Death Valley National Park: planning guide
Hot, dry basin and range in California. Salt flats, sand dunes, and colorful badlands; summers are extreme.
Death Valley National Park is in CA, United States. The nearest town is Death Valley — roughly 0.5 mi (0.8 km) out, about 1 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: March through May, then October through November. Shoulder season: February and early December.
Summer highs regularly clear 100 °F / 38 °C. Winter is pleasant by day but nights drop below freezing at elevation.
Summer heat is the real hazard, not the crowds. Hike at dawn, skip exposed trails after mid-morning, and never rely on finding water.
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Death Valley | 0.5 mi (0.8 km) | 1 min |
| Searles Valley | 46.2 mi (74.3 km) | 1 hr 32 min |
| Ridgecrest | 63.9 mi (103 km) | 1 hr 58 min |
| Fort Irwin | 67.9 mi (109 km) | 2 hr 4 min |
| Lone Pine | 73.7 mi (119 km) | 2 hr 12 min |
| Weldon | 91.3 mi (147 km) | 2 hr 37 min |
| Barstow | 93.4 mi (150 km) | 2 hr 40 min |
| Barstow Heights | 95.6 mi (154 km) | 2 hr 43 min |
Before you go
Death Valley National Park does not gate the entrance itself. Specific roads, hikes, or tours still need a permit or timed ticket.
| Booking | Covers | How |
|---|---|---|
| Death Valley National Park Wilderness Permits | One hike or backcountry trip | Permit or lottery |
| Scotty's Castle - Death Valley National Park | Guided tour | Timed ticket |
| Death Valley National Park Ranger Programs | Guided tour | Timed ticket |
Camping
| Name | Booking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping | Reservable | — |
| Furnace Creek | Reservable | — |
Permits
| Name | Booking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Death Valley National Park Wilderness Permits | Permit / lottery | — |
Where Death Valley National Park sits
Official Death Valley National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Drive times from Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park sits close enough to Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and Yosemite National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Sequoia National Park | 101 mi (162 km) | 2 hr 50 min |
| Kings Canyon National Park | 110 mi (177 km) | 3 hr 3 min |
| Joshua Tree National Park | 177 mi (285 km) | 4 hr 39 min |
| Yosemite National Park | 188 mi (302 km) | 4 hr 53 min |
Parks close by
- Sequoia National Park
Giant sequoia groves on the western Sierra slope in California. Big trees, granite, and shared access with Kings Canyon.
- Kings Canyon National Park
Deep granite canyon and giant sequoia groves in California’s Sierra. Shares a boundary with Sequoia National Park.
- Joshua Tree National Park
Mojave and Colorado desert meeting in southern California. Twisted Joshua trees, boulder piles, and clear night skies.
- Yosemite National Park
A granite valley and high Sierra country in California. Waterfalls in spring; valley floors get crowded in summer.
Common questions
Where is Death Valley National Park?
Death Valley National Park sits in CA, United States. Death Valley, about 0.5 mi (0.8 km) away — roughly 1 min of driving.
When is the best time to visit Death Valley National Park?
Generally March through May, then October through November, with February and early December quieter on either side.
Can you camp in Death Valley National Park?
Yes — Recreation.gov lists 2 campgrounds at Death Valley National Park. Recreation.gov releases most national park campsites six months before the arrival date, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time. Windows are set per campground, so confirm yours on the Seasons and Fees tab on that campground page.