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1 Day in Death Valley Itinerary: Plan the Perfect Death Valley Day Trip!

By: Author Caroline Ikeji

Categories California, USA

Only have 1 day in Death Valley? No worries, I’ve got you! Here’s the perfect itinerary so you can see the best of Death Valley in one day! Here’s all the top sights to see, along with super helpful tips so you can plan the perfect Death Valley day trip!

Death Valley is one of the most fascinating National Parks in the US.

For starters, it’s the hottest, driest, and lowest place in the United States. It’s also one of the hottest places in the world, with the highest ever temperature being recorded here at 134 degrees Fahrenheit.

It’s not called “Death Valley” for nothing.

While the name would imply that there’s not a whole lot to see here, that’s not the case at all. The park’s 3.4 million acres – making it the largest National Park in the lower 48 and twice the size of Delaware – boasts a stunning array of unique geology, along with diverse plant and animal life.

The park has some of the most spectacular scenery that I’ve ever seen – it almost felt like I was on a different planet!

You’ll see everything from colorful badlands, towering sand dunes, dramatic mountain ranges, vast salt flats, and golden canyons. And that’s just with one day in Death Valley – that’s barely scratching the surface of what it has to offer!

Death Valley is pretty remote, but it’s also easily accessible from both Las Vegas (~2 hours) and Los Angeles (~4 hours). It also makes an ideal stop on a California National Parks road trip, along with Joshua Tree and Yosemite.

Here’s how to plan the perfect 1 day in Death Valley itinerary, including all the things to see, along with super helpful tips on planning the perfect trip!

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Is One Day in Death Valley Enough Time?

Honestly, the park is so big that you’re definitely not going to see all of Death Valley in one day – not even close! However, one day is enough to see the park’s main highlights, and give you a taste of its unique geology and landscapes.

However, if you plan to do longer hikes or want to see sights in the more remote parts of the park, consider adding some extra days to your trip.

About Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is located in southeastern California, east of the Sierra Nevada mountains and bordering the state of Nevada.

While the name “Death Valley” would imply that there is no life here, the park is actually home to 1,000 plant species, 51 species of native mammals, and 307 species of birds. The park also boasts a diverse and complex geology, boasting dramatic mountains, valleys, dunes, canyons, and badlands. 

Death Valley has been home to indigenous peoples dating back 10,000 years. Most notably the Timbisha Shoshone, have occupied these lands for over 1000 years. They were hunter gatherers that would live on the valley floor in the winter, then escape to the cooler, higher elevations in the summer.

In the 1800s, the Gold Rush brought mining hopefuls to the area in hopes of gaining riches. When the boom ended, the communities were deserted.

President Herbert Hoover named the park “Death Valley National Monument in 1933. In 1994, it was designated to be a National Park.

So, why is it named Death Valley, anyway? The park is named after a group of Pioneers (also known as the ‘49ers), who were looking for a shortcut to the California gold fields. Unfortunately, they took a wrong turn and got lost in the valley.

While only one member of the party died, all of them believed they would die while trying to find an exit. When they finally got out of the valley after several weeks, one of the men turned back and said “goodbye, Death Valley.”

A few quick tips for planning a Death Valley day trip…

  • Avoid visiting in summer: It is SCORCHING hot in Death Valley in the summer! Most days in the summer, Death Valley is the hottest place in the US, regularly seeing highs above 120 degrees Fahrenheit.  It is simply too hot to explore comfortably, and can be dangerous.
  • The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle: Death Valley doesn’t have pay stations at its entrances. Instead, you must either purchase your entry in advance, or go to the Visitor Center to pay. Also consider purchasing an America the Beautiful pass, which also covers your entry. If you’re planning to visit at least 2 more National Parks this year, it’s a no-brainer! For $80, the pass allows you entry into any federal recreation area, including National Parks, National Forests, National Recreation Areas, and more.
  • Things are more far apart than they seem: If you look at a map of Death Valley, the main sights may seem close together. However, the roads may not necessarily connect them directly, so things are a bit more far apart than at first glance. This is why it’s so important to plan your one day Death Valley itinerary ahead of time!
  • Bring plenty of water: Whatever time of the year you visit Death Valley, make sure you bring plenty of water! It gets fairly warm most months. The general rule is one liter per person, per day, although it’s never a bad idea to have some extra water, just in case. Also bring a reusable water bottle (or water bladder) to reduce waste!
  • Slather on that sunscreen: The desert sun can be very strong, even in the winter, so slather on that SPF! I recommend a mineral sunscreen that acts as a physical blocker – here is my favorite sunscreen.
  • There is little shade: Many of the attractions that I included on this one day Death Valley itinerary have little to no shade. As I mentioned earlier, bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen! Also bring a hat and sunglasses, and wear loose, lightweight clothing. Also avoid exploring midday on hot days.
  • Download offline maps: There’s little to no cell service within the park, so be sure you download offline maps to help you navigate.
  • There’s WiFi at Furnace Creek: However, it’s slooooooow so I wouldn’t depend on it.
  • Fill up on gas: While there is gas available within the park, it’s pretty expensive – I’m talking almost double the prices outside the park! Fill up on your way here (and then again on your way out). If you’re coming from Las Vegas, Pahrump is a good place to get gas.
  • Make sure your car is in good working condition: Trust me, you don’t want to get stuck out here.
  • Bring snacks: There are a few food options in the park, but they’re kinda pricey. We ate in Furnace Creek but the food was…not good. We also could have  used that time to do more exploring. Next time, I’d just bring my own lunch + snacks to have while on the go!
  • Check for park and road closures: Weather and floods can shut down roads and trails, so check conditions before you go! In recent years, flooding from Hurricane Hilary in 2023 shut down the park for 2 months (don’t worry, it’s reopened since). Always check conditions beforehand to avoid disappointment.

The Perfect 1 Day in Death Valley Itinerary

This itinerary assumes that you are driving into the park in the morning, then starting this one day in Death Valley itinerary. Plan to get an early start – leave no later than 8am, to arrive before 10 am. If you want to be in the park for sunset, I recommend either staying in the park, or just outside it.

Dante’s View

Start your Death Valley day trip off at Dante’s View. While it looks super close to Badwater Basin on a map, they’re actually quite far apart as you’ll have to take a separate road. The road to Dante’s View is off Highway 190 as you drive into the park, so I recommend stopping here first.

You’ll drive up a windy road to get here, which leads you to Dante’s View, which is nearly 5500 feet in elevation. Dante’s View was actually a filming location for Star Wars, overlooking the Mos Esley spaceport. In reality, you’re overlooking the white salt flats of Badwater Basin, located 282 feet below sea level.

While you can already catch some fantastic views from the parking lot, walk out on the little trail onto the ridge for the best unobstructed views. You’ll catch some panoramic views of Badwater Basin, the park’s mountain ranges, and Telescope Peak, the highest point in the park.

Seeing Badwater Basin from above is a nice little preview for what’s to come later on, which made me super excited for the rest of the day! You can really see how white the salt is here, and how barren the surrounding landscape is.

Zabriskie Point

After checking out Dante’s View, head over to Zabriskie Point, known as Death Valley’s badlands and one of my favorite stops on this 1 day in Death Valley itinerary. Here, you’ll find an almost alien-like landscape, with dramatic ridges created by wind and water over many years.

Millions of years ago, this area was at the bottom of a lake bed. Thanks to earthquakes, volcanic erosion, and storms, it transformed into what you see today. Nature is pretty cool, amirite?

It’s one of the best views in the park, with golden badlands and unique rock formations. It’s also one of those “low effort, high reward” views, since you don’t have to go on a long hike to get to it! A short, less than a quarter mile walk from the parking lot will lead you to the upper viewpoint, where you can get a higher vantage point.

Zabriskie Point is said to be especially gorgeous at sunset, when the golden light changes the colors of the landscape. However, I’d say it’s still beautiful  at any time of the day – we came in late morning, and I was still mesmerized!

If you’re in a mood for a hike, you can do the 2.6-mile Badlands Loop, which takes you directly into the badlands for an up-close view. However, there’s little to no shade and it can get super hot here, so avoid hiking midday. We almost did this hike, but decided not to since we had limited time.

Furnace Creek

Next, head over to the Furnace Creek area. This is where you’ll find the Visitor Center, where you can talk to the rangers, find out about current conditions, check out some exhibits, watch a short film, pick up a park map, and pay your park entrance fee. 

Note that there are no pay stations at the park entrances, so unless you’ve prepaid, you’ll need to stop by the Visitor Center to do so. You also won’t be able to get a park map until you show proof of payment.

If you need to access WiFi, it is offered here (it’s also the best place for cell reception in the park).

Furnace Creek also offers a variety of other amenities. If you want something to eat for lunch, there are a number of restaurants here. We ate at the 19th Hole, located at the golf course, which has burgers, sandwiches, and salads. You can also eat at the Last Kind Words Saloon, an old-school Western saloon that looks like something out of Westworld.

Furnace Creek is home to 2 of the park’s accommodations – the Ranch at Death Valley, and the swanky Inn at Death Valley. One of my friends wanted to check out the Inn, so we spent a bit of time walking around the property – which is super nice! There’s a nice bar here, and we wished we had time to stop for a cocktail here.

Finally, if you’re in need of some gas, you can get some at the Furnace Creek Gas Station. However, I don’t recommend filling up here as you are basically paying double what you’d pay outside the park. Only fill up if you’re desperate!

Badwater Basin

At 282 feet below sea level, Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America. (Fun fact: it’s also only 84 miles away from Mt. Whitney, the tallest point in North America).

This area was home to an ancient lake that evaporated thousands of years ago, leaving behind salt crusts that create vast salt flats. The Badwater Basin salt flats cover an area of nearly 200 square miles, and are composed mostly of sodium chloride (table salt), along with calcite, gypsum, and borax. If you dare, you can try tasting the salt!

The salt flats look different depending on time of year, and the amount of rainfall. My first time in Death Valley was back in 2005, after a year of tremendous rainfall, which turned Badwater Basin into a lake. We saw people kayaking here, and it was such a cool sight!

More recently though, I visited after an especially dry winter, and there were parts of the flats where you could barely even see the salt. We had to walk quite a bit to start seeing the white parts.

The salt flats are visible right from the parking lot, and you’ll see the white stretch out for miles and miles, almost like the ground is covered in a dusting of snow. When you walk out onto the flats, look back up towards the cliffside for a marker that tells you where sea level is.

You may have seen photos of Badwater Basin with the hexagonal shapes in the salt. These are created thanks to the freezing and thawing of water. However, do note that you’ll have to walk out 1-2 miles in order to reach the hexagons. 

We didn’t go all the way to the hexagons, since we had limited time (after all, we were trying to see Death Valley in one day!) and it was a bit warm. But even if you don’t get to the hexagons, it’s still such a cool sight!

Devil’s Golf Course

On your way out of the Badwater Basin area, make a stop at the Devil’s Golf Course. There’s tons of pullouts on the road, and you won’t need much time here, but it’s worth a quick look on your Death Valley day trip because it’s such an interesting sight!

In sharp contrast to the smooth, white salt flats of Badwater Basin, you’ll find jagged, pointy  salt formations jutting out from the ground. Once an ancient lake bed, sharp peaks were created as weather and the elements have worn away at the surface. It gets its name because it’s said that “only a devil could play golf here.”

Watch your step here, as the ground is super sharp! I had to touch my hand on the ground to balance myself and it HURT.

Artist’s Drive and Artist’s Palette

Artist’s Palette was one of the most unique sights during my one day in Death Valley. You’ll see the hillsides painted in vibrant hues of turquoise, purple, green, yellow, pink, and red. It truly does look like an artist took a paintbrush and painted the hills in various colors – so cool! 

In reality, the colors are created by the weathering of different minerals in volcanic deposits, which create a rainbow effect. Each element creates different hues – for example, purple is manganese minerals, green is weathered volcanic tuff, and red, pink, and yellow are created by iron minerals. Science is pretty cool, y’all!

To get here, you’ll drive along Artist’s Drive, a scenic 9-mile road through colorful mountains and beautiful canyons. It’s a one-way road, so there’s only one way in and out. Do note that there are many dips and curves (we kinda felt like we were on a roller coaster!), so be careful when driving.

The colors are already pretty gorgeous as you start driving into Artist’s Drive, and soon after you’ll come across the first viewpoint. Here, you can see the vibrant shades of red and orange along the mountains, which I already thought was pretty gorgeous! 

However, before you get disappointed that you didn’t see the shades of blue, purple, and green, keep going because this isn’t the main viewpoint.

The second viewpoint is where you can see all the colors in the hillsides, which is pretty special! You can see all of the colors from the lookout right next to the parking lot. Or, you can hike right into the hills for an up close and personal view. The trail goes pretty far (we saw people way up at the top), but we only walked in a little bit as we got tired pretty quick (it was steeper than I expected haha.

Note: Many people say that the best time to come to Artist’s Palette is during blue hour, or the hour after the sun goes down but the sky isn’t completely dark yet. This is when the colors are at its most vibrant (and probably when those photos you see on social media were taken). Even though we came in the later afternoon, we were able to see the colors, although they weren’t quite as vivid as during blue hour.

However, there are only so many places you can be for sunrise and sunset, especially when you’re trying to see Death Valley in a day! Our priority was to go to the Mesquite Sand Dunes (the next stop on this Death Valley one day itinerary) for sunset. However, if you really want to see the colors of Artist’s Palette at their best, consider switching the order of this itinerary around. 

Mesquite Sand Dunes

As your day winds down, head over to the Mesquite Sand Dunes for a sunset adventure. These aren’t the only sand dunes in the park, but are the most easily accessible, which makes it perfect for a Death Valley one day itinerary.

This was such a highlight during my Death Valley day trip! It was so magical to see the sand bathed in golden rays of light, and to see all the mountains cast in a warm glow. Sunset (or sunrise) is the best time to visit, because you also get to see the dramatic shadows created by the light. You almost forget you’re right in California, and feel like you’re in the Sahara Desert instead!

Located in the Stovepipe Wells area, the towering Mesquite Sand Dunes cover an area of 14 square miles in the park. You can see the dunes as you drive towards them, but they are much more impressive up close because they are HUGE – up to 100 feet tall!

In order to get to the highest peaks, where you’ll also encounter the fewest footsteps in the sand, you’ll have to hike in at least a  mile or so. This sounds much easier than it actually is, because walking in sand is HARD! It felt like I was on a never-ending Stairmaster.

Allow yourself plenty of time to get here before sunset, and hike into the sand. Like, more time than you think you need! I recommend getting here at least an hour and a half before sunset. We only gave ourselves an hour and we didn’t get as far into the dunes as we would’ve liked (like I said, walking in sand is HARD!).

Also note that the sun falls behind the mountains about 30 minutes before sunset, so you lose a bit of that golden light pretty quick. It was still such an incredible view, though, since the mountains started turning into a beautiful shade of red! 

Remember to bring a flashlight so that you’re not hiking back to your car in the dark. After sunset, you can start making your way back towards Vegas (or LA), have dinner in the park, or stay for some stargazing! The stars were amazing on our drive back, so I would imagine they are stunning the park!

Where to Stay in Death Valley

Staying inside the park

There are a few accommodation options right inside of the park. These are the most convenient options, but are a bit pricey. Here are the properties inside Death Valley:

  • The Oasis at Death Valley: Located in Furnace Creek, there are two options here. The first is the Ranch at Death Valley, a family-friendly resort with recently remodeled rooms, an on-site restaurant, pool, general store, and more. The second is the Inn at Death Valley, an upscale resort with a gorgeous spring-fed outdoor pool, and lush patio that’s perfect for watching the sunset with a glass of wine.
  • Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel: An Old-West style hotel with a refreshing outdoor swimming pool and views of the Mesquite Sand Dunes. There’s also a restaurant and general store. It’s pretty basic, but is a quiet place to stay.
  • Panamint Springs Resort: Located at the western end of the park, this family-friendly resort has rooms, cabins, and campsites with beautiful views. It’s a bit far away from the main sights, though.

Camping inside the park  

If you’re looking to camp inside the park, there are plenty of options. Most of the campsites near the main attractions also have bathrooms and amenities. 

Do note that many of the campgrounds close between May and September, thanks to the extreme heat. Also, bundle up if you’re camping in the winter as temperatures are often near freezing at night.

Here are the paid  campgrounds within the park:

  • Furnace Creek Campground (this is the most popular campground in the park, so reserve early!) 
  • Stovepipe Wells Campground
  • Mesquite Springs Campground

Below are the free campgrounds in Death Valley:

  • Wildrose Campground
  • Emigrant Campground (tents only)
  • Thorndike Campground
  • Mahogany Flat Campground

Where to stay near Death Valley

There are a few towns outside of Death Valley National Park where you can spend the night. However, because of its remote location, the park is still pretty far from these towns, and you’ll still have to do a fair bit of driving. Because of this, I recommend staying inside the park, if you can.

Here are the towns closest to Death Valley, along with a few accommodation options. Note that the properties are pretty basic, so don’t expect anything fancy.

More Logistics for Your Death Valley One Day Itinerary

When to Visit Death Valley National Park

Short answer: any time but summer.

Here’s all you need to know about visiting in the summer: one time, me and 2 of my friends were having a conversation about Death Valley. While one of my friends and I both agreed that we loved visiting Death Valley, our other friend said that she hated it. 

When pressing her more about her trip, well, it turns out she visited in the middle of summer and she was absolutely miserable.

Summer is just way too hot to explore Death Valley comfortably. If you check the temperature records on any given day in the summer, chances are that Death Valley is the hottest place in the US that day. The park regularly sees highs well above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and even the lows are around 90 degrees.

If you absolutely must visit in the summer, bring plenty of water – more than you think you need! The recommended amount is a gallon per person, per day, but I would bring more in the summer. Also wear loose, lightweight clothing in light colors, wear a hat and sunglasses, slather on the sunscreen, and do your exploring around sunrise or sunset.

October to April is the ideal time to visit Death Valley, when the park sees comfortable temperatures. The highs are usually between 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it perfect for exploring the park.

In my opinion, spring is the best time to visit Death Valley. Both of my visits were in March, and I think it’s the perfect time to go! The weather is warm, but not too hot yet. This is also when you’ll have the best chance of seeing the wildflowers blooming (although this depends on rain conditions). 

My first time in Death Valley was in 2005 after a record winter of rain, and we saw so many wildflowers blooming in shades of orange, yellow, and purple – it was sooo pretty! Badwater Basin also turned into a lake (people were kayaking on it), which was such a cool sight.

However, do note that spring is the most popular time to visit Death Valley, so expect increased crowds.

Fall is also a good time to visit Death Valley, as the temperatures start cooling down from the scorching hot summer. One caveat is that the days start getting shorter, so you might not have as many hours to explore. 

Definitely wear layers, as mornings and evenings tend to be a bit chilly – bring a jacket!’

Death Valley is also one of the best parks to visit in the winter. The average highs range between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit, which is perfect hiking weather! However, do note that lows are frequently near freezing, so definitely bring warm clothing! There’s also limited daylight, with the sun setting around 4:30 pm, so keep that in mind as you plan your Death Valley 1 day itinerary.

Getting to Death Valley National Park

Death Valley is located in a remote area, so you’re going to have to do a bit of driving, wherever you come from. The two closest major airports are located in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, so chances are you’ll be coming from one of those cities.

From either airport, you can pick up a rental car. I recommend booking your car on rentalcars.com, which allows you to compare prices from the top car rental companies and offers a price match guarantee.

From Las Vegas (~2 hours)

The closest international airport to Death Valley is Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), located about 100 miles away. 

The quickest way to get to Death Valley is by taking Hwy 160 west to Hwy 190 west, via Pahrump. 

You can also take Hwy 95 towards Amargosa Valley, Hwy 373 south to Death Valley Junction, and then Hwy 190 into the park. 

From Los Angeles (~4 hours)

The next closest major airport is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), located about 225 miles away. 

From Los Angeles, you can take Hwy 14 North (from either the I-5 or 405 North) to Hwy 395 North to Hwy 190 E. If you’re coming from LA, I strongly recommend staying overnight. The trip takes around 4 hours, but note that traffic is common on this route. Avoid driving during rush hour (especially on the I-5 and 405!). 

I live much closer to LA (just down south in Orange County!), but I ended up flying into Las Vegas to meet up with my friends, and then driving into the park from there.

Getting Around in Death Valley

You will need a car to get around in Death Valley – it is quite remote, and there is no public transportation. 

For booking a rental car, I recommend rentalcars.com. You can compare prices from the top car rental companies, and they offer a price match guarantee.

Death Valley has over 800 miles of roads. While some roads in the park require a 4×4, all the sights that I included on this Death Valley 1 day itinerary can be accessed using a regular vehicle. Our rental was a standard sedan and we got around just fine!

Make sure you fill up on gas, and that your car is in good working condition. You don’t want to get stuck here! On that note, get gas before you get into the park – there are gas stations inside the park, but they’re expensive, costing nearly double what you’d find outside the park!

Day Tours to Death Valley

If you don’t want to drive, another option is to take a day tour to Death Valley. Here are a few highly rated options, all leaving from Las Vegas:

  • Death Valley Guided Day Tour: This full-day tour includes stops at many of the top sights in Death Valley, including Badwater Basin, Mesquite Sand Dunes, and Artist’s Palette. You’ll also make a stop at Rhyolite, a fascinating ghost town just outside of the park.
  • Death Valley Sunset and Starry Night Tour: Visit some of the park’s top attractions, and stay for sunset and stargazing! Visit Dante’s View, Badwater Basin, Artist’s Palette, and Zabriskie Point, then spend some time taking in the spectacular starry skies at night.
  • Death Valley Trekker Tour: This tour takes you around the park in a 4×4 vehicle to visit some of its top sights (including Badwater Basin, Devil’s Golf Course, Harmony Borax Works, and Artist’s Palette). Then, you’ll go on an offroading adventure through the 20 Mule Team Canyon on the edge of the Amargosa Mountain Range.

What to Pack for Death Valley

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing: This will help you stay cool on warm days in the park!
  • A warm jacket: It cools down quite a bit at night, so bring a warm jacket! I recommend bringing a packable down jacket, like the Patagonia NanoPuff (my favorite!) or Uniqlo UltraLight Down Jacket (a good budget option).  
  • Hat: To protect you from the sun.
  • Sunglasses: Goodr makes my favorite polarized pairs, which are both stylish and affordable!
  • Shoes: Generally, sneakers or comfortable boots are fine for most viewpoints and short hikes – I wore my Allbirds sneakers. If you plan to do a lot of hiking, then bring hiking boots (this is my favorite pair).
  • Sunscreen: The desert sun is intense, and there’s little shade so slather on that SPF! I recommend a mineral sunscreen that acts like a physical blocker, like this one. 
  • Water: At least a gallon per person, per day! Bring more for warmer days. Also don’t forget your reusable water bottle or hydration bladder.
  • Liquid IV: Be sure to stay hydrated and to replenish the electrolytes that you’re sweating out!
  • Snacks: Have plenty of snacks on hand to have throughout the day! I always keep around a stash of Think bars.
  • Collapsible lantern: For hiking back in the dark after sunset. I love this one because it folds up into a compact size when you’re not using it. 

Have you ever been to Death Valley? What would you do on your Death Valley day trip?

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