{"id":161091,"date":"2026-05-14T16:19:32","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T14:19:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/?p=161091"},"modified":"2026-05-15T13:29:32","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T11:29:32","slug":"death-valley-things-to-see","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/","title":{"rendered":"Death Valley National Park: 15 Tips on What to See and Do"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>You&#8217;re standing in a car park, it&#8217;s nine in the morning, and the thermometer reads 38 \u00b0C. The air shimmers above the scorching tarmac and you think: <em>&#8220;Why on earth did I come here?&#8221;<\/em> Then you look down \u2014 at that endless white salt flat stretching to the horizon, framed by mountains in shades of purple and rust \u2014 and suddenly it all makes sense. <strong>Death Valley is a place that first intimidates you, then takes your breath away.<\/strong> Quite literally, because breathing in that heat feels like sitting in a sauna. \ud83d\ude05<\/p>\n\n<p>I&#8217;ve visited Death Valley National Park several times, and each trip has been a completely different experience. The first time we hit the wildflower bloom and the entire valley was ablaze with yellows and purples (that only happens once every few years). The second time we arrived for sunset over Zabriskie Point, and I felt like we&#8217;d landed on Mars.<\/p>\n\n<p>In this article you&#8217;ll find <strong>15 tips on what to see and do in Death Valley<\/strong> \u2014 from the iconic Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, to the psychedelic Artists Palette and sand dunes that&#8217;ll make you feel like you&#8217;re in the Sahara. I&#8217;ll tell you <strong>when to go<\/strong> (because bad timing can literally put your life at risk), <strong>where to stay<\/strong>, how much it all costs, and what to watch out for so your visit to Death Valley National Park is unforgettable \u2014 in the best possible way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#TLDR\" >TL;DR<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#When_to_visit_Death_Valley_and_how_to_get_there\" >When to visit Death Valley and how to get there<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#Best_time_to_visit\" >Best time to visit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#How_to_get_to_Death_Valley\" >How to get to Death Valley<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#Entrance_fees_and_getting_around_the_park\" >Entrance fees and getting around the park<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#Where_to_stay_in_Death_Valley_and_how_much_it_costs\" >Where to stay in Death Valley and how much it costs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#Accommodation_inside_the_park\" >Accommodation inside the park<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#Camping_%E2%80%94_the_best_experience\" >Camping \u2014 the best experience<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#Accommodation_outside_the_park_cheaper_option\" >Accommodation outside the park (cheaper option)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#How_much_Death_Valley_costs_%E2%80%94_budget_for_2%E2%80%933_days_for_two\" >How much Death Valley costs \u2014 budget for 2\u20133 days for two<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#Death_Valley_15_things_to_see_and_do\" >Death Valley: 15 things to see and do<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#1_Badwater_Basin_%E2%80%94_the_lowest_point_in_North_America\" >1. Badwater Basin \u2014 the lowest point in North America<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#2_Zabriskie_Point_%E2%80%94_sunset_from_another_planet\" >2. Zabriskie Point \u2014 sunset from another planet<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#3_Dantes_View_%E2%80%94_a_jaw-dropping_panorama\" >3. Dante&#8217;s View \u2014 a jaw-dropping panorama<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#4_Artists_Drive_and_Artists_Palette_%E2%80%94_nature_was_painting\" >4. Artists Drive and Artists Palette \u2014 nature was painting<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#5_Mesquite_Flat_Sand_Dunes_%E2%80%94_the_Sahara_in_California\" >5. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes \u2014 the Sahara in California<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#6_Golden_Canyon_and_Red_Cathedral_%E2%80%94_a_short_hike_with_big_payoff\" >6. Golden Canyon and Red Cathedral \u2014 a short hike with big payoff<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#7_Dantes_Ridge_Trail_%E2%80%94_for_those_who_want_more_than_a_viewpoint\" >7. Dante&#8217;s Ridge Trail \u2014 for those who want more than a viewpoint<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#8_Natural_Bridge_%E2%80%94_a_rock_arch_in_a_canyon\" >8. Natural Bridge \u2014 a rock arch in a canyon<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#9_Racetrack_Playa_%E2%80%94_the_mystery_of_the_sailing_stones\" >9. Racetrack Playa \u2014 the mystery of the sailing stones<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#10_Ubehebe_Crater_%E2%80%94_the_explosion_that_reshaped_the_landscape\" >10. Ubehebe Crater \u2014 the explosion that reshaped the landscape<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#11_Devils_Golf_Course_%E2%80%94_a_salt_landscape_from_a_horror_film\" >11. Devil&#8217;s Golf Course \u2014 a salt landscape from a horror film<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#12_Night_sky_in_Death_Valley_%E2%80%94_Dark_Sky_Park\" >12. Night sky in Death Valley \u2014 Dark Sky Park<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#13_Mosaic_Canyon_%E2%80%94_marble-walled_canyon\" >13. Mosaic Canyon \u2014 marble-walled canyon<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#14_Father_Crowley_Vista_Point_%E2%80%94_the_fighter_jet_viewpoint\" >14. Father Crowley Vista Point \u2014 the fighter jet viewpoint<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#15_Wildrose_Charcoal_Kilns_%E2%80%94_historic_kilns_in_the_mountains\" >15. Wildrose Charcoal Kilns \u2014 historic kilns in the mountains<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#Where_to_eat_and_drink_in_Death_Valley_and_survive\" >Where to eat and drink in Death Valley (and survive)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#Restaurants_in_the_park\" >Restaurants in the park<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#Tip_Bring_your_own_food\" >Tip: Bring your own food<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#Practical_tips_and_what_to_pack\" >Practical tips and what to pack<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#Safety_in_Death_Valley\" >Safety in Death Valley<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#What_to_pack\" >What to pack<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#Travel_insurance\" >Travel insurance<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#Why_is_it_called_Death_Valley_A_brief_history\" >Why is it called Death Valley? A brief history<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#FAQ_%E2%80%94_Frequently_asked_questions_about_Death_Valley\" >FAQ \u2014 Frequently asked questions about Death Valley<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#What_to_see_in_Death_Valley\" >What to see in Death Valley?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#Why_is_it_called_Death_Valley\" >Why is it called Death Valley?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#Where_is_Death_Valley_located\" >Where is Death Valley located?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#How_many_days_do_I_need_for_Death_Valley\" >How many days do I need for Death Valley?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#Is_Death_Valley_dangerous\" >Is Death Valley dangerous?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#What_car_do_I_need_for_Death_Valley\" >What car do I need for Death Valley?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-42\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/death-valley-things-to-see\/#How_much_does_it_cost_to_visit_Death_Valley\" >How much does it cost to visit Death Valley?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"TLDR\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"TL_DR\"><\/span>TL;DR<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Death Valley National Park<\/strong> sits on the border of California and Nevada and is the <strong>driest, lowest, and hottest place in North America<\/strong>. In summer, the Death Valley temperature exceeds 50 \u00b0C \u2014 that&#8217;s not a typo.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>The best time to visit is November to March<\/strong>, when temperatures hover around a pleasant 15\u201325 \u00b0C. Avoid summer unless you fancy the sensation of being shoved inside an oven.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Allow at least 1\u20132 full days for Death Valley<\/strong>, ideally 3 if you want to reach more remote spots like Racetrack Playa.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Top 5 must-see spots:<\/strong> Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, Dante&#8217;s View, Artists Drive, and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Accommodation inside the park is pricey and limited<\/strong> \u2014 alternatives include the towns of Beatty (Nevada) or Pahrump. Book well ahead, especially in peak season.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Park entrance fee is $30 per vehicle<\/strong> (roughly \u20ac28) for 7 days, or you can grab an America the Beautiful Pass for $80 (roughly \u20ac75) covering all US national parks for a year.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Bring LOTS of water<\/strong> \u2014 at least 4 litres per person per day. There&#8217;s no mobile signal, petrol stations are few and far between, and a tow truck will cost a fortune.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>The night sky in Death Valley is among the best in the world<\/strong> \u2014 the park holds Dark Sky certification and the Milky Way is visible with the naked eye so clearly your jaw will drop.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_visit_Death_Valley_and_how_to_get_there\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_visit_Death_Valley_and_how_to_get_there\"><\/span>When to visit Death Valley and how to get there<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>Death Valley, California \u2014 two words that conjure images of scorching heat and endless desert. And that&#8217;s true \u2014 but only for part of the year. Timing your visit here matters more than almost anywhere else, because getting it wrong doesn&#8217;t just mean an unpleasant trip \u2014 it can be genuinely dangerous.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_time_to_visit\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_time_to_visit\"><\/span>Best time to visit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p><strong>November through March<\/strong> is hands-down the best time to visit Death Valley. Daytime temperatures sit around 15\u201325 \u00b0C, while nights can drop close to freezing (yes, the desert gets cold at night \u2014 that caught Luk\u00e1\u0161 and me off guard on our first camping trip \ud83d\ude05). Skies are mostly clear, the air is crisp, and the crowds are manageable.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>March and April<\/strong> are brilliant if you want to catch the wildflower season \u2014 after a wetter-than-average winter, the whole valley can erupt into incredible colours. It doesn&#8217;t happen every year, but when it does, it&#8217;s absolutely magical.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>May and October<\/strong> are transition months \u2014 the Death Valley weather brings temperatures around 30\u201335 \u00b0C, which is still bearable, but shorter hikes already demand caution.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>June through September? Give it a miss.<\/strong> Average temperatures exceed 45 \u00b0C, and the record-breaking 56.7 \u00b0C (134 \u00b0F) measured in 1913 makes Death Valley the hottest place on the planet. In summer only hardcore enthusiasts visit, and even they spend most of the day in an air-conditioned car. The park service strongly advises against any hiking after 10 am. Trust me, they mean it \u2014 every year rescue teams deal with dozens of dehydration and heatstroke cases.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_get_to_Death_Valley\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_get_to_Death_Valley\"><\/span>How to get to Death Valley<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p><strong>By car<\/strong> \u2014 the only sensible option. Death Valley National Park is enormous (larger than the whole of Yorkshire!) and there&#8217;s simply no public transport. The nearest major cities:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Las Vegas<\/strong> \u2014 roughly 2 hours (190 km) via Highway 160 and 190. The most convenient starting point and often where you&#8217;ll find the cheapest flights from the UK (British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and budget carriers fly direct from London).<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Los Angeles<\/strong> \u2014 around 4.5\u20135 hours (450 km). Perfect as part of a bigger <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/narodni-park-yellowstone\/\">US national parks road trip<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Bakersfield<\/strong> \u2014 roughly 4 hours from the west via the mountain pass.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Luk\u00e1\u0161 and I have had consistently great experiences with <strong><a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"RentalCars.com\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/rentalcars-com\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">RentalCars<\/a><\/strong>, which we use all over the world \u2014 it compares prices from all the major rental companies and makes insurance straightforward. Definitely pick up your car with a full tank and <strong>fill up every time you see a petrol station<\/strong>. There are barely any inside the park (Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells only) and prices are 50\u2013100% higher than outside.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Important:<\/strong> If you&#8217;re planning to drive to Racetrack Playa or more remote parts of the park, you&#8217;ll need a <strong>4WD with high clearance<\/strong>. A regular saloon car is fine for the main roads, but forget about unpaved tracks.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Entrance_fees_and_getting_around_the_park\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Entrance_fees_and_getting_around_the_park\"><\/span>Entrance fees and getting around the park<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p>Entry costs <strong>$30 per vehicle<\/strong> (roughly \u20ac28) for 7 days. If you&#8217;re planning to hit multiple US national parks, grab an <strong>America the Beautiful Pass for $80<\/strong> (about \u20ac75) \u2014 it&#8217;s valid for a year and covers every national park and federal recreation area. We buy one every time and it pays for itself after just three parks.<\/p>\n\n<p>Download a Death Valley map of attractions to your phone beforehand (Google Maps offline maps are a lifesaver here, because signal only works in Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells \u2014 and even that&#8217;s patchy). You can also pick up an official park map at the Visitor Center in Furnace Creek.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><!-- GYG:Death Valley (no mapping) --><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_stay_in_Death_Valley_and_how_much_it_costs\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_stay_in_Death_Valley_and_how_much_it_costs\"><\/span>Where to stay in Death Valley and how much it costs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>Accommodation in and around Death Valley has its quirks \u2014 choice is limited and prices reflect that. Let&#8217;s run through all the options, from camping under the stars to that one &#8220;luxury&#8221; hotel in the middle of the desert.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Accommodation_inside_the_park\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Accommodation_inside_the_park\"><\/span>Accommodation inside the park<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&amp;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&amp;campaign=post-129460&amp;hotelname=The%20Oasis%20at%20Death%20Valley&amp;address=Death%20Valley%2C%20USA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">The Oasis at Death Valley<\/a><\/strong> (Furnace Creek) \u2014 formerly Furnace Creek Ranch, now a modernised resort. Two tiers:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&amp;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&amp;campaign=post-129460&amp;hotelname=The%20Ranch%20at%20Death%20Valley&amp;address=Death%20Valley%2C%20USA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">The Ranch at Death Valley<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 simpler rooms, a thermal-water pool, from around $250\/night (\u20ac235). In peak season expect $350+.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&amp;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&amp;campaign=post-129460&amp;hotelname=The%20Inn%20at%20Death%20Valley&amp;address=Death%20Valley%2C%20USA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">The Inn at Death Valley<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 a historic 1927 hotel in Spanish Colonial Mission style. Beautiful, but prices start at $500\/night (\u20ac465). If your budget stretches that far, it&#8217;s quite an experience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&amp;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&amp;campaign=post-129460&amp;hotelname=Stovepipe%20Wells%20Village&amp;address=Death%20Valley%2C%20USA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Stovepipe Wells Village<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 motel-style accommodation, from roughly $150\u2013200\/night (\u20ac140\u2013185). It has a restaurant, pool, and petrol station. Great location near the sand dunes.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&amp;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&amp;campaign=post-129460&amp;hotelname=Panamint%20Springs%20Resort&amp;address=Death%20Valley%2C%20USA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Panamint Springs Resort<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 on the western edge of the park, small and cosy, from $100\/night (\u20ac93). A bit off the beaten track from the main attractions, but peaceful and reasonably priced.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Camping_%E2%80%94_the_best_experience\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Camping_the_best_experience\"><\/span>Camping \u2014 the best experience<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p>Honestly? <strong>Camping is the single best way to experience Death Valley.<\/strong> Falling asleep beneath a billion stars in absolute darkness and silence is something no hotel can match.<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&amp;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&amp;campaign=post-129460&amp;hotelname=Furnace%20Creek%20Campground&amp;address=Death%20Valley%2C%20USA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Furnace Creek Campground<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 the only campsite that takes reservations (via recreation.gov), $22\/night. In season it fills up weeks in advance, so book as early as you can!<\/li>\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&amp;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&amp;campaign=post-129460&amp;hotelname=Sunset&amp;address=Death%20Valley%2C%20USA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Sunset<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&amp;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&amp;campaign=post-129460&amp;hotelname=Texas%20Springs&amp;address=Death%20Valley%2C%20USA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Texas Springs<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 first-come, first-served, $16\/night. Arrive early in the morning.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Free camping<\/strong> \u2014 backcountry camping is allowed at designated spots inside the park, completely free but with zero facilities. No water, no toilets, no signal. Best suited to experienced campers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Accommodation_outside_the_park_cheaper_option\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Accommodation_outside_the_park_cheaper_option\"><\/span>Accommodation outside the park (cheaper option)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p><strong>Beatty, Nevada<\/strong> (60 km from Furnace Creek) \u2014 our recommendation for anyone on a budget. A small town with a handful of motels and restaurants. Prices from $80\u2013120\/night (\u20ac75\u2013110).<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Pahrump, Nevada<\/strong> (100 km) \u2014 a larger town with more options, a Walmart, and restaurants. Cheaper, but a longer drive.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Lone Pine, California<\/strong> (165 km from the west) \u2014 a gorgeous little town at the foot of the Sierra Nevada and the launch point for Mt. Whitney. Perfect if you&#8217;re combining Death Valley with parks further west.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><!-- LK_STAYS_PLACEHOLDER --><\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_Death_Valley_costs_%E2%80%94_budget_for_2%E2%80%933_days_for_two\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_Death_Valley_costs_budget_for_2-3_days_for_two\"><\/span>How much Death Valley costs \u2014 budget for 2\u20133 days for two<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Entrance fee:<\/strong> $30 (\u20ac28) per vehicle \/ $80 (\u20ac75) annual pass<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Accommodation (2 nights):<\/strong> $200\u2013700 (\u20ac185\u2013650) depending on type<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Petrol:<\/strong> $40\u201360 (\u20ac37\u201356) \u2014 pricier inside the park<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Food (2 days):<\/strong> $80\u2013150 (\u20ac75\u2013140) \u2014 restaurants in the park are expensive<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Activities\/tours:<\/strong> $0\u201350 \u2014 most attractions are free; you only pay the park entrance<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Total for 2\u20133 days for two:<\/strong> roughly $350\u2013960 (\u20ac325\u2013895)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Budget tip: camp, bring a cool box full of food, and stock up on water before you arrive. On our first visit we camped and cooked on a portable stove \u2014 it cost us a fraction of the price.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Death_Valley_15_things_to_see_and_do\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Death_Valley_15_things_to_see_and_do\"><\/span>Death Valley: 15 things to see and do<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>Now for the good stuff \u2014 let&#8217;s dive into the best things to see and do in Death Valley National Park. I&#8217;ve ranked them roughly by &#8220;must-see&#8221; factor, but honestly \u2014 everything here is stunning, even the drive itself is an experience.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Badwater_Basin_%E2%80%94_the_lowest_point_in_North_America\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Badwater_Basin_the_lowest_point_in_North_America\"><\/span>1. Badwater Basin \u2014 the lowest point in North America<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-0-solne-plane-badwater-basin-nejnizsi-bod-severni-ameriky.jpg\" alt=\"Salt flats at Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America\" class=\"wp-image-159788\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-0-solne-plane-badwater-basin-nejnizsi-bod-severni-ameriky.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-0-solne-plane-badwater-basin-nejnizsi-bod-severni-ameriky-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-0-solne-plane-badwater-basin-nejnizsi-bod-severni-ameriky-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-0-solne-plane-badwater-basin-nejnizsi-bod-severni-ameriky-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-0-solne-plane-badwater-basin-nejnizsi-bod-severni-ameriky-696x464.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: King of Hearts \/ CC BY-SA 3.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p><strong>Badwater Basin<\/strong> is <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"The Spot\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/doporucujeme\/the-spot-2\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">THE spot<\/a> in Death Valley. You&#8217;re standing 86 metres below sea level \u2014 the lowest point in all of North America \u2014 surrounded by an endless salt flat, white and crunchy underfoot, hemmed in by mountains with a &#8220;Sea Level&#8221; sign bolted to the cliff face above you. You stare up at it and think: <em>&#8220;Wait, the ocean is normally up there?&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n<p>A short paved path leads from the car park to the edge of the salt flat, but I&#8217;d recommend walking further \u2014 the deeper you go (a good 15\u201320 minutes), the more regular and photogenic the salt crust becomes, with those iconic hexagonal patterns. The whole round trip takes about 30\u201360 minutes.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Timing is everything.<\/strong> Morning or late afternoon offers the best light and far more bearable temperatures. At midday the heat is unbearable and the white salt reflects the sun so fiercely you won&#8217;t last a minute without sunglasses. Badwater Basin Death Valley is an absolutely iconic experience, but if you rock up at 2 pm in June, it&#8217;ll be more torture than treat.<\/p>\n\n<p>Fun fact: The name &#8220;Badwater&#8221; comes from early surveyors whose mules refused to drink the water here. It&#8217;s not poisonous, but it&#8217;s so salty and mineral-rich that it&#8217;s genuinely undrinkable.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Zabriskie_Point_%E2%80%94_sunset_from_another_planet\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Zabriskie_Point_sunset_from_another_planet\"><\/span>2. Zabriskie Point \u2014 sunset from another planet<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"797\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-1-erodovane-kopce-u-vyhlidky-zabriskie-point.jpg\" alt=\"Eroded hills at the Zabriskie Point viewpoint\" class=\"wp-image-159791\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-1-erodovane-kopce-u-vyhlidky-zabriskie-point.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-1-erodovane-kopce-u-vyhlidky-zabriskie-point-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-1-erodovane-kopce-u-vyhlidky-zabriskie-point-700x465.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-1-erodovane-kopce-u-vyhlidky-zabriskie-point-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-1-erodovane-kopce-u-vyhlidky-zabriskie-point-696x462.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: \u00a9 Pierre Andr\u00e9 \/ CC BY-SA 4.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p><strong>Zabriskie Point<\/strong> is probably the most photographed spot in the entire park \u2014 and rightly so. From the viewpoint you gaze across a labyrinth of golden and cream-coloured eroded hills that look like giant scoops of ice cream left out in the sun. Or like Mars. Or like a sci-fi film set (which, incidentally, it&#8217;s been used as many times).<\/p>\n\n<p>It&#8217;s only a couple of minutes&#8217; walk from the car park along a paved, wheelchair-accessible path \u2014 literally anyone can get here. <strong>Come for sunrise<\/strong> \u2014 that&#8217;s the golden hour when the entire landscape glows orange and gold. Sunset is lovely too, but the sun dips behind the mountains at your back, so the last light fades sooner than you&#8217;d expect.<\/p>\n\n<p>From Zabriskie Point you can continue onto the <strong>Golden Canyon Trail<\/strong> (about 5 km round trip), which threads right through those eroded formations. Well worth it, but bring plenty of water and set off early.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Dantes_View_%E2%80%94_a_jaw-dropping_panorama\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Dantes_View_a_jaw-dropping_panorama\"><\/span>3. Dante&#8217;s View \u2014 a jaw-dropping panorama<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"795\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-2-panorama-udoli-z-vyhlidky-dantes-view.jpg\" alt=\"Valley panorama from the Dantes View viewpoint\" class=\"wp-image-159794\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-2-panorama-udoli-z-vyhlidky-dantes-view.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-2-panorama-udoli-z-vyhlidky-dantes-view-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-2-panorama-udoli-z-vyhlidky-dantes-view-700x464.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-2-panorama-udoli-z-vyhlidky-dantes-view-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-2-panorama-udoli-z-vyhlidky-dantes-view-696x461.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Steven Lek \/ CC BY-SA 4.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p>If you can only pick one viewpoint in Death Valley, <strong>Dante&#8217;s View<\/strong> should be it. From 1,669 metres above sea level you look down across the entire valley \u2014 Badwater Basin appears as a tiny white smudge far below, while on the opposite side the Sierra Nevada rises with Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States. The lowest and highest points of the lower 48 in a single panorama \u2014 it&#8217;s quite the head-spinner.<\/p>\n\n<p>The Death Valley road to Dante&#8217;s View follows a narrow paved road (13 miles from the Highway 190 junction); the final stretch is fairly steep and winding but manageable in a regular car. At the top there&#8217;s a car park and a short path to the viewpoint.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Best time:<\/strong> Sunrise here is pure magic \u2014 you watch the first rays slowly illuminate the valley from below. But heads up, mornings can be windy and chilly (below 10 \u00b0C in winter months), so bring a jacket. Luk\u00e1\u0161 and I arrived at half five in the morning in November and I was wearing my puffer \u2014 after a full day exploring in a T-shirt down in the valley, the contrast was quite the shock. \ud83d\ude05<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Artists_Drive_and_Artists_Palette_%E2%80%94_nature_was_painting\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Artists_Drive_and_Artists_Palette_nature_was_painting\"><\/span>4. Artists Drive and Artists Palette \u2014 nature was painting<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-3-barevne-mineralni-kopce-artists-palette.jpg\" alt=\"Colourful mineral hills at Artists Palette\" class=\"wp-image-159797\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-3-barevne-mineralni-kopce-artists-palette.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-3-barevne-mineralni-kopce-artists-palette-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-3-barevne-mineralni-kopce-artists-palette-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-3-barevne-mineralni-kopce-artists-palette-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-3-barevne-mineralni-kopce-artists-palette-80x60.jpg 80w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-3-barevne-mineralni-kopce-artists-palette-160x120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-3-barevne-mineralni-kopce-artists-palette-696x522.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Alisha Vargas from Reno, NV, US \/ CC BY 2.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p><strong>Artists Drive<\/strong> is a one-way loop (14 km) that winds through rocks in shades of green, pink, purple, turquoise, and orange. It looks just like a painter&#8217;s palette \u2014 hence the name of the main viewpoint, <strong>Artists Palette<\/strong>. The colours come from the oxidation of various minerals: iron produces reds and yellows, manganese gives purple, and mica creates green.<\/p>\n\n<p>Driving the whole of Artists Drive takes about 30\u201345 minutes, but pull over as often as you can \u2014 the best Death Valley photos are often from unexpected spots along the road. Artists Palette itself has a small car park and a short stroll to the most colourful stretch.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Good to know:<\/strong> Artists Drive is one-way and closed to vehicles longer than 25 feet (7.6 m) \u2014 so no RVs or large motorhomes. The colours look most vivid in late-afternoon light, when the low sun intensifies every shade.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Mesquite_Flat_Sand_Dunes_%E2%80%94_the_Sahara_in_California\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Mesquite_Flat_Sand_Dunes_the_Sahara_in_California\"><\/span>5. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes \u2014 the Sahara in California<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-4-pisecne-duny-mesquite-flat-v-death-valley.jpg\" alt=\"Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley\" class=\"wp-image-159801\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-4-pisecne-duny-mesquite-flat-v-death-valley.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-4-pisecne-duny-mesquite-flat-v-death-valley-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-4-pisecne-duny-mesquite-flat-v-death-valley-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-4-pisecne-duny-mesquite-flat-v-death-valley-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-4-pisecne-duny-mesquite-flat-v-death-valley-80x60.jpg 80w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-4-pisecne-duny-mesquite-flat-v-death-valley-160x120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-4-pisecne-duny-mesquite-flat-v-death-valley-696x522.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Alexander Migl \/ CC BY-SA 4.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p><strong>Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes<\/strong> are the sandy dunes you&#8217;ve seen in every other Death Valley photo. And they&#8217;re every bit as photogenic in person \u2014 golden waves of sand with razor-sharp edges and dramatic shadows, backed by a mountain range. The tallest dune reaches about 30 metres, and the entire dune field covers roughly 14 km\u00b2.<\/p>\n\n<p>It&#8217;s just a few minutes&#8217; walk from the car park near Stovepipe Wells to the dunes. There&#8217;s no marked trail \u2014 you simply wander wherever you like. <strong>But be warned:<\/strong> walking in sand is hard work, distances are deceptive, and in hot weather the sand surface temperature can soar past 70 \u00b0C. Only take your shoes off if you&#8217;ve thought it through very carefully (or better yet, don&#8217;t).<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Best time:<\/strong> Sunrise or sunset, when the shadows create those dramatic contrasts across the dunes. At midday the light is flat and the dunes look dull. Plus \u2014 at noon you could literally fry an egg on them. We arrived for sunset and Luk\u00e1\u0161 insisted he&#8217;d only taken better photos in the Sahara. (He&#8217;s never been to the Sahara, but we&#8217;ll let that slide. \ud83d\ude01)<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Golden_Canyon_and_Red_Cathedral_%E2%80%94_a_short_hike_with_big_payoff\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Golden_Canyon_and_Red_Cathedral_a_short_hike_with_big_payoff\"><\/span>6. Golden Canyon and Red Cathedral \u2014 a short hike with big payoff<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p><strong>Golden Canyon Trail<\/strong> is one of the most popular short hikes in Death Valley, and deservedly so. You walk through a narrow canyon with walls in golden and orange hues that tower above you like cathedral walls. The destination is <strong>Red Cathedral<\/strong> \u2014 a massive rock face in deep red that looks like a rusted Gothic cathedral.<\/p>\n\n<p>The trail is roughly <strong>5 km round trip<\/strong> with about 100 metres of elevation gain. Nothing strenuous, but in the heat it can be draining \u2014 set off early in the morning. The terrain is mostly sandy and gravelly; hiking boots are recommended but sturdy trainers will do (that said, we swear by our <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/how-choose-hiking-boots\/\">favourite hiking boots<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n<p>You can extend the route into the <strong>Gower Gulch Loop<\/strong>, a roughly 7 km circuit \u2014 up through Golden Canyon, over the ridge, and back via Gower Gulch. A brilliant option if you have the time and energy.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Dantes_Ridge_Trail_%E2%80%94_for_those_who_want_more_than_a_viewpoint\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Dantes_Ridge_Trail_for_those_who_want_more_than_a_viewpoint\"><\/span>7. Dante&#8217;s Ridge Trail \u2014 for those who want more than a viewpoint<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p>If simply standing at Dante&#8217;s View isn&#8217;t enough and you want to earn your panorama, head out along <strong>Dante&#8217;s Ridge<\/strong>, an unmarked trail running along the ridgeline to the north. It&#8217;s roughly 1.5 km one way, but you&#8217;re on a narrow ridge with views on both sides \u2014 down into Death Valley on one side and across Greenwater Valley on the other.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Warning:<\/strong> The trail is unmaintained, exposed in places, and unpleasant in strong wind. It&#8217;s not for everyone. But if there&#8217;s one thing from Death Valley that&#8217;s etched into our memory, it&#8217;s that feeling of standing on the ridge completely alone, wind whistling past your ears, with a 1,700-metre drop below. A bit like being on top of the world \u2014 except here you&#8217;re on top of the deepest valley.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Natural_Bridge_%E2%80%94_a_rock_arch_in_a_canyon\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Natural_Bridge_a_rock_arch_in_a_canyon\"><\/span>8. Natural Bridge \u2014 a rock arch in a canyon<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p><strong>Natural Bridge<\/strong> is a natural rock arch spanning a narrow canyon \u2014 and reaching it is a pleasant, short hike (about 2 km round trip). The path follows a dry streambed between steep rock walls where you can see layers of sediment millions of years old.<\/p>\n\n<p>It&#8217;s one of the lesser-visited spots in the park, so you&#8217;ll often have it to yourself. The access road (2 miles of unpaved track) is a bit bumpy \u2014 you don&#8217;t strictly need 4WD, but watch your clearance.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Racetrack_Playa_%E2%80%94_the_mystery_of_the_sailing_stones\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Racetrack_Playa_the_mystery_of_the_sailing_stones\"><\/span>9. Racetrack Playa \u2014 the mystery of the sailing stones<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-5-zahadne-plujici-kameny-na-racetrack-playa.jpg\" alt=\"Mysterious sailing stones on Racetrack Playa\" class=\"wp-image-159803\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-5-zahadne-plujici-kameny-na-racetrack-playa.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-5-zahadne-plujici-kameny-na-racetrack-playa-300x171.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-5-zahadne-plujici-kameny-na-racetrack-playa-700x399.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-5-zahadne-plujici-kameny-na-racetrack-playa-768x438.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-5-zahadne-plujici-kameny-na-racetrack-playa-696x397.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Daniel Mayer (mav) \/ CC BY-SA 3.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p><strong>Racetrack Playa<\/strong> is one of the most mysterious places on Earth \u2014 rocks &#8220;move&#8221; on their own across a smooth, dried-out lake bed, leaving trails behind them. Scientists only cracked the phenomenon in 2014: in winter, a thin layer of ice forms on the playa and, pushed by wind, slides along carrying the rocks with it. Even with the explanation, it&#8217;s a fascinating sight.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>BUT \u2014 and this is a big but:<\/strong> The route to Racetrack Playa is 42 km (26 miles) of rough, unpaved road from Ubehebe Crater and <strong>you need a 4WD with high clearance<\/strong>. Budget at least 2 hours each way (max speed 25 km\/h). There&#8217;s no phone signal, no services, nothing. If you get a flat tyre, you&#8217;re on your own. Bring two spare tyres, plenty of water, and a full tank.<\/p>\n\n<p>But it&#8217;s worth every bump. Racetrack Playa is utterly surreal \u2014 a perfectly flat dry lake bed surrounded by mountains, absolute silence, not a soul in sight. One of those experiences you never forget.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Ubehebe_Crater_%E2%80%94_the_explosion_that_reshaped_the_landscape\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Ubehebe_Crater_the_explosion_that_reshaped_the_landscape\"><\/span>10. Ubehebe Crater \u2014 the explosion that reshaped the landscape<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"798\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-6-sopecny-krater-ubehebe-v-death-valley.jpg\" alt=\"Ubehebe volcanic crater in Death Valley\" class=\"wp-image-159807\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-6-sopecny-krater-ubehebe-v-death-valley.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-6-sopecny-krater-ubehebe-v-death-valley-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-6-sopecny-krater-ubehebe-v-death-valley-700x466.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-6-sopecny-krater-ubehebe-v-death-valley-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-6-sopecny-krater-ubehebe-v-death-valley-696x463.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: samiamx \/ CC BY 2.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p><strong>Ubehebe Crater<\/strong> is a massive crater 800 metres across and 237 metres deep, created by a volcanic explosion a &#8220;mere&#8221; 2,000\u20137,000 years ago. You stand on the rim and peer into an abyss of coloured layers \u2014 orange, black, and grey.<\/p>\n\n<p>From the car park it&#8217;s literally a few steps to the crater&#8217;s edge. You can walk the entire rim (about 2.4 km) or descend to the bottom (roughly 0.5 km down, but be warned \u2014 the climb back up through the loose gravel is considerably harder than it looks). Allow 30\u201360 minutes for the whole stop.<\/p>\n\n<p>Ubehebe Crater is also the jumping-off point for the drive to Racetrack Playa \u2014 if you&#8217;re heading to the &#8220;sailing stones,&#8221; make a stop here on the way.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Devils_Golf_Course_%E2%80%94_a_salt_landscape_from_a_horror_film\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Devils_Golf_Course_a_salt_landscape_from_a_horror_film\"><\/span>11. Devil&#8217;s Golf Course \u2014 a salt landscape from a horror film<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"798\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-7-rozpukana-solna-krajina-devils-golf-course.jpg\" alt=\"Jagged salt landscape at Devils Golf Course\" class=\"wp-image-159811\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-7-rozpukana-solna-krajina-devils-golf-course.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-7-rozpukana-solna-krajina-devils-golf-course-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-7-rozpukana-solna-krajina-devils-golf-course-700x466.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-7-rozpukana-solna-krajina-devils-golf-course-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-7-rozpukana-solna-krajina-devils-golf-course-696x463.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: samiamx \/ CC BY 2.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p><strong>Devil&#8217;s Golf Course<\/strong> is fascinating \u2014 picture a salt flat, but not the smooth kind like Badwater. Here the surface is broken into sharp, jagged salt crystals and formations that resemble miniature mountains and turrets. The name comes from a 1934 guidebook that declared &#8220;only the devil could play golf here.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n<p>You can drive right to the edge and walk on the surface \u2014 but tread carefully, because those salt crystals are razor-sharp. Proper shoes are a must; sandals would be suicidal. On a still day, press your ear to the ground \u2014 you&#8217;ll hear a faint crackling. That&#8217;s the salt crystallising and expanding in the heat. A bit eerie, a bit cool.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Night_sky_in_Death_Valley_%E2%80%94_Dark_Sky_Park\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Night_sky_in_Death_Valley_Dark_Sky_Park\"><\/span>12. Night sky in Death Valley \u2014 Dark Sky Park<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p>Death Valley holds <strong>Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park<\/strong> certification, and the night sky here is in a league of its own. The Milky Way is visible with the naked eye so clearly that the first time you see it, you&#8217;ll wonder if it&#8217;s an optical illusion. It&#8217;s not.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Best stargazing spots:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Harmony Borax Works<\/strong> \u2014 flat, easily accessible, minimal light pollution<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes<\/strong> \u2014 dunes + starry sky = Instagram jackpot<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Badwater Basin<\/strong> \u2014 the salt flat reflects the starlight<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><strong>When:<\/strong> Around the new moon, ideally in winter months (longer nights). Bring a blanket or camping mat to lie on, a warm jacket (the desert gets properly cold at night), and if you have a tripod, you&#8217;ll come away with the best photos of your life. Luk\u00e1\u0161 and I lay on the Badwater salt flat staring upward for about an hour. I think we said maybe three sentences the entire time \u2014 there&#8217;s simply nothing to say when the entire universe is hanging above you.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_Mosaic_Canyon_%E2%80%94_marble-walled_canyon\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_Mosaic_Canyon_marble_walled_canyon\"><\/span>13. Mosaic Canyon \u2014 marble-walled canyon<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-8-mramorove-steny-kanonu-mosaic-canyon.jpg\" alt=\"Marble walls of Mosaic Canyon\" class=\"wp-image-159813\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-8-mramorove-steny-kanonu-mosaic-canyon.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-8-mramorove-steny-kanonu-mosaic-canyon-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-8-mramorove-steny-kanonu-mosaic-canyon-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-8-mramorove-steny-kanonu-mosaic-canyon-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-8-mramorove-steny-kanonu-mosaic-canyon-80x60.jpg 80w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-8-mramorove-steny-kanonu-mosaic-canyon-160x120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-8-mramorove-steny-kanonu-mosaic-canyon-696x522.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada \/ CC BY-SA 2.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p><strong>Mosaic Canyon<\/strong> is a short but visually stunning hike right near Stovepipe Wells. You walk through a narrow canyon whose walls are smooth as polished marble \u2014 literally, because they&#8217;re formed from a mosaic (hence the name) of different rock types cemented into a sleek surface.<\/p>\n\n<p>The trail is roughly <strong>3 km round trip<\/strong> and fairly easy, though at a few points you&#8217;ll need to scramble over rock ledges. Older children can manage it fine. The canyon looks its best in the early morning, when angled light illuminates the polished walls.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_Father_Crowley_Vista_Point_%E2%80%94_the_fighter_jet_viewpoint\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_Father_Crowley_Vista_Point_the_fighter_jet_viewpoint\"><\/span>14. Father Crowley Vista Point \u2014 the fighter jet viewpoint<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p>This one&#8217;s a bit different. <strong>Father Crowley Vista Point<\/strong> is a viewpoint overlooking Rainbow Canyon (a.k.a. Star Wars Canyon), where the US military practises low-level flying. Yes, you read that right \u2014 with a bit of luck you&#8217;ll see an F\/A-18 or F-35 fighter jet blast through the canyon below the level of the viewpoint. It sounds bonkers if you haven&#8217;t heard of it before, but it&#8217;s very real and incredibly thrilling.<\/p>\n\n<p>Flyovers are most common on weekdays, but there&#8217;s no timetable. Sometimes you wait an hour and see nothing; other times three jets scream past back to back. Even without the planes, it&#8217;s a gorgeous viewpoint into a deep, rainbow-coloured canyon. And if no jets show up, at least you&#8217;ve got a cracking view and a great pub story.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_Wildrose_Charcoal_Kilns_%E2%80%94_historic_kilns_in_the_mountains\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_Wildrose_Charcoal_Kilns_historic_kilns_in_the_mountains\"><\/span>15. Wildrose Charcoal Kilns \u2014 historic kilns in the mountains<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p><strong>Wildrose Charcoal Kilns<\/strong> are ten beehive-shaped stone kilns built in 1877 to produce charcoal for smelting silver. They sit at an elevation of 2,000 metres, so it&#8217;s noticeably cooler here than down in the valley \u2014 a welcome relief on warmer days.<\/p>\n\n<p>The kilns are beautifully preserved and you can step inside \u2014 the acoustics are fantastic, so try whistling or clapping. The site is off the main tourist trail, so you&#8217;ll likely have it to yourself. The road here (Wildrose Road) is mostly paved, but the last few miles are unpaved.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_eat_and_drink_in_Death_Valley_and_survive\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_eat_and_drink_in_Death_Valley_and_survive\"><\/span>Where to eat and drink in Death Valley (and survive)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s be honest \u2014 <strong>nobody goes to Death Valley for the gastronomy.<\/strong> \ud83d\ude05 Options are limited, prices reflect the fact that you&#8217;re in the middle of a desert miles from civilisation, and quality varies. But you won&#8217;t starve (unlike dying of thirst, which is a genuine risk if you don&#8217;t pack enough water).<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Restaurants_in_the_park\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Restaurants_in_the_park\"><\/span>Restaurants in the park<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p><strong>The Inn at Death Valley Dining Room<\/strong> \u2014 the best restaurant in the park, solid American cuisine, decent steaks and salads. But prices match the luxury setting \u2014 mains $30\u201350 (\u20ac28\u201347). Book ahead in season.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>The Last Kind Words Saloon<\/strong> (Furnace Creek) \u2014 a casual restaurant and bar. Good burgers, nachos, pizza. Prices are reasonable by local standards ($15\u201325, or \u20ac14\u201323 for a main). Western saloon vibes \u2014 grab a beer on the terrace and swap desert stories.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Toll Road Restaurant<\/strong> (Stovepipe Wells) \u2014 straightforward American <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Fare Bare - d\u011btsk\u00e9 barefoot\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/doporucujeme\/fare-bare-detske-barefoot\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">fare<\/a> and buffet breakfasts. Nothing world-beating, but after a day in the desert absolutely anything tastes good.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Panamint Springs Restaurant<\/strong> \u2014 a small restaurant with surprisingly good burgers and portions big enough to satisfy a famished cowboy.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tip_Bring_your_own_food\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tip_Bring_your_own_food\"><\/span>Tip: Bring your own food<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p>We mean it. A cool box filled with water, fruit, sandwiches, and snacks will save you both money and time. The park has one small <strong>Furnace Creek General Store<\/strong> with eye-watering prices for basic supplies. Do your shopping in <strong>Las Vegas<\/strong> or <strong>Pahrump<\/strong> before you arrive.<\/p>\n\n<p>And above all \u2014 <strong>water, water, water<\/strong>. A minimum of 4 litres per person per day, more if you&#8217;re hiking. Dehydration in Death Valley can sneak up on you surprisingly fast, even when you think you&#8217;re not sweating \u2014 in reality the sweat evaporates instantly in the dry air, so you don&#8217;t realise how much fluid you&#8217;re losing.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practical_tips_and_what_to_pack\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practical_tips_and_what_to_pack\"><\/span>Practical tips and what to pack<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Safety_in_Death_Valley\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Safety_in_Death_Valley\"><\/span>Safety in Death Valley<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p>This isn&#8217;t scaremongering \u2014 Death Valley is genuinely a place where you need to respect nature:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fill up your tank whenever you see a petrol station.<\/strong> There are only two in the park (Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells) and prices are brutal ($6\u20137\/gallon).<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Mobile signal is virtually non-existent<\/strong> outside Furnace Creek. A satellite communicator (Garmin InReach, SPOT) is a smart idea for longer excursions.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Never set off on a hike without enough water.<\/strong> The park service recommends 1 gallon (3.8 litres) per person for a longer hike.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Roads can flood.<\/strong> After rain (even distant rain) dry washes can be hit by flash floods with no warning. Never park in a wash and keep an eye on the weather forecast.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Tell someone your plan<\/strong> \u2014 where you&#8217;ll be and when you expect to be back.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_pack\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_pack\"><\/span>What to pack<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Wide-brimmed hat<\/strong> \u2014 sunglasses alone aren&#8217;t enough; you need shade on your face and neck<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>SPF 50+ sunscreen<\/strong> \u2014 in the desert you can burn even through clouds<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Layered clothing<\/strong> \u2014 30 \u00b0C during the day, below 5 \u00b0C at night (in winter months)<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Sturdy footwear<\/strong> \u2014 essential for hikes and recommended on the salt flats (see our <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/how-choose-hiking-boots\/\">hiking boot recommendations<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Head torch<\/strong> \u2014 for stargazing, camping, and early-morning starts<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Offline maps<\/strong> \u2014 Google Maps and maps.me both work offline; download the whole park area in advance<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>eSIM<\/strong> \u2014 useful for when you arrive and leave the park; we recommend <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/holafly-esim-review-travel\/\">Holafly<\/a> (but inside the park there&#8217;s mostly no signal anyway, so don&#8217;t rely on it)<\/li>\n\n<li>For more packing tips, check out our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/carry-on-packing-tips\/\">how to pack carry-on only<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Travel_insurance\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Travel_insurance\"><\/span>Travel insurance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p>Never travel to the US without travel insurance \u2014 healthcare there is astronomically expensive (a helicopter evacuation from Death Valley could set you back tens of thousands of dollars). For shorter trips we like AXA, and for longer stays we recommend <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/safetywing-travel-insurance-review\/\">SafetyWing<\/a>, which we&#8217;ve tested ourselves.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_it_called_Death_Valley_A_brief_history\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_it_called_Death_Valley_a_brief_history\"><\/span>Why is it called Death Valley? A brief history<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>We get this question a lot, so let&#8217;s tackle it. The name <strong>Death Valley<\/strong> dates back to the Gold Rush in 1849, when a group of emigrants \u2014 the so-called &#8220;49ers&#8221; \u2014 got lost in the valley while trying to find a shortcut to California. They spent weeks in inhuman conditions, without enough water or food, and eventually had to eat their oxen.<\/p>\n\n<p>Surprisingly \u2014 despite the brutal conditions \u2014 only one person from the entire group actually died. Still, when the survivors were finally rescued and crossed out over a mountain pass, one of the women reportedly turned around and said: <em>&#8220;Goodbye, Death Valley.&#8221;<\/em> And the name stuck.<\/p>\n\n<p>But Death Valley&#8217;s history reaches much further back. The Timbisha Shoshone people have lived here continuously for over a thousand years and still maintain a reservation within the park. They thrived in conditions that nearly killed European settlers \u2014 which rather says it all.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ_%E2%80%94_Frequently_asked_questions_about_Death_Valley\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ_frequently_asked_questions_about_Death_Valley\"><\/span>FAQ \u2014 Frequently asked questions about Death Valley<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1778767331271\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_see_in_Death_Valley\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_see_in_Death_Valley\"><\/span>What to see in Death Valley?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The most famous attractions include Badwater Basin (the lowest point in North America, 86 m below sea level), Zabriskie Point with its surreal eroded hills, the Dante&#8217;s View panorama overlooking the entire valley, the colourful Artists Palette, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and the mysterious Racetrack Playa with its &#8220;sailing stones.&#8221; Allow at least 2 full days for the main sights, ideally 3. In the article above you&#8217;ll find a detailed description of all 15 top spots.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1778767331272\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_it_called_Death_Valley\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_it_called_Death_Valley\"><\/span>Why is it called Death Valley?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The name dates back to 1849, when a group of Gold Rush prospectors (the &#8220;49ers&#8221;) got lost in the valley on their way to California. They endured weeks in extreme conditions without enough water or food. As the group finally departed over a mountain pass, one member reportedly turned around and said: &#8220;Goodbye, Death Valley.&#8221; Ironically, only one person from the group actually died \u2014 but the harrowing experience was enough for the name to stick forever.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1778767331273\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_is_Death_Valley_located\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_is_Death_Valley_located\"><\/span>Where is Death Valley located?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Death Valley National Park lies on the border of California and Nevada in the southwestern United States. The nearest major city is Las Vegas (roughly 2 hours by car, 190 km). From Los Angeles it&#8217;s about 4.5\u20135 hours. The park sits in the Mojave Desert and is the driest, lowest, and hottest place in all of North America.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1778767331274\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_many_days_do_I_need_for_Death_Valley\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_many_days_do_I_need_for_Death_Valley\"><\/span>How many days do I need for Death Valley?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>A minimum of 1\u20132 full days covers the main attractions (Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, Dante&#8217;s View, Artists Drive, Mesquite Sand Dunes). For a more relaxed pace and remote spots like Racetrack Playa or Ubehebe Crater, we recommend 3 days. If you want to fit in hikes (Golden Canyon, Mosaic Canyon), add a 4th day. On our second visit we allowed 3 days and still didn&#8217;t manage everything.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1778767331275\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Death_Valley_dangerous\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Death_Valley_dangerous\"><\/span>Is Death Valley dangerous?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>If you follow basic precautions, no \u2014 but underestimating it is not an option. The main risks are dehydration and heatstroke (summer temperatures exceed 50 \u00b0C), vehicle breakdowns in remote areas with no signal, and flash floods after rain. Always carry enough water (at least 4 litres per person per day), tell someone your plans, and limit outdoor activity in the summer months. The park service advises against camping below 1,500 m elevation in summer.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1778767331276\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_car_do_I_need_for_Death_Valley\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_car_do_I_need_for_Death_Valley\"><\/span>What car do I need for Death Valley?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>For the main roads and most top attractions (Badwater, Zabriskie Point, Dante&#8217;s View, Artists Drive, Sand Dunes), a <strong>regular saloon or SUV<\/strong> is fine. For Racetrack Playa, Titus Canyon, and certain other unpaved routes you&#8217;ll need a <strong>4WD with high clearance<\/strong>. In all cases, make sure you have a full tank and two spare tyres for more remote excursions.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1778767331277\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_does_it_cost_to_visit_Death_Valley\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_does_it_cost_to_visit_Death_Valley\"><\/span>How much does it cost to visit Death Valley?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Park entrance is $30 (about \u20ac28) per vehicle for 7 days, or $80 (\u20ac75) for an annual America the Beautiful Pass covering all US national parks. Accommodation inside the park ranges from $150 to $500+ per night; camping costs $16\u201322 per night. The total budget for 2\u20133 days for two ranges from roughly \u20ac325 (camping, own food) to \u20ac895 (hotel, restaurants).<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<!-- LKM_GYG_CARD start q=\"valley national\" lang=\"en\" rendered=\"2026-05-15T06:16:10+00:00\" v=\"1\" -->\n\n<!-- LKM_GYG_CARD end -->\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I&#8217;ve visited Death Valley National Park several times and each trip was a completely different experience. The first time we hit the wildflower bloom with the whole valley ablaze in yellow and purple (that only happens every few years). The second time we arrived for sunset over Zabriskie Point and I felt like we&#8217;d landed on Mars.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":159786,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"","rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_seo_score":""},"categories":[374,320,684],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-161091","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-north-america","8":"category-travel","9":"category-united-states-of-america-usa"},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129460-featured-pisecne-duny-death-valley-za-bourkoveho-zapadu-slunce.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Lucie Kone\u010dn\u00e1","author_link":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/author\/lucie-konecna\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/161091","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=161091"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/161091\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":162078,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/161091\/revisions\/162078"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/159786"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=161091"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=161091"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=161091"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}