Death Valley, CA

Travel Guide
Death Valley showing desert views, signage and tranquil scenes
Discover the geological wonders of North America’s hottest and lowest national park, packed with raw, wild and untouched landscapes ripe for exploring.

In Death Valley National Park the temperatures can soar to a blistering 120 F (49 C) and the lowest point is marked at 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level. With about 3.4 million acres (14,000 square kilometers) of wilderness, this is the largest American national park outside Alaska. Venture into the park’s interior to experience some of the most mesmerizing landscapes on the planet. Drive, hike or cycle past rolling sand dunes, jagged canyons, rocky deserts, delicate oases and fields of wildflowers.

Begin at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center to learn about the park, explore the small museum and plan your adventures. Drive to Devil’s Golf Course, a wide expanse of rock salt carved by wind into sharp spires, before continuing on to Badwater Basin, a bizarre terrain of salt flats marking the park’s lowest point. Continue your tour along the scenic Artists Drive, a 9-mile (14-kilometer) loop weaving through pink and gold hills.

Stop at Death Valley’s most famous viewpoint, Zabriskie Point. Be amazed by the surreal landscape stretching before you. Arrive at dawn or sunset to witness a fantasy-like swirl of colors and shadows. Zabriskie Point is also the starting point for the Badlands Loop, a popular hiking trail. Stop at Dante’s View, 5,475 feet (1,669 meters) high, which offers panoramic vistas across the Badwater Basin.

Experience the human side of Death Valley at the Harmony Borax Works, a long-abandoned town that once hosted a flourishing borax mining community. Learn more about the park’s original inhabitants and the Timbisha Shoshone American Indian tribe members who still inhabit the region.

Visiting Death Valley needs pre-planning. The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is the best starting point. There is a weekly fee to enter the park. The fantastical land that is Death Valley National Park receives some of the sun’s most blistering rays. Carry plenty of water and sunscreen when exploring.

Amargosa Opera House
Amargosa Opera House
2.5 out of 5
HR-C 608 Death Valley Junction, Death Valley, CA
The price is ¥14,783 per night from May 18 to May 19
¥14,783
per night
May 18 - May 19
Stay at this motel in Death Valley. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.2/10 Good! (798 reviews)
"Slice of history. Unique beauty. Faded glory. Ghost town ambience."

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

Amargosa Opera House
The Ranch at Death Valley – Inside the Park
The Ranch at Death Valley – Inside the Park
2.5 out of 5
Highway 190, Death Valley, CA
The price is ¥25,098 per night from May 21 to May 22
¥25,098
per night
May 21 - May 22
Book a stay at this golf resort in Death Valley. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and a golf course. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,114 reviews)
"Amazing location and facilities to say it is in the middle of death valley. It is a bit tired and dated, not the cleanest, but good value for money. We loved eating in the restaurant but be prepared for a wait, they do not allow pre-booking so first come first served, not sure how that works if you ..."

Reviewed on May 13, 2024

The Ranch at Death Valley – Inside the Park
The Inn at Death Valley – Inside the Park
The Inn at Death Valley – Inside the Park
4 out of 5
Highway 190, Death Valley, CA
Fully refundable
The price is ¥43,749 per night from May 22 to May 23
¥43,749
per night
May 22 - May 23
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Death Valley. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (959 reviews)
Recommended
"Great location and definitely a hotel for couples rather than family. King room was comfortable and air con a blessing."

Reviewed on May 13, 2024

The Inn at Death Valley – Inside the Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cindy's House Pahrump
Cindy's House Pahrump
Pahrump
Stay at this vacation home in Nye County. Enjoy free WiFi and air conditioning. Popular attractions Stage Stop Casino and Pahrump Valley Museum are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (14 reviews)
Perfect location
"This location is perfect for the outdoor adventures we planned! It was very clean and relaxing after a day of hiking. The host was quick to reply to questions and was very polite!!"

Reviewed on Apr 5, 2024

Cindy's House Pahrump
$89/night for 2 people, plus $20/night for each additional person
$89/night for 2 people, plus $20/night for each additional person
Pahrump
Stay at this vacation home in Pahrump. Enjoy cable/satellite TV service, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Pahrump Valley Museum ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (96 reviews)
Nice and spacious
"This place was very spacious inside. We felt like everyone had their own space for sure. The beds were comfy and the living room along with the kitchen was a good size! Also, Dave and his dog Keiko were very friendly when we saw them at check out and even took our family pic outside his blooming ..."

Reviewed on Apr 29, 2024

$89/night for 2 people, plus $20/night for each additional person
Luxurious Private Casita
Luxurious Private Casita
Pahrump
Stay at this apartment in Pahrump. Enjoy free WiFi, a pool table, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Artesian Cellars and Pahrump Valley Winery ...
10/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
"If you are wanting to cook your own meals, this isn't for you. If, on the other hand? You want a luxurious place to stay that us illegible clean with some of the softest sheets you've ever felt, this is. If I could give this place 6 stars, I would."

Reviewed on Apr 24, 2024

Luxurious Private Casita
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Death Valley

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
152
" "5 - Excellent 72.03791469194313%
4 - Good
52
" "4 - Good 24.644549763033176%
3 - Okay
6
" "3 - Okay 2.843601895734597%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.47393364928909953%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 29, 2020

We went in January. The perfect time.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 6, 2020

Loved Death Valley

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 5, 2020

A breath taking vista of landscapes. So worth the trip.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 3, 2020

Badwater Basin salt flats were an unique experience!

5/5 - Excellent

Debra
Dec 22, 2019

What an unexpected surprise! Great trip, just be sure to find a place to stay prior to arrival, and take lots of water. Very stark to look at, but upon closer inspection, has so much detail. Could have spent days here.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 13, 2019

One of the Best Places I have ever been. Don't miss Artist Drive