Death Valley National Park
Artists Palette
Location: California
Permit: no
Death Valley is such a unique park, and I highly recommend going if you can, but it is really spread out and requires a lot of driving. The length of the road through the park is 290 km (190miles) long, meaning you need to plan accordingly.
Recommended time: 1-2 days
Day 1 – Sand, Salt, and the Lowest Point in North America
Zabriskie Point – Sunrise
Start your day early at Zabriskie Point for a stunning sunrise. The viewpoint is just a short, paved walk from the parking lot.
If you're up for more, the Badlands Loop Trail starts from the viewpoint.
Distance: 4.3 km (2.7 mi) loop
Time: Around 2 hours, depending on your pace and if you stop to explore the badlands.
The trail is exposed, so try to get here early before the heat sets in.
For a longer hike, consider combining Zabriskie Point with Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch to create a bigger loop.
Full loop: 7.9 km (4.9 mi)
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
After sunrise, head to Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, about a 25-minute drive from Zabriskie Point. The dunes are massive and you can wander as far as you like—no specific trail, just endless sand dunes. It’s best to visit before the heat sets in, and I recommend hiking up the biggest dunes for optimal photos and views.
Mustard Canyon Trail
From the dunes, drive 10 minutes to Mustard Canyon for a short 2.4 km (1.5 mi) loop. The canyon’s yellow-toned badlands are super vibrant and it is an easy walk after hiking up sand dunes!
Badwater Basin (Great Basin lake area) – Seasonal
Next, head south toward Badwater Basin, about 20-30 minutes away. If you’re lucky and visiting after a rare rainstorm, you might catch a glimpse of Lake Manly, a seasonal lake that forms in the basin. Even if it's dry, the salt flats at Badwater Basin are 85.5 meters / 282 feet below sea level, the lowest point in North America!
Dante’s View
From Badwater Basin, take a 45-minute drive to Dante’s View. This overlook sits high above the valley, giving you a panoramic view of Death Valley below.
Artist’s Drive + Artist’s Palette
End your day with a drive along Artist’s Drive, which is about 20 minutes from Dante’s View. The road takes you through colorful hills known as Artist’s Palette, where the volcanic rocks are streaked with vibrant colors of red, purple, green, and gold. The late afternoon light makes these colors pop, so it’s best to visit at this time.
Optional: Sunset at Zabriskie Point
If you’re not too tired, head back to Zabriskie Point for sunset.
Day 2 – Canyons, Craters, and the Quiet Corners
Start early again—you’ll be making a full loop today.
Devil’s Golf Course – Quick stop
Jagged salt formations that stretch forever. It’s weird, sharp, and worth the 10-minute wander. Then head north.
Ubehebe Crater – 113 km (70 mi) from Devil’s Golf Course / about 1.5 hours - don’t underestimate the time needed for this drive.
Massive volcanic crater with a loop trail around the rim.
Loop distance: 1.5 km (1 mi)
Option to hike down inside, but it’s a steep climb back up.
This is the northernmost point of your loop. It’s remote but super unique and gives a totally different feel than the valley floor.
Mosaic Canyon – 6.4 km (4 mi) round trip
On your way back south, stop at Mosaic for marble walls, narrows, and fun scrambles. It’s not technical, but you’ll be climbing around a bit. Go as far as you like—this one’s more about the experience than reaching an endpoint.
Optional Add-Ons:
Titus Canyon if it’s open and you have a high-clearance vehicle (starts near Ubehebe, ends near Furnace Creek—cool one-way dirt road through narrows and old mining ruins).
20 Mule Team Canyon – short scenic loop near Zabriskie on your way out for a colourful drive.
Stargazing – Death Valley is a dark sky park.