Death Valley National Park

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

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

• 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

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.

In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet, each extreme has a striking contrast. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow. Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. Lush oases harbor tiny fish and refuge for wildlife and humans. Despite its morbid name, a great diversity of life thrives in Death Valley.

• Astronomy
• Stargazing
• Biking
• Mountain Biking
• Road Biking
• Camping
• Backcountry Camping
• Car or Front Country Camping
• Canyoneering
• Food
• Flying
• Golf
• Guided Tours
• Hiking
• Backcountry Hiking
• Front-Country Hiking
• Horse Trekking
• Living History
• First Person Interpretation
• Junior Ranger Program
• Wildlife Watching
• Birdwatching
• Park Film
• Museum Exhibits

SPRING is the most popular time to visit Death Valley. Warm and sunny days with the possibility of spring wildflowers is a big attraction. SUMMER starts early in Death Valley. By May the valley can be scorching hot. AUTUMN arrives in late October, with warm but pleasant temperatures and generally clear skies. WINTER has cool days, chilly nights and rarely, rainstorms. With snow capping the high peaks and low angled winter light, this season is especially beautiful for exploring the valley.

• 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

• Emigrant Campground

  NPS info ↗

• Texas Springs Campground

  NPS info ↗

• Sunset Campground

  NPS info ↗

• Stovepipe Wells Campground

  NPS info ↗

• Wildrose Campground

  NPS info ↗

• Furnace Creek Campground

  Reserve ↗NPS info ↗

• Mesquite Spring Campground

  NPS info ↗

• Thorndike Campground (Primitive)

  NPS info ↗

• Mahogany Flat Campground (Primitive)

  NPS info ↗

• Eureka Dunes Campground (Primitive)

  NPS info ↗

• Homestake Campground (Primitive)

  NPS info ↗

• Saline Valley Campground (Primitive)

  NPS info ↗

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.