Death Valley National Park, CA

Death Valley National Park is one of the hottest and driest places in North America and is a photographers paradise. A land of magnificent, yet dangerous, extremes.

Death Valley recently broke the records for the highest recorded temperature on the planet! On August 16th, 2020, temperatures rose to 53°C, (130°F) which is the hottest Death Valley has been since 1913.

Where is Death Valley National Park?

You will find Death Valley in the Great Basin near the borders of Nevada and California.

How far is Death Valley from Las Vegas?

Death Valley National Park is a 2.5-hour drive from Las Vegas, at 118 Miles. There is a scenic route you can take which will take 4 hours to get you from Las Vegas Strip to Death Valley. Las Vegas McCarran International Airport is the closest airport to Death Valley and you’re likely to visit these destinations if you’re in the area, whether at the start or the end of your awesome road trip.

What to do in Death Valley National Park?

Death Valley is full of extreme climates making up 1.3 million hectares of intriguing desert landscapes. There are loads of ways to experience this landscape, including hiking, biking, climbing and horseback riding.

Dante’s View gives you views of the entire valley whilst Zabriskie point is another famous viewing point. Badwater Basin is the lowest point in the US at 282 feet below sea level where you can walk out onto the salty flats.

Alternatively, you can drive along the 9-mile scenic drive through even more of Death Valley’s uniquely formed landscapes along Artists drive where you’ll be sure to take the money-shot!

How much does it cost to enter Death Valley National Park?

There is a fee of $30 per vehicle which will allow access into the national park for 7 days. You will see a pay station as you enter the park and must display your ticket within the vehicle.

What to eat in Death Valley?

Dining options are limited in Death Valley National Park. There are restaurants at The Oasis, in Furnace Creek or an hour away in Stovepipe Wells, but we would say that the best option is to pack up a picnic.

Is there wildlife in Death Valley?

Despite the extreme drought and soaring temperatures, Death Valley isn’t entirely inhabitable. Surprisingly, Coyotes, Bats, Bobcats and Big Horn sheep and even the occasional Mountain Lion are amongst the wildlife making a home in this desert land.

Death Valley Top Tip… 

The name speaks for itself. Death Valley can certainly be dangerous for those who are poorly prepared. Although you aren’t likely to spend a lot of your precious road trip time here, It’s not somewhere to become stranded or without water. So, be sure to be prepared before you make your journey.