Death Valley Itineraries

Always begin your Death Valley adventure at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center for the latest park information and safety updates.

Wilderness & Beyond

If you’re seeking a true wilderness experience, Death Valley delivers! 90% of the park is designated wilderness, often starting just 50 feet from most roads. Park safely and explore a nearby side canyon or interesting feature. For more remote adventures:

• Hiking: Consider Cottonwood Canyon, Telescope Peak, or Corkscrew Peak. Note: Most require high clearance, and 4WD is preferred to reach the trailheads. These locations are truly remote with little to no cell service. It’s highly recommended to travel with other vehicles and inform someone of your route and plans.
• Backcountry 4×4: For vehicle-based exploration, try Chloride Cliff Road. For more technical 4×4 routes, look into Mengel Pass or the unmaintained Lippencott Road (between The Racetrack and Saline Valley). These areas also have minimal to no cell coverage; travel in groups and share your itinerary.
• Non-Wilderness Retreat: If rugged adventure isn’t your style, relax by the pool at Furnace Creek Inn, Furnace Creek Ranch, or Stovepipe Wells. A Death Valley sunset from the veranda at Furnace Creek Inn with a Prickly Pear Margarita is an experience in itself!

A Land of Extremes

Death Valley lives up to its superlatives: Hottest, Driest, Lowest, and Biggest. If you want to experience this theme:

• Summer Visit (Late July/Early August): Just driving into the park checks off visiting the Largest National Park in the lower 48 states.
• Lowest & Hottest: Head to Badwater around 2 PM for the full effect. At -282 feet below sea level, it’s the Lowest point in North America, and temperatures can easily hit 125 degrees.
• Driest: There’s a good chance there will have been no rain since February, and humidity can hover around 7%. Get back in your car, crank the AC, and drink water!
• Highest: For the ultimate contrast, it’s a two-hour drive from Badwater to the base of Mount Whitney, the Highest mountain in the lower 48 states. A hike to the summit takes you from -282 feet to 14,505 feet, with temperatures often 60 degrees cooler!

Comfortable Summer Visits

Despite the heat, a summer visit to Death Valley can be very comfortable. The secret? Go high! Take Emigrant Canyon Road to cooler elevations:

• Skidoo Ghost Town (5,700 ft)
• Aguereberry Point (6,433 ft)
• Wildrose Peak Trail (6,000 to 8,010 ft)

You can camp at Wildrose (4,170 ft), Thorndike (7,460 ft), or Mahogany Flats (8,160 ft – the latter two are tent camping only).

Visitor Guides