Death Valley

California

Unique desert landscape with lowest elevation point in North America.

Difficulty

Intermediate - Advanced

Best Season

October - April

Type

Desert

Overview

Death Valley is the hottest, driest, and lowest place in North America. The park contains stark desert beauty with colorful badlands, sand dunes, and mountain vistas. Best visited October-April due to extreme summer heat.

Best for: Desert enthusiasts, photographers, experienced desert campers

Size & Scale

Area: 3,468,339 acres

Elevation: -282 ft (Badwater Basin) to 11,043 ft (Telescope Peak)

Trails: 100

Permits & Fees

Backcountry permit required; free, available online

Learn more →

Camping & Accommodations

9 campgrounds; Furnace Creek often full (make reservations)

Available Campgrounds

• Furnace Creek Campground
• Sunrise Campground
• Sunset Campground
• Stovepipe Wells
• Panamint Springs Resort

Must-Visit Trails

Badwater Basin

Easy

0.2 mi

Lowest point in North America

Dunes Trail

Moderate

3 mi

Sand dunes, sunset photography

Golden Canyon

Moderate

6.4 mi

Colored badlands

Telescope Peak

Very Hard

14 mi

Summit views across desert

Wildlife & Nature

Wildlife Present

Desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, roadrunners, lizards, snakes

Wildlife Viewing Tips

Early morning; bighorn sheep at water sources

Camping Essentials

Packing Tips

EXTREME HEAT in summer (120°F+); visit Oct-Apr. Carry extreme amounts of water (1+ gallon/person/day). No shade available.

Hazards to Know

Extreme heat, dehydration, isolation, dust storms, flash floods (rare)

Water Access

Rare; most water at campgrounds; carry plenty

Accessibility

Badwater Basin accessible; most scenic overlooks accessible by car

Ready to Visit?

Use our trip planning tools to prepare for your adventure.

Trip Planning Tools →