Death Valley National Park

North America's hottest, driest, lowest place — and still beautiful.

Badwater, dunes, and artists' palettes of mineral color. Winter is the season to be there. Summer is for people who understand 120°F is not a metaphor California and Nevada.

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Location

36.51° N, 117.08° WOpen in OpenStreetMap

Must-see spots

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Best time to visit

November–March

Trip planner

A Death Valley National Park itinerary

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Field guide

Death Valley National Park is a U.S. National Park in California and Nevada. North America's hottest, driest, lowest place — and still beautiful.

When to go

November–March is the window most visitors aim for. Shoulder seasons mean fewer cars at trailheads. Winter can close roads; summer can fill parking lots by 8 a.m. Check NPS alerts the night before you drive in.

How to see it

Start with zabriskie Point at first light. Then mesquite Flat Dunes before the heat. If you have a second day, badwater Basin below sea level. Keep one spare hour for artists Palette drive in late day.

Park practicalities

An America the Beautiful pass covers entry at most national parks. Timed-entry reservations are used at several busy parks in peak season — book those before lodging. Wildlife has the right of way; 25 yards from most animals, 100 yards from bears and wolves.

Pack this in your notes

Summer travel here is a safety problem, not a badge. Carry water even in winter.
Download offline maps. Cell service drops in most parks.
Bring layers. Elevation and wind change the day faster than the forecast.
Enter the park early. Famous lots and shuttles fill first.

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Traveler reviews

Rate and review

Owen H.

8/10

Start early in Death Valley National Park

Badwater Basin below sea level. Artists Palette drive in late day. Give Death Valley National Park days, not hours, and go in November–March. The trailhead line is the tax; the quiet after it is the park.

Aug 6, 2025

Kenji T.

6/10

Death Valley National Park is bigger than the postcard

Mesquite Flat Dunes before the heat. North America's hottest, driest, lowest place — and still beautiful. Crowds thin if you are moving at first light. November–March is the window I would book again.

Jul 5, 2025

Freya N.

10/10

Start early in Death Valley National Park

Zabriskie Point at first light. Mesquite Flat Dunes before the heat. Give Death Valley National Park days, not hours, and go in November–March. The trailhead line is the tax; the quiet after it is the park.

Jun 4, 2025