Death Valley is the hottest, driest place in North America and sits mostly below sea level
Death Valley National Park covers 3.4 million acres across the California-Nevada border, about 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas. The valley floor reaches 282 feet below sea level at Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 120°F, and the park receives less than two inches of rain per year on average. Despite the extreme conditions, Death Valley draws roughly one million visitors annually, most between October and April when daytime temperatures range from 60°F to 80°F.
The park's landscape includes salt flats, sand dunes, canyons, and mountains that shift color throughout the day. Zabriskie Point, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and Artist's Palette are among the most visited spots. The name comes from early settlers who crossed the valley in 1849 during the Gold Rush; one group barely survived the crossing and named it for the ordeal, though the valley itself was not as deadly as the journey through it.
Key Takeaways
- Death Valley is open year-round, but summer heat makes travel dangerous and most facilities close or reduce hours from June through August.
- You must bring your own water—at least one gallon per person per day—because the park has no reliable water sources outside developed areas.
- A park entrance pass costs $30 per vehicle and is valid for seven days; an America the Beautiful annual pass covers all national parks for $80.
- Cell service does not exist in most of the park, so read offline maps and tell someone where you are going before you enter.
- Hiking, camping, and scenic driving are the main activities; backcountry travel requires a permit and careful planning for water and navigation.
When to visit and what to expect in each season
October through April is the peak season. Temperatures during the day range from the 60s to low 80s, and nights cool to the 40s and 50s. This is when all park facilities operate at full capacity, campgrounds fill quickly, and roads are passable. If you visit during this window, arrive early in the day to find parking at popular trailheads, especially on weekends.
May and September are shoulder seasons with daytime highs in the 90s to low 100s. Some visitors find these months tolerable, but heat exhaustion becomes a real risk, and the park begins to thin out. May is drier than September, which occasionally sees brief thunderstorms that can trigger flash floods in canyons.
June through August is the off-season. Daytime temperatures exceed 120°F regularly, and the ground itself radiates heat. Furnace Creek Visitor Center and some lodging remain open, but many facilities close. The National Park Service discourages travel during these months because heat-related emergencies are common. If you must visit in summer, travel only at dawn or dusk, stay near developed areas, and carry twice the water you think you need.
How to get there and where to stay
Death Valley has two main entrances. The west entrance near Furnace Creek is the most common route, accessed via California State Route 190 from the town of Panamint Springs or from Beatty, Nevada. The north entrance near Grapevine is less crowded but adds driving time. There is no entrance from the south; the park's southern boundary is remote and rarely used by visitors.
Furnace Creek is the hub of the park. It has a visitor center, a general store, a gas station, a restaurant, and lodging ranging from tent cabins to a historic hotel. Furnace Creek Campground has 136 sites with water and restrooms but no hookups; it fills most nights from November through March and requires reservations through Recreation.gov. Panamint Springs Resort, just outside the west entrance, offers another lodging option with a restaurant and gas station.
Backcountry camping is free with a permit obtained at the visitor center or online. You must camp at least two miles from any road and one mile from any water source. Backcountry travel demands careful planning: bring a map, a compass or GPS device, and enough water for the entire trip. Many backcountry routes have no water, and distances between sources can exceed 20 miles.
What to bring and how to prepare for extreme conditions
Water is non-negotiable. Bring at least one gallon per person per day for day trips, and more if you are hiking or spending time in the sun. The only reliable water sources in the park are at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs. Backcountry water sources shown on park maps may be dry, especially in summer and fall. Fill your containers before leaving developed areas.
Sun protection is essential. Bring sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and light-colored, long-sleeved clothing. The sun reflects off light-colored rocks and salt flats, intensifying exposure. Dehydration happens fast and can impair judgment before you realize it is happening; drink water regularly even if you do not feel thirsty.
A full tank of gas is important because gas stations are sparse. Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells both have fuel, but prices are significantly higher than outside the park. The nearest gas outside the park is in Beatty, Nevada (about 120 miles from Furnace Creek) or Panamint Springs (about 30 miles). Plan your route and refuel before entering remote areas.
read offline maps before you arrive because cell service is unavailable throughout most of the park. The National Park Service website offers downloadable maps, and apps like AllTrails and Gaia GPS allow you to save maps for offline use. Tell someone outside the park where you are going and when you expect to return.
Entrance fees and what they cover
A vehicle entrance pass costs $30 and is valid for seven consecutive days. A motorcycle pass is $25, and an individual on foot or bicycle is $15. If you plan to visit multiple national parks, an America the Beautiful annual pass costs $80 and covers entrance to all national parks and federal recreation sites for one year from the month of purchase.
The entrance fee covers access to all park roads, trailheads, and facilities. It does not cover camping fees, which range from $14 to $27 per night depending on the campground. Lodging at Furnace Creek ranges from about $100 per night for a tent cabin to $400 or more for a hotel room during peak season.
Popular hikes and what each one demands
Badwater Basin is the most visited spot in the park. The walk from the parking area to the salt flat is less than half a mile on a paved path. It is flat, shaded by no vegetation, and fully exposed to the sun. Even in winter, bring water and sunscreen. The view of the salt flat and the mountains beyond is striking, but the walk takes only 15 to 30 minutes.
Zabriskie Point is a short walk to a viewpoint overlooking the badlands. The trailhead is near Furnace Creek, and the hike is about 1.4 miles round trip with moderate elevation gain. The best light is at sunrise, so plan to arrive before dawn. The parking area fills quickly in peak season.
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes offer a different landscape. There is no marked trail; you walk directly onto the dunes. A walk to the dunes and back takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how far you venture. The sand is soft and walking is tiring. Go early in the day to avoid afternoon heat and to see your footprints in the sand before wind erases them.
Telescope Peak is a serious backcountry hike. The trailhead is at Mahogany Flat Campground, and the round trip is about 14 miles with 3,000 feet of elevation gain. The hike takes 8 to 10 hours. You gain elevation as you climb, moving from desert to pinyon-juniper forest. The view from the summit includes the lowest and highest points in the contiguous United States on the same day. This hike requires an early start, plenty of water, and good physical conditioning.
Safety rules and what happens if you get into trouble
Heat exhaustion and dehydration are the most common emergencies. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and confusion. If you experience these, move to shade when ready, drink water slowly, and rest until symptoms pass. If symptoms worsen or do not improve within 30 minutes, call 911 on your cell phone if you have service, or drive to the nearest ranger station.
Stay on marked trails and roads. Off-trail travel in canyons can trap you if flash floods occur, even if the sky above you is clear. Storms miles away can send water rushing through narrow canyons with little warning. Never enter a canyon if rain is falling or threatening anywhere in the region.
Vehicle breakdowns are serious in Death Valley. Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times. If your vehicle breaks down, stay with it. It is easier for rescuers to find a vehicle than a person on foot. Run your engine and air conditioning only if necessary to conserve fuel. If you have cell service, call for help. If not, wait for another vehicle to pass and ask them to report your location to a ranger.
Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and other desert wildlife are present but rarely encountered. Wear closed-toe shoes when hiking, watch where you place your hands, and give any animal you see plenty of space. Do not attempt to photograph or touch wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit Death Valley in summer?
Yes, but it is dangerous. Temperatures exceed 120°F regularly, and heat-related emergencies are common. If you visit, stay near Furnace Creek, travel only at dawn or dusk, and carry double the water you normally would. Most visitors choose to visit between October and April instead.
Do I need a high-clearance vehicle?
No. All main park roads are paved or well-maintained gravel. A standard passenger car is fine for scenic drives and popular trailheads. Backcountry roads may require high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles; check current road conditions at the visitor center before attempting them.
Is there cell service in the park?
Cell service is unreliable or absent in most of the park. Verizon has the best coverage near Furnace Creek and along major roads, but it is spotty. read offline maps before you arrive and tell someone where you are going. Do not rely on your phone for navigation or emergencies.
How much time should I spend in Death Valley?
A day trip allows you to see Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, and the sand dunes. Two to three days lets you explore more thoroughly, hike longer trails, and watch sunrise or sunset from multiple viewpoints. Longer stays are worthwhile if you plan backcountry hiking or want to experience the park's quieter areas.
What is the best time to photograph Death Valley?
Sunrise and sunset produce the best light. Badwater Basin and Zabriskie Point are popular sunrise spots; arrive at least one hour before sunrise to find parking. Artist's Palette is best photographed in late afternoon when the rocks glow. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are striking at sunrise when shadows define the dune ridges.