Snowcapped mountains surrounded by bright blue skies and frames by gold wildflowers on a valley floo

National Park · CA, NV

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley is the largest national park in the lower 48 and the hottest, lowest, and driest place in North America. It's also the most under-rated. The salt flats, slot canyons, dunes, and badlands feel actively alien.

Best time to visit

November through March. Period. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 120°F and the Park Service issues genuine warnings. Spring wildflower blooms are rare but spectacular.

How long you need

Two to three days. The park is enormous — drive times between sights routinely exceed an hour.

Don't miss

  • Badwater Basin salt flats — the lowest point in North America
  • Zabriskie Point at sunrise
  • Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes at sunrise or sunset
  • Artists Drive and Artists Palette
  • Dante's View — 5,000 feet above the salt flats

What people get wrong

Going in summer with one bottle of water and an old car. People die here every year from dehydration, breakdowns in the heat, and underestimating distances. Even in winter, carry far more water than you think you need.

Entrance fees

  • Entrance - Private Vehicle

    All visitors, including Non-US residents, may purchase and utilize this entrance fee. Purchasing this entrance fee allows all persons traveling in one single private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van/RV/aircraft) to leave and re-enter the park as many times as they wish during the 7-day period from the date of purchase.

    $30.00

  • Entrance - Motorcycle

    All visitors, including Non-US residents, may purchase and utilize this entrance fee. Purchasing this entrance fee allows all persons traveling on 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles to leave and re-enter the park as many times as they wish during the 7-day period from the date of purchase.

    $25.00

  • Entrance - Per Person

    All visitors, including Non-US residents, may purchase and utilize this entrance fee. Purchasing this entrance fee allows a single individual traveling on foot or individuals traveling on one bicycle to leave and re-enter the park as many times as they wish during the 7-day period from the date of purchase.

    $15.00

  • Commercial Entrance - Per Person

    1 - 15 Passenger Vehicle: $15 per person. In addition to the entrance fees listed below, additional permits are required for commercial groups, special park uses (weddings, memorialization, group events, etc.), commercial film and photography, research, and more.

    $15.00

  • Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus

    16 - 25 Passenger Vehicle: $100 In addition to the entrance fees listed below, additional permits are required for commercial groups, special park uses (weddings, memorialization, group events, etc.), commercial film and photography, research, and more.

    $100.00

  • Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach

    26 + Passenger Vehicle: $200 In addition to the entrance fees listed below, additional permits are required for commercial groups, special park uses (weddings, memorialization, group events, etc.), commercial film and photography, research, and more.

    $200.00

  • Entrance - Non-commercial Groups

    Non-commercial Groups (e.g., Scout groups, church groups, etc.) entering in a vehicle with a capacity of 16 persons or more are charged per-person for each person on board, not to exceed $200.

    $15.00

  • Entrance - Education/Academic Groups

    National Park Service regulations allow school groups and other approved national and international academic institutions to obtain a waiver of Park entrance fees, provided that visit is for educational or scientific purposes, and the resources or facilities that the group intends to use, support those purposes. Submit your waiver through the link below at least one month prior to your visit.

    $0.00

Operating hours

Death Valley National Park

The park is open daily all year.

Campgrounds

FAQ

Where should I stay?
The Inn at Death Valley (luxury) or the Ranch at Death Valley (family-friendly), both at Furnace Creek. Stovepipe Wells has cheaper rooms. Camping is excellent in winter.
Is it safe to drive in summer?
Yes if your vehicle is in good shape, you carry extra water, and you stay on paved roads. Off-pavement breakdowns in July are life-threatening.
How dark is the sky?
Death Valley is a Gold-Tier Dark Sky park. On a moonless night you can see the Milky Way cast shadows.