One day in Death Valley Itinerary: Visit Top Attractions
Looking to make the most of your one day in Death Valley? In January 2024, we made a day trip to Death Valley from Las Vegas and spent the most amazing day exploring all the sights. Death Valley is really other-worldly, unlike any other National Park I have been to, with its vast desert landscape.
Death Valley is often described as one of the hottest National Parks in the United States due to the extreme heat in the summer. Luckily, I visited in January, so the weather was perfect in the mid-60s Fahrenheit.
But despite the heat and the scary name, Death Valley is one of the most unique and beautiful National Parks to visit in California or Nevada.
Can Death Valley National Park be seen in a day? Absolutely! Despite being one of the largest U.S. National Parks by land area, Death Valleyโs top highlights can be explored in just one day if you’re short on time. In fact, many of its most iconic sights can be enjoyed within a few hours once youโre inside the park.
One day in Death Valley: Quick Overview
Below are the must-see stops in your Death Valley one-day itinerary:
- Visit Badwater Basin – the lowest elevation point in North America.
- Drive on Artist’s Drive – a scenic route with colorful rock formations.
- Zabriskie Point – panoramic views of surrounding badlands, great sunrise spot.
- Stop at Furnace Creek Visitor Center – for current park information and to pay the entrance fee.
- Mesquite Sand Dunes – hike or stroll on the sand dunes, a great sunset spot.
Below are some optional stops if you have more time in Death Valley. Each of these stops can take a couple of hours to reach and explore, so it might be hard to fit them in a day trip.
- 6. Dante’s View – Panoramic views of the valley floor
- 7. Devilโs Golf Course – sharp rock formations
- 8. Ubehebe Crater – Volcanic crater that you can hike into from the rim
- 9. Harmony Borax Works
Let’s dive into the details and logistics of each of these stops in Death Valley National Park.
Death Valley One Day Itinerary
Wondering what are the must-see highlights that you should cover in your Death Valley day trip? In this one-day itinerary, each stop is listed in the order you’ll encounter them as you drive north from Badwater Basin.
Usually, Badwater Basin is the most visited attraction, so most folks drive to it first, and we did that, too. However, you can easily reverse the order and still hit all the key spots.
As Death Valley National Park is huge and there is a lot of driving involved to get to the various vista points, it is important to start early in the day to ensure you have enough time to cover all the park’s main highlights.
We started around 8 AM from Vegas for our Death Valley day trip and still ran out of daylight towards the end as it was winter, and it was dark by 5.
Badwater Basin
Badwater Basin, sitting 282 feet below sea level, is the lowest point in North America and known for its vast salt flats, crystalline formations, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
This is one of the most recommended stops in Death Valley, as it takes you to the actual lowest pointโone of the parkโs major attractions.
Here, you’ll take a short walk across a boardwalk out to the salt flats, where you’ll witness the iconic salt polygons that define the landscape.
When we visited in January 2024, we were lucky enough to see a rare lake at Badwater Basin, Lake Manly, a special phenomenon that made our visit even more memorable.
Donโt forget to look up at the mountainside near the parking lot to spot the “sea level” sign. It really puts into perspective just how low you are.
The “Badwater Pool” is a small spring that is the source of the basin’s salt deposits. The pool’s water is so salty that it is undrinkable, and visitors are warned not to drink or even touch it.
The basin is also home to unique plant and animal species, including salt-tolerant plants, insects, and birds. There are plenty of display boards here offering more geological and historical insights about Badwater Basin.
Even though we visited in the winter with temperatures in the mid-60s F, it still felt warm. Standing at the lowest elevation point was a surreal experience.
I canโt even imagine how intense the heat gets in the summer. Friends of mine who have visited during that time of year have mentioned itโs almost unbearable.
Artist’s Drive
Artist’s Drive is a scenic road in Death Valley National Park known for its breathtaking views of the colorful hills and mountains. True to its name, the landscape here resembles an artist’s palette, making it a must-see highlight of the park.
The hills and mountains that line the drive are composed of a variety of minerals and rocks that give them a stunning array of colors, ranging from pale reds and oranges to soft pinks and greens.
This one-way road starts off Badwater Road, just 10 minutes from Devilโs Golf Course or about 15 minutes from Badwater Basin. The entrance to the drive is from the south, so it’s best to visit when returning from Badwater Basin.
On Artist’s Drive, take Artist’s Palette Road to reach the small parking lot. This viewpoint offers the most impressive colorful hills and canyons. There are several hiking trails here as well, but we didn’t venture too far.
Along the drive, you’ll find some pull-offs perfect for capturing photos of the breathtaking mountains. The entire detour took us about 30 minutes to complete. Note that large trailers are prohibited due to narrow sections and sharp turns.
My family really enjoyed this drive. The narrow one-way road with occasional canyon-like cliffs on both sides was pretty cool, and the colorful hills here were spectacular.
Zabriskie Point
Zabriskie Point is a breathtaking viewpoint known for its stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the colorful rock formations.
This was perhaps my most favorite vista point. There is a large parking lot here and a short uphill hike on a paved road to reach the Zabriskie Point.
From this viewpoint, you can take in sweeping vistas of the surrounding badlands, including the Manly Beacon and the Amargosa Range. There are several hikes here to explore the badlands.
I found the panoramic view here to be really spectacular, and the colorful badlands are a must-see.
Zabriskie Point is a great place to watch the sunrise in Death Valley if you stay inside the park overnight or drive early enough to the park.
Furnace Creek Visitor Center
After Zabriskie Point, make sure to stop at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. Furnace Creek is the main hub of Death Valley and the primary visitor center of Death Valley National Park.
Here, you can pay the $30 per vehicle National Park entrance fee, which is valid for seven consecutive days.
We had the ‘America the Beautiful’ annual pass, which we verified at the Visitor Center. They gave us a park map and a newsletter, which was helpful for staying informed about the park’s latest happenings.
There are various exhibits at the Visitor Center to learn more about the park’s history, geology, ecology, and natural features. You can also pick up a park map and get current park information from the park rangers.
Outside the building, you will find the famous sign that displays the current temperature. As I visited in winter, the reading was not dramatic, but during summer, people like to show off the extreme temperatures they visited in as it is in triple digits!
The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is a great place to buy souvenirs at the gift shop, grab snacks and coffee from the small cafe, use restrooms, or refill water bottles.
There is also a gas station here, though it will cost a little more than a usual gallon in eastern California. We made sure to fill up on gas before entering Death Valley!
Mesquite Sand Dunes
The Mesquite Sand Dunes are a bit farther out, but they’re definitely worth the drive if you have not seen sand dunes before. From the paved parking lot, you can follow a main trail that leads you into the sweeping expanse of sand dunes.
One of the best things about these dunes is the freedom to explore at your own pace. Since the wind constantly reshapes the dunes, thereโs no designated trail, allowing you to roam wherever you’d like.
Another popular activity here is sledding down the dunes, which is a hit with kids and adults alike. Just remember to bring your own sled, as none are available for rent.
On a hot day, make sure that you have enough water, as there is no shade anywhere on the dunes, and the sand can be hot. Sturdy shoes are a must if you plan to walk in the sand.
Optional Stops for Death Valley 1 day Itinerary
If you have daylight time left in your day and want to visit some more attractions in Death Valley, below are some additional stops you can make on your Death Valley trip:
Dante’s View
Dante’s View is an elevated viewpoint around a 30-minute drive south of Furnace Creek Visitor Center and is popular for stunning panoramic views of the valley floor, Badwater Basin, salt flats, and surrounding mountains from above.
There is a parking lot here and several short dirt/sandy trails where you can explore the valley views from different angles. It is a great place for sunset views as well.
Devilโs Golf Course
Devilโs Golf Course gets its unique name from the jagged, sharp white rocks that cover the landscape. These formations are actually salt deposits, warped over time by the expansion and contraction of water as the area’s extreme temperatures fluctuate.
To reach this spot, you’ll take a short dirt road off Badwater Road. Fortunately, the road is flat, so even sedans without four-wheel drive can handle the trip with ease.
Harmony Borax Works
If time allows, Harmony Borax Works offers a quick, historic detour on your Death Valley day trip, showcasing the remains of an old borax refinery and the iconic 20 Mule Team Wagon. A short trail with interpretive signs provides insight into the areaโs mining history and the tough conditions workers faced.
Nearby, Mustard Canyon offers a short scenic drive through yellow hills. Itโs a detour on an unpaved road with unique views of the parkโs rock formations if you have the time.
Ubehebe Crater
Ubehebe Crater is a volcanic crater in the northern region of Death Valley and is around an hour and a half drive north from the Furnace Creek Visitor Center.
This attraction might be a little hard to fit into a Death Valley one-day itinerary, but you can do it if you are planning to stay overnight.
From the parking lot, you can see stunning views of the Ubehebe Crater. You can walk along the crater rim for different views of the crater.
There are trails that you can take to go down inside the crater, but the hike back is very strenuous on dirt and gravel paths.
Travel Tips for visiting Death Valley
Below tips will help you make the most of your visit to Death Valley.
Best time to Visit Death Valley National Park
Death Valley is known for its extreme temperatures, with scorching summers and chilly winter nights. Summer temperatures often exceed 120ยฐF (49ยฐC) during the day, making it unsuitable for hiking, camping, or sightseeing.
Winter, while too cold for camping due to freezing overnight lows, is ideal for day trips or staying in park accommodations. We visited in January, and the mid-60sยฐF temperatures were perfect for exploring.
Spring is a great time to visit, especially in February and March, when temperatures are mild, ranging from 46ยฐF to 82ยฐF. You might also catch wildflowers blooming if winter rainfall has been sufficient.
Fall, particularly October and November, is another great option, with temperatures between 48ยฐF and 93ยฐF. But during the afternoon it might be too hot for hiking.
How to get to Death Valley National Park
Death Valley is a popular getaway destination from both California and Nevada cities. Death Valley can be a great weekend or long weekend trip from San Francisco!
Death Valley is an easy day trip from Las Vegas! We did this, and it was perfect. We started around 8 AM from Vegas and had enough time to cover all the main attractions.
The closest major airport to Death Valley is Las Vegas International Airport in Nevada. If flying into Las Vegas, you will need a rental car to explore Death Valley on your own.
Alternatively, you can also take a day tour to Death Valley from Las Vegas.
โก Death Valley Small Group Day Adventure From Las Vegas – I recommend this highly rated small group, full-day tour from Las Vegas to Death Valley which will cover all the top attractions in Death Valley and includes lunch and hotel pickup.
Visiting Death Valley from California
Death Valley is a little further away from California cities, and I highly recommend driving the day before and staying overnight in or near the park, and spending the next full day exploring Death Valley.
Driving distances to Death Valley from major California Cities:
- San Francisco to Death Valley – Around 7-8 hours by car
- Los Angeles to Death Valley – Around 4 hours by car
- Santa Barbara to Death Valley – Around 5.5 hours by car
- San Diego to Death Valley – Around 6.5 hours by car
If you are visiting from California, you can take Highway 395, Highway 127, or Highway 178 to enter Death Valley, depending on your starting point.
Visiting Death Valley from Nevada
Death Valley is about a 2-hour drive from Las Vegas. The fastest route follows Highway 95 northwest out of Las Vegas and takes around 2 hours without stops.
An alternative option is taking NV-160 through Pahrump, which takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. This is the route we took from Vegas.
Where to Stay For Death Valley
Although we just did a day trip, if you are planning to stay overnight before or after your exploration, there are several accommodation options within the park and nearby. Camping is an option, and there are several campgrounds here.
Staying in Death Valley National Park
The best place to stay inside Death ValleyNational Park is The Inn at Death Valley, located on Highway 190 near Badwater Road. This hotel is the nicest in the area and a luxury resort.
A mid-range hotel option still within the park and equally nice is The Ranch at Death Valley, located near Furnace Creek. We stopped here for lunch, and it seemed like an oasis in the desert.
Panamint Springs Resort, located on the western edge of Death Valley National Park, offers budget accommodations, including motel rooms, newer cabins, and tents.
Staying in Ridgecrest, California
If you are coming from California and accommodation inside the park is not available, staying in the city of Ridgecrest is a great option. From Ridgecrest, it’s around 1 hour and 20 minutes to drive to Death Valley, perfect for a day trip.
Hampton Inn & Suites Ridgecrest makes a great base to explore Death Valley with daily free hot breakfast and a pool.
SpringHill Suites Ridgecrest is another great option, with a complimentary hot breakfast and pool.
Staying in Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada, is the biggest city near Death Valley and around 2 hours away. It is ideal to combine your trip to Vegas with a visit to Death Valley like we did.
If staying in Vegas, you can do a day trip to Death Valley either yourself or take a tour from Las Vegas to Death Valley.
Venetian Resort is a great resort in the center strip area of Las Vegas, within walking distance to several Las Vegas attractions.
Camping in Death Valley
There are several campgrounds in Death Valley if camping is your thing. However, keep in mind that it can be very hot during the day and chilly at night.
Furnace Creek Campground: The parkโs largest campground with 136 sites, including 18 with full RV hookups, and the only one that accepts reservations.
Texas Springs Campground: A first-come, first-served site with 92 spots located above Furnace Creek, offering easy digital payment at the entrance.
Stovepipe Wells Campground: A large, non-reservable campground near a general store, ranger station, and gas station.
Emigrant Campground: A small, tent-only campground with 10 spots and limited privacy.
Wildrose Campground: A higher-elevation, first-come, first-served site with spaces for RVs but no hookups or dump stations.
Sunset Campground: A primitive, 230-site campground near Furnace Creek that rarely fills but offers minimal privacy and amenities.
Where to eat in Death Valley?
I was pleasantly surprised by the plenty of food options in Death Valley National Park. There are quite a few restaurants, so you will be spoiled for choices.
The Ranch at Death Valley has The Ranch 1849 Buffet and The Last Kind Words Saloon, both open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Ranch also has a cafe and ice cream parlor.
We ate lunch at The Last Kind Words Saloon, and the decor was impressive. The food was great, too; we found vegetarian options. Later, we enjoyed ice cream at the parlor, which was new and had nice decor.
Stovepipe Wells Village near the Mesquite Sand Dunes has Toll Road Restaurant and Badwater Saloon, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Death Valley Entrance Stations and Admission Fees
Unlike many national parks, Death Valley doesnโt have a formal entrance station. Instead, youโll need to stop at a pay station to pay the entrance fee. Fee machines are located at popular spots like Furnace Creek Visitor Center, Stovepipe Wells, Zabriskie Point, Badwater Basin, and some campgrounds.
Entry costs $30 per vehicle and is valid for seven days. Alternatively, the $80 annual national park pass offers unlimited access to all parks for a year, which is a better value if you plan to visit at least three parks. Active duty and retired military members and their families receive free admission.
We used our ‘America the Beautiful’ annual pass and got it verified at the Visitor Center in exchange for a park map and newsletter.
Is Death Valley worth visiting?
Yes, Death Valley is definitely worth visiting, especially if you’re a fan of unique landscapes and natural wonders. Its extreme desert scenery, including vast salt flats, towering sand dunes, colorful rock formations, and dramatic viewpoints like Dante’s View, offer one-of-a-kind experiences.
Despite its reputation for being one of the hottest places on Earth, there’s a lot to explore, from the lowest elevation point at Badwater Basin to historical sites like Harmony Borax Works. Plus, the park’s dark skies make it an excellent spot for stargazing. Whether you’re visiting for a day or spending a few nights, Death Valley offers plenty of unique sights. If you go in the winter months like we did, you can enjoy the park without the heat.
Final Takeaways: Death Valley day trip itinerary
Death Valley is a unique and amazing National Park with a varied, interesting, and colorful landscape, and it is definitely worth seeing, even if you can only spare a day!
I recommend visiting during the Fall, Winter, and Spring months for a more pleasant experience, as summers in Death Valley can be very hot, with triple-digit temperatures.
โญ Got questions about your trip?
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