Death Valley National Park
CA,NV
Park Alerts (3)
About Death Valley National Park
In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet, each extreme has a striking contrast. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow.
Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. Lush oases harbor tiny fish and refuge for wildlife and humans. Despite its morbid name, a great diversity of life thrives in Death Valley.
Things To Do
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Explore Wildflowers in Death Valley
Learn about the different flowers you might be able to see in Death Valley during spring months.
Bird Watching
Roadrunners and ravens and hummingbirds- oh my! With many resident and migratory species, bird watching opportunities abound in Death Valley.
Harmony Borax Works Self Guided Walk
Harmony Borax Works was instrumental in drawing people to Death Valley in the late 1800s and in the subsequent popularity of the Furnace Creek area. The 1/4 mi (0.4 km) paved walking path at this site takes visitors back in time by exploring the ruins of the plant and associated townsite and an original twenty mule team wagon.
Drive Twenty Mule Team Canyon
A short scenic drive along an unpaved road through colorful badlands.
Tour Artists Drive
Enjoy a scenic drive through a geologic rainbow! Artists Drive is a one-way, nine mile (14.5 km) drive which passes through eroded, colorful desert hills. Artists Palette (a viewpoint) has the most colorful scenery along the road.
Experience Death Valley at Night
Death Valley is just as spectacular at night as it is during the day- learn about a few ways you can explore the park after dark.
Available Activities
Weather
SPRING is the most popular time to visit Death Valley. Warm and sunny days with the possibility of spring wildflowers is a big attraction. SUMMER starts early in Death Valley.
By May the valley can be scorching hot. AUTUMN arrives in late October, with warm but pleasant temperatures and generally clear skies. WINTER has cool days, chilly nights and rarely, rainstorms.
With snow capping the high peaks and low angled winter light, this season is especially beautiful for exploring the valley.
Getting There
There are multiple entrances to the park. Click below to learn the best ways to travel to Death Valley.
Plan Your Visit
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Death Valley National Park
The park is open daily all year.
Entrance Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
All visitors, including Non-US residents, may purchase and utilize this entrance fee. Purchasing this entrance fee allows all persons traveling in one single private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van/RV/aircraft) to leave and re-enter the park as many times as they wish during the 7-day period from the date of purchase.
Entrance - Motorcycle
All visitors, including Non-US residents, may purchase and utilize this entrance fee. Purchasing this entrance fee allows all persons traveling on 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles to leave and re-enter the park as many times as they wish during the 7-day period from the date of purchase.
Entrance - Per Person
All visitors, including Non-US residents, may purchase and utilize this entrance fee. Purchasing this entrance fee allows a single individual traveling on foot or individuals traveling on one bicycle to leave and re-enter the park as many times as they wish during the 7-day period from the date of purchase.
Commercial Entrance - Per Person
1 - 15 Passenger Vehicle: $15 per person. In addition to the entrance fees listed below, additional permits are required for commercial groups, special park uses (weddings, memorialization, group events, etc.), commercial film and photography, research, and more.
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
16 - 25 Passenger Vehicle: $100 In addition to the entrance fees listed below, additional permits are required for commercial groups, special park uses (weddings, memorialization, group events, etc.), commercial film and photography, research, and more.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
26 + Passenger Vehicle: $200 In addition to the entrance fees listed below, additional permits are required for commercial groups, special park uses (weddings, memorialization, group events, etc.), commercial film and photography, research, and more.
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
Non-commercial Groups (e.g., Scout groups, church groups, etc.) entering in a vehicle with a capacity of 16 persons or more are charged per-person for each person on board, not to exceed $200.
Entrance - Education/Academic Groups
National Park Service regulations allow school groups and other approved national and international academic institutions to obtain a waiver of Park entrance fees, provided that visit is for educational or scientific purposes, and the resources or facilities that the group intends to use, support those purposes. Submit your waiver through the link below at least one month prior to your visit.