Things to do in Death Valley National Park
A vast desert park of below-sea-level salt flats, badlands, dunes, volcanic craters, canyons, historic mining sites, and high mountain ridges.
Best months: November, December, February, March
What is worth your time in Death Valley National Park
Dante’s ViewDo not miss
The drive-up overlook towers over Badwater Basin and gives the park’s best big-picture elevation contrast.
Viewpoint · 1.1 hr4.9
Badwater BasinDo not miss
The lowest point in North America lets visitors walk onto the vast white salt flats beneath the Black Mountains.
Viewpoint · 1.4 hr4.8
Mesquite Flat Sand DunesDo not miss
Accessible dunes near Stovepipe Wells are ideal for sunrise, sunset, night skies, and classic desert photography.
Hike · 1.4 hr4.8
Artists DriveDo not miss
The one-way loop passes mineral-colored hills and the famous Artists Palette with minimal walking.
Scenic Drive · 1.5 hr
Zabriskie PointDo not miss
The paved overlook is Death Valley’s classic sunrise view over golden badlands and distant salt flats.
Viewpoint · 53 min
Darwin Falls Trail
A rare desert-waterfall hike near Panamint Springs offers shade and riparian contrast when access is open.
Hike · 2 hr4.9
Stargazing at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
The dunes near Stovepipe Wells provide a memorable dark-sky setting with simple road access.
Stargazing · 1.4 hr4.8
Ubehebe Crater
The volcanic crater is a dramatic northern-park stop with rim views and colorful ash layers.
Viewpoint · 1.4 hr4.8
Devils Golf Course
The jagged salt pan shows Death Valley’s rough evaporite landscape in a quick roadside stop.
Viewpoint · 33 min4.7
Furnace Creek Visitor Center
The visitor center is the essential indoor stop for heat safety, road conditions, exhibits, water, and ranger advice.
Ranger Program · 53 min4.7
Golden Canyon Trail
The canyon route leads into sculpted badlands below Zabriskie Point and is the park’s signature short canyon hike.
Hike · 2.3 hr4.7
Mosaic Canyon
A polished marble narrows and breccia canyon offers one of the best moderate hikes on the Stovepipe Wells side.
Hike · 2.8 hr4.7
Racetrack Playa
The remote dry lakebed and moving-rock tracks are one of Death Valley’s most unusual geologic landscapes.
Other · 10 hr4.7
Telescope Peak Trail
The high summit route climbs to sweeping views from the park’s highest mountain above the desert basin.
Hike · 8.5 hr4.7
And 6 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Death Valley is famous as the hottest, driest, and lowest national park, with icons like Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Artists Palette, and Dante’s View.