I’d been curious about Death Valley for years, but kept talking myself out of it. With the extreme heat this place is known for, it didn’t seem like a place where a hiker from Seattle would have a good time. Eventually, I convinced a friend to meet me in Las Vegas in March 2023. We picked up a rental car at the airport, did a quick drive down the Strip just to take it in, and then we were off on our Las Vegas to Death Valley road trip.
What surprised me most was the scale. We explore a new national park every year, but Death Valley felt different, so massive that you spend a significant chunk of your time just driving between stops. We went on a weekday and barely saw anyone, which made the whole thing feel almost surreal. Having places like Badwater Basin and the sand dunes practically to ourselves in March was something I didn’t expect.
I also did not expect it to be nearly 90 degrees in March. Bring more water than you think you need!
Here are all the stops I’d recommend when driving from Las Vegas to Death Valley, plus a 3-day itinerary to make the most of it.
Tips for a Las Vegas to Death Valley Drive
An epic road trip from Las Vegas to Death Valley is an extreme one – or rather, one of extremes. A short drive from the lively streets of Vegas, getting to Death Valley is easy and quick.
Now, that might seem like a breeze, and it can be.
How? Well, I’ve compiled the ultimate collection of must-know tips, hacks, and insights to help. So, before hitting the road on your trip, here are some clear-cut answers to a few common Death Valley questions.
Check out my essential road trip advice guides to make any adventure an easy one.
How to Get From Las Vegas to Death Valley
Two popular routes head to Death Valley from Las Vegas, with both taking you through the southern entrance to the park. Here’s a quick breakdown.
First, this reasonably straightforward route heads out from Vegas along the NV-160 W, merging with Pahrump Valley Hwy. Taking Bell Vista Ave out of Pahrump, you’ll take CA-190 W until you reach Death Valley.
The second option for getting to Death Valley will see you leave Las Vegas on the I-515N / US-95 N. Follow US-95 N until you reach NV-373 S in Amargosa Valley and then further along into Inyo County. Finally, take CA-190 W to the national park’s southern entrance.
How Far Is Death Valley From Las Vegas?
You’re in luck if you’re taking the Pahrump Valley Highway route. It’s a straightforward adventure as the valley is only 131 miles from Las Vegas and takes roughly two hours and 21 minutes to drive.
Alternatively, if you’re heading to Death Valley via Amargosa Valley, the drive will take about two hours and 15 minutes. You’ll cover 149 miles, and while longer than the Pahrump route, you can complete it faster due to better general traffic conditions.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Death Valley?
If you’re looking for beautiful, sunny, but not overbearingly hot conditions in Death Valley, then you won’t go wrong with a road trip during the spring. Average temperatures reach highs of 70℉.
Although summer is the most popular season, the heat makes the trip and exploring the park almost unbearable. Daily highs can reach 120℉, with regular extreme heat warnings issued by the local government.
How Many Days Are Enough in Death Valley?
Las Vegas and Death Valley are only separated by 130 miles, depending on the route you choose. Rather than taking a day trip, invest your time by spending at least one night in the park. If you’ve got two nights, that’s even better.
If you’re spending a few nights in Death Valley without any idea what to pack, check out my packing list ideas.
Is There Food Available in Death Valley?
Food options are limited once you’re inside Death Valley, with a casual restaurant and general store in Stovepipe Wells and Furnace Creek. Pack some snacks or a light lunch when planning to explore the park.
Tip: Few places get as hot as Death Valley – none actually, even during spring. Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Is There Gas Available in Death Valley?
There are fuel pumps in Stovepipe Wells and Furnace Creek, which are in the park. Be warned, though; they sometimes run out of gas, and then you’re stuck. So it’s better to fuel up before leaving Las Vegas.
How Much Does Death Valley Cost?
Getting into Death Valley costs $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. An annual America the Beautiful pass costs $80 and covers all national parks for a full year, which is worth it if you visit more than two or three parks a year.
There are several free entrance days in 2026 for US residents:
- President’s Day (February 16)
- Memorial Day (May 25)
- Flag Day (June 14)
- Independence Day weekend (July 3-5)
- 110th Birthday of the National Park Service (August 25)
- Constitution Day (September 17)
- Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday (October 27)
- Veterans Day (November 11)
Note that free days in 2026 apply only to US citizens and residents.
Death Valley Day Trips
Death Valley is easy to navigate on your own, but if you’d rather leave the driving and logistics to someone else, there are excellent guided tours that depart directly from the Las Vegas Strip. This is especially worth considering if you want to do the sunset and stargazing experience, since driving back to Vegas late at night after a long day in the desert isn’t for everyone.
Book a Death Valley Tour from Las Vegas
- Best of Death Valley Small Group Day Tour — Full day guided tour covering Rhyolite Ghost Town, Badwater Basin, Artists Palette, Zabriskie Point and more. Hotel pickup included.
- Death Valley Sunset and Stargazing Tour — Combines a full day of sightseeing with sunset at Dante’s View and stargazing under Death Valley’s dark skies. One of the best ways to experience the park.
- Death Valley Explorer Tour — Small group tour in a custom built vehicle covering the park’s most dramatic scenery with an expert guide.
- Death Valley Sunrise and Stargazing Half Day Tour — Departs before dawn from Las Vegas to catch the sunrise from Dante’s View, then stargazing before heading back. Back in Vegas by early afternoon.
Death Valley Road Trip Map
8 Must-Visit Stops Along a Las Vegas to Death Valley Road Trip
With very few attractions on the way to Death Valley from Las Vegas, most of what makes this road trip unforgettable lies within Death Valley. Luckily, the park does not disappoint. These are stops you’ll love visiting.
1. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Red Rock Canyon had been on my list for years. I do an annual work trip to Las Vegas and always seem to run out of time to get away from the Strip long enough to actually get out there. This trip finally gave me the excuse to go, and it did not disappoint.
It’s only about 20 minutes west of Vegas, but it feels like a completely different world. The red-banded canyons and towering sandstone peaks are stunning in person, one of those places that pictures don’t fully capture. If you have time for a hike, the Keystone Thrust Trail is a 2.2-mile loop that gets you right into the landscape. The Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive is the easy option if you’d rather stay in the car, a 13-mile loop with pullouts at all the best viewpoints.
Calico Basin, just outside the main entrance, is also worth a look, especially if you’re into climbing or want a quieter spot away from the main crowds.
Looking for other trips centered around Vegas? You can go on a drive from Seattle to Las Vegas or a San Francisco to Las Vegas road trip.
2. Badwater Basin
Continue driving to Pahrump along Pahrump Valley Hwy, turning onto Bell Vista Avenue, and finally head west on CA-190 W. All in all, this covers 107 miles and will take you one hour and 50 minutes on your Death Valley road trip from Las Vegas.
Spend some time in Pahrump, especially for a mid-morning bite. Two great options are the Mountain Springs Saloon and Seemoore’s Ice Cream if you’ve got a sweet tooth.
Once inside the park, head to Furnace Creek and continue south via Badwater Road. After 22 minutes of driving, covering 18.5 miles, you’ll come upon Badwater Basin.
Seeing the basin in all its glory during the day’s peak is a must. As the official lowest point in the United States, Badwater lies 282 feet below sea level, making it the hottest and driest place in the United States.
At first glance, Badwater might seem like just another salt flat, but what makes it so distinct is the unique hexagonal shapes the salt forms on the ground. These shapes can span a few miles and contain dozens of smaller intersecting hexagons.
I actually wasn’t too impressed when I saw the pictures, but it quickly became one of my favorite spots to visit. It’s so unique to see in person and we spent a lot longer there than I planned on.
From Badwater Basin’s parking lot, you can head to a small viewing deck to get a broad view before entering. Many salt patterns sit about 0.5 miles into Badwater, and the walk is roughly 30 minutes.
Make sure to reserve your rental car ahead of time! I love using Discover Cars for my trips.
3. Artists Palette
Next up is Artists Palette, which will see you backtrack along Badwater Road for 8 miles until you turn off onto Artists Drive. Before getting to your destination on your Las Vegas to Death Valley drive, though, you’ll want to take this stunning detour.
I’d seen Artists Palette all over Instagram and added it to our list immediately, but seeing it in person was a whole different experience. The hills are covered in wild streaks of pink, aqua, and purple from decades of metal oxidation in the soil, and they photograph incredibly well. We spent about half an hour taking pictures and then had to stop the next day again because the colors made such a good backdrop. It was one of those spots that kept pulling us back.
Artists Drive is a one-way 9-mile scenic road that takes you through some of the park’s most unique landscapes before reaching the palette. Take your time on the way and use the pullouts because the whole stretch is worth seeing, not just the final destination when driving from Las Vegas to Death Valley.
If you want to hike, look for an unmarked canyon 3.4 miles into Artists Drive, about 0.9 miles before the Artists Palette parking lot. The first section has some steep climbing, but levels out quickly, and the whole thing takes about 30 minutes.
For another beautiful national park to visit, check out my itineraries for a LA to Joshua Tree road trip or San Francisco to Joshua Tree drive.
4. Zabriskie Point
Zabriskie Point was actually one of the first stops we made coming into the park from Las Vegas, and it set the tone for the whole trip. The landscape looks like waves frozen in the mountains; these heavily eroded badlands rippling out toward the valley floor with the Panamint Mountains in the distance. It’s unlike anything I’d seen before.
It’s a quick stop but a stunning one, and the views are just as good no matter what time of day you arrive. Most people come for sunrise or sunset, but we stopped mid-drive and still couldn’t stop taking photos. Walk out to the main viewpoint from the parking lot and give yourself about 20 minutes to take it all in. If you want more, the 5-mile Golden Canyon loop starts nearby and takes you down into the badlands themselves.
I’ve been using Roadtrippers for years to help me plan out my trips and find fun stops along the way. Use my code “BTR5QTP” for $5 off when you sign up!
Check out this drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon for another adventure.
5. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
When you’ve had your fill of Zabriskie Point, head back towards Furnace Creek on CA-190 W for about 28 miles, arriving at the Visitors Center after 32 minutes.
Be sure to visit the Furnace Creek Visitors Center for all the current information on roads, weather, and trails. If you plan to spend a night or more in the valley on your road trip to Death Valley from Las Vegas, you’ll find the Inn at Death Valley here.
If not, however, head through to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
After getting out of your car, take your time to admire the sea of sand dunes before you, with the highest dune peaking at more than a hundred feet tall. I couldn’t stop staring at the scenery, and it reminded me of when I went to the Sahara Desert in Morocco many years ago (although it was a shorter flight!). You’ll want to go at either sunset or sunrise for the best photos.
Set against the backdrop of Death Valley, the sand dunes testify to the park’s geographical diversity, created by decades of erosion of the surrounding mountains.
As one of the most photogenic places in Death Valley, with no official trail, stopping here for some rave-worthy snapshots is a must. Roam around, climb a few dunes, and slide down others, but be prepared for a lot of invasive sand in your shoes.
You can also easily do this trip from California by going on a Los Angeles to Death Valley road trip.
6. Ubehebe Crater
Ubehebe Crater is the most out-of-the-way stop on this route, but it’s worth the detour if you have time. About 2,100 years ago, molten lava met groundwater, and the resulting steam explosion blasted a 600-foot-deep crater into the earth, creating one of the few explosion pit volcanoes on the planet.
The rim loop is 1.5 miles long and offers views down into the colorful, layered rock deposits from every angle. If you want to go further, you can hike down to the bottom. It adds time to your day, so factor that in when planning, but the crater is genuinely dramatic in a way that pictures don’t fully communicate.
From Las Vegas, head north through the park on Scotty’s Castle Road for about 33 miles to reach it.
7. Rhyolite Ghost Town
Rhyolite was a stop I hadn’t known much about before the trip. The town boomed during the Death Valley mining rush from 1907 to 1910, then was completely abandoned when the gold ran out. Walking through it, you see buildings in all different states of decay, some barely standing, some just foundations, and you can’t help but wonder how people came all the way out here to the middle of the desert and built an entire town from scratch.
There’s something genuinely eerie about it. Old miner huts, schoolhouse ruins, rail cars, all just left behind and frozen in time. It doesn’t take long to explore, but it’s the kind of place that stays with you.
Artists have also set up permanent outdoor sculptures around the site, which adds another strange and interesting layer to the whole experience.
Note: You can choose to end your road trip here and head from Rhyolite to the small town of Beatty. Turning onto US-95 S, you’ll arrive in Amargosa Valley and eventually back in Las Vegas.
8. Dante’s View
If you can time one stop around sunset on this trip, make it Dante’s View. We got there at dusk and stayed for the stargazing afterward, and it ended up being one of the best stargazing experiences of my life.
The viewpoint sits at 5,500 feet and looks out over a 180-degree panorama of Badwater Basin with the Panamint Mountains behind it. At sunset, the whole valley turns golden, and then as the light fades, Death Valley reveals why it’s designated an international dark sky park. With almost zero light pollution, the stars are extraordinary. Bring a blanket and plan to stay a while.
It’s a bit of a drive from the main park area, but the views make it worth every mile.
Headed north? You’ll love the San Francisco to Yosemite drive or the Los Angeles to Yosemite road trip.
An Unforgettable 3-Day Las Vegas to Death Valley Road Trip Itinerary
If you’re eager for a real treat, consider grabbing this 3-day Las Vegas to Death Valley road trip itinerary. Giving you enough time to get as much of the park as possible, it’s a memorable adventure just waiting to happen.
Worth mentioning: You can change the attractions listed to tailor your trip to your wants and expectations.
Day 1: Venture from Las Vegas to Death Valley
Travel distance: Two hours and 16 minutes
Day one starts with a midday departure from Las Vegas, heading out on US-95 N and CA-190 W towards Death Valley. Arrive in Death Valley in the early afternoon and stop at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
Catch the sunset and head to Badwater Saloon in Stovepipe Wells Village for dinner. After dinner, head to Furnace Creek and check into your hotel, calling it a night. You’ll be staying at whichever hotel you choose for two nights.
Where to Stay in Death Valley
- The Ranch at Death Valley — Sits right in the heart of the park with a spring-fed pool, multiple restaurants, and easy access to all the major stops. The most affordable option inside the park.
- The Inn at Death Valley — A beautiful historic property with a warm spring pool, full restaurant, and one of the most memorable settings of any hotel in the area. Worth it for a splurge.
Day 2: Explore Death Valley and Spend the Night
An entire day to explore Death Valley awaits, and it starts with an early morning drive to catch the sunrise at Zabriskie Point. Next, go to Badwater Basin with a pitstop at Devil’s Golf Course.
Another great pitstop is Natural Bridge. Continue until you reach Badwater Basin, then heading back, take Artist’s Drive to see the captivating Artist’s Pallete. End the day by watching the sunset from Zabriskie Point and feasting on dinner at the Oasis Inn.
Spend the second night at the same hotel.
Day 3: A Day in Death Valley and Red Rock Canyon
The final day of your itinerary begins with a bang as you head out to Badwater Basin to see the sun slowly rise over Death Valley. Get ready for a drive, as you’ll head far north when leaving Badwater, with your destination being the Ubehebe Crater.
Backtracking, you’ll visit Dante’s View for a grand final look across Badwater Basin and the Panamint Mountains. As you leave the park, head for the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area. Drive the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Loop before heading back to Las Vegas.
Where to Stay in Las Vegas
- Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino — Right in the center of the Strip with two outdoor pools, nine restaurants, and direct access to the Miracle Mile Shops. Central enough to walk everywhere.
Which stops are you looking forward to the most on your Las Vegas to Death Valley road trip?
