Getting to Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park sits in CA, United States, with Death Valley the nearest town of any size — about 0.5 mi (0.8 km) out, or roughly 1 min of driving.
Towns to base yourself in
| 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 |
| China Lake Acres | 67.1 mi (108 km) | 2 hr 2 min |
| Fort Irwin | 67.9 mi (109 km) | 2 hr 4 min |
| Inyokern | 69 mi (111 km) | 2 hr 5 min |
| Lone Pine | 73.7 mi (119 km) | 2 hr 12 min |
| Weldon | 91.3 mi (147 km) | 2 hr 37 min |
How to read these numbers
Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.
Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.
Region pages
Common questions
What is the closest town to Death Valley National Park?
Death Valley, about 0.5 mi (0.8 km) away — roughly 1 min of driving.
Where should I stay when visiting Death Valley National Park?
The practical bases are Death Valley, Searles Valley, and Ridgecrest — all within a reasonable drive of the park.