National park · United States
Death Valley National Park
Go November to March and drive it yourself: enter at $30 per vehicle for 7 days, do Zabriskie Point at sunrise and Badwater Basin before 10:00, and avoid June–September when highs pass 49 °C.Go November to March and drive it yourself: enter at $30 per vehicle for 7 days, do Zabriskie Point at sunrise and Badwater Basin before 10:00 AM, and avoid June–September when highs pass 49 °C.Go November to March and drive it yourself: enter at $30 per vehicle for 7 days, do Zabriskie Point at sunrise and Badwater Basin before 10:00, and avoid June–September when highs pass 120 °F.Go November to March and drive it yourself: enter at $30 per vehicle for 7 days, do Zabriskie Point at sunrise and Badwater Basin before 10:00 AM, and avoid June–September when highs pass 120 °F.
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
13,650 km²5,270 sq mi
approximate
Established
1933
Best months
Feb–Mar, Nov
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 9Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
- Southwest ↗Most national parks here charge an entrance fee per vehicle; the nationwide annual pass pays off at three or more parks — check current prices.
- Southwest ↗Alcohol is banned on the Navajo Nation and in many pueblos; some Utah restaurants do not serve alcohol or coffee.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 13,650 km²5,270 sq mi
- About 3.4 million acres; the largest park in the contiguous 48 states.
- Established
- 1933
- Best months
- Feb–Mar, Nov
- Permits
- For some areas
Death Valley is the largest national park in the contiguous United States and the lowest point in North America, 86 m below sea level at Badwater Basin. It is also the hottest place on record on Earth. That combination decides everything: you visit between November and March, you drive, and you plan around heat and distance rather than around crowds. There is no public transport into the park and no shuttle inside it.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1933.
Size and age
13,650 km²5,270 sq mi · national park since 1933
About 3.4 million acres; the largest park in the contiguous 48 states.
Why go
- A landscape of extremes you can drive through in a day: salt flats, sand dunes, coloured badlands and a 3,368 m peak in one park.
- The lowest point in North America (-86 m) and the highest peak in the park (Telescope Peak, 3,368 m) are visible from the same road system.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprGo
- MayCaution
- JunAvoid
- JulAvoid
- AugAvoid
- SepAvoid
- OctGo
- NovBest
- DecGo
- JanMild days, cold nights; clearest skies
- FebCool, dry; wildflowers possible after wet winters
- MarWarm days; spring bloom and crowds
- AprWarming fast; start hikes early
- MayHot by late month; 38 °C+ afternoonsHot by late month; 100 °F+ afternoons
- Jun49 °C common; hiking unsafe midday120 °F common; hiking unsafe midday
- JulHottest month; 49 °C+ most daysHottest month; 120 °F+ most days
- AugExtreme heat; monsoon flash-flood risk
- SepStill 45 °C+; storms possibleStill 113 °F+; storms possible
- OctCooling; good from mid-month
- NovMild, dry, quiet
- DecCool days, cold nights; snow on Telescope Peak
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desert bighorn sheepOct–May · Most often near springs and seeps; early morning. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Salt Creek pupfishFeb–Apr · Tiny fish in the spring-fed creek; boardwalk over the water. | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Desert kit fox and coyoteAll year · Nocturnal; seen at dusk along roads. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Roadrunners and 350+ bird speciesMar–May, Sep–Oct · Migration months are best. | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
How to get there
From Las Vegas
Drive NV 160 to Pahrump, then CA 190 via Death Valley Junction into Furnace Creek.
2–2.5 h
From Las Vegas via Beatty
US 95 north to Beatty, NV 374 to Daylight Pass Road, joins CA 190 near Stovepipe Wells.
2.5–3 h
From Los Angeles
I-15 to Baker, CA 127 north to Shoshone, CA 178 or CA 190 into the park.
4.5–5.5 h
From Reno
US 95 south to Scotty's Junction, NV 267 west toward Scotty's Castle.
5–6 h
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Furnace Creek and the valley floor | Visitor center, Zabriskie Point, Badwater Basin, Artist's Drive, Devil's Golf Course. | Paved roads; open year-round. |
| Stovepipe Wells and the dunes | Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Mosaic Canyon, Salt Creek pupfish pools. | Paved access; short dirt spurs. |
| Panamint Springs and the west | Darwin Falls, Father Crowley Overlook, the road over Towne Pass. | Paved but steep and slow; fuel at Panamint Springs. |
| High country (Wildrose, Telescope Peak) | Pinyon-juniper forest, charcoal kilns, the 3,368 m summit trail. | Dirt roads; snow November–May. |
Sketch map
- 1Furnace Creek Visitor Center · Headquarters≈36.462, -116.867Map ↗
- 2Zabriskie Point · Viewpoint≈36.420, -116.811Map ↗
- 3Badwater Basin · Trail≈36.250, -116.826Map ↗
- 4Dante's View · Viewpoint≈36.221, -116.726Map ↗
- 5Stovepipe Wells · Town≈36.611, -117.146Map ↗
- 6Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes · Trail≈36.619, -117.112Map ↗
- 7Panamint Springs · Town≈36.339, -117.467Map ↗
- 8Telescope Peak · Summit≈36.170, -117.089Map ↗
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrance, private vehicle | US$30–35 | vehicle | Valid 7 days; check current NPS schedule for exact 2026 price. |
| Entrance, motorcycle | US$25–30 | motorcycle | 7 days; check current NPS schedule. |
| Entrance, per person (walk or bike) | US$15–20 | person | 7 days; check current NPS schedule. |
| America the Beautiful annual pass | US$80 | vehicle | Covers this park and other federal sites for a year; 2026 estimate. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entrance permit or guide
Backcountry camping permit or guide
Overnight hikes into canyons permit or guide
Park rules
- Vehicle GPS
- Do not follow it alone inside the park; it routes drivers onto dirt tracks and dead ends. Use the paper park map.
- Water
- Carry at least 4 litres per person per day; there is no reliable water outside Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells and Panamint Springs.
- Fuel
- Fill up before leaving Furnace Creek or Stovepipe Wells; distances between stations exceed 80 km.Fill up before leaving Furnace Creek or Stovepipe Wells; distances between stations exceed 50 mi.
- Drones
- Launching a drone is prohibited in all US national parks.
- Salt formations
- Do not touch or break the crystals at Devil's Golf Course; they take years to re-form.
- Pets
- Not allowed on trails or in the backcountry; only on roads and in car parks.
Where to stay
In the park
Furnace Creek
The Oasis and the Ranch: the only full-service lodging inside the park, plus a campground.
In the park
Stovepipe Wells
Motel and campground in the middle of the valley.
In the park
Panamint Springs
Small resort on the west side with a campground.
Near the park
Beatty, Nevada
Cheapest beds outside the park, 45 min from Stovepipe Wells.
Near the park
Pahrump, Nevada
Chain motels and fuel, about 1 h from Furnace Creek.
Safety
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke high
Running out of fuel or water high
Flash floods medium
No cell signal medium
Winter snow and ice low
Accessibility
- Furnace Creek Visitor Center, Zabriskie Point, Badwater Basin, Dante's View and Artist's Drive are paved and reachable by car with short, level walks.
- Golden Canyon, Mosaic Canyon and the dunes are rough, unshaded and not suitable for limited mobility.
- Wheelchair-accessible parking and paths exist at the visitor center and Badwater boardwalk.
Visiting lightly
- Pack out everything; there is no rubbish collection outside developed areas.
- Stay on trails and boardwalks around Salt Creek and the salt flats.
- Do not feed coyotes or foxes; they lose their fear of people and are then destroyed.
- Buy fuel and food in the gateway towns so the park's neighbours benefit.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Death Valley National Park?
A private vehicle pays about $30 for 7 days, a motorcycle about $25 and a walker or cyclist about $15 (2026 estimate). The America the Beautiful annual pass at about $80 covers this park and other federal sites for a year.
What are the best hikes in Death Valley National Park?
For most visitors: Golden Canyon to Red Cathedral (4.8 km, 2–3 h), Mosaic Canyon (4 km, 2 h) and the flat walk onto the Badwater Basin salt flats (1–1.5 h). Telescope Peak (22 km, 6–8 h) is the serious one and needs snow-free conditions.
When is the best time to visit Death Valley National Park?
November to March. Days are mild, nights cold, and every trail is open. April and October work if you start early. June to September is dangerous: highs above 49 °C are normal and rangers advise against hiking at any hour.
Do I need a 4x4?
No for the main sights. Zabriskie Point, Badwater, Artist's Drive, Dante's View, the dunes and Mosaic Canyon are all on paved or graded roads. A high-clearance vehicle is only needed for remote dirt routes such as Echo Canyon.
Can I visit Death Valley as a day trip from Las Vegas?
Yes, but it is a long day: about 2–2.5 hours each way to Furnace Creek. Leave Las Vegas before 06:00, see Zabriskie Point, Badwater and Artist's Drive, and be back after dark. Staying one night inside the park is much better.
Is there anywhere to stay inside the park?
Yes: Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells and Panamint Springs all have lodging and campgrounds. They are limited and fill months ahead in spring. Cheaper beds are in Beatty and Pahrump, Nevada.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go