Itinerary · 2 days · California & Nevada
2 Days in Death Valley National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
Two days is enough to see the best of Death Valley National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.
Best time to go: Nov–Mar. Closest major airport: Las Vegas (LAS), about 2 hours.
Day 1: The icons
- Morning: Stand at Badwater Basin, 282 feet below sea level. Start early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: Watch sunrise at Zabriskie Point.
- Evening: Walk the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
Day 2: Go deeper
- Morning: Drive Artists Drive at golden hour.
- Afternoon: See the view from Dante's View.
Fill your tank before entering. Gas inside the park is limited and expensive, and distances between sights are long.
When to go
The best time to visit Death Valley National Park is November–March.
Best time to visit Death Valley, month by month · What to pack
Questions
How many days do you need in Death Valley National Park?
Two full days covers the highlights: stand at badwater basin, 282 feet below sea level and watch sunrise at zabriskie point on day one, then drive artists drive at golden hour on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.
When is the best time for this Death Valley itinerary?
Go in Nov–Mar, when the park is rated at its best. November through February offer the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.
Can you do Death Valley in one day?
You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss drive artists drive at golden hour. Two days is the sweet spot.