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.
Death Valley National Park does not gate the entrance itself. Specific roads, hikes, or tours still need a permit or timed ticket.
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 |
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 |
| 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 |
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.