Three must see spots in Death Valley national park

Death Valley is known for its extremes with hot and dry weather and really low elevation. What isn’t talked about a lot is how incredible the landscapes and scenery are in this National Park! Not to mention, it’s a huge park that will need multiple days to properly explore. 

A few things to know before you visit:

  • Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle and that is good for 7 days
    • Starting June 1, 2023, they will no longer accept cash for the entrance fee
  • Hours: The park is open daily, 24 hours a day
  • Visitor Center: The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is open daily, even holidays, from 8AM-5PM
  • Service: Cellphone service in the park is very limited, we recommend downloading maps and trails prior to entering the park
  • Accommodations: You can camp within the park or there are hotels available in nearby towns, Beatty, Nevada and Pahrump, Nevada

If you only have one day to explore the park, like we did, we recommend these 3 spots:

zabriski point

Parking Lot: 36.420983, -116.809127

The views at Zabriskie Point were incredible! This spot has a lovely, paved viewing area, a short walk from the parking lot, making it easily accessible. We loved hiking down in and walking along the spines.
Fun fact: The black peaks were once lava that oozed onto the ancient lakebed!

artists palette

Parking Lot: 36.363450, -116.803107

One of the most unique, colorful, and beautiful places we’ve ever visited! Yes, these colors are real and natural! The drive to this location, along Artists Drive is just as pretty, swerving around the mountains and getting peeks of color. You could spend hours hiking through Artists Palette and taking in all the beauty. We loved capturing this spot in the morning. We got to watch the sun rise over the mountains, bringing the colors to life.

Mesquite flat sand dunes

Parking Lot: 36.605827, -117.113792

If you know us, you know we love sand dunes! We couldn’t help but stop at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes to hike them and see the incredible panoramic views of the mountains surround. The parking lot here is large but fills up fast. Don’t forget water, snacks, sunscreen, and socks.

Sand Dune Hack: Ditch the shoes, trust us on this, it’s so much easier! Just beware of scorpions or other animals/bugs in different regions of the U.S.

BONUS

Rhyolite Ghost town

Address: Rhyolite Rd Hwy 374. Beatty, NV 89003

Located outside of Death Valley National Park, the town of Rhyolite was founded in 1904 as a mining town and it was dead by 1916. The town quickly came to life with buildings, hotels, stores, a school, an ice plant, electric plants, foundries, and machine shops. It was abandoned just as quickly as it came to life due to the mines closing. Now you can visit the eerie ghost town and explore the buildings still standing.