Day Trip: Death Valley National Park

Location
Eastern California; Furnace Creek Visitor Center at N 36°27.70, W 116°52.00
From Las Vegas
About 120 miles and 2 hours via Pahrump and Death Valley Junction (NPS)
Entrance fee
$30 private vehicle, $25 motorcycle, $15 per person; valid 7 days; cashless
Hours
Park open 24 hours a day, year-round
Visitor center
Furnace Creek Visitor Center, open daily 8 am-5 pm
Heat
Summer highs can reach 130°F; nights up to 90°F
Closures
Scotty's Castle and Bonnie Clare Road closed for flood recovery

About

Death Valley National Park lies in eastern California, with paved entrances from both California and Nevada. The valley itself is about 140 miles long. The park holds over three million acres of designated wilderness and hundreds of miles of paved and dirt roads.

Badwater Basin, 282 feet below sea level, is the lowest point in North America. It lies 18 miles south of the Furnace Creek Visitor Center on Badwater Road. The park also records the world's highest air temperature: 134°F at Furnace Creek Ranch on July 10, 1913.

The name dates to a party of pioneers lost here in the winter of 1849-1850. As far as is known, only one of them died. Gold, silver, borax, talc and many other minerals were mined in the area.

What to expect

Most visitors tour the park by car. There is no public transportation to or inside the park. For a two-hour visit, the park suggests driving Badwater Road to Devils Golf Course and Badwater Basin, then taking Artists Drive on the way back. That loop takes about 90 minutes. Add Zabriskie Point if you are heading east, or the sand dunes if heading west.

The park lists Dantes View, Zabriskie Point and the sand dunes for sunrise. Zabriskie Point, the dunes, Artists Palette and Aguereberry Point are listed for sunset. Many roads date from the 1930s and are narrow and winding. The park says the single-car rollover, not the heat, is the most dangerous thing here.

Plan the trip

Good to know

  • In summer, stay on paved roads and do not hike at low elevations when it is hot. Drink at least a gallon of water a day. If your car breaks down, stay with it.
  • There is no cell service along most park roads. Gas is sold at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells and Panamint Springs. There are no rapid EV chargers in the park; the closest are in Beatty, Nevada, 43 miles from Furnace Creek.
  • Do not rely on a car's GPS alone. The park says GPS routes here are often wrong and have sent drivers to closed or dead-end roads. Carry a current road map.
  • Entrance fees are card-only. Passes are sold at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station and several self-pay kiosks.
  • Titus Canyon Road's one-way section closes for repairs from October 2, 2026 through May 2027. Darwin Falls road is closed, but hikers can park on CA-190 and walk in.
  • Pets must stay on a leash on roads and in developed areas. They are not allowed on trails.

Questions about Death Valley National Park

What is the fastest way to Death Valley from Las Vegas?

The park service says the fastest route goes through Pahrump. Take NV 160 from I-15 to Pahrump, turn left on Bell Vista Road just north of town, and follow it into California, where it becomes Stateline Road. At Death Valley Junction, turn right on CA 127, then left on CA 190. The trip is about 120 miles and takes about 2 hours.

How much does it cost to enter Death Valley?

A private vehicle pass is $30, a motorcycle pass is $25, and a pass for one person on foot or bicycle is $15. Each is valid for seven days with unlimited re-entry. Children under 16 do not need a pass. A Death Valley annual pass costs $55. The park does not accept cash, so bring a credit or debit card.

Is it safe to visit Death Valley in summer?

The park says yes, if you are prepared. In an air-conditioned car you can safely see many of the main sights. Stay on paved roads, carry plenty of water, and drink at least 2 to 4 liters a day, more if active. Summer hiking is only advised in the early morning or in the mountains, where it is cooler.

Can I visit Scotty's Castle?

Not right now. Bonnie Clare Road and Scotty's Castle are closed for flood recovery work, and no one may enter, including people on foot. The park says the reopening date is unknown and depends on finishing the projects. Other areas in the north of the park, such as Mesquite Spring Campground, are open.

Where is the lowest point in Death Valley?

Badwater Basin, at 282 feet below sea level, is the lowest place in the park and in North America. It is 18 miles south of the Furnace Creek Visitor Center on Badwater Road, also signed CA 178. Badwater Road also leads to Artists Drive, Devils Golf Course and Ashford Mill. The road south of Badwater toward Shoshone has flood damage, so drive with care.