Overview
Death Valley National Park is a vast and diverse landscape of desert valleys, salt flats, sand dunes, badlands, and mountains. It is the largest national park outside of Alaska and offers a unique and otherworldly experience.
Death Valley is a significant geological area with unique features like the lowest point in North America, Badwater Basin, and the highest point in the park, Telescope Peak. It is also a protected area for diverse wildlife and plant species adapted to extreme conditions.
Location
Address
Coordinates: 36.59932326, -117.0561563
Neighborhood: Death Valley
Coordinates
36.599323, -117.056156
Visiting Information
Opening Hours
Admission
Best Time to Visit
Overall Best Period
November to April
Best Time of Day
Early morning
Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds
Duration Recommendations
Seasonal Highlights
spring
Mild to warm
- • Wildflower blooms
- • Mild temperatures
summer
Extremely hot
- • Stargazing
- • Night events
autumn
Warm to cool
- • Fall colors
- • Cooling weather
winter
Cool to cold
- • Snow in higher elevations
- • Holiday events
Know Before You Go
Essential Information
- Carry plenty of water
- Protect yourself from the sun
- Check weather conditions
- Stay on marked trails
What to Bring
essential
recommended
seasonal
not allowed
Health & Safety
Physical Requirements: Moderate to high (depending on activities)
- • Extreme heat
- • Dehydration
- • Sun exposure
Medical facilities: Limited medical facilities, nearest hospital 75 miles away
Payment Information
Accepted
Cash, Credit/Debit cards
Currency
USD
Typical Costs
Dress Code
Casual, comfortable, Lightweight, breathable clothing, hat, sunglasses, Sturdy hiking shoes or boots, Inappropriate or revealing clothing
Booking Tips
- • At least 2 weeks in advance for popular times
- • Official National Park Service website
- • Varies by booking platform
- • Online tickets for popular areas
Amenities
Digital Services
Mobile App
Death Valley NPS App
Size: 100 MB
Features: Park map, Trail information, Event calendar, Audio tours
Platforms: iOS, Android
WiFi Zones: Visitor centers, Oasis at Death Valley
Charging Stations: Visitor centers, Oasis at Death Valley
How to Reach
From Airport
Nearest: Furnace Creek Airport (DTH)
Distance: 3 miles
Travel Time: 5 minutes
From City Center
Distance: 75 miles (Las Vegas)
Local Insights
Cultural Context
Why Locals Love It: Unique and diverse landscape, rich history, and cultural significance
Historical Significance: Home to Native American tribes for thousands of years, later used for mining and military purposes
Insider Tips
- Visit early for fewer crowds and better photography
- Check out the visitor center for the latest information
- Try the local date shakes
Local Recommendations
- • Visit the Oasis at Death Valley
- • Try local cuisine at The Ranch at Death Valley
- • Ask rangers for hidden gem locations
Language Help
Useful Phrases
Guide Languages: English, Spanish
Photography Guide
Best Photo Spots
Badwater Basin
Best Time: Sunrise
Tips: Low angle for reflections
Result: Stunning sunrise colors and reflections
Zabriskie Point
Best Time: Sunset
Tips: Wide shots for the expansive view
Result: Breathtaking sunset views over the badlands
Photography Rules
Nearby Attractions
Scotty's Castle
Distance: 40 miles
Walking: N/A
Type: Historic House
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Distance: 3.5 miles
Walking: 10 min
Type: Sand Dunes
Artist's Palette
Distance: 1.5 miles
Walking: 5 min
Type: Geological Formation
Reviews
Based on 2,500 reviews
Recent Visitor Tips
- "Bring plenty of water"
- "Visit early or late to avoid heat"
- "Don't miss Badwater Basin"
Contact Information
Related Tours & Activities (2)
Quick Info
Available Tours
35
Rating
4.8 / 5.0
Reviews
2,500
Adult Entry
$30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)