Experiences
Death Valley: salt flats, sand dunes and starry skies
Salt crust crunches underfoot far below sea level, and at night the sky fills with stars. How to experience Death Valley safely.
It is early morning at Zabriskie Point. Rippling golden hills lie below you like folds of frozen fabric, and as the sun clears the mountains they turn from grey to gold. By midday the same landscape is white and blazing hot.
Death Valley National Park in California is the lowest, driest and hottest national park in North America. It does not sound like a holiday destination, but in winter and spring it is one of the most extraordinary natural experiences in the US, and only a couple of hours' drive from Las Vegas.
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How to do it
Drive from Las Vegas, or combine it with a road trip between Las Vegas and Yosemite.
Fill the tank before you enter and carry plenty of water. The sights are far apart.
Hike early in the morning. In summer, do not hike in the middle of the day.
Mobile coverage is poor in many places. Download maps in advance.
What not to miss
Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America, around 86 metres below sea level. Walk out onto the salt flat, where the salt forms hexagonal patterns. Artists Drive is a one-way road through hills in green, pink and purple, best in the late afternoon.
Zabriskie Point is the place for sunrise, and Dante's View looks out over the whole valley from more than 1,600 metres up. By Stovepipe Wells lie the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, where you can walk barefoot in the sand at sunset.
Desert walking
Set off early and always carry water. Photo: Tyler Raye / Unsplash
The night sky
Death Valley is a Dark Sky Park with very little light pollution. On a clear, moonless night you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye. Drive a little way from the hotels, switch off the lights and give your eyes a quarter of an hour.
Book experiences: See Death Valley tours from Las Vegas
Where to stay for Death Valley
There are only a few hotels in the park, so book early. Staying inside means you are there when the light is best, morning and evening.
The Inn at Death Valley
A pool and palms in the middle of the desert. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
The Inn at Death Valley: an oasis with a spa
The Inn at Death Valley sits on a slope above Furnace Creek, with palm gardens, a pool and a spa. It is the most upmarket option in the park and a good place to sit out the midday heat.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Inn at Death Valley
The Ranch at Death Valley
Furnace Creek with palms and a pool. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
The Ranch at Death Valley: family friendly at Furnace Creek
The Ranch at Death Valley is down in the valley at Furnace Creek, with restaurants, bars and a golf course. A roomy choice for families.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Ranch at Death Valley
Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel: close to the dunes
Stovepipe Wells is a few minutes from the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Simple and practical for sunset in the dunes and stargazing afterwards.
Book your stay: See rooms at Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel
When is the best time to visit Death Valley?
November to March is best, with pleasant days and cold nights. In spring the desert can bloom after a wet winter. In summer the heat can be life-threatening, so stick to short stops near the car and avoid hiking.
When should you book?
Hotels in the park: several months ahead for winter and spring.
Stargazing and guided tours: a few days ahead.
Check the weather forecast and road reports just before you drive.
Frequently asked questions about Death Valley
Where should I stay when visiting Death Valley?
Stay inside the park to be there morning and evening. The Inn at Death Valley and The Ranch at Death Valley are at Furnace Creek, and Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel is near the sand dunes.
How far is Death Valley from Las Vegas?
It is around two hours by car from Las Vegas to Furnace Creek in Death Valley.
Is it dangerous to visit Death Valley in summer?
In summer the heat can be life-threatening. Avoid hiking, carry plenty of water, stay near your car and follow ranger advice.
What is the lowest point in Death Valley?
Badwater Basin, around 86 metres below sea level, is the lowest point in North America. You can walk out onto the salt flat from the car park.
How many days do you need in Death Valley?
One or two nights is enough for most visitors. That covers sunrise at Zabriskie Point, Badwater, Artists Drive and the dunes at sunset.