Best Death Valley National Park Itinerary – Things To Do, Stopovers & Stays

What to do in Death Valley National Park? In California and Nevada, Death Valley National Park is one of the most unique and striking landscapes in the United States. Known for its extreme temperatures, diverse terrain, and geological wonders, it offers adventure and tranquility. In this blog, read about a detailed Death Valley National Park itinerary with how many days in Death Valley, things to do, scenic stopovers, and overnight stays.

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Death Valley National Park Itinerary 2 Days – What to do at Death Valley?

This Death Valley National Park itinerary will guide you through the must-see attractions, scenic routes, and tips for an unforgettable visit.

How to Reach Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is accessible from several major cities. From Las Vegas, it’s about a 2-hour drive via NV-160 W and CA-190 W. From Los Angeles, it takes roughly 4.5 hours via I-15 N and CA-190 E.

From Las Vegas:

• Distance: Approximately 120 miles
• Drive Time: About 2 hours
• Route: Take NV-160 W to Pahrump, then follow Bell Vista Avenue to CA-190 W, which leads directly to Furnace Creek.

From Los Angeles:

• Distance: Approximately 260 miles
• Drive Time: About 4.5 hours
• Route: Take I-15 N to Baker, then follow CA-127 N to Shoshone, and finally take CA-178 W and CA-190 E to Furnace Creek.

Scenic Route: If you’re driving from Las Vegas, the Drive via NV-160 W offers a picturesque desert landscape with vast open roads and distant mountain views.

How many days in Death Valley?

You can visit Death Valley in one day, but plan a two-day Death Valley itinerary to explore each attraction and stop in detail.

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What to do in Death Valley National Park?

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Drive to Death Valley from Las Vegas via NV-160 W

Furnace Creek Visitor Center – Start your trip by stopping at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. Here, you can gather maps, check the weather, and get information on park conditions. The visitor center also features exhibits on the park’s natural and cultural history.

Things to Do: Watch the orientation film, explore the exhibits, and shop for souvenirs at the gift shop.

Badwater Basin—Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America, 282 feet below sea level. The vast salt flats create a surreal landscape that is both beautiful and otherworldly.

Walk out onto the salt flats, take in the expansive views, and snap photos of this unique terrain.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes – The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes offer stunning sunset views with rolling dunes that stretch endlessly.

Things to Do: Hike up the dunes for panoramic views, enjoy the sunset, and take plenty of photos.

Overnight Stay: The Inn at Death Valley – This historic hotel offers luxurious accommodations with spectacular park views. It’s an oasis in the desert, providing comfort and style. Enjoy the spring-fed pool, fine dining, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

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Day 2: Adventure and Exploration

Zabriskie Point – Zabriskie Point is one of the most famous viewpoints in Death Valley. The eroded landscape of golden-colored badlands is a photographer’s dream, especially at sunrise.

Things to Do: Watch the sunrise, photograph, and hike the nearby trails.

Midday: Dante’s View – Dante’s View provides a breathtaking panoramic view of Death Valley from 5,475 feet. On a clear day, you can see the highest (Mount Whitney) and lowest (Badwater Basin) points in the contiguous United States.

Things to Do: Enjoy the scenic Drive to the viewpoint, take the sweeping vistas, and capture some fantastic photos.

Artist’s Drive and Artist’s Palette

Artist’s Drive is a scenic loop that winds through multi-colored hills. The highlight is the Artist’s Palette, which has vibrant, rainbow-like hues from mineral oxidation.

Things to Do:

• Drive the loop.
• Stop at the Artist’s Palette.
• Explore the area on foot to appreciate the colors up close.

Sunset at Ubehebe Crater – Ubehebe Crater is a large volcanic crater with a dramatic and rugged landscape. Watching the sunset here is a unique experience, as the changing light enhances the crater’s textures and colors.

Things to Do: Hike around the rim, enjoy the views, and enjoy the sunset.

Overnight Stay: The Ranch at Death Valley – This more casual accommodation option is perfect for those looking for comfort without luxury. It offers convenient access to park amenities and additional dining options. Enjoy the outdoor pool, golf course, and various dining facilities.

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Scenic Stopovers – Death Valley National Park Itinerary

1. Devil’s Golf Course: A field of jagged salt formations that look like they belong on another planet.
2. Golden Canyon: A short hike through colorful rock formations and narrows.
3. Scotty’s Castle: Although currently closed for repairs, the area around this historic mansion offers scenic views and historical insights.

Best Time to Visit – Death Valley Itinerary

The best time to visit Death Valley National Park is during the fall (October to November), winter (December to February), and early spring (March to April). During these months, temperatures are milder, ranging from 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C) during the day and cooler at night. Summer temperatures can soar above 120°F (49°C), challenging outdoor activities.

Campgrounds – Death Valley Itinerary

If you prefer camping to staying in a hotel, Death Valley National Park offers several campgrounds with unique features and amenities. Here’s a list of the campgrounds and details on booking them.

• Furnace Creek Campground has 136 sites, flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fire pits, and some sites with hookups. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made through Recreation.gov. It is open year-round, and reservations are available from October to April.
• Texas Spring Campground, close to Furnace Creek, has 92 sites, flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fire pits, and no hookups. Booking here is first come, first served. It is Open from October to April.
• Sunset Campground near Furnace Creek has 270 sites, flush toilets, and no drinking water or hookups, and it is suitable for larger RVs. It is first come, first served and is open from October to April.
• Stovepipe Wells Campground near Stovepipe Wells Village has 190 sites, flush toilets, no drinking water, and no hookups. It is also first-come, first-served and opens from September to May.
• Mesquite Spring Campground, near Scotty’s Castle, has 40 sites, flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fire pits, and no hookups. It is first come, first served, and open year-round.
• Emigrant Campground is located West of Stovepipe Wells. It has ten sites, vault toilets, no drinking water or hookups, and tent camping only. It is First-come, first-served, and Open year-round.
• Wildrose Campground is located in the Panamint Mountains. It has 23 sites, vault toilets, no drinking water, and no hookups. It is first come, first served, and open year-round.
• Thorndike Campground is at the higher elevation of the Panamint Mountains. It has six sites, vault toilets, no drinking water or hookups, and a high-clearance vehicle. It is first come, first served, and open spring through fall, weather permitting.
• Mahogany Flat Campground is at the highest elevation in the Panamint Mountains. It has ten sites, vault toilets, no drinking water or hookups, and a high-clearance vehicle, which is recommended and booked on a first-come, first-served basis. It opens spring through fall, weather permitting.

Camping in Death Valley National Park is unique. You can enjoy its stunning landscapes and star-filled night skies.

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Helpful Tips – Death Valley National Park Itinerary

• Stay Hydrated: Carry plenty of water, especially if you plan to hike or spend extended periods outdoors.
• Dress Appropriately: Wear light, breathable clothing and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• Plan for Heat: Temperatures can soar, especially in the summer months. Plan your activities during the more excellent parts of the day (early morning and late afternoon).
• Gas Up: Fill up your gas tank before entering the park, as gas stations are limited and expensive.
• Check Road Conditions: Some roads may be closed due to weather or maintenance, so check current conditions before you travel.

Death Valley Road Trip Video

Death Valley National Park offers an array of natural wonders and scenic landscapes that are truly unique. With this Death Valley National Park itinerary, you’ll experience the best of the park in two days for a comfortable and memorable trip.

Plan your trip to Death Valley National Park after reading this Death Valley itinerary 2 days as you know what to do in Death Valley National Park. Enjoy your trip!

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