{"id":50030,"date":"2019-05-29T12:00:24","date_gmt":"2019-05-29T19:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=50030"},"modified":"2025-01-10T14:01:38","modified_gmt":"2025-01-10T22:01:38","slug":"how-to-explore-death-valley-national-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/how-to-explore-death-valley-national-park","title":{"rendered":"How to Explore Death Valley National Park"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"cb-itemprop\" itemprop=\"reviewBody\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Between the high energy of Las Vegas to the east and the towering trees of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National parks to the west lies\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/deva\/index.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Death Valley National Park<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. With more than 3.4 million acres, most of which are in California with a corner sticking into Nevada, Death Valley is the largest national park outside of Alaska, and the fifth-largest national park in all of the United States. That\u2019s not to say you\u2019ll encounter crowds when visiting the park. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In 2018, about 1,700,000 \u00a0people visited Death Valley National Park, which seems like a lot until you take a look at the figures for the most-visited park: Great Smoky Mountains National Park welcomed 11,421,200 visitors last year.\u00a0 So, needless to say, there\u2019s plenty of room to get away from other visitors. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On top of the enormous potential for solitude, Death Valley National Park is on people\u2019s radar for a variety of reasons. If you\u2019re one of them and you\u2019re ready to plan a trip to this vast desert landscape, this will highlight the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#why-visit\">Why Visit Death Valley National Park?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#top-sites\">Top Destinations in Death Valley National Park<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#top-outdoor\">The Top Outdoor Things to Do in Death Valley National Park<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#how-to\">How to Plan Your Trip<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_51176\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-51176\" class=\"size-article_body wp-image-51176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/05\/DVC_072417_26502.jpg?resize=1024%2C768\" alt=\"Cyclists on an REI Adventures trip cycle down one of the many isolated roads in Death Valley National Park.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-51176\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cyclists pedal down one of the many isolated roads in Death Valley National Park.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><a name=\"why-visit\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Why Visit Death Valley National Park?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aside from being the largest national park outside of Alaska\u2014and the fifth-largest national park in all of the United States\u2014Death Valley National Park holds a few more titles that make it appealing to travelers: It holds the record for hottest air temperature ever recorded on Earth, plus the driest and lowest place in North America. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In fact, the region originally got its name when, in 1849, a group of pioneers lost their way amidst the barren, unforgiving landscape. One of them gradually succumbed to the elements, and, as they climbed over the Panamint Mountains after finally being saved, one of the surviving pioneers turned back and said: \u201cGoodbye, Death Valley.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But despite the extremes, Death Valley National Park is a sublime destination for sun-kissed thrills in an otherworldly landscape. Whether hiking among stone enigmas, mountain biking miles of sparsely-ridden singletrack, backpacking to forgotten outposts or stargazing under the light of the Milky Way, this park is sure to quench your thirst for solar-infused adventure (but definitely bring the water). <\/span><a name=\"top-sites\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Top Destinations in Death Valley National Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a park as big as Death Valley, it\u2019s important to weigh your options, time of year, type of vehicle you have and time constraints when deciding where to go and what to do. That said, there are many places of interest to visit, including the following highlights:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Artist\u2019s Drive <\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The colors of the rainbow can be seen along the 9-mile <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/deva\/learn\/photosmultimedia\/artists-drive.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Artist\u2019s Drive<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The rock formations here are awe-inspiring, and although the drive is beautiful at any time of day, the afternoon light casts a special glow over the varying colors. Hop out of the car at the Artist\u2019s Palette viewpoint for terrific photography opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Badwater Basin <\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The lowest point in all of North America is found at\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/thingstodo\/visit-badwater-basin.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Badwater Basin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A short, quarter-mile walk across the salt flats will put you right at 282 feet below sea level; the polygon-shaped salt formations seen here are synonymous with Death Valley.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can see them rising in the distance, and they certainly appear closer than they actually are. The<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/thingstodo\/visit-mesquite-flat-sand-dunes.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are the largest dune configuration within Death Valley National Park, and incorporate three different types of dunes: crescent, linear and star-shaped. Some of the dunes rise nearly 100 feet from the ancient lake bed floor. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Dante\u2019s View<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Set your alarm and make your way to\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/thingstodo\/check-out-the-view-at-dantes-view.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dante\u2019s View<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to catch the sunrise over Death Valley National Park. At 5,475 feet, the view faces west to the Panamint Mountains over Badwater Basin and is one of the best vantage points in the park. On a clear day, you may even be able to make out the Sierra Nevadas on the far western horizon. <\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_50041\" style=\"width: 960px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-50041\" class=\"size-full wp-image-50041\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/04\/DVH_051616_39250-1-e1556117860456.jpg?resize=950%2C632\" alt=\"Hikers pass through a small wash in an arid corner of Death Valley National Park.\" width=\"950\" height=\"632\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-50041\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hikers wander through an arid corner of Death Valley.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><b>Ubehebe Crater<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the northern part of the park lies the half-mile-wide and 600-foot-deep<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/thingstodo\/visit-ubehebe-crater.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ubehebe Crater<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, possibly created as recently as 300 years ago by an explosion when magma mixed with an underground spring. During the cooler months in Death Valley (October through April), consider a hike around the rim.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Rainbow Canyon<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/deva\/planyourvisit\/panamintspringsarea.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Father Crowley Vista Point<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provides a terrific view of dark lava flows intermixing with volcanic cinders, plummeting into the colors of Rainbow Canyon. Don\u2019t be startled if you hear noise overhead\u2014the military uses this area of the park for its jet fighter low-flight training. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>The Racetrack <\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A nearly full-day excursion, the<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/deva\/planyourvisit\/the-racetrack.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Racetrack<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is only accessible to those driving a four-wheel-drive vehicle with good tires. The destination, however, is well worth the effort. Here, in the northwest region of the park, you can see the infamous moving rocks. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Two miles south of the Grandstand parking area, park your vehicle and walk about a half-mile toward the southeast corner of the mesa for the best views of the rocks and their paths. Mystery surrounds the odd formations, which have gradually slid across the arid flats, leaving trails in their wake\u2014some weighing as much as 700 pounds!<\/span><br \/>\n<a name=\"top-outdoor\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Top Outdoor Things to Do in Death Valley National Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><b>1. Hiking<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More than 20\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/deva\/planyourvisit\/hiking.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hiking<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> trails are found within Death Valley National Park. Although the park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it is important to be prepared when setting out for a hike in this barren, desolate area. The National Park Service suggests that the best time to hike in Death Valley is from November through March, when temperatures are lower. The NPS also suggests going on low elevation hikes on cooler winter days, and heading into the higher elevations to escape summer temperatures; the peaks can be covered in snow in the winter and spring. For mellow winter outings, consider donning a pair of snowshoes. If tackling burlier winter-hiking objectives, be sure to bring winter clothing, an ice axe and crampons. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For quick, easy hikes, follow the flat half-mile\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/deva\/planyourvisit\/hiking.htm#SaltCreek\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Salt Creek Interpretive Trail<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a loop trail that follows a boardwalk and is a terrific place to spot the Salt Creek pupfish and a diversity of bird species. The mile-long\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/deva\/planyourvisit\/hiking.htm#Badwater\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Badwater Salt Flat<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> hike takes you out to the lowest point in North America, with views of the salt flat that stretches for more than 200 miles.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_50038\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-50038\" class=\"size-article_body wp-image-50038\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/04\/DVC_072417_90724-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C683\" alt=\"Darwin Falls glitters like a desert oasis.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-50038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Darwin Falls supports a surprisingly lush canyon in the otherwise arid Death Valley National Park.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Craving respite from the heat? The moderate two-mile\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/deva\/planyourvisit\/hiking.htm#Darwin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Darwin Falls<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> hike\u2014including a bit of rock scrambling\u2014leads to an oasis-like sanctuary of cascades. The waterfall provides drinking water, but remember, there\u2019s no swimming allowed. Another moderate trek is the six-mile\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/deva\/planyourvisit\/fall-canyon.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fall Canyon<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> hike\u2014you may even spot bighorn sheep. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More difficult hikes within Death Valley National Park include\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/deva\/planyourvisit\/wildrose-peak.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wildrose Peak<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, an 8.4-mile round-trip hike that traverses pinyon-juniper woodlands to an elevation of 9,064 feet, with a 2,200-foot elevation gain. For an all-day hike, take on the 14-mile round-trip\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/deva\/planyourvisit\/telescope-peak.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Telescope Peak<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> hike to the highest point in Death Valley at 11,049 feet. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>2.\u00a0Backpacking<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Setting off with a pack and exploring the remote areas of Death Valley National Park can be rewarding\u2014but can also offer serious challenges and, as such, backcountry trips in the park should only be undertaken by experienced, well-prepared\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/deva\/planyourvisit\/backpacking.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">backpackers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Before setting out, get a free backcountry permit at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center or the Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>3.\u00a0Road Cycling and Mountain Biking<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hop onto the saddle and experience Death Valley National Park via\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/deva\/planyourvisit\/bikingandmtbiking.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bike<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A fun fact: All of the park roads that are open to vehicular traffic are also open to cyclists. And in addition to paved roads, there are also routes designated specifically for bicycle use. In total, more than 785 miles of roads, including hundreds of miles for mountain biking, await.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_50039\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-50039\" class=\"size-article_body wp-image-50039\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/04\/DVC_072417_88219.jpg?resize=1024%2C768\" alt=\"Cyclists pedal down a deserted road in Death Valley.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-50039\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cyclists pedal on miles of deserted road in Death Valley.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Easier rides within the park include those along Salt Creek Road and Twenty Mule Team Canyon Road, both of which are graded. For more of a challenge, go off road and take on the washboard gravel of Skidoo Road, or the loose gravel of Hole-in-the-Wall Road. While paved, the hills of the 9-mile Artist\u2019s Drive make it a more difficult ride. For a longer, even more difficult ride, set out on the 28-mile one-way Titus Canyon Road, with steep grades and loose gravel. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>4.\u00a0Stargazing<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The lack of light pollution in Death Valley National Park makes it a spectacular destination for\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/deva\/learn\/nature\/lightscape.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stargazing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In fact, the park is the third <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.darksky.org\/our-work\/conservation\/idsp\/parks\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">International Dark Sky Park<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the National Park System. Step outside, look up and take in the heavens while bathing in the starlight. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For gazing that\u2019s largely unimpeded by Death Valley\u2019s mountainous topography, head to Harmony Borax Works, which is close to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center; Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes near Stovepipe Wells; or Badwater Basin, located about 30 minutes from Furnace Creek. And for best results, visit during a new moon and bring binoculars. On a particularly clear night, the Milky Way might even make an appearance.<\/span><br \/>\n<a name=\"how-to\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><strong>How to Plan Your Trip to Death Valley National Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><b>Best Time to Visit Death Valley <\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Death Valley National Park didn\u2019t come by its name offhandedly\u2014it\u2019s the hottest place on Earth, and the driest place in North America. 1913 saw Death Valley\u2019s hottest and coldest dates on record\u2014on January 8, 1913, it dropped to 15 degrees Fahrenheit and on July 10, the thermostat rose to 134 degrees Fahrenheit. Both records were recorded in Furnace Creek.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the summer months (May through September), the average high is 109 degrees, and the average precipitation is only 0.09 inches. The bottom line: It\u2019s very hot and dry. That said, winter and spring in Death Valley National Park are quite pleasant, with milder temperatures and clear, sunny skies. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But despite the extremes, it\u2019s a bit surprising just how much color can be found spanning the harsh desert landscape. Winter rains can bring swaths of stunning spring flowers; in some years, look for blooms in late-March and early-April in the lower elevations, April and May at mid-elevation, and even into June higher up in the mountains.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whatever time of year you visit, it\u2019s imperative to bring plenty of water with you. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/deva\/planyourvisit\/safety.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Park Service suggests<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> drinking two to four liters per person, per day, and more if you are active in the heat. Bringing electrolyte tablets\/powders is also a good idea. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Where to Stay<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>The Oasis at Death Valley: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Located at Furnace Creek, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oasisatdeathvalley.com\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Oasis at Death Valley (formerly the Furnace Creek Resort)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> features two lodging options: the historic, deluxe Inn, built in 1927, and the 224-room, family-friendly Ranch. Camping is also available at the onsite Fiddlers\u2019 Campground.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Stovepipe Wells Village: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the 83 rooms at the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/deathvalleyhotels.com\/our-hotel\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> feature views of the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and the surrounding mountain range. RV parking with hookups and camping is also available within the village. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Panamint Springs Resort: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A variety of accommodations is available at\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.panamintsprings.com\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Panamint Springs Resort<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Panamint Valley. Choose from rooms within the lodge or the cabin that best suits your needs. RV parking with hookups and camping is also available at the resort.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Campgrounds<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A variety of\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/deva\/planyourvisit\/camping.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">camping<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> options are available at seven of the nine available campgrounds within Death Valley National Park. Before packing your tent, however, be sure to check with the park to see which campgrounds are currently open, as some close during the winter months. As noted by the NPS, \u201cIt is very rare for all campgrounds to fill in Death Valley \u2026 you are 99.9% likely to find a spot in the park.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Backcountry camping is available within Death Valley National Park for those \u201cwho prepare properly and follow Leave No Trace principles.\u201d Be sure to review the park\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/deva\/planyourvisit\/backcamp.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">backcountry camping rules<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before setting out on your adventure.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>How to Get There<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Traveling to Death Valley National Park takes time, but it\u2019s well worth the effort. From Las Vegas\u2019 McCarran International Airport, it\u2019s roughly a two-hour drive, with the most direct route passing through Pahrump, Nevada and along California Highway 190, which is the main road running from east to west through the park. If you are traveling from Los Angeles, follow I-15 North to California Highway 127 North, which intersects with CA-190. The drive from L.A. averages roughly four and a half hours.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_50040\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-50040\" class=\"size-article_body wp-image-50040\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/04\/DVH_060407_39572.jpg?resize=1024%2C679\" alt=\"An enormous field of wildflowers bursts to life in Death Valley. \" width=\"1024\" height=\"679\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-50040\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Expansive wildflower blooms can be found in the wettest of years in Death Valley; remember your camera!<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Interestingly, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/deva\/planyourvisit\/directions.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">there isn\u2019t a specific street address<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the park or the Furnace Creek Visitor Center to plug into a GPS; rather, plug in the post office address instead (328 Greenland Blvd., Death Valley, CA \u00a092328). A word of caution: The National Park Service encourages visitors to not depend upon GPS alone, since \u201cGPS Navigation to sites to remote locations like Death Valley are notoriously unreliable.\u201d Rather, the NPS suggests carrying up-to-date road maps to supplement traditional GPS navigation. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have the means, you can also fly into the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/deva\/planyourvisit\/airports.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">small public airport<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at Furnace Creek.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Visitor Center and Ranger Station<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you\u2019ve arrived, the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/deva\/planyourvisit\/hours.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Furnace Creek Visitor Center<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on CA-190 is the place to go to get oriented. A 20-minute film showcasing the park is shown throughout the day, and the center is fully-staffed daily (hours may vary seasonally) to help you make the most of your time in the desert region.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A second visitor center is at Scotty\u2019s Castle in the northern portion of the park, but it (and the entire area) is closed until 2020 at the earliest, due to flood damage that occurred in October 2015. Additionally, a ranger station is found in Stovepipe Wells Village, and you can pick up information and maps there, too.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Fuel and Food<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Traveling to Death Valley National Park does take some planning, including where to gas up during your visit, as there are more than 300 miles of paved roads within the park.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">En route from Las Vegas, stop by the gas station in Shoshone to fill up before continuing on CA-127 to CA-190, which takes you into the park. If you miss Shoshone, continue on CA-127 towards Amargosa Valley, past the CA-190 junction\u2014and then retrace your route to catch CA-190. Otherwise, within the park, your only options for gas are at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center Area, Stovepipe Wells Village and Panamint Springs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just like the gas stations, food options within Death Valley National Park are quite spread out, so you may want to bring some snacks with you to the park to satiate any last-minute cravings. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Furnace Creek, The Oasis at Death Valley has several options, depending on what you may be hankering for. Casual breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oasisatdeathvalley.com\/dine\/1849-buffet\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1849 Buffet<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the middle of the Town Square at The Ranch, and lunch and dinner are served at\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oasisatdeathvalley.com\/dine\/last-kind-words-saloon\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Last Kind Words Saloon<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Or, grab a burger for lunch or an early dinner at\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oasisatdeathvalley.com\/dine\/19th-hole\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 19th Hole<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, adjacent to The Furnace Creek Golf Course at Death Valley clubhouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are also served at\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oasisatdeathvalley.com\/dine\/the-inn-dining-room\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Inn Dining Room<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at The Inn. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For quick grab-and-go, stop by the general store for groceries, or the ice cream and coffee bar for a quick pick-me-up. Also nearby is\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/timbishatacos.com\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Timbisha Tacos<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/deathvalleyhotels.com\/our-restaurants\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stovepipe Wells Village<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, northwest of Furnace Creek, breakfast and dinner are served at the Toll Road Restaurant, or grab a boxed lunch to enjoy in the park. If you\u2019d rather sit down for lunch, pull up a stool at Badwater Saloon and enjoy one of the saloon\u2019s own Death Valley label beers with your meal. The General Store is your go-to for grab-and-go goods in Stovepipe Wells, with pre-made picnic nibbles, snacks and grocery staples at the ready.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To the west,\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.panamintsprings.com\/services\/dining-bar\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Panamint Springs Resort<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> serves a continental breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner year-round, and its bar features more than 150 beers from around the world. For quick bites, snacks are available at the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.panamintsprings.com\/services\/gas-station-general-store\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General Store<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as are hand-scooped ice cream cones and milkshakes, perfect for those hot desert days.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Recreating in the Desert<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Death Valley National Park is a very remote destination, and cellphone service is inaccessible in most areas. \u00a0Though traveling to Death Valley is available year-round, it\u2019s important to be prepared at all times.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The National Park Service suggests staying on paved roads in the summertime, and if your car happens to break down, stay with it until help arrives. The NPS also says that summer hiking is not recommended, except in the early morning hours and in the mountains\/higher elevations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water is very important whenever you\u2019re active, but even more so in desert conditions. Again, the NPS suggests always bringing plenty of water, and recommends drinking at least two to four liters a day, and even more if you\u2019re active in the heat. In the summer, those quantities jump to one gallon or more, per person, per day.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>No matter what your adventure style is, there are a vast array of things to do in Death Valley National Park.<\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Between the high energy of Las Vegas to the east and the towering trees of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National parks to the west lies\u00a0Death Valley National Park. With more than 3.4 million acres, most of which are in California with a corner sticking into Nevada, Death Valley is the largest national park outside of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":51172,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[388],"tags":[1715,160,588,1838,707,113,12],"internal-tag":[],"class_list":["post-50030","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel","tag-biking","tag-california","tag-camping","tag-death-valley-national-park","tag-hiking","tag-national-park","tag-travel"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/rei.com\/blog\/travel\/how-to-explore-death-valley-national-park","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"How to Explore Death Valley National Park","url":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/how-to-explore-death-valley-national-park","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/how-to-explore-death-valley-national-park"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/05\/DVC_072417_47246.jpg?resize=150%2C150","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/05\/DVC_072417_47246.jpg?fit=3000%2C1348"},"articleSection":"Travel","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Beckindale"}],"creator":["Beckindale"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Uncommon Path \u2013 An REI Co-op Publication","logo":""},"keywords":["biking","california","camping","death valley national park","hiking","national parks","travel"],"dateCreated":"2019-05-29T19:00:24Z","datePublished":"2019-05-29T19:00:24Z","dateModified":"2025-01-10T22:01:38Z"},"rendered":"<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"wp-parsely-metadata\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"headline\":\"How to Explore Death Valley National Park\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/travel\\\/how-to-explore-death-valley-national-park\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/travel\\\/how-to-explore-death-valley-national-park\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2019\\\/05\\\/DVC_072417_47246.jpg?resize=150%2C150\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2019\\\/05\\\/DVC_072417_47246.jpg?fit=3000%2C1348\"},\"articleSection\":\"Travel\",\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Beckindale\"}],\"creator\":[\"Beckindale\"],\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Uncommon Path \\u2013 An REI Co-op Publication\",\"logo\":\"\"},\"keywords\":[\"biking\",\"california\",\"camping\",\"death valley national park\",\"hiking\",\"national parks\",\"travel\"],\"dateCreated\":\"2019-05-29T19:00:24Z\",\"datePublished\":\"2019-05-29T19:00:24Z\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-01-10T22:01:38Z\"}<\/script>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/rei.com\/p.js"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/05\/DVC_072417_47246.jpg?fit=3000%2C1348","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50030","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=50030"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50030\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":198718,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50030\/revisions\/198718"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/51172"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=50030"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=50030"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=50030"},{"taxonomy":"internal-tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/internal-tag?post=50030"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}