Sunrise and Sunset: Magical Moments
A visit to a National Park isn’t complete without witnessing a sunrise or sunset. In Death Valley, sunrises often outperform sunsets due to the park’s north-south orientation and the location of key lookouts. The secret to a great photo is having the sun at your back. Arrive at your chosen spot 30-45 minutes before sunrise or sunset times.
- For Sunrise:
- Dante’s View: About a 35-45 minute drive, offering sweeping views up and down the valley and across to the Panamint Mountains.
- Hell’s Gate: At the junction of Mud Canyon Road and Beatty Cutoff Road, about a half-hour drive from Furnace Creek or Stovepipe Wells. Park at the kiosk and walk across the road. Like Dante’s, it offers great views of the Panamints and down the valley, often with fewer crowds. Bring a chair!
- Zabriskie Point: The easiest to access, with wonderful views of the badlands and Panamints, though it lacks the elevation for a full valley view.
- For Sunset:
- Dante’s View: Its elevation and valley views make it excellent for sunset as well.
- Zabriskie Point: The changing light and shadows on the badlands make this spot work beautifully for both.
- Emigrant Ranger Station: An underrated gem for sunset. Park at the pullout across from the station and take in the sweeping expanse of Death Valley and the Funeral Range. Imagine Stan Jones strumming his guitar as darkness falls and the light plays across the mountaintops.
