Death Valley National Park Tours and Tickets

Travelers generally spend one or two days in Death Valley—even though it’s the fifth-largest national park in the US. A couple of days is usually enough time to see many of the park’s highlights as well as some off-the-beaten-path spots. An overnight stay also allows you to stargaze at the beautiful night sky.

Visit in any season except summer, although some travelers visit in the hottest months to witness the extreme heat. Spring, fall, and winter (November–March) are the recommended seasons. Depending on winter rainfall, the desert can bloom with wildflowers, usually peaking in late March to early April, which makes springtime popular.

From where you enter the park (Death Valley Junction), it’s a 100-mile (161-kilometer) drive along CA-190 through the valley, which takes about two hours. Along the way, you’ll pass Mt. Perry, Funeral Mountains Wilderness, Zabriskie Point, and Furnace Creek. You can easily navigate it and complete it in a day.

Yes. Animals that can withstand the heat and lack of water such as bighorn sheep, kangaroo rats, jackrabbits, and desert tortoises live in Death Valley. Many of the animals like coyotes are also nocturnal—resting in the day, active at night. Coyotes, ravens, roadrunners, ground squirrels, and lizards are commonly seen.

Bring the usual hiking gear, plus a sun hat, sunglasses, jacket, GPS device, food, and first-aid kit. Drink one gallon of water per day. Start with a full gas tank and consider bringing a filled canister, especially if going off the beaten path. Gas is available inside the park.

Yes. Bring insect repellent and consider wearing a long-sleeved shirt and pants to protect yourself from bites. Bugs typically come out in the morning and as the sun sets. They can be a big nuisance, which most travelers don’t expect. The Devil’s Golf Course is an area known for insects.