The Ultimate Guide to Road-Tripping Through Death Valley

A road trip through Death Valley is something every American traveler should experience at least once in their lifetime. The best time to go is March, when it’s not too hot during the day and not too cold at night. And the best part: the wildflowers are out to bloom.

Please review and follow all state and local guidelines while traveling.

March 22, 2021

By: Lucy Sherriff

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Where to Stay?

The first thing you need to know is an SUV or 4x4 is pretty necessary if you want to experience the best parts of the national park as there are long, gravely rough roads. You’ll also want to pre-arrange your accommodation, as it can get booked up fairly quickly. Either stay in one of the quirky accommodations in Stovepipe Wells Village, or book a night at the swanky The Inn at Death Valley. The Ranch at Death Valley is a nice inbetween, or, if you really want to experience the panoramic starry nights and eerie silence, then camp, either in one of the designated campgrounds, or rough it in backcountry — but make sure you follow the park’s leave no trace rules.

The Road to Death Valley

From Las Vegas, it’s around a two-hour-long drive to get to Death Valley either via the US-95 through Indian Springs or the NV-16 through Death Valley Junction. There’s no ticket booth in the park, so pay at the automated pay station and put the ticket on your dashboard.

Dante's View

Straight after the pay station sits the magnificent Dante’s View. You can either sit in the parking lot and enjoy the view, or get your first hike in with one of the multiple trails that offer equally stunning views. Dante’s View is a superb place to get a perspective of just how vast the valley is.

Badwater Basin

Below you is Badwater Basin, the lowest point of elevation in the entire country. It’s a fun walk out onto the flats, and provides many a photo opportunity, but make sure you wear a hat and bring water. The temperature can quickly rise when you’re out there in the open. Before you get to Badwater Basin, you can take a quick detour to Devil’s Golf Course, lumpy salt flats that are surprisingly sharp! So make sure to watch your step.

Natural Bridge Canyon

If you need to stretch your legs even further, natural bridge is a two mile in and out walk, and takes you to a natural stone bridge that’s formed into the canyon.

Artist's Drive

Hop back in the car and head on to Artist’s Drive, through nine miles of vibrant mountainside clay, which really is the color of a painter’s palette: think eye-popping reds, yellow, greens, purples and blues. If you choose to get out of the car, it’s a fun scramble to the top of some of the dunes, but you’ll definitely get dusty!

Zabriskie Point

The next stop through the park will be Zabriskie Point, but this is probably where you’ll want to head if you’re after a spectacular sunset (or sunrise). Prepared to be accompanied, though, as it’s a popular spot. After you’re done with the sunrise, hop down into one of the winding canyons below and spend hours lazily ambling through gulleys and wiggly paths between sediment rock.

Stovepipe Wells

Loop back around on yourself and head towards Stovepipe Wells, where you can grab water and basic refreshments, and use the restrooms.

You’ll want to plan out how much time to spend at each location, and your days will depend on whether you opt to do the extra hikes. Golden Canyon to Gower Gulch Hike is stunning, and a full immersion into the eeriness of the park, paired with magical colors. It’s a 4.4 mile loop and it’s around 3 miles from Artists Drive on the way to Stovepipe Wells.

Mesquite Dunes

One magical place to watch the sunset, if you’re after something different from Zabriskie, is the Mesquite Sand Dunes. They’re so smooth you can sled down them, or you can walk off into the horizon to find your slice of solitude. If you have enough time, make the trip out to Racetrack Playa, the place where rocks mysteriously snake their way across the sand. It’s about a three-hour drive from Mesquite, however, so make sure you have enough gas and supplies to get you there and back.