A 2-day Death Valley plan for cooler seasons with iconic viewpoints, basins, and dunes.
Itinerary
Zabriskie Point sunrise
Experience the stark beauty of Death Valley at this iconic vista overlooking badlands and salt flats.
Golden light on badlands and ridges.
Arrive before sunrise for best color.
Dante's View
Considered one of the best scenic vistas in the park, Dantes View provides a birds-eye view of Death Valley.
High viewpoint over Badwater Basin.
Wind can be strong.
Badwater Basin
Badwater Basin is the lowest elevation in North America at - 282 feet (- 86 m) below sea level. A visit to this otherworldly salt flat will provide you with a unique experience and a landscape that appears to stretch on forever. A short 1/4 mile (400 m) hike will you bring you to the polygon salt formations that Death Valley is famous for, or in the summer months, the view can be enjoyed from the parking area.
Lowest point in North America with salt flats.
Bring water; no shade.
Artists Drive
Enjoy a scenic drive through a geologic rainbow! Artists Drive is a one-way, nine mile (14.5 km) drive which passes through eroded, colorful desert hills. Artists Palette (a viewpoint) has the most colorful scenery along the road.
One-way loop with colorful volcanic hills.
Slow drive with frequent pullouts.
Furnace Creek Visitor Center
Stop by the visitor center to speak with park rangers and pay park fees and purchase national park passes. View the exhibits about Death Valley's history and natural wonders. Watch the park film, which is 20 minutes in length and plays throughout the day. Shop at the bookstore - light snacks/sandwiches/water are available for purchase. Become a Junior Ranger! Complete the activities in the booklet and earn a badge.
Maps, exhibits, and updates.
Refill water before the next day.
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes sunrise
Death Valley’s best-known dune field.
Soft morning light on the dunes.
Go early for cooler temps and clean footprints.
Ubehebe Crater
Discover Death Valley’s explosive past at this volcanic crater.
Volcanic crater with short rim walks.
Windy; bring a light jacket.
Golden Canyon Trail
Golden Canyon Self-guided Hike Stop 1
Warm-colored canyon hike with varied geology.
Avoid midday heat in warmer months.
Creates a copy you can customize
2
Days
8
Stops
easy
Difficulty
Best Season
November-March for safe temperatures
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