Last Updated on October 4, 2023
With 48 hours in Death Valley, you’ll have just enough time to see the park’s highlights, take in some epic sunsets, and go hiking — as long as you’re willing to brave the heat!
While on a trip to Las Vegas, my partner and I wanted to escape the city and experience some nature. There are several national parks within a reasonable driving distance of Vegas, but having explored some already, we knew it was time to see Death Valley.
Death Valley National Park became a national monument in 1933. It’s known for being the hottest, lowest, and driest point in the USA. This park is home to the Timbisha Shoshone people.
Despite being a desert, this park has many different landscapes, from salt flats below sea level, to snow-capped mountains.
The park has tons of interesting geology, and is home to wildlife like snakes, desert bighorn sheep, bobcats, mountain lions, jackrabbits, squirrels, gophers, and other small mammals.
During our 48 hours in Death Valley, we were blown away by the diversity of the park. We loved playing in the sand dunes of Mesquite Flats, and hiking through slot canyons at Mosaic Canyon.
This guide covers everything you need to know to plan (and enjoy!) your own trip from Las Vegas to Death Valley.
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- Visiting Death Valley From Las Vegas
- Before You Go To Death Valley: FAQ
- Where to Stay in Death Valley National Park
- Where to Stay Near Death Valley National Park
- 48 Hours in Death Valley: Day 1
- 48 Hours in Death Valley: Day 2
- Safety Tips for Visiting Death Valley
- Responsible Tourism Tips for Death Valley National Park
- Final Thoughts: Is Death Valley Worth Visiting?
Visiting Death Valley From Las Vegas
Death Valley National Park is a perfect trip to take from Las Vegas. With 48 hours in Death Valley, you’ll get to escape the lights of Vegas, and experience the quiet beauty of the desert.
Can you day trip to Death Valley from Las Vegas?
It’s possible to day trip to Death Valley from Las Vegas, but it will mean lots of driving because it is a 2 hour drive each direction. If you have limited time, a day trip to Death Valley will be enough to see some of the park’s highlights. Otherwise, it’s better to spend at least 1 night in the park so you’re able to experience more of it.
How to get to Death Valley from Las Vegas?
There are two routes that you can take from Death Valley to Las Vegas. The NV-160 through Pahrump and Death Valley Junction is recommended, because it’s a bit quicker than the alternative route. The other option is to take the US-95 through Indian Springs and Amargosa Valley, which takes a bit more time.
How to get to Death Valley from Los Angeles?
There are two routes that take you from Los Angeles to Death Valley National Park. You can take Interstate 10 or 210 to Interstate 15 north to Baker, then California 127 to California 190 E into the park. Or, opt for the western route, and take California 14, then U.S. 395, then California 190 E. Both routes take around the same amount of time, 4.5 hours.
Before You Go To Death Valley: FAQ
Let’s dive into some important things to know before you spend 48 hours in Death Valley.
What is special about the Death Valley National Park?
Death Valley National Park is special because it’s the lowest point in all of North America. The lowest point of the park is Badwater Basin, a salt flat that is 282 feet below sea level. Aside from this, the park is known for its diverse and surreal landscapes, from sand dunes, to rocky mountains, canyons, and salt flats.
Why is Death Valley so hot?
Death Valley National Park is so hot because of its depth and shape. The valley is a long and narrow basin that is more than 200 feet below sea level, and surrounded by tall mountain ranges. Sunlight heats the desert surface, and heat radiates from the surrounding rocks. Because it’s a valley, heat settles and becomes trapped.
When is the best time to visit Death Valley?
Death Valley is known for its record-breaking temperatures. As a result, the best time to visit the park is during the winter, from December to March. During these months, temperatures are moderate. Highs average between 65-73°F (18-23°C), and lows average 38-46 °F (3-8°C). These temperatures are comfortable for exploring the park, and hiking trails.
Is there cell service in Death Valley National Park?
Cell service is very limited in Death Valley National Park, and so it’s best to plan to be without it. At Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells, you may be able to access slow, limited service if you’re with a major phone carrier. Otherwise, you can hop on the WiFi at one of the park’s hotels or restaurants.
What airport is closest to Death Valley?
The closest airport to Death Valley National Park is Las Vegas McCarren. Although Death Valley is in California, it’s so close to the Nevada border that the Las Vegas airport is the best airport to fly into. From there, it’s a two hour drive to Death Valley National Park.
Are there gas stations in Death Valley National Park?
There are two gas stations in Death Valley National Park: One at Stovepipe Wells, and one at Furnace Creek. Gas can be quite expensive in the park, so it’s recommended to fuel up before entering. If you’re driving an electric vehicle, note that there are limited chargers available in the park. There are a few at The Inn at Death Valley, and at The Ranch at Death Valley.
Do you need a permit for Death Valley National Park?
Yes, you need a permit for Death Valley. All visitors 16 years of age and older are required to pay an entrance fee or to present a valid Interagency Annual and Lifetime Pass. Fees are structured by person, or by vehicle. So if you arrive in a car, you’ll pay a flat fee for that car.
There are a couple ways to purchase your permit. You can buy it online, in advance, on the government website. You can print the permit yourself, or, when you arrive in the park, stop by Furnace Creek Visitor Center or Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station, and the rangers will print a permit to put in your car.
You can also purchase a permit at those same places using a credit card, on arrival. Or, go to one of Death Valley’s fee machines. These machines are placed all throughout the park, and operate 24/7.
Where to eat in Death Valley National Park?
There are a few restaurants within Death Valley National Park. Toll Road Restaurant, Stovepipe Wells Village Saloon, and Badwater Saloon are in Stovepipe Wells. In Furnace Creek, you’ll find the Last Kind Words Saloon & Steakhouse. The hotels inside the park also have general stores where you can buy takeaway food like sandwiches.
We didn’t eat in any restaurants during our 48 hours in Death Valley. Instead, we brought a cooler packed with most of our meals. This is because, as you can imagine, restaurant meals in the park are very expensive. Food has to be transported in, which drives up prices.
On our final day, our cooler had run out. We popped into the General Store at The Ranch at Death Valley (Furnace Creek). They have a large fridge section in the store that is stocked with sandwiches and other takeaway food items. Food in the general store is also quite expensive, but it was a more affordable option than a sit-down meal.
Where to Stay in Death Valley National Park
You’ll need somewhere to stay overnight during your 48 hours in Death Valley. Your two options are to camp, or to book a Death Valley hotel.
Where to camp inside Death Valley National Park?
Death Valley National Park has several campgrounds. The two most popular campgrounds at Furnace Creek and Texas Springs. These campgrounds are usually busy, and so it’s recommended to book in advance.
During the summer, camping is first come first serve. Death Valley’s largest campground called Sunset almost always has sites available, even in peak season. These campgrounds all have amenities, but no showers.
Hotels inside Death Valley National Park?
There are 3 main hotels inside Death Valley National Park. Because there are so few, they book up quickly, so it’s recommended to reserve your hotel in advance.
Death Valley has two villages within the park: Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells. It’s in these villages that you’ll find the hotels and campgrounds.
I recommend booking to stay in Furnace Creek. This village is in the center of Death Valley, which makes it more convenient for driving to landmarks and hikes within the park.
Stovepipe Wells is at the northern end of the park. From there, it’s quite a long drive to the southern region of Death Valley, which is where many of the park’s highlights are.
I think that Furnace Creek is a more convenient location for your stay inside Death Valley, and I’ve built this 48 hours in Death Valley itinerary around staying there versus in Stovepipe Wells.
The Ranch at Death Valley
This is where we stayed during our 48 hours in Death Valley. The Ranch at Death Valley has air conditioned rooms with hot showers, an outdoor swimming pool, a playground, tennis court, bar, restaurant, and general store.
The Ranch at Death Valley is a little bit dated, but we found it totally comfortable. We especially appreciated the pool when the park became very hot in the late afternoons. And the hotel is located in the center of the park, making it convenient for all your adventures during your 48 hours in Death Valley.
The Inn at Death Valley
The Inn at Death Valley is a historic hotel that’s been in operation since 1927. In 2018 and 2019, this classic hotel was reinvigorated with a multi-million dollar renovation. As a result, The Inn at Death Valley has rooms that are a bit more updated than the Ranch, and they also offer casitas, which are larger, private guesthouses. The Inn at Death Valley has a spring-fed pool, bar, restaurant, a gym, and gardens to walk through. They also offer horseback riding!
Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel
Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel is located at the northern end of Death Valley. Here you’ll find simple rooms, and lots of amenities on site, including a Western-style saloon, restaurant, General Store, and pool.
Where to Stay Near Death Valley National Park
If you have 48 hours in Death Valley, you want to make the most of it. Don’t underestimate how big this park is – if you stay outside of Death Valley, you’ll have longer drive times.
In general, I think it’s best to book accommodation inside Death Valley National Park. It’s more expensive, but it’s worth spending the extra money for the convenience.
That said, sometimes accommodations inside Death Valley are booked up! If that’s the case, there are some Nevada towns that you can book instead. Pahrump, Amargosa Valley, and Beatty are all relatively close by.
Pahrump, Nevada
Pahrump is about 48 kilometers (30 miles) from Death Valley Junction. The drive takes about 30 minutes. Pahrump is the largest of nearby towns, and has several hotels, as well as restaurants, gas stations, and casinos. It’s a good option, especially if you need to book accommodation last-minute.
Amargosa Valley, Nevada
Amargosa Valley is more of a hamlet than a town. It’s located about 38 kilometers (24 miles) from Death Valley Junction. It takes about 25 minutes to drive to the Junction. This hamlet does have lodging, dining, and gas, but the options are limited. If you plan to stay in Amargosa Valley, it’s a good idea to book in advance.
Beatty, Nevada
Beatty is about 85 kilometers (53 miles) from Death Valley Junction. It’s closer to the north end of the park. It has everything you need – accommodations, restaurants, and gas stations. This is the furthest town from Death Valley, but it would make sense to book if you’re planning onward travel toward Reno, Nevada.
48 Hours in Death Valley: Day 1
Ready for your 48 hours in Death Valley National Park? Let’s dive into your itinerary.
Like I mentioned above, Death Valley is a massive park. The best way to approach your 48 hours in Death Valley is to spend one day focusing on the southern region of the park, and one day focusing on the northern region.
For both these days, you’ll plan to get to the final stop for sunset time. On your first day in Death Valley, I recommend focusing on the southern end of the park.
1. Golden Canyon Trail OR Natural Bridge Trail
You can’t spend 48 hours in Death Valley National Park without hiking one of the park’s trails! There are two trails in the southern part of the park that I recommend: Golden Canyon Trail and Natural Bridge Trail.
Before we get into the details for these hikes, it’s important to note that the best time to hike in Death Valley is from November through March. During summer, temperatures are so high it can be dangerous to hike. Even during spring and fall the heat can be unbearable.
We visited Death Valley in early May, and we found hiking challenging. If you hike, be sure to prepare properly. Bring lots of water, wear good footwear and a hat, protect your skin with sunscreen, and watch yourself and others for signs of overheating.
It’s best to hike first thing in the morning, when the sun isn’t directly overhead. That’s why this is the first activity on this 48 hours in Death Valley itinerary. If you prefer to skip hiking, you can skip ahead to Zabriskie Point.
Golden Canyon Trail
The Golden Canyon hike is a 6.9 kilometer (4.3 mile) loop trail. It’s an easy to moderate trail that takes most people 2-3 hours. It starts by taking you through a beautiful canyon, Golden Canyon, and then onward to Red Cathedral, Manly Beacon, and Gower Gulch.
Natural Bridge Trail
The Natural Bridge Canyon Trail is a 2.3 kilometer (1.4 mile) there-and-back hike through the Amargosa Mountain foothills. It takes you to a massive natural bridge that’s about 11 meters (35 feet) tall. This is considered an easy trail, which usually takes 45 minutes – 1 hour to complete.
2. Zabriskie Point
Your next stop is Zabriskie Point! This is one of the best lookout points in Death Valley National Park. In fact, the views from Zabriskie Point are some of the most photographed in Death Valley National Park.
There is a big parking lot where you can leave your vehicle before starting a 400 meter (¼ mile) walk up to the viewpoint. You’ll walk a ramp that has an incline. There are no stairs involved, and the path is wide and well paved.
Once you reach the viewpoint, you’ll be at an elevation of 215 meters above sea level. At the top there is signage explaining what you’re seeing, and benches where you can rest.
From this viewpoint you’ll be able to see the badlands below, as well as Manly Beacon, which is a jutting high point that rises 251 meters (823 ft) up.
You’ll see Zabriskie Point listed everywhere as a must-see in Death Valley National Park, and I agree that it is. From the higher elevation you can see far out into the badlands and desert. I loved how you can see all the different types of rock and landscape. From Zabriskie Point, I got a real sense of how diverse the park’s landscapes are.
Zabriskie Point is known as one of the best spots in the park to watch sunrise and sunset. We visited Zabriskie Point at around 9:00 am, when the sun was already pretty high in the sky.
You’ll spend 30 minutes to 1 hour at Zabriskie Point – But you can spend longer if you decide to hike down into the badlands.
After Zabriskie Point, you might be ready for lunch! Enjoy your packed lunch, or head into Furnace Creek Village to eat at one of the restaurants before heading to your next stop.
3. Elevation Sea Level Sign
The next stop on your 48 hours in Death Valley is a photo opp! This will be a quick stop. The Elevation Sea Level sign is exactly what it sounds like: A sign that displays the elevation level in the park.
There are actually several of these signs throughout Death Valley, but this particular one has a shoulder where you can safely pull off the road and stop to take a photo with it.
This Elevation Sea Level Sign is in Furnace Creek, right where Badwater Road intersects with California State Route 190. You can also find it by searching “Elevation Sea Level Sign” in Google Maps.
4. Artists Drive
On day 1 in Death Valley, Artist’s Drive is your third activity. This is a scenic 14 kilometer (9 mile) drive that takes you through hills that are famous for their pastel hues.
The hills have shades of green, pink, red, yellow and more colours. This beautiful rainbow phenomenon is caused by volcanic deposits rich in compounds such as iron oxides and chlorite, which creates a rainbow effect.
Artist’s Drive is found just off of Badwater Road, south of Furnace Creek. The start of the drive is clearly marked. It’s a loop drive that brings you back out to Badwater Road.
It’s a single lane, well-paved road. Drive slowly because the road weaves quite a lot, and there are some fun dips, too!
About 5 miles into the drive, you will reach the most exciting part: Artist Palette. This is one area of the park where the colours are very visible and vibrant. When you look out at the hills, it truly does look like an Artist’s Palette.
There is a pull-off and parking lot at Artist’s Palette that I recommend stopping at. From there, you have a great view of the colourful hills. You can also follow the path from the parking lot into the hills to see the colourful rocks up close.
The drive can take anywhere from 30 mins to an hour, depending on how fast you drive, and how many stops you make along the way.
5. Badwater Basin
Your last stop of day 1 is Badwater Basin. At 282 feet below sea level, this massive salt flat is the lowest point in the park, and the lowest point in North America. It’s a surreal place, and a must-see while spending 48 hours in Death Valley.
Between two and four thousand years ago, this basin was the site of a big lake that would have been about 30 feet deep. Over time, the lake evaporated, leaving a 1-5 foot layer of salt.
All that is left of this lake now is a small pond, which shrinks to a puddle during the summer months. It’s four times saltier than the oceans on our planet! You’ll see this pond (puddle!?) when you first arrive at Badwater Basin.
The best time to visit Badwater Basin is at sunrise or sunset. Because Badwater Basin is at such a low elevation, it’s one of the hottest parts of the park, and there’s no shade to shield you from the sun. Coming at these times helps to escape the heat. But you’ll also be treated to beautiful lighting! Seeing the sun rise or go down over the salt flat is special.
For this itinerary you’ll head to Badwater Basin at the end of the day. Plan to arrive at the parking lot about 45 minutes before sunset time. When you arrive, be sure to look behind you–on the rock face opposite the parking lot, there is a sign that marks sea level. Seeing the sign, high up on the rock face, helps you feel how low below sea level the basin truly is.
Go down the wooden staircase out onto the marked path. To your right you will see the remaining puddle. Walk past it straight out into the center of the basin.
Because so many people have walked on the salt flat, the area near the parking lot has been flattened. You’ll need to walk 15-20 minutes out into the basin to reach the area where you can see the intricate salt crystals form cracked patterns.
Get out into the basin right as the sun is going down, and watch the magic. This is truly ‘golden hour’ for photos. Once the sun is down, you’ll experience just how dark it becomes in Death Valley. Take a moment to enjoy some stargazing!
Be sure to bring water out into the basin with you. Even though this time of day is cooler, we found that the salt made us thirsty! You’ll also want to bring a flashlight or make sure your phone is charged – you may need some light to guide you back to the parking lot.
After this last stop of the day, head to your campsite or hotel to rest up for day 2 of your 48 hours in Death Valley!
48 Hours in Death Valley: Day 2
It’s day two of your 48 hours in Death Valley! On day 2, you’ll want to get an early start to beat the heat.
1. Harmony Borax Works
Your first stop is Harmony Borax Works, where you’ll see the remains of a mining operation that dates back more than 120 years. This stop is a short drive from Furnace Creek.
Back in 1881, prospectors found borax in Death Valley. William Tell Coleman built the Harmony plant to process ore in late 1883. Harmony Borax Works employed around 40 people to extract and produce three tons of borax per day. The plant was only in use for about 5 years, going out of operation in 1888.
At this stop in Death Valley, you can see remnants of the mining operation, and you’ll also have views of the area of the park where borax was extracted. There is signage there that explains how miners used 20-mule teams to haul borax 165 miles to the railroad town of Mojave.
You’ll spend 30 minutes to an hour at Harmony Borax Works, depending on how fast you walk, and how quickly you read through the signage.
2. Mosaic Canyon Trail
Next, it’s time for a hike! You’ll drive through Stovepipe Wells to the trailhead and parking lot, which is about 2 miles from the village.
Mosaic Canyon Trail is a 6.4 kilometer (4 mile) out-and-back hike. It’s considered moderately difficult, because there are some areas where you need to navigate up some slippery rocks.
The best part of this hike is the canyon. You’ll walk through narrow canyon walls that are made of wavy rock, which has been smoothed out by flash floods.
This trail takes 2-3 hours to walk. Although part of the trail is in a canyon, there are lots of areas where you won’t have cover from the sun. That’s why I recommend doing this trail in the morning, before the sun is right above you.
If you aren’t up for a few hours of hiking, you don’t need to skip this stop. The best part of the canyon at Mosaic Canyon Trail is at the start of the trailhead. It’s worth walking that initial part of the trail just to see this incredible canyon.
After Mosaic Canyon, you might be ready for lunch! Enjoy your packed lunch, or head into Stovepipe Wells Village to eat at one of the restaurants before heading to your next stop.
3. Darwin Falls
A waterfall in the hottest park in North America!? Yes! Darwin Falls is one of the few year-round waterfalls in Death Valley National Park. After Mosaic Canyon, you’ll walk a short trail to see Darwin Falls.
These falls are 5.5 meters (18 feet) tall, and they create a small oasis inside an unassuming canyon. At the bottom of Darwin Falls is a small pool that has served as a water source for humans (and animals!) in Death Valley for hundreds of years.
To reach the falls, you’ll take a 3.2 kilometer (2 mile) out-and-back trail. It takes 1.5 to 2 hours to complete this hike. It’s considered an easy trail to follow, and easy to walk.
When you arrive at Darwin Falls you might be tempted to go for a little swim in the pool at the bottom of the falls. Please don’t! This water is used as a drinking source for a nearby hotel.
4. Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes
You can’t spend 48 hours in Death Valley without visiting the Mesquite Flat Dunes. This will be your final stop of your second day in Death Valley. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset. Head to Mesquite Flat Dunes 30 minutes ahead of sunset time.
A combination of sand, wind, and surrounding mountains led to these fields of dunes in Death Valley. These dunes are named for the mesquite tree that grows throughout the area.
Once you’ve parked, wander out into the dunes and find a good spot to watch the sun go down. There are no official trails leading out into the dunes, so you’ll be free to wander wherever feels right. Just watch your step and don’t disturb any wildlife.
Safety Tips for Visiting Death Valley
Before spending 48 hours in Death Valley, familiarize yourself with safety precautions. Be sure to plan for safety so that nothing goes wrong.
1. Always carry water.
And drink it! It’s recommended to drink 1 gallon (4 litres) of water every day. It’s also a good idea to have extra water in your vehicle. This way, you have it available in an emergency, and can also use it to wet your clothing if you need to cool yourself down.
2. Check the weather to avoid flash floods.
Flash floods can occur at any time, but they are more likely if rain is coming. Check the weather daily for rain. Avoid canyons during rain storms and be prepared to move to higher ground. While driving during rainy weather, be alert for water running in washes and across road dips.
3. Don’t enter mining tunnels.
Up until 1915, Death Valley had several large-scale metal mines. Over 140 years, Death Valley experienced boom and bust mining operations, leaving nearly 18,000 mine and mill structures in the park.
Factors like weather, flash floods, and vandalism have reduced that number, but there’s still a chance of coming across mine tunnels while exploring Death Valley. Do not enter any mines you come across, because they may be unstable, have hidden shafts, pockets of bad air, and poisonous gas.
4. Be aware of the signs of heat stroke.
If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or have a headache, get out of the sun immediately. Drink lots of water and rest to avoid heat stroke.
5. Travel prepared to survive.
In the summer months in Death Valley, be sure to stay on paved roads. If your car breaks down, stay with it until help comes. If anyone passes by, ask them to contact emergency services. Keep your car stocked with water and food, just in case.
6. Limit your time outside and wear sun protection.
During the summer months, be cognizant of how long you’re outside in the heat. Limit your time outdoors to avoid heat stroke. In summer, it’s not recommended to hike lower elevation trails, which are particularly hot. Be sure to wear sunscreen to protect your skin!
7. Be Cautious of Wildlife
It’s rare to encounter them, but there are rattlesnakes in Death Valley National Park. It’s recommended to wear shoes or boots along with long pants in the park. Stay on the trails, and be careful when approaching rocks, bushes, or other objects. Snakes may be taking shelter in the shade. At night, use a flashlight to avoid stepping on snakes. If you come across snakes or other wildlife during your 48 hours in Death Valley, be sure to follow the rules of responsible wildlife tourism.
Responsible Tourism Tips for Death Valley National Park
The responsible tourist tips will help ensure your 48 hours in Death Valley have a limited (or neutral) impact on the park.
Don’t Pick the Wildflowers
You may come across beautiful wildflowers in Death Valley. Wildflowers are most likely to appear in the spring months (late February to April), during years of high rainfall. If you’re lucky enough to see wildflowers during your 48 hours in Death Valley, please leave the flowers as is. It’s prohibited to pick them.
Practice ‘Leave No Trace’
Plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring with you on the trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife.
Stay on Designated Roads
It’s important to stay on designated roads inside Death Valley National Park. It’s dangerous to go off roads, and it’s also prohibited. Backcountry driving on Death Valley’s dirt roads requires a vehicle with high clearance, heavy-duty tires, and usually you’ll need 4-wheel drive – Don’t attempt these roads unless you’re prepared!
Be Prepared!
If you’re going to be hiking or backpacking in Death Valley, make sure you’re well prepared. Bring enough food and water to be self reliant, carry maps and a compass, and make sure that someone knows your plans.
Final Thoughts: Is Death Valley Worth Visiting?
It is absolutely worth it to visit Death Valley. This national park is home to diverse landscapes and geology that you can’t find anywhere else.
My partner and I were blown away by how many different types of desert phenomena we saw inside Death Valley. And while yes, the park is very hot, we were pleasantly surprised by how much you can do comfortably thanks to the park’s great infrastructure.
If you’re debating visiting Death Valley, debate no more!
More from Pina Travels:
Erin has been traveling for over a decade, both solo, and with her partner. She’s now traveled to countries across 6 continents, and has lived in 2 countries abroad. Erin also hosts the travel podcast, Curious Tourism, where she interviews travel industry thought leaders and experts about responsible tourism. Learn more about Erin, and get in touch with her, here.
