Best Things to Do in Death Valley National Park

Covering over 3.4 million acres across California and Nevada, Death Valley National Park is a land of extremes. As the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the United States, it boasts an otherworldly landscape filled with towering sand dunes, rugged mountains, salt flats, and historic ghost towns. Despite its harsh environment, Death Valley is teeming with adventure, scenic beauty, and fascinating geological wonders.

Whether you're looking for breathtaking viewpoints, challenging hikes, or unique natural formations, here are the best things to do in Death Valley National Park.

1. Visit Badwater Basin – The Lowest Point in North America

• Elevation: 282 feet below sea level

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon (to avoid extreme heat)

Badwater Basin is one of Death Valley’s most famous landmarks and home to the lowest elevation in North America at 282 feet below sea level. This vast salt flat stretches for miles, creating a dazzling white landscape that contrasts with the surrounding mountains.

A short boardwalk leads from the parking area to the basin, where visitors can walk out onto the salt flats. During rare rain events, the basin can fill with water, creating a stunning reflective surface.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Bring sunglasses—the bright white salt flats reflect a lot of sunlight.
✔️ Stay on the hard-packed trails to avoid sinking into softer salt formations.
✔️ Visit at sunrise or sunset for cooler temperatures and dramatic lighting.

2. See the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes at Sunrise

• Best For: Photography, sandboarding, stargazing

• Hike Distance: No official trail, but dunes can be explored freely

Located near Stovepipe Wells, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are among the most accessible and picturesque dunes in the park. These rolling golden dunes, some reaching 100 feet high, are best visited at sunrise or sunset, when the light creates long, dramatic shadows.

Unlike other hiking trails, there’s no designated path—visitors can wander freely. For photographers, this is one of the most scenic spots in the park. At night, the dunes offer incredible stargazing with little light pollution.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Go barefoot or wear sandals—the sand can be scalding hot during the day.
✔️ Bring a scarf or face covering if it’s windy, as sand can blow into your eyes.
✔️ For the best photos, climb the tallest dunes for unobstructed views.

3. Drive Through Artist’s Drive & Artist’s Palette

• Road Length: 9-mile scenic loop (one-way)

• Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for vibrant colors

One of the most unique drives in Death Valley, Artist’s Drive is a winding scenic road that leads to Artist’s Palette, a stunning hillside painted in hues of pink, green, purple, and gold. These colors result from oxidized minerals, creating a surreal, almost Martian landscape.

A short walk from the parking area allows visitors to get a closer look at the colorful hills. The colors are most vivid in late afternoon light, making this an excellent stop before sunset.

Insider Tips:

✔️ This road is not RV-friendly—passenger vehicles only.
✔️ Take your time—there are multiple pullouts for photos.
✔️ Combine with a visit to Golden Canyon, which is nearby.

4. Hike Golden Canyon & Red Cathedral

• Hike Distance: 3 miles round trip

• Difficulty: Moderate

Golden Canyon is one of Death Valley’s most popular hikes, leading through narrow, golden-hued canyons toward Red Cathedral, a towering red rock formation. The trail features smooth canyon walls, unique rock textures, and shaded sections, making it an excellent option for those who want to explore Death Valley’s rugged terrain up close.

For a longer adventure, hikers can continue past Red Cathedral to connect with the Gower Gulch or Badlands Loop for additional scenic views.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Start early—there’s little shade, and midday heat can be dangerous.
✔️ Bring at least 2 liters of water per person.
✔️ Check for flash flood warnings if visiting after rain.

5. Stop at Dante’s View for a Jaw-Dropping Overlook

• Elevation: 5,475 feet

• Best For: Panoramic views of Death Valley

• Best Time to Visit: Sunrise or sunset

Dante’s View is one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in Death Valley, offering a panoramic view of Badwater Basin, the Panamint Mountains, and Telescope Peak. Sitting at 5,475 feet, this overlook provides a much cooler climate than the valley floor, making it a great escape from the extreme heat.

On clear days, you can see both the lowest (Badwater Basin) and highest point (Mount Whitney) in the contiguous U.S. from this one spot!

Insider Tips:

✔️ The road is steep—not recommended for RVs.
✔️ Pack a jacket, as it can be 30-40°F cooler than the valley floor.
✔️ Ideal for stargazing, with some of the darkest skies in the country.

6. Visit the Historic Harmony Borax Works

• Best For: History buffs

• Distance: 0.4-mile loop (easy, accessible)

This short interpretive trail takes visitors through the remains of a 19th-century borax mining operation, including an old 20 Mule Team wagon, which was once used to haul borax across the desert. This site provides a glimpse into Death Valley’s mining history, which played a crucial role in the region’s development.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Visit early morning for cooler temperatures.
✔️ Read the interpretive signs for fascinating mining history.
✔️ Great quick stop—takes about 15-20 minutes to explore.

7. Rhyolite Ghost Town – A Glimpse into the Past

• Location: Just outside Death Valley’s eastern entrance

• Best For: Exploring an abandoned mining town

If you’re fascinated by ghost towns, don’t miss Rhyolite, a once-booming gold rush town that now lies in ruins. Visitors can explore abandoned buildings, a railroad depot, and the famous "Bottle House", which is constructed out of glass bottles.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Visit in late afternoon for golden hour lighting.
✔️ Look for art installations, including the "Last Supper" statues near the entrance.
✔️ Combine with a trip to Titus Canyon, a scenic drive with towering canyon walls.