Overview
Known as the hottest, driest and lowest National Park, Death Valley is surprisingly easy to get around. In just a weekend, you can hit all the top attractions in the park. The 15.5 mile drive along Badwater Road is perfectly paved and contains many of the park’s coolest spots. Due to the scorching summer temperatures, the best time to visit is October – April (the offseason in most other National Parks). The diversity in landscapes, rock-formations, and coloring makes Death Valley truly unique.
Logistics
Location: Death Valley National Park, California
When to go: October – April (wildflowers, on a good year, appear in late March/early April)
Costs: $25 park entrance fee + $14 to $22 campsite fee (depending on where you stay)
Where to Stay: There are 9 developed campgrounds available, but I would recommend the following due to their central location: Furnace Creek ($22/night), Sunset ($14/night), and Texas Springs ($16/night). All campgrounds in the park are first come first serve except Furnace Creek Campground. However, it is very rare for all campgrounds to fill in Death Valley. See all campsite options here. Or splurge by staying at the 3-star Inn at Death Valley.
Dogs Allowed: Yes (in campgrounds but not on the trails)
Wildlife in Park: Coyotes, ravens, roadrunners, ground-squirrels, bighorn sheep and lizards
Water: Available in the park
Fires: Allowed at designated NPS fire grates/grills (Firewood is overpriced but available at Stovepipe Wells General Store for $8.99/bundle on your way in)
Tips
If you want to be guaranteed a campsite, reserve Furnace Creek Campground months in advance. It is the only campground in the park that takes reservations.
Save the offline Google Maps of Death Valley to navigate when you lose service.
Due to Death Valley’s remote location, everything is much more expensive within the park. I recommend filling your car with gas and purchasing firewood outside of the park.
Best places for sunrise: Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Dantes View, Zabriskie Point. Best places for sunset: Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Zabriskie Point, Artist’s Palette.
Don’t forget to pack: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, extra water.
Current Trail & Park Conditions
Day-By-Day Breakdown
Day 1: Arrive at Furnace Creek Campground (or alt campground) and set up camp. Hit the Visitor’s Center if it’s still open (8am to 5pm daily).
Day 2: Pack a lunch and spend the day navigating up and down Badwater Road. I suggest starting with Badwater Basin (the furthest south stop) and working your way back up the road, stopping at sites along the way. Tip: Start the day early to beat the heat and the crowds.
Stop 1: Badwater Basin Salt Flats Trail (~1.8 miles roundtrip out-and-back): Known as the lowest point in North America at 282 ft below sea level, Badwater Basin takes you on a flat walk through salt flats. In the parking lot, turn away from Badwater and look up on the hillside for a small sign that proclaims "sea level." It's the best way to get an idea of just how low Badwater really is.
Stop 2: Natural Bridge Trail (~1 mile roundtrip out-and-back): The road to the trailhead is bumpy and unpaved but this short hike to the “natural bridge” (or arch) is worth it. To save time, I suggest turning around on the trail once you reach the bridge. However, if you continue there is a dry waterfall.
Stop 3 (optional): Devil’s Golf Course (2.6 miles roundtrip out-and-back): Long, flat and uneventful walk out but interesting salt formations at the end of the path. If you’re looking for something to skip, this trail could be it.
Stop 4: Artists Drive: 10 mile one-way scenic drive, stop along the drive to check out Artist’s Palette (colorful rock formations).
Stop 5: The most-popular Golden Canyon Trail to Red Cathedral (3 miles roundtrip out-and-back), Gower Gulch Loop Trail (4.2 miles roundtrip loop) which includes the Golden Canyon Trail or the less-crowded Desolation Canyon Trail (3.6 miles roundtrip). If doing the Golden Canyon Trail or Gower Gulch Loop, I would recommend the offshoot to Red Cathedral. Be sure to climb up at the end of the trail for a fabulous view of the park.
Stop 6 (optional): The Oasis at Death Valley: After a long day of hiking, stop at the hotel’s outdoor patio for a cocktail and appetizer. Tip: Use the clean bathrooms to freshen up! Or, opt to visit the Visitor’s Center and learn more about the unique geology, history and wildlife of Death Valley.
Stop 7: If you’re feeling ambitious, check out Zabriskie Point (.4 miles roundtrip out-and-back) for sunset. It’s more of a short uphill walk from the parking lot than a hike but it features spectacular views.
Stop 8: Head back to your campsite to cook dinner and make s’mores over the fire.
Day 3: A shorter, but earlier start day.
Stop 1: Rise early to watch the sunrise from Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Tip: Research what time the sun will rise and be sure to arrive 15-30 minutes early to find a spot on the dunes.
Stop 2: Return to camp and pack up camp.
Stop 3: Visit the Visitor’s Center (if you haven’t yet)
Stop 4: Mosaic Canyon Trail (3.5 miles roundtrip, out-and-back): The road to the trailhead is rough and unpaved, so be sure your car is capable. If the road is closed, it adds 2.2 miles each way (I recommend only hiking if the road is open). The trail itself is through a narrow canyon and features beautiful rock formations and smooth marble. Some fun climbing/scrambling is required. Some say the coolest part of the trail is within the first .5 miles.
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