but we just walked around the viewpoint and took (loads of) photos.

Fun Fact — the badlands are made of sediments from Furnace Creek Lake which dried up 5 million years ago – whoa!

visit death valley in december

We actually visited Zabriskie Point twice — once in the early afternoon, and once or sunset! I will say the colors really come out at sunset, but we loved our visit earlier as well. The viewpoint is really easy to fit into your Death Valley itinerary and I recommend going a few times to see how the lighting changes the landscape.

Devils Golf Course

This area of Death Valley definitely looks the most hellish — there’s jagged spires, large stalagmites, and spiky mounds covering the ground. Be extra careful walking around – the ground is super sharp!

visit death valley in december

There’s a bunch of pull offs on the road (the entire landscape is considered the Devil’s Golf Course), so pick and choose a favorite or two to check out.

Psst: There was once a lake here, and once the water evaporated (around 2,000 years ago), it left behind a 1,000 layer of salt! It was said that “only the devil could play golf here”, alas the name was born!

  • Artists Drive and Artists Palette 

Artists Drive is easily one of the most unique things to do in Death Valley, featuring natural pastel colors on the canyons (everything from blue and purple and green). A geologist’s true paradise with it’s multi-colored mineral rocks and canyons!

At about 5 miles in, you’ll reach Artist Palette — the main attraction of Artists Drive! Get out, soak it all in, take photos of the multi-colored canyons, and possibly hike down closer (we stayed at the top).

Looking for things to do in Death Valley National Park? Here's my guide: full of places to see, where to stay, and a comprehensive Death Valley itinerary.

And where do all the colors come from? Well, time to get all sciency! The colors are produced by oxidation of metals and elements found in the ground. What does that mean exactly? I’m not entirely sure, but colors!

We actually visited twice — once when it was pretty cloudy, and once when the sun was shining directly on the canyons. And I must say, the colors were that much more impressive in the sunshine!

There’s actually two viewpoints along the drive, but the second one is by far the more popular. There’s no true colors at the first stop.

The actual drive is pretty short (a one way loop of ~9 miles) and takes you through canyons and past mountains, but honestly, it wasn’t any more impressive than the hikes we did. Be on the lookout for more colors, though. The road is pretty windy and has some dips, so take it slow and be careful!

Walks and Short Hikes in Death Valley

Out of all the things to do in Death Valley, we really enjoyed the few short hikes we went on! We didn’t tackle anything strenuous, and kept our walks/hikes to around 2-3 miles. The heat in November was warmer than we expected!

visit death valley in december

Important Safety Information When Hiking in Death Valley:

  • Avoid hiking in extreme heat. If you’re visiting in summer, it’s probably not a good idea to go on any hikes at all. Just being brutally honest here.
  • Drink lots and lots of water, no matter the temperatures and season. And always be on the lookout for signs of dehydration in yourself and friends/family. Think dizziness, nausea, and headaches. Get out of the sun immediately and drink more water as soon as you feel any dehydration effects!
  • Protect yourself and always wear sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Before sitting/reaching, look out for rattlesnakes, scorpions, insects, and other animals. The desert is home to more than you think.
  • As always, leave no trace and never feed/touch/chase wildlife.
  • Golden Canyon Hike 

Looking for things to do in Death Valley National Park? Here's my guide: full of places to see, where to stay, and a comprehensive Death Valley itinerary.

Imagine towering golden walls (hence the name!), minor rock scrambling (although, honestly, not much), and low overhangs. This was such a fun hike! From the trailhead, there’s a few different hikes you can choose from, ranging from short, easy strolls to strenuous adventures.

We hiked to the Red Cathedral, for a total of ~3 miles roundtrip. It was the perfect amount of time for a moderate mid-afternoon hike in the shade (although would have definitely been way too hot in the blazing summer months).

visit death valley in december

You can actually hike all the way through the badlands to Zabriskie Point, but that was a bit much for us (~4 miles one way, meaning ~8 miles roundtrip). 

  • Salt Flats Interpretive Trail 

A stream flowing in the middle of the desert more than 200 feet below sea level?! Yup, that’s over here!

The interpretive trail is one of the less popular things to do in Death Valley National Park, but it’s a pretty quick stop! In just 0.5miles, you’ll reach the edge of a salt flat — and it’s super easy (and on an actual boardwalk). 

Honestly, if you’re already planning to visit Badwater Basin (which you 1000% should), I’m not sure if the Salt Flats Interpretive Trail will be mind blowing. Which is why we chose to skip it.

But if you’re visiting in the spring, you may just wanna make the stop. The area is home to rare pupfish in the spring-fed Salt Creek, which are most frequently seen from March – May.

  • Harmony Borax Works Interpretive Trail 

Harmony Borax Works is a historical place in the Furnace Creek area with a short ~0.4 loop trail. The most exciting part — you get to see the old twenty mule team borax wagons. History buffs — be sure to check this place out!

visit death valley in december

What’s borax you ask? Don’t worry — I wasn’t too sure myself. Borax was that stuff commonly found in detergents, cosmetics, and glazes, and it’s also a known pesticide and flame retardant. (Usage has been a big source of debate, due to possible safety concerns). People use it today mostly for laundry and fighting stains.

And of course a little history lesson: When borax was found in the area in 1881, a plant was opened to process the stuff a few years later. It was way too hot in the summer months, so the work was moved to the Amargosa Borax Plant. Since it was so difficult to get the final product from Death Valley to the marketplace, they used large mule teams and double wagons through the Mojave Desert. This is where that romantic image of the “20-mule team” comes from!

Twenty Mule Team Canyon

Okay, so this isn’t an actual hike in Death Valley, but a beautiful drive along an unpaved road through colorful, eroded badlands. If you’re looking for the best light, drive the ~2.5miles (one way) in early morning or late afternoon. 

Star Wars fans unite — scenes from Return of the Jedi were filmed here!

Mosaic Canyon Hike

Out of all the short hikes we did, Mosaic Canyon was definitely one of my favorite things to do in Death Valley. It wasn’t hard per say, but there was a good amount of slick rock to maneuver and higher rocks to climb on. We trekked through narrow canyon slots, polished marbleized rock,  and in and around high marble walls.

Looking for things to do in Death Valley National Park? Here's my guide: full of places to see, where to stay, and a comprehensive Death Valley itinerary.

Mosaic Canyon is known as a “geological art gallery” — full of unique smooth walls, irregularly shaped fragments, colorful swirls and chutes, and alabaster rocks. Tons of geological history here! In my opinion, the prettiest part of the hike was the first ½ mile of the slot canyon – it’s where the canyon is the most narrow and unique (my favorite part).

visit death valley in december

Do note you need to drive down a ~2 mile dirt/gravel road to get there, so just be aware! Also, NEVER enter the canyon when it’s raining or there’s talk of a storm rolling in. Although it doesn’t happen often, flash floods fill the canyon and block off passages.

Natural Bridge Trail

Looking for an easy hike? Why not walk the 2 miles (out and back) to the natural bridge (makes for some awesome pictures)?! Photos remind me of the sandstone arches in the national parks in Utah ! And it only takes about 15 minutes to walk to the bridge, so if you’re short on time, you don’t even have to do the whole trail.

You’ll also get to see mud drippings on the canyon wall, a dry falls and vertical chute (which used to flow thousands of years ago), and large boulders lodged within. It honestly sounds pretty cool.

I’m kinda bummed we missed this trail (I didn’t do proper research beforehand), but there’s always next time!

Darwin Falls (Panamint Springs)

A  year-round 80-foot waterfall in the middle of the desert? You heard that right. This hidden gem can be found in another section of the park, near Panamint Springs.

You can see Lower Falls on the trail after about 20 minutes or so, and Upper Falls if you’re down to do some moderate climbing afterwards.  This surreal and special place is a rare oasis with water and even some stream crossings!

Honestly, the road to get there isn’t in the best of conditions, so it’ll probably take a while to get down the 2-mile road. And as always, stay on the trail and watch for vegetation!

Stargazing in Death Valley National Park

If there’s one thing you MUST add to your Death Valley itinerary, it’s stargazing in the middle of the desert. 

I thought the night skies in Kauai , Thailand , and San Blas (Panama) were otherworldly, but Death Valley really takes the cake. I mean we saw the milky way with our own naked eyes , and even the bright lights of Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars. To say I was overly-excited is a massive understatement. If only I was better at astrophotography.

visit death valley in december

Death Valley National Park is actually an International Dark Sky Park! What does this mean exactly? That the night skies are some of the darkest in the entire United States — whoa! When you look up at the skies in Death Valley, you can see the universe the way it looked over 100 years ago (due to very little light pollution).

And plus, it’s one of the best things to do in Death Valley no matter the season — the nights are never quite as hot! 

Tips for stargazing in Death Valley 

  • Download a night-sky app (before you visit Death Valley or using your hotels wifi) so you know what you’re actually looking at! We didn’t do this, but thankfully a couple nearby told us about the planets!
  • For the ultimate experience, visit during the new moon. This is when the moon isn’t visible at all, meaning the sky will be darker, resulting in seeing more stars!
  • Pick a place with little to no light pollution — this means you’ll have to get away from the hotels, roads, and highways.
  • Let your eyes properly adjust to the darkness! It takes roughly 30 minutes for our eyes to see the most stars – just bundle up!
  • Consider bringing along some binoculars or even a telescope! I so wished we did that! Just a word to the wise: learn how to use/set up your equipment ahead of time! It’ll be super hard to learn in the pitch black!
  • Stay at least two nights. While skies are typically clear, cloudy nights do happen. On our first night we actually couldn’t even see a single star due to immense cloud cover. Thankfully by the next night, it was all cleared up!

Where to go stargazing in Death Valley

  • Harmony Borax Works: Most people choose to visit this spot, since it’s super close to the hotels and visitor center in Furnace Creek. This is where we went! Psst: Photographers will love the historic buildings and mule cart for night photography.
  • Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: While you can see oh so much of the night sky here, since it’s located pretty close to the highway, there’s a bit more light pollution from nearby headlights. But if you’re staying in Stovepipe Wells, it’s not far!
  • Badwater Basin: Although the sky can be somewhat obstructed from the mountains, checking out the stars from the saltwater flats is definitely an experience! 

Recommended Death Valley Itinerary (from Las Vegas)

If you have 2 nights, 2 ½ days like we did, I’d recommend the following Death Valley itinerary:

Day 1 in Death Valley

Drive to Death Valley from Las Vegas (~2 hours). Leave early (latest 8am) to have ample time in the park on Day 1 in order to cross a few highlights off your list of things to do in Death Valley.

Although, we decided we needed an early breakfast from Egg Slut in Las Vegas so didn’t make it to the park until around 11am or so — whoops!

Check out the following on your first day in Death Valley:

  • Dante’s View 
  • Stargazing at Harmony Borax Works

Day 2 of your Death Valley Itinerary

Today’s your only full day in the park, so make sure to wake up early to take FULL advantage. Especially if you’re visiting in winter, since the sun will set early (think 4-4:30ish) and there’ll be significantly less daylight. 

Looking for things to do in Death Valley National Park? Here's my guide: full of places to see, where to stay, and a comprehensive Death Valley itinerary.

Check out the following on your second day of your Death Valley itinerary:

  • Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes 
  • Mosaic Canyon Hike and/or Natural Bridge Trail
  • Devils Golf Course 
  • Sunset at Zabriskie Point 
  • Stargazing night #2!

Note : You can choose to spend the second night in Death Valley or head back to Vegas. We’re glad we stayed so we could see the stars (it was cloudy our first night).

Day 3 in Death Valley

Depending on what time you need to be back in Vegas, spend the day however you like! 

Do whatever you didn’t get to on Days 1-2, or drive out to Ubehebe Crater and/or The Racetrack for the moving rocks. Just know it’ll add significantly more driving time.

I hope this helps you plan out your Death Valley itinerary! Which of these things to do in Death Valley National Park are you most excited about? 

Loo king for more California content? Explore my other California guides here!

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  1. 10 Things To Know About Visiting Death Valley In December

    Here are sunrise and sunset times to be aware of in Death Valley throughout the month of December: Sunrise: Dec 1 - 6.40am and Dec 31 - 7.00am. Sunset: Dec 1 - 4.30pm and Dec 31 - 4.40pm. Check sunrise and sunset times here.

  2. Should You Visit Death Valley in Winter? (+ Tips if You Do!)

    Though the temperatures are fairly mild, December, January, and February are considered the winter months. By the end of February, wildflowers have usually already begun to bloom. With such lovely weather, Death Valley is definitely one of the best places to visit in California during winter.

  3. What is the Best Season to Visit?

    Has cool days, chilly nights and rarely, rainstorms. With snow capping the high peaks and low angled winter light, this season is especially beautiful for exploring the valley. The period after Thanksgiving and before Christmas is the least crowded time of the entire year. Peak winter visitation periods include Christmas to New Year's, Martin ...

  4. Should You Visit DEATH VALLEY in WINTER? (Helpful Guide + Video)

    The best season to visit Death Valley National Park is Winter. Winter brings cooler, more manageable temperatures to Death Valley, and even some clouds! While December and January can be a bit rainy, February and March are a dream. This makes winter our favorite season to visit Death Valley. December weather in Death Valley is usually a bit ...

  5. When to Visit Death Valley: The Best & Worst Times of Year

    September, October, November, December. Mid-October through December has very pleasant weather in Death Valley. Visitation starts ticking up, but it's less busy than the February/March high season. If you have a flexible schedule, considering visiting between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

  6. What to do in Death Valley in Winter

    Things to Know About Death Valley in Winter Death Valley Winter Weather. Death Valley is one of the hottest places on earth, because of a combination of lack of water, elevation below sea level, and rocks in the valley floor and surrounding mountains, trapping the heat in the depression.. Death Valley is also the place where the hottest temperature ever was recorded on Earth - a whopping 134 ...

  7. Death Valley in Winter

    That is why we think winter is the best time of year to visit Death Valley. Below is a chart of the annual temperatures in the Death Valley: December 1, 2022. ... December 1, 2022. March 1, 2023. SPRING. Spring is the second most popular season in Death Valley, with temperatures between 75-90ºF. For many people in spring the temperatures are ...

  8. Plan Your Visit

    Plan a Summer Visit. Tips to plan a safe and enjoyable visit to Death Valley in the summer months. Safety. Tips for staying cool, hantavirus, mines, and more. Last updated: November 15, 2023.

  9. 20 Epic Things to Do in Death Valley National Park

    Badwater Basin, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and Harmony Borax Works all make great places to view the night sky. 18. Explore the Backcountry. Death Valley is the largest national park in the lower 48 states and with more than 1,000 miles of roads, many of them unpaved, there is a lot of wilderness to explore.

  10. Death Valley National Park Travel Guide

    Founded: October 31, 1994. Annual Visitors: 1.1 million in 2022. Size: 3.4 million acres. This is the largest national park outside of Alaska. Location: California and Nevada. Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. Notable Fact: Death Valley National Park is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

  11. The Real Reason You Should Visit Death Valley in Winter

    During winter, average temperatures range from the mid-60s to the low 70s with overnight lows frequently dropping into the upper 30s. Those cooler conditions combine with clear, sunny days to make winter the perfect season to get explore Death Valley National Park. When the most of the country is shivering, you can be basking in warm, dry days ...

  12. The Best Time to Visit Death Valley

    Winter in Death Valley (December, January, and February) In our opinion, the winter months provide the best ability to see the most in the park with moderate temperatures. The highs in these winter months average between 65-73°F (18-23°C) with lows averaging 38-46 °F (3-8°C).

  13. Your Guide to The Best Time To Visit Death Valley

    If we're going to pick the single best month to visit Death Valley National Park, we choose November. Temperatures during this time range from 50-70°F (10-21°C) during the day and can drop to around 30°F (-1°C) at night. The autumn sun creates beautiful hues as you gaze at the landscape during this time of year.

  14. 25 AMAZING Things to Do in Death Valley National Park (+ Photos)

    21. Find the Famous Death Valley Mud Cracks. Finding the best mud cracks was high on my list of things to do at Death Valley National Park as the photos I'd seen before visiting seemed almost fake. Death Valley is famous for scenes like the ones below - a valley floor beautifully cracked with geometric shapes.

  15. Death Valley National Park in Winter: 6 Features

    Death Valley is a land of superlatives. It is the hottest, driest, and lowest place in North America. We decided to visit Death Valley last minute, driving from Las Vegas. Death Valley: 6 features we discovered during our trip 1. Convinient location. From Las Vegas => 2 hours, LA => 4 hours of driving

  16. Your Death Valley Visitor Guide: Comprehensive Travel Tips

    The Best Time to Visit Death Valley National Park. The short answer is February/March for pleasant temps and (maybe) wildflowers. Mid-October through December is also very pleasant. The long answer can be found in our when to visit Death Valley article. It includes a temp and precip chart, advice on how to visit in the hotter months and more ...

  17. Things to do in Death Valley: Massive Travel Guide + Death Valley Itinerary

    A few recommended tours: Death Valley Small Group Full-Day Tour from Las Vegas: This tour takes you to all the major Death Valley hotspots, including Dante's View, Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, Devil's Golf Course and more, all in just one day from Las Vegas! Plus an included picnic lunch in Furnace Creek!

  18. 22 Best Things to Do in Death Valley National Park (+ Map)!

    21. Do Some Stargazing. As a Gold Tier Dark Sky National Park, Death Valley offers some of the best stargazing and astrophotography opportunities in the country. While you can enjoy stargazing and photographing the night sky year round, the park holds special dark sky events in the winter and the spring.

  19. 5 Reasons Why Death Valley Should be the Next National Park You Visit

    Death Valley is one of the most underrated National Parks we have visited. If you are looking for a new spot to explore, here are 5 reasons why Death Valley should be on your list. IMPORTANT: Death Valley National Park sustained flood damage in 2023. As the park recovers, there are numerous road closures throughout the park and some flooding ...

  20. Things To Do

    Death Valley is a vast national park with over three million acres of designated Wilderness and hundreds of miles of backcountry roads.The park contains an amazing variety of terrain, historic sites, plants and animals for outdoor adventurers to explore. It is your responsibility to leave no trace of your visit so everyone can enjoy Death Valley for generations to come.

  21. Best Time To Visit Death Valley National Park: Everything You Need To

    In our opinion, the best time to Visit Death Valley National Park is in the springtime. The days are warm and sunny, and the nights are cool. From March to early May, you can hike and explore more of the park on foot as opposed to visiting during much hotter months of the year. The floral display in the desert is spectacular around this time ...

  22. 2 Amazing Days in Death Valley: Itinerary from Las Vegas

    The National Park website states that the least crowded time to visit Death Valley is between Thanksgiving and Christmas. We visited Death Valley at the very end of December (December 29, 30, and 31). This is one of the peak times for a visit. There are very few places to stay in Death Valley, so your accommodation needs to be booked well in ...

  23. A Terrorist Attack in Russia

    The tragedy in a Moscow suburb is a blow to Vladimir V. Putin, coming only days after his stage-managed election victory.

  24. How to Plan Your Death Valley Day Trip from Las Vegas

    About this Death Valley Day Trip. Death Valley Day Trip from Las Vegas. 7 am: Drive from Las Vegas to Death Valley. 9 am: Arrive in Death Valley. 9:45 am: Dante's View. 10:30 am: Twenty Mule Team Canyon. 12:00 pm: Zabriskie Point. 12:30 pm: Lunch. 1 pm: Optional: Devil's Golf Course.