2 DAYS IN DEATH VALLEY: MAP & ITINERARY DETAILS
Using This Map: To access the layers (driving routes and places to go), click the tab located in the upper left corner of the map. To reveal or conceal layers, click the checkboxes. You may learn more about each point of interest on the map by clicking on the icons. This map will be added to your Google Maps account if you click the star next to the map’s title. Open Google Maps on your computer or phone, select “Your Places” from the menu, then click Maps. This map will appear on your list.
Here’s a suggested two-day itinerary for Death Valley National Park, allowing you to experience some of the key highlights of this vast and unique desert landscape:
DAY 1: Furnace Creek Area and Badwater Basin
MORNING:
- Arrive at Death Valley Pay Station & (Optional) Drive to Furnace Creek Visitor Center: Pay at the pay station for entry. You can drive straight to the first destination (Dante’s View) or drive and start your day at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center to gather information, maps, and check for any updates on road conditions or park alerts.
- Drive to, and explore Dante’s View : The salt flats of Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, are visible below, providing a dramatic and contrasting landscape vista from the viewpoint. Excellent views of the surrounding mountains and valleys’ light and shadow patterns can be enjoyed from the viewpoint, especially around sunrise and sunset. Either enjoy the view from the parking lot or venture out on the short, enjoyable paths that branch off in both directions to see the scenery from a different angle. The Dante’s View turn-off is located almost directly after the pay station. Drive 13 miles (about 25 minutes) to Dante’s View by turning left on Furnace Creek Wash Road and following the signage towards the location. Note that near the very end of the drive, the road becomes extremely curved and has multiple switchbacks.
- Twenty Mule Team Canyon : The one-way Twenty Mule Team Canyon road winds across hills of yellow and white mudstone. To get there, return to highway 190 after leaving Dante’s View, then make a left turn to enter the park. Travel six miles to reach Twenty Mule Team Canyon’s entrance. Stop at the trailhead of Twenty Mule Team Overlook Hike, which is a small turn-off about halfway down the drive (large enough for many cars). It is a fairly short hiking routes, which will take about 45 mins, into these hills. The view from the peaks of these hills is incredible.
- Zabriskie Point: Head to Zabriskie Point for breathtaking panoramic views of the badlands and colorful rock formations. It’s especially a great spot for sunrise photography. This is a very popular site in Death Valley so it tends to be very crowded so take in the scenery, but forego the hike.
LUNCH: Dining options in Death Valley are extremely limited. Thus, packing a picnic lunch the day before you go to Death Valley is your best bet because time is of the essence, especially in the winter. Otherwise, The Oasis in Furnace Creek offers dining options, or you can take an hour’s worth of driving to get to Stovepipe Wells for more options
AFTERNOON:
- Devil’s Golf Course: Explore Devil’s Golf Course, known for its otherworldly and jagged salt formations. Be cautious as the terrain is rough. To get here from Zabriskie Point, take Badwater Road after you pass Furnace Creek. Once you cross West Side Road, you will see a street sign that says “Devils Golf Course,” and turn right. To get to the parking area, take a quick drive down a maintained gravel road. It takes roughly fifteen minutes for this ten miles of driving.
- Badwater Basin: Explore Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America. Walk out onto the vast salt flats and take in the surreal landscape. To get here, make a right onto Badwater Road from Devil’s Golf Course to reach Badwater Basin. It takes roughly 11 minutes for this 9 miles drive.
- Natural Bridge (OPTIONAL): People have mixed opinion about this hike. Go ahead, if you are interested in hiking in and out gravel path of 2 miles for about 1 hour, to the canyon’s stone arch. To get here from Badwater Basin turn north on Badwater Road in the direction of Furnace Creek. Turn right into Natural Bridge Road after 4 miles of driving.
- Artist’s Palette Drive the 9-mile south-to-north one-way road Artist’s Drive loop to see the colorful and mineral-stained hills of Artist’s Palette. The late afternoon sunlight enhances the colors. To get here from Natural Bridge, take Badwater Road north for five miles, then make a right onto Artists Drive. Stop at Artist Palette. The oxidation of metals in the soil has resulted in these hills that are pink, turquoise, and purple. If you want a close-up view of these hills, park in the allocated area.
- Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch: This is the badlands of Death Valley. The full 4.4-mile loop hike can be completed in two to three hours. However, you can If not, you can take a two-mile hike up and back via Golden Canyon and then head over to Zabriskie Point to see the sunset. To get to the trailhead turn right onto Badwater Road at the end of Artists Drive, and continue 3 miles to the Golden Canyon parking area.
SUNSET:
- Zabriske Point or Harmony Borax Works:
- Drive to Zabriske Point or Harmony Borax Works for sunset. The viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views of the valley, especially as the sun sets.
DINNER AND STARGAZING
- Stargazing at Furnace Creek: After dinner, experience the incredible stargazing opportunities. Death Valley is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, making it ideal for observing the night sky.
DAY 2: Ubehebe Crater, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and other options.
MORNING:
- Ubehebe Crater: Drive to Ubehebe Crater, a large volcanic crater. You can hike around the rim for stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Racetrack Playa (OPTIONAL): If you have a high-clearance vehicle and would love to see moving rocks, consider an optional visit to Racetrack Playa. The moving rocks and remote setting make it a unique and memorable experience. However, this trip will take a long time of driving which will take away your time from exploring other unique sites at Death Valley.
- Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes:
- Start your day early with a visit to Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. The soft morning light enhances the beauty of the dunes, and it’s a great time for photography.
LUNCH: Stovepipe Wells Area:
- Have lunch at Stovepipe Wells Village. This smaller settlement offers dining options and a general store.
AFTERNOON:
- Mosaic Canyon (OPTIONAL):Hike Mosaic Canyon in the afternoon. The short hike takes you through a narrow slot canyon with smooth marble walls, offering a unique and refreshing experience.
- Telescope Peak (OPTIONAL): Another option is to hike Telescope Peak, which is the highest peak in Death Valley from where you could observe the Death Valley Naational Park as a whole.
DINNER:
- OPTION 1: Return to Furnace Creek: Head back to Furnace Creek for dinner and relaxation after a day of exploration.
- OPTION 2: Drive to Las Vegas : Say goodbye to Death Valley and hello to Sin City
