Death Valley National Park

The first non-Native Americans arrived in Death Valley in 1849 looking for a shortcut to the California gold fields. Although only one member of their party died, the name Death Valley was given to the area. Various mining operations used the valley afterwards, most notably for borax mining. When mining prospects went sour, the Pacific Coast Borax Company lobbied for federal protection of Death Valley, in order to develop tourism. President Hoover declared about two million acres of the area a national monument in 1933. In 1994 the monument was expanded by 1.3 million acres (530,000 ha) and declared a national park.

Death Valley National Park is the lowest point in North America and one of the hottest places in the world. It is also a vast geological museum, containing examples of most of the earth's geological eras. Death Valley National Park includes all of Death Valley, a 130 mi (210 km) long north/south-trending trough that formed between two major block-faulted mountain ranges: the Amargosa Range on the east and the Panamint Range on the west. Telescope Peak, the highest peak in the park and in the Panamint Mountains, rises 11,049 ft (3,368 m) above sea level and lies 15 mi (24 km) from the lowest point in the United States in the Badwater Basin salt pan, 282 ft (86 m) below sea level. The California Desert Protection Act added most of the Saline, Eureka, northern Panamint, and Greenwater valleys to the Park.

Animal life is varied, and numerous species of reptiles, birds and mammals populate Death Valley, adapting well to the desert environment. However, many of these animals have a nocturnal lifestyle in order to escape the searing climate and can be difficult to spot.

The largest native mammal in the area, and perhaps the best studied member of the fauna, is the desert bighorn sheep. Small herds of sheep are most commonly found in the mountains surrounding Death Valley but at least occasionally visit the valley floor. Look for these animals near the springs and seeps that can be found throughout the park.

Over 350 species of birds are now known to inhabit or visit the area. And even native fish are to be found in Death Valley - several forms of desert pupfish of the genus Cyprinodon live in Salt Creek and other permanent bodies of water.

Death Valley is one of the hottest places in the world during summer, and air temperatures over 120 °F (49 °C) are common during June, July, August and September. The hottest recorded temperature in the world was measured in the park in 1913 at a blazing 134 °F (57 °C) (a measurement of 136 °F recorded in Libya in 1922 has since been dismissed due to questions over its accuracy). Since it is often up to four degrees hotter near Badwater than it is near Furnace Creek where the official record was recorded, it is entirely likely that Death Valley should hold the title as the hottest place on Earth.

Fortunately, temperatures from November through March are mild with highs averaging in the 60s and 70s °F (15-25°C) with winter nighttime lows usually in the 40s °F (5-10°C). This makes the winter and early spring the best seasons to visit.

Very little rain falls in the valley, but rainfall in the mountains often sends floodwaters roaring down narrow canyons, scouring boulders, rocks and soil along the way and eventually depositing them in the valley. These deposits are evident in the form of gigantic alluvial fans seen throughout the valley. Many of these fans reach over a mile (1.6 km) wide and are the product of hundreds and thousands of years of this process. The granular structure of these fans is also interesting to note as you will commonly see the larger boulders near the top of these structures and as you go further and further down, the granularity becomes finer and finer until you are finally left with the salts on the valley floor.

The higher elevations of the Panamint Range reach up to 11,049 ft (3,368 m) at Telescope Peak and are usually covered with snow from November to May, making a breathtaking backdrop to this unique desert climate.

• Park website
• 🌍 Furnace Creek Visitor Center (Furnace Creek, along CA 190), ☏ +1 760-786-3200. When visiting Death Valley, start here and you may discover that some sight you hadn't been interested in turns out to really interest you. Or just figure out which of these many places you should really visit. Park rangers are available here to answer questions and provide you with trip-planning advice. Exhibits and a 20 minute long park film are available and a great way to learn more about the cultural and natural resources of the park. (updated Jun 2020)

Las Vegas at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS ^IATA) is the closest commercial airport to Death Valley, about a 120 mi (190 km), two-hour drive from Furnace Creek.

There are also three small airstrips within the park for private plane access at Stovepipe Wells, Furnace Creek, and Saline Valley.

The nearest city with an Amtrak station is Barstow, which is served by the Southwest Chief Chicago - Los Angeles route.

There is no public transportation to and from the park. You would need to rent a car from Las Vegas, Barstow or Pahrump. If you get stranded in the park, you can have a rental car delivered from Pahrump, Nevada, about one hour away from Furnace Creek.

From the east (Las Vegas; with several routes, you may want to consider your destination within the part to determine a suitable route):

• via Pahrump and Death Valley Junction - most direct to Furnace Creek: take NV 160 west (Blue Diamond Road) to Pahrump; continue north on NV 160 from Pahrump to Belle Vista Ave., continues into California and becomes State Line Rd; from Death Valley Junction take CA 190 west 20 mi (32 km) into the park towards Furnace Creek.
• via Beatty and Lathrop Wells - most direct to Stovepipe Wells: take US 95 north from Las Vegas; in Beatty, from US 95 take NV 374 south, continues into California and becomes Daylight Pass Rd.; Daylight Pass Rd. ends at CA 190 about 8 mi (13 km) east of Stovepipe Wells and 16 mi (26 km) north of Furnace Creek.
• via Amargosa Valley: take US 95 north from Las Vegas; from US 95 take NV 373 south, continues into California, becomes CA 127; just north of Death Valley Junction take CA 190 west 20 mi (32 km) into the park towards Furnace Creek.
• via Pahrump and Shoshone: take NV 160 west (Blue Diamond Road) to Pahrump; take NV 372 south, continues into California, becomes CA 178; at Shoshone, continue with the "from the south" directions.

From the west:

• Going north on US 395 take CA 190 east from Olancha, through Panamint Springs and over Towne Pass (elevation 4,956 ft (1,511 m)). This road is steep and narrow along some sections and is slow going for vehicles pulling trailers.
• Alternate shorter route (by 38 mi (61 km)) going north on US 395 take Trona Rd from Johannesburg. This becomes Trona Wildrose Rd after the town of Trona. Turn left onto Panamint Valley Rd, then turn right onto CA 190 east into the valley.
• Going south on US 395 take CA 136 east from Lone Pine to CA 190 east through Panamint Springs and proceed as above.

From the north:

• From US 95 in Nevada, take NV 267 west from Scotty's Junction 26 mi (42 km) towards Scotty's Castle.

Many other more adventurous routes into the park are also available particularly for high clearance and 4x4 vehicles. The route in from the Eureka Dunes in the north is notable along with the route from the Panamint Valley through Emigrant Pass from the southwest and the southern route on CA 178 west from Shoshone.

From the south (via Shoshone):

• From I-15 take the exit for CA 127 when you reach the tiny town of Baker. Proceed north on CA 127 for 56 mi (90 km) to the microscopic town of Shoshone. Just one mile (1.6 km) north of Shoshone is the turnoff for CA 178 which leads you into the Park.
• If you want to go to Badwater go west on CA 178 for 56 mi (90 km) more. The road will cease to be CA 178 after several miles. Although in earlier years the condition deteriorated quickly, many portions of this road both outside and inside the park have been resurfaced. High speeds are not advised in most areas, since there are usually no shoulders and the surface may suddenly change as you move from new to old pavement. Avoid using this route at night if possible. This road also passes the Artists Drive formation loop.
• If you don't want to take the shortcut to Badwater you can continue north on CA 127 for 27 mi (43 km) when it meets with CA 190 and enter the park from there. This road passes Zabriskie Point, and meets the Badwater Road just before Furnace Creek.

Note on route designations: "CA 127" means "California State Route 127" and "NV 373" means "Nevada State Route 373." The signs for each state are different. Nevada has a rectangular sign with a white shape of the state with black numbers while California's signs are in the shape of a spade and green with white numbers.

• 🌍 Artist's Palette, Artists Drive. The rocks within this section of the park have been stained myriad colors by minerals within, creating a view that resembles an artist's palette. It is possible to get close up to them, and is generally not too hard if you have prior hiking experience. 
• 🌍 Badwater Basin. At 282 feet below sea level, the lowest point in North America is a surreal landscape of vast salt flats. A boardwalk and signs provide info on the local environment, and a trail leads out onto the salt flats. A temporary lake may form after heavy rainstorms. (updated Jun 2020)

• 🌍 Dante's View. Spectacular view from an overlook just a mile or two away from Badwater, but 4,000 ft (1,200 m) taller. The road to Dante's View is a bit long, but the view is worth it. If you are towing a trailer, a parking lot is provided for you to leave your trailer behind before ascending the most difficult part of the road to Dante's View. 
• 🌍 Devil's Cornfield. 
• 🌍 Devil's Golf Course. A bizarre landscape consisting of a vast field of salt crystals. Please admire these carefully! A slight touch can break the crystals, which often take years to re-form. 
• Echo Canyon. 4WD road just east of Furnace Creek. 
• Mustard Canyon. A popular hike located just north of Furnace Creek through a brilliantly-colored canyon. The best view is from the very end of the trail, which requires traversing through some narrow canyon walls and over ladders. Star Wars fans may recognize this place as the Jawa hideouts from Episode IV. 
• Mushroom Rock. This oddly shaped rock is on the road south of Furnace Creek. 
• 🌍 Natural Bridge. Travel south from Furnace Creek. Natural Bridge is just east of the main road via a dirt road. This natural bridge in a narrow canyon was created when erosion managed to undercut a section of the stream bed and eventually create a bridge well above the bottom of the canyon. 
• 🌍 Salt Creek. Travel north from Furnace Creek. Salt Creek is about two miles (3.2 km) west of the main road via an easy dirt road. This place is great. Long ago Death Valley was a lake with fish in it; as the lake dried up and salinity increased the fish evolved to cope. Now they are restricted to a short, salty creek which springs up out of the desert, flows for a few hundred yards, and then disappears back into the sand. 
• 🌍 Zabriskie Point. Famous viewpoint loved by photographers just east of Furnace Creek. View overlooks interesting weathered canyons. View is a 2-minute walk from the parking lot. 

• 🌍 Aguereberry Point. 
• Cottonwood Canyon. 
• 🌍 Darwin Falls. A 15-foot waterfall that is particularly interesting in Spring. Traveling west of Panamint Springs on CA 190, turn left onto a dirt road that goes up a wash just before CA 190 starts climbing uphill. After about half a mile (0.8 km) of dirt, gravel and rocks, there is a small parking lot. From the parking lot, hike about half a mile to a mile (0.8 to 1.6 km) further into the canyon. Since this is the drinking water supply for Panamint Springs, please do not jump in, no matter how tempting it is. 
• 🌍 Death Valley Buttes. 
• Greenwater Ruins. 
• Grotto Canyon. 
• 🌍 Marble Canyon (near Cottonwood Canyon Rd.). A popular hiking destination. While accessible only by a long, sandy road followed by a technical rock crawl through a wash, this hike is worth the headache (or fun) of getting to the base of the trail. Before you go, consult rangers about the location of various petroglyphs along the canyon walls. Though a fair few have been vandalized, many are in pristine condition. 
• 🌍 Mosaic Canyon. This popular hike in the center of the park winds through a narrow, marbled canyon. Some climbing and scaling of slick marbled rock is required. 
• 🌍 Sand Dunes. Near Stovepipe Wells. Most people think sand dunes are common in the desert. They aren't. There are two interesting areas of sand dunes in Death Valley. The largest is Eureka Dunes, accessible only to adventurous backcountry folks. This smaller set of dunes near Stovepipe Wells is still quite impressive. 
• 🌍 Stovepipe Wells. This historic marker was placed at a reliable spring in order to mark its location in harsh conditions. 

• 🌍 Scotty's Castle (Death Valley Ranch). A strange story about the creation of elaborate mansion in the valley involving sickness, fraud, and tall tales. 
• 🌍 Titus Canyon. An unimproved road into Death Valley that begins just west of Beatty (the road to Titus canyon heads north from the normal paved route from Beatty into Death Valley). Titus canyon is narrow, deep and spectacular. Due to narrowness, parts of this road are one-way, so you really need to start from the east end of the road. You don't need an off-road vehicle for this, normal cars should do fine, but don't bring the RV. 
• 🌍 Ubehebe Crater. In the northern part of the park near Scotty's Castle, this giant crater was formed by volcanic activity. Walking trails lead into and around the crater, but be warned - going down into the crater is a difficult undertaking, and it may be best to enjoy the view from the top. 

• 🌍 Barker Ranch. Charles Manson and his followers were captured here in 1969. The backcountry road up - which includes several rock falls - will make you wonder how Charles Manson got a school bus through. Many visitors who make the difficult trek stay overnight in the cabin here. 
• 🌍 Charcoal Kilns. Remnants of Death Valley's mining past, these kilns are remarkably well-preserved. 
• Crankshaft Junction. 
• 🌍 Desolation Canyon. Because it is not marked from the road, and not well marked on the map, a hike through this canyon offers solitude even beyond that of what is a very quiet park to begin with. The canyon isn't much to look at for the first 1/2 mile (0.8 km) of the hike from the parking area, but beyond that, there is much to explore. (updated Jan 2017)
• Emigrant Canyon. 
• 🌍 Eureka Sand Dunes (best route is around the park to the west, CA 190 to US 395 N to Lone Pine, then east into the park). Tucked away in the north part of the park, accessible only by tens of miles of dirt road, these are the second tallest dunes in the United States. Don't let their out-of-the-way location deter you from visiting, however. The solitude only adds to the otherworldliness of the wind-swept sands, the highly rare Eureka Grass blades grasping for life in the dry mounds, and the panoramic view of the colorful Last Chance and Saline Ranges which flank the dunes on either side. Best route is around the park, CA 190 to US 395 north through Lone Pine. 
• 🌍 Ibex Dunes. Well off the beaten path in the southern end of the park, these are some of the most remote sand dunes in the American West. Mountains flank the dunes to the west and east, making both sunrise and sunset an event. The backcountry road here is rutted with arroyos, and like so many other places in the park, requires a four-wheel drive. (updated Mar 2020)

• Pleasant Canyon and South Park Canyon 4wd Loop. The South Park Canyon portion near the Panamint Valley should be attempted only by experienced drivers with high clearance vehicles. 
• 🌍 Racetrack Playa. As with many points of interest within the park, this one is not easily accessible. The main route consists of 27 mi (43 km) of dirt road, beginning at the Ubehebe Crater in the northern part of the park. However, the effort is well-rewarded with a site of twilight-zone proportions. The Plestiocene-era lake bed, nearly 3 mi (4.8 km) long and 1 mi (1.6 km) wide, is so flat that it once used as a landing strip for drug smugglers. But the Racetrack is most famous for its "moving rocks": boulders whose erratic tracks remain visible for years. Though their movement has been tracked with GPS, no adequate explanation for it has been found. In the spring months, brine shrimp - which hibernate when the water dries up, only to emerge months or even years later - are sometimes visible in the muddy puddles here. 
• 🌍 Tea Kettle Junction. In the backcountry near the Racetrack Playa, this signpost is decorated with numerous tea kettles and makes for a rather odd sight in the vast desert. 
• 🌍 Telescope Peak. Highest point in the park at 11,049 feet. The trailhead to the summit starts at the Mahagony Flats campground and is 12.5 mi (20.1 km) round-trip with 3,200 ft (980 m) of elevation gain. 

Although you can get gas in the park it typically costs up to a dollar more per gallon than outside the park. It is recommended to fuel up right outside the park before coming in. If coming from the east (Nevada), fuel up before crossing the state line into California, due to less gas tax in Nevada. But once in the park, don't try to eke out with just enough gas. The results can be fatal if you are stuck in the wilderness or can just be costly if you need to get gas brought to you by a tow truck.

• Furnace Creek Gas Station, 8AM-6PM (24 hours a day by credit card) on CA 190.
• Stovepipe Wells Gas Station, 7AM-9PM. On CA 190 (regular gas only, usually cheapest in Death Valley proper).
• Panamint Springs, on CA 190 west.

There are 4 in-park lodging facilities in Death Valley National Park.

• 🌍 The Inn at Death Valley, ☏ +1-760-786-2345. Formerly known as the Furnace Creek Inn, this inn advertises itself as a first class, AAA Four Diamond historic resort with 66 rooms and full amenities. Rates range from $250–$370 per room with $20 per each additional person. Closed during summer season. 
• 🌍 The Ranch at Death Valley, ☏ +1-760-786-2345. Formerly known as the Furnace Creek Ranch, this establishment is the ranch style family oriented version of the above inn with 224 rooms and rates ranging from $105 to $174 depending on the season and type of room. 
• 🌍 Panamint Springs Resort, ☏ +1-775-482-7680. Just inside the west entrance, this resort is the most economical lodging option. The rooms are small and very outdated. $79 to $149. 
• 🌍 Stovepipe Wells Village, ☏ +1-760-786-2387. Motel-style lodging in Stovepipe Wells. The rooms are not fancy, and the running water in some rooms is not potable, but it is a perfectly comfortable and convenient place to stay. Rates tend to be cheaper than at Furnace Creek ($111 for a Deluxe room). Beware of the restaurant at Stovepipe Wells, though; it tends to be wannabe fancy and overpriced. Call early for reservations at the lodge. (updated Sep 2017)

• Death Valley Junction is the closest town outside of Death Valley, about 30 minutes away from the Furnace Creek visitor's center. It has one hotel and a theatre.
• Beatty is a town outside (northeast) of Death Valley located in Nevada, about 45 minutes from Furnace Creek or Stovepipe Wells. It's a very cheap option.
• Lone Pine is two hours west of the park (from Stovepipe Wells), located in California.
• Shoshone is an hour southeast of the park (from Furnace Creek), located in California.
• Pahrump is about an hour east of the park (from Furnace Creek), located in Nevada.

• 🌍 Emigrant Campground. 10 tent-only sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. Undeveloped camp with good views into the valley. Free. (updated Jun 2020)
• 🌍 Furnace Creek Campground (directly across the road from the visitor center.). (Year round). 136 sites, 5 group sites, 18 sites with electricial hookups. 196 feet below sea level, Furnace Creek has 136 sites with water, tables, fireplaces, flush toilets, and dump station. No showers, but the nearby Ranch at Death Valley offers pool and shower for $5 per day. Furnace Creek Campground is the only campground operated by NPS within the park that accepts reservations. This is by far the most popular campground in the park and offers 18 sites with full hookup as well as many shady tent sites. Reservations are strongly recommended. Be aware that there are 4 other campgrounds in Furnace Creek. Both Texas Springs and Sunset Campgrounds operated by NPS are directly across the highway. Additional private campgrounds are within one mile at Furnace Creek Ranch. $22 RV/Tent Sites, $35 Group Sites #3, 4, 5, $36 Full Hook-up Sites, $60 Group Sites #1 and #2 (2020 rates). (updated Jun 2020)
• 🌍 Mahogany Flat. (Closed in winter). Mahogany Flat is at 8,200 feet in the Panamint Mountains and is accessible to high clearance vehicles only. Depending upon road conditions, 4-wheel drive may be necessary. The campground has 10 sites, tables, fireplaces, and pit toilets. Free. 
• 🌍 Mesquite Spring. (Year Round). At 1,800 feet 3 miles from Scotty's Castle, Mesquite Spring has 30 sites with water, tables, fireplaces, flush toilets, and a dump station. $12 a night. 
• Stovepipe Wells Campground (Located on CA 190 24 mi (39 km) west of Furnace Creek.). (Closed in summer). 190 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. Amenities include water, some tables, some fireplaces, flush toilets, and dump station. The campground is adjacent to the Stovepipe Wells general store and privately operated RV park. $14 a night (2020 rates). (updated Jun 2020)
• 🌍 Stovepipe Wells RV Campground. (Year round). This RV campground is managed by the Stovepipe Wells Resort. It has 14 sites with full hook-ups and no tables or fireplaces. A swimming pool and showers are available. No reservations, first come first served. $23 a night. 
• 🌍 Sunset Campground (Furnace Creek). (Closed in summer). 270 sites. At 190 feet below sea level, Sunset has water, flush toilets, and dump station. No fires allowed. All sites are first-come, first-served. $14 a night (2020 rates). (updated Jun 2020)
• 🌍 Texas Springs Campground (Furnace Creek, just beyond the Ranch on the left). (Closed in summer). 92 sites. At sea level, Texas Spring has water, tables, fireplaces, flush toilets, and dump station. Texas Spring is first come first served with self registration. From March 17 through April 15, Texas Spring is designated primarily for tent camping with a limited number of RV sites. Located in the hills above Furnace Creek. Great views and some trees. No generators. $16 a night (2020 rates). (updated Jun 2020)
• 🌍 Thorndike Campground (take Emigrant Canyon Road high up into the Panamint Mountains. The road has a 25 foot limit to overall vehicle length.). (Closed in winter). 6 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. Thorndike is a primitive campground at 7,400 feet in the Panamint Mountains and is accessible to high clearance vehicles only. Depending on road conditions, 4-wheel drive may be necessary. Thorndike has tables, fireplaces, and pit toilets. Free. (updated Jun 2020)

• 🌍 Wildrose. (Year round). At 4,100 feet in the Panamint Mountains, Wildrose has 23 sites, with tables, fireplaces, and pit toilets. Drinking water is available during the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Although it is windy enough that you'll need to take care to secure your campsite, it is still high enough in elevation that it presents more pleasant weather for camping than the valley floor. Being farther away from the more popular areas of the park induces a quieter setting as well. Free. 

Backcountry camping is allowed 2 mi (3.2 km) away from any developed area, paved road, or "day use only" area. Due to the rough dirt roads, backcountry roadside camping is generally only accessible to visitors with high clearance or 4-wheel drive vehicles, or well-equipped mountain bikes.