You are currently viewing Explore Death Valley National Park: Day Trip From Las Vegas

Explore Death Valley National Park: Day Trip From Las Vegas

  • Post last modified:July 19, 2020
  • Post author:

You can support this website, at no additional cost to you, by using our links to purchase hotel stays, rental cars, travel products and more. Learn more.

Most Americans have heard of Death Valley, though few of us know much about it. The name conjures images of a flat, barren, and frankly, boring landscape. Or at least it did for me when my friend suggested a day trip from Las Vegas to the Death Valley National Park. 

To my pleasant surprise, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Actually, the park has so much to offer you can’t see it all in a day. However, it is enough time for the highlights, and they are spectacular. 

This post will provide you with a little insight on the park, plus a half to full-day itinerary.

Where Is Death Valley National Park?

At 3.4 million acres, Death Valley National Park is the largest national park in the contiguous U.S. Though Death Valley straddles parts of Nevada, the majority of the park is in California, just east of the Sequoia National Forest.

From Las Vegas it takes just over two hours to get to Death Valley. Though you may want to consider leaving early and visiting the unique desert oasis of Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge on the way.

Did You Know?

With an average rainfall of only two inches per year, Death Valley is the driest place in the U.S. It’s also the hottest place on earth. In July 2018, the average temperature rose to 108⁰F (42°C), including the night-time lows. Four days in a row saw temperatures of 127⁰F (53°C). Guess we were lucky it was only 119°F (48°C) when we visited.
Desert Flowers, Death Valley National Park

When To Visit Death Valley National Park?

It’s best to visit the park in spring or fall, when temperatures are more pleasant. You’re also more likely to see wildlife. Reptiles typically hibernate in winter, and most desert animals become nocturnal in summer to escape the heat of the day.

However, don’t let the heat discourage you from a summer visit if that’s all you have. There’s no humidity, so if you make friends with the shade and keep hydrated, you’ll find it tolerable.

Most visitors drink a gallon of water on a warm day in the park. Make sure you bring plenty for everyone in your group.

You’ll also want to cover your skin with light, but long clothing, and of course a hat.

Colorful Rolling Hills, Death Valley National Park

Furnace Creek Visitor Center

The main visitor center for the park is Furnace Creek. Stop in here first to pick up a map and pay the park fees. It’s $30 per vehicle (2020), but the pass provides park access for seven consecutive days.

Furnace Creek Visitor Center Temperature Gauge

Dante's View

For an impressive panorama, head to Dante’s view. Below this cliff top ridge, a sea of white salt stretches into the distance. The area below is known as Badwater Basin, the lowest point in all of North America.

Dantes View, Death Valley National Park
Badwater Basin as seen from Dantes View, Death Valley National Park
Badwater Basin as seen from Dantes View, Death Valley National Park

Devil's Golf Course

Just before you get to Badwater Basin, there’s a little pull off called Devil’s Golf Course. Apparently, the name comes from one of the old guide books which said, “only the devil could play golf on such rough links.” From there, the name stuck. 

Listen closely, on a hot day you can hear the popping and crunching as the salt expands and contracts with the heat. 

Devil's Golf Course, Death Valley National Park

Badwater Basin

At 282 feet below sea level, Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America. Look up to the cliff side for the “sea level” sign, providing a perspective on just how low this spot is.

You might be surprised to see water here. The area is fed by a natural spring. The spring mixes with the surrounding salt making it undrinkable.

As you walk out on the salt road across the flat, you will notice the intensity of the heat and brightness increase as the suns rays reflect off of the white surface.

Keep a lookout for the hexagon shapes in the salt, caused by changing temperatures and evaporation.

Natural Spring at Badwater Basin, Death Valley National Park
Badwater Basin Sign
Salt walkway at Badwater Basin, Death Valley National Park
Sea Level Sign, Badwater Basin
Sea Level Sign, Badwater Basin

Artists Palette

Artists Drive is a 9-mile one-way road which winds through a spectacularly colored canyon. At the 5-mile marker is Artists Palette. Produced by the oxidation of various elements, this is where the colors are the most vibrant.

Though not a hiking area, it’s worth making a few stops to get out and enjoy the impressive terrain.

Artist's Palette Drive, Death Valley National Park
Artist's Palette Drive, Death Valley National Park

Mushroom Rock

No longer on the tourist maps, this unusual rock has a sad story. A victim of tourism, over the years this large basalt formation was chipped away for souvenirs, stood on, and generally abused by visitors. To salvage what’s left, the Death Valley National Park removed all indications of the site.

Mushroom Rock, Death Valley National Park

Zabriskie Point

Historically known for borax mining, today Zabriskie Point is a picturesque location for photography. The elevated area accessed from the parking lot gives a prime position to capture the surrounding views.

Ideally save this spot for sunset. The contrast of the growing shadows with the colors of the rocks are phenomenal.

If you have more time before sunset, consider taking a drive over to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. It’s about 45 minute from Artists Palette. We didn’t make it on this trip, but it’s definitely on our list for next time. 

Zabriskie Point colors at sunset, Death Valley National Park
Zabriskie Point colors at sunset, Death Valley National Park

As we were leaving the park, on our way back to Las Vegas, we came across one last beautiful sight. A pack of around 10 wild horses grazed along the side of the road.

Wild Horses grazing in the Death Valley desert

For more information, check the national park’s website.

Death Valley National Park
Furnace Creek, CA 92328

Pinterest Image
Travel Resources

We recommend and use these companies to arrange our travel plans; they make travel planning easy and affordable. If you have questions on our experiences, feel free to ask us!

This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. Paula

    Thanks for this post. We’re visiting in October so this got me really excited!!!

    1. Nicole

      That is exciting, and I imagine October will be a perfect time to visit! I fell in love with the park the second we looked out from Dante’s View. Have an amazing trip!

Comments are closed.