death valley national park from las vegasdeath valley national park from las vegas

If we visit Death Valley again, we will not hesitate to stay in Stovepipe Wells. The hottest and driest national park in the United States doesn't seem like it would appeal to everyone but if you have time to visit Death Valley National Park (DEVA), located in the Mojave Desert, it will not disappoint. Thanks to the extreme range of elevations in Death Valley, the area is home to a variety of astounding viewpoints. With maybe one more stop! Wish we could print out the directions. The road gets very curvy with several switchbacks near the very end of the drive. Small-Group Death Valley National Park Day Trip from Las Vegas. See the salt flats of Death Valley, visit the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and stop at Hell's Gate. In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Death Valley can get very sunny, be prepared with plenty of sunscreen, hats (preferred wide-brimmed hats), and sunglasses. At this point, you will be in the middle of nowhere. Im saying all this not to scare you. Most stones move once every two or three years, and their track will last about three or four years. If you're staying in Las Vegas but looking to explore some of the Southwestern United States' national parks, there are fortunately several great destinations within driving distance of the Vegas Strip. You can also say goodbye to Death Valley and drive to your next destination. So no long campers or motorhomes. Because of the unique development of the basin and range process in this area, Death Valley contains an extreme range of elevations and is home to a wide variety of different geological formations, including: FUN FACT: The sand dunes in Death Valley National Park have been used to film several iconic films, including Star Wars. DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK: Check out our Death Valley National Park Travel Guide for important travel information, sample itineraries, and how to plan your visit. Next to that is the town of Mercury, Nevada. Xanterra, the resort owner, recently did a multi-million dollar renovation and upgrade to the place. Next up: Death Valley. Beatty is where I would top off my tank, recharge the batteries, in other words, fuel up. Best Price Guarantee Phone: 1-866-983-4279 A photographer's dream, take advantage of the chance to take a short, two-hour trip to the famous Death Valley and admire the pristine and colorful desert vistas. In order to do this hike, rock climbing experience is extremely helpful. And watch your speed as you drive thru town! Death Valley is anything but dead. (The South Rim is the most popular viewing spot, while the North Rim is quieter.). It's the perfect pitstop for sightseeing and backcountry hiking before continuing down to Yosemite Valley. Required fields are marked *. By now, its mid-afternoon. This entire drive is 10 miles and takes about 15 minutes. Pets must always by on a leash or confined. Driving Distance and Times From Las Vegas to Nearby National Parks, How to Travel from Denver to 5 National Parks by Car and Plane, Driving To Monument Valley And Four Corners From Las Vegas. Monument Valley is 400 miles east of Las Vegas and takes about six hours to reach, straddling the border of Utah and Arizona. While some areas are generally devoid of life (such as salt pans and some of the lower slopes of the surrounding mountain ranges), other places where water is more abundant, like the higher mountain ranges, are home to thriving communities of wildlife and vegetation, including: Its unusual geologic profile, unique vegetation, and extreme climate make Death Valley one of the most intriguing places to visit in the country. But if you want to experience sand dunes with few visitors, this is the place to go. Stay to the right of the split, thats Daylight Pass Road and it ends at California Highway 190, turn left. Death Valley Small Group Day Adventure From Las Vegas. There are 4 ways to get from Las Vegas to Death Valley by bus, plane or shuttle Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. You know its popular when the parking lot is enormous and there is an asphalt trail to the viewpoint. Otherwise, driving gets you to Death Valley the fastest. From Las Vegas it is a 2 hour drive to get to Death Valley. The hike is so challenging, in fact, that Tim was the only one of the four of us who could maneuver through all of the obstacles on the trail. These formations are surprisingly sharp and you can be injured. Charleston, Nevada's fifth-tallest peak. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. From Stovepipe Wells, it is a one-hour drive (47 miles) to get to Ubehebe Crater. Box 579 The most popular drive in Death Valley is the Badwater Road. Last updated: March 24, 2023. For Star Wars fans, Dantes View is the Mos Eisley overlook, featured in Star Wars: A New Hope. Drive 6 miles to the entrance to Twenty Mule Team Canyon. You can have a picnic along the Merced River, feel the mist of a waterfall, or marvel at the climbers scaling El Capitan. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow. We do cross into Nevada and then into town. With over 4,000 known archeological sites and over 600 cliff dwellings in the park, you'll be entertained for hours, especially if you're a fan of Native American history and culture. If you are lucky, you may see bighorn sheep in the mountains. In the next few years, mines started closing and banks failed. These colors are from volcanic deposits rich in compounds such as iron oxides and chlorite, which creates a rainbow effect. It'll take you roughly seven hours to reach this breathtaking preserve, but Arches National Park is one of those natural wonders that make you stop and stare, mouth agape, at the geology of the American Southwest. Stovepipe Wells is an oasis in Death Valley. Daytime temperatures are very pleasant (65 to 70F) although it can get cold at night. Las Vegas to Death Valley: The Ultimate Day Trip Guide Looking for tourists speeding down the road. The average high temperatures in February, March, April, and November are in the 60's and 70's and are surprisingly comfortable. Take Bell Vista (becomes Stateline Road in California) to Death Valley Junction and turn right on CA 127, then a quick left on CA 190 to Death Valley. A major downside of the bus, however, is that they depart for Vegas at 2 p.m., seriously limiting your time in Death Valley. From here, its a 27-mile drive (1.5 to 2.5 hours) on a rough, rocky road to get to Racetrack Playa. Where are the Yosemite National Park traveler articles? Check the current weather in Death Valley. March 24, 2022 10 min read For me, one of the best day trips out of Las Vegas is to Death Valley National Park. At 140 miles, its a longer trip but puts you on a wider freeway and allows you to see some sights, such as the strange Amargosa Valley (with its oases of endangered pupfish and the notorious Alien Cathouse brothel). Allow Necessary Cookies & Continue Find all the transport options for your trip from Death Valley National Park to Las Vegas, NV right here. Death Valley covers a huge area, but you can still see many unique and iconic features in a day trip from Las Vegas, as many are concentrated in an area close to the nearest entrance. We had no cell service during our 2.5 days in Death Valley. Highway 160 via Pahrump to Death Valley Junction. You can also stay outside of the park in Beatty or Amargosa Valley (but note this will add a lot of unnecessary driving). Manage Settings Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park is just a short drive away. To get a free backcountry camping permit go to The Furnace Creek Visitor Center or any ranger station. Youll drive over the Salsberry Pass, reaching 3,315 feet, and then drive down into the salt-crusted flats of Badwater Basin, which is the lowest part of Death Valley (282 feet below sea level). As well as the Alien Cathouse (Brothel). There were hotels, stores, a school for 250 children, an ice plant, two electric plants, foundries, machine shops, and even a miners union hospital. As the party climbed out of the valley over the Panamint Mountains, one of the men turned, looked back, and said "goodbye, Death Valley." Look across from the parking lot and up on the side of the mountain, you will see the sign for Sea level. Full tank of fuel. They are located north of Ubehebe Crater. . Death Valley Day Trip from Las Vegas 2023 - Viator Overlooking the colorful badlands of Furnace Creek and beyond to the Panamint Mountains in the distance, this overlook is especially popular at sunrise and sunset. However, once the snow begins to fall, the most direct route along Tioga Pass is closed for the season and requires drivers to make some significant detours, turning the trip into a 12-hour ordeal. Stay hydrated as well as keep people around you hydrated. Rome2Rio makes travelling from Death Valley National Park to Las Vegas, NV easy. Continuing out the 190, we are heading to Zabriski Point. Interstate 95 to Amargosa and then 373 to Death Valley Junction. What Is the Cheapest Way to Get From Las Vegas to Death Valley? 1. Here is our two day Death Valley itinerary from Las Vegas, with options to extend your visit if you have more time. Watch your speed, California Highway patrol watch these roads like a hawk. As the heat fades, visitors start reappearing. Death Valley full day tour from Las Vegas / Watching the sunset & stars Tour is hosted by Death Valley National Park Day Tour from Las Vegas. Routes FROM LAS VEGAS to Death Valley - Death Valley National Park The park also features a Navajo village where children and adults can immerse themselves in live reenactments of tribal customs and traditions. Zabriskie Point affords an elevated vista from which to marvel at the badlands below. Its not really a town. Drive 4 miles and then turn right onto Natural Bridge Road. As you exit the town, on the right is the Goldwell Open Air Museum. Other options include Yosemite, San Francisco, and a road trip that includes Las Vegas, Joshua Tree National Park, and San Diego. Here, visitors marvel at an array of colors (red, orange, yellow, blue, pink, and green), splashed across the hills. And unlike the wilderness-protected dunes of Eureka, Hidden, Panamint Valley, and Ibex, you can sandboard here, if youre into that. They were rescued by two of their young men, William Lewis Manly and John Rogers, who had learned to be scouts. Watch for the turnoff to Salt Creek. The Furnace Creek Golf Course. This is where the government conducted atomic testing in the 1950s into the 1990s. Death Valley National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. There has been much speculation about how the stones move, but recent time lapse photography indicates that the movement results from floating ice. These Are the Most Popular National Parks in the U.S. How to Travel From Las Vegas to Mesa Verde National Park by Car and Bus, How to Travel From Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon by Car, Plane, and Helicopter, 12 National Parks Within Driving Distance of Salt Lake City, 12 National Parks & Memorials Within Driving Distance of Phoenix. Located approximately 130 miles (209 kilometers) from Las Vegas, the easiest way to get to Death Valley is by car but you do have some options for different routes and other modes of transportation. The next stop is literally next door. If you are flying from afar, the nearest airport will be in Las Vegas. Driving directions from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Death Valley National Park, Utah. Actually, its just the opposite. In fact, its so hot that many calculations of the highest daily temperatures in the country omit it as a matter of course. Las Vegas, NV 89109 In our opinion, this was much more interesting than Natural Arch, probably because we only saw one other family while we were here. Twenty Mule Team Canyon is a one-way road through yellow and white mudstone hills. The weather is much more manageable as well. Once you make it to Racetrack Playa, a visit here can last anywhere from one to three hours. However, they did keep a few of its best features: A post office that will give your postcards and letters the official Death Valley postmark. Following early-morning departure, travel via comfortable coach to the park, stopping at highlights like the Rhyolite Ghost Town en route. If youre curious, go for it. Along the way, you'll drive through a few canyons carved out by the Virgin River, so don't miss the opportunity to stop the car and snap some photos. View all 21 images. Why so hot? There is a boardwalk there that follows Salt creek. The little ten-hour loop I present here will whet your appetite for more and there is much more of Death Valley you can explore another time. This was meant to be a very easy, scenic, and fun loop from Las Vegas, through Death Valley, and back to Las Vegas. Stops and things to do on Las Vegas to the Death Valley National Park LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED LAS VEGAS GRAND CANYON TOURS, Southwest Spotlight: 14 Breathtaking Death Valley Viewpoints, 3 Things Youll Find in Death Valley That You Wont Find Anywhere Else in the USA, Top 10 Spots to Peep The Best Southwestern Petroglyphs, Grand Canyon Activities What To Do At The Grand Canyon South Rim, 17 Best New Things To Do In Las Vegas 2023, 12 Days of a Vegas Christmas Your Guide to Christmas in Las Vegas, The Best Las Vegas Halloween Activities in 2022, How Was Bryce Canyon Formed + 6 Other Questions We Know You Have About Bryce Canyon National Park, Las Vegas Bucket List: 20 Things Not To Miss in Las Vegas, What Makes the Southwest Region Unique? There are also small private aviation airstrips located near Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells for those flying themselves. Please Note: The ghost town of Rhyolite is on a mixture offederaland private land. Park in the parking area if you want a close up look at these hills. Via Beatty and Rhyolite. The entire trip has many photo opportunities. Canyon Tours is a Las Vegas-owned and operated tour agency that specializes in discounted Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas. The spectacular views from Zabriskie Point are some of the most photographed in Death Valley National Park. At first, they were above-ground atomic tests. Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. I cannot save this article to print? As a day trip, it can be done as a loop in about ten hours with plenty of stops for photos and exploring. This is the largest base for the US Air Force drone operations. Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between. Fill up your tank with gas before arriving in Death Valley. Badwater Basin-282 feet below sea level-is not only the lowest place in the park, it's the lowest in North America. There may be brief periods of rain during the winter months, and if this occurs during your visit, you may want to skip Racetrack Playa. The thick branches of Joshua trees are gnarly, but their grotesque appearance has fascinated humans since Indigenous people in the area first arrived in the desert. No, they do not give free tours and NO free samples! How to Spend One Day in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. They moved the houses down here after Hoover Dam was completed in 1935. For information on where you can camp and regulations go to Backcountry Camping. If you are heading west out of Death Valley, consider a visit to Darwin Falls in Panamint Springs, a surprising oasis on the edge of the park. Enjoy the view but skip the hikes (there are better ones to do later today). These trees only exist in the Southwest, and the ecological conditions of the national park make it one of the best places to see these mighty beings. For the average tourist, Death Valley is a great place to visit for a day or two. Be sure to go across the road for a dramatic view of the salt fields below. The view from here is pretty spectacular, and we wanted to save time for everything else we had planned today, so we did not hike the entire rim. However, the summer months, June thru September are the worst with most days and nights well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit(37degrees Celsius). Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox, Zeke Quezada is a travel writer specializing in Las Vegas and the author of "Restaurants in Las Vegas: The Best for Less. Andrea Bennett is TripSavvy's Las Vegas expert. Shop Amazon. If you look closely, you can see a road running through the valley to Badwater Basin. Lush oases harbor tiny fish and refuge for wildlife and humans. The best preserved ghost town in the Death Valley area is Rhyolite, located just outside the park near Beatty, Nevada. Keep them charged and ready for action. Private Tour: Death Valley National Park from Las Vegas By National Park Express 0 reviews This unique park is a land of extremes that will surprise and delight you. The world record, highest air temperature of 134F (57C) was recorded here on July 10, 1913 at Furnace Creek Ranch. For a list of must-have experiences, read our article Best Things to Do in Death Valley National Park. Box 579 You will soon pass an area known as Lathrop Springs/Jackass Flats and the Area 51 Alien Center. Arches National Park is about 450 miles from Las Vegas, right outside the town of Moab, Utah. Upon arrival, visit Zabriskie Point to experience one of the park's most famous views a maze of wildly eroded and vibrantly colored badlands. This is not a hike for young kids (under the age of 12) or those without hiking and rock scrambling experience. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. The best place to view the bloom is in the south part of the park, around Badwater Basin towards Furnace Creek. Its a rather unexciting walk up a large gravel trail to a stone arch in the canyon. There are two routes to choose from: NV-160 through Pahrump and Death Valley Junction or US-95 through Indian Springs and Amargosa Valley. LEARN MORE: Grotto Canyon Hike: Are You Up for the Challenge? You may stop at the convenience store across the street to watch, but do NOT pull off on the side of the road. Outside the city limit, you will see the exits to Mt Charleston, Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort, and Cold Creek, home to High Desert State Prison (OJ Simpson spent some time there). Cold drinks, snacks, and fuel. Dress appropriately for evolving weather conditions, Long sleeve shirts, closed-toe shoes, and long pants for hiking. Be sure to pay attention to the weather at the destination and along the route. Other attractions include Half Dome, a large slab of granite cut in half by glaciers, and the famous Mariposa Grove, home to over 200 sequoia trees, some of which are over 1,500 years old. Daytime temperatures in the winter can be around 65 to 70 degrees (it gets cold at night), and Death Valley is generally least crowded between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The landscape here is gorgeous, in a chalky, desolate sort of way. It was our favorite part of our Death Valley trip! This giant crater was caused by a volcanic eruption, and measures about half a mile wide and 400 feet deep. Whitney, the highest mountain peak in the contiguous United States (14,505 feet, 4,421 meters). Don't forget to save the park for offline use before you arrive. Combining Nevada's gorgeous deserts and California's finest parks and forests into an epic adventure, the road trip from Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park is one you'll remember forever. From Las Vegas: Death Valley Day Tour | GetYourGuide Hikes through the park offer plenty of opportunities to gawk at the trees and snap photos, and, if you have the time, the park is considered one of the best places for camping in the U.S. Zion National Park in Utah is only 168 miles from Las Vegas, making it between a two and three-hour drive from the city. Both Twenty Mule Team Canyon and Golden Canyon were featured, both places you will visit later today. Climb the ladder to Balcony House or crawl between rocks to get to Cliff Palace, and youll begin to imagine how these ancient people lived. From Death Valley you can return to Las Vegas. If you want to camp in the park, there are three overnight campgrounds. Borax was mined from this area 100 years ago. The valley floor is 282 feet (86m) below sea level. Visit the National Park Service site to get the latest on road closures. It sits at an elevation of 282 feet below sea level, making it the lowest point of elevation in North America, and the second lowest point of elevation in the entire western hemisphere. In front of you stands the historic Inn at Death Valley. You will need to have your own transportation. Staying overnight is also the best way to see all of the top sights around Death Valley, from Badwater Basin to the Salt Flat. The closest U.S. National Park that you can reach from Las Vegas is Death Valley, just 120 miles away across the state border in California. The Narrows is perhaps the most iconic hike in Zion, winding for 16 miles through a stream in a slotted canyon. The most popular places to see sunrise are: Dantes View, Zabriskie Point, and the sand dunes. The average winter temperature hangs around a balmy 65-76 degrees perfect for people looking for a warm escape from their regular snowy climate. Turn right at the stop sign and Eddies World/Chevron is a little way down the road on your left. We also saw more young kids here than anywhere else in the park. The roads, for the most part, are straight, empty roads where you can see for miles. If you only have one day in Death Valley, follow our itinerary for Day 1. Grand Canyon . Summer hiking is not recommended except in the early morning hours and in the mountains. During our visit, we saw SUVs without 44 doing just fine. There are very limited restaurant options in Death Valley. It isnotwithin the boundary of Death Valley National Park. PDF Routes from Las Vegas - U.S. National Park Service When To Book Your National Park Summer Camping Trip. About one mile down the road is a pay station. Wild burros are frequent sightings. Youre welcome! ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each point of interest. We saw many people with sleds, sliding down the steeper dunes. Mesa Verde is 500 miles east of Las Vegas, taking eight hours of nonstop driving. Death Valley National Park is a great way to explore some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in the United States. This is the shortest route at 111 miles. At Artists Palette, as well as the path to the right as you exit the loop, was used for some of the scenes in the original Star Wars movie. Death Valley Tour | Death Valley National Park Tour From Las Vegas No matter the time of the year, visitors should be prepared for extreme heat, dry conditions, cold, wind, and even dust storms. 3. Stay on roads with your vehicle, driving off designated roads is prohibited. The financial panic of 1907 took its toll on Rhyolite and was seen as the beginning of the end for the town. It is located 18 miles south of the Furnace Creek Visitor Center on the Badwater Road (CA 178).