Death Valley holds the world record for the hottest air temperature (134°F, 56.7°C, in 1913) and the lowest point in North America, Badwater Basin, 282 feet below sea level. In winter and spring it is a joy: salt flats, sand dunes, painted hills and canyons under a deep blue sky, two hours from Las Vegas.
Best things to do in Death Valley
Badwater Basin
Walk out across the hexagonal salt crust of the lowest point in North America. Look back at the cliff: a sign marks sea level, high above you.
Zabriskie Point
Golden badlands folded like velvet, with Manly Beacon in the middle. Best at sunrise; a short walk from the parking lot.
3Dante’s View
A viewpoint 5,475 feet above Badwater Basin, often 25°F cooler than the valley floor. A breathtaking first look at the valley.
4Artists Drive & Artists Palette
A 9-mile one-way loop through hills streaked with pink, green and purple minerals, best in late afternoon light.
5Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Rolling dunes near Stovepipe Wells, perfect for sunset and full-moon walks. No trail: walk to the highest crest you see.
6Golden Canyon & Mosaic Canyon
Short canyon hikes: Golden Canyon leads to the red cliffs of Red Cathedral; Mosaic Canyon has polished marble narrows.
Death Valley entrance fees and reservations
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Private vehicle, 7 days | $30 |
| On foot or by bike, per person | $15 |
| America the Beautiful annual pass | US residents $80 · non-residents $250 — covers the whole car and the $100 fee |
- No reservation.
Heat safety
In summer, the danger is real and quick.
- Fill up before you enter: gas inside the park is expensive and stations are far apart.
- Carry at least a gallon (4 litres) of water per person per day, plus extra in the car.
- From May to October, do not hike at low elevations after 10 am.
- If your car breaks down, stay with it — it is shade, and it can be seen. Phone coverage is patchy.
Where to stay in Death Valley
Lodging inside the park is limited to three areas. Pahrump, on the Nevada side, is the budget option.
Our 2 hotel picks in Death Valley
Photos, facilities and tips →
Boutique$$$$The Inn at Death Valley
Furnace Creek, inside the park
A 1927 mission-style inn with a spring-fed pool and palm gardens, in the heart of Death Valley.
Family$$$$The Ranch at Death Valley
Furnace Creek, next to the park visitor center
A former borax ranch turned family base, with a warm spring-fed pool next to the park visitor center.
Furnace Creek
$$$$Best for: a central base
The Inn at Death Valley (1927) and its spring-fed pool, and the family-friendly Ranch.
Hotels in Furnace Creek partner linkStovepipe Wells
$$$$Best for: the dunes
A simple motel next to the sand dunes.
Hotels in Stovepipe Wells partner linkBeatty & Pahrump, Nevada
$$$$Best for: value
Small desert towns 45 to 60 minutes away.
Hotels in Beatty & Pahrump, Nevada partner linkWeather in Death Valley by month
Compare every destination month by month in the when-to-go explorer.
Death Valley: your questions
Can you visit Death Valley in summer?
Yes, by car, with care: viewpoints are near the road. Avoid hiking, carry lots of water and check your car. Temperatures above 120°F (49°C) are common in July.
Is Death Valley a good day trip from Las Vegas?
Yes, from October to April: it is 2 hours each way, and the main sights fit into one long day.
What is the best time to visit Death Valley?
November to March. Wildflowers can carpet the valley in late February and March after a wet winter.
Do I need a 4x4 in Death Valley?
Not for the main sights, all on paved roads. Remote places like the Racetrack need a high-clearance 4x4 and good tires.
Written by Kylian Dev · Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Prices are in US dollars, before sales tax.