The Ultimate Death Valley Road Trip

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Death Valley is the lower 48’s largest national park. As such, it offers some of the most breathtaking and diverse landscapes ranging from snowcapped mountain peaks to desolate salt pans and sand dunes. What better way to explore it all than on the open road? Here’s how to make the most of a Death Valley road trip.

figure in distance on giant sand dune in death valley

Before You Road Trip Death Valley

Death Valley has more than earned its English name. Although perishing from the direct heat is not a common occurrence nowadays, unprepared travelers still die each year while visiting the park. Before your road trip, be sure to stock up on gas, snacks, and water. There are two expensive gas stations within the actual park, but Death Valley is the last place you want to be stranded. Some other essentials to bring include money for the national park fee, closed-toe shoes (the sand gets hot!) and sun protection.

Trip map created using Wanderlog, a trip planner

Las Vegas to Death Valley

If you are like me, you will start your Death Valley drive from the nearest major city of Las Vegas. The easiest route is to follow the 190 from Las Vegas all the way into Panamint Springs. Aside from one out and back detour down Badwater Road, the 190 takes you through most of the sights worth seeing.

Zabriskie Point

Since I started my road trip from Las Vegas, Zabriskie Point was the natural starting place for my road trip. Zabriskie is right off the 190 and is one of the first stopping places you will encounter at about 2 hours from Vegas. From the large parking lot, it has an easy sidewalk that leads to a brick overlook. Although Zabriskie isn’t the most stunning stop in the park, it is a nice warm-up for the views to come.

Devil’s Golf Course

Once you are back on the 190, you will want to turn left onto Badwater Road to reach some of the more iconic stops in Death Valley.

Devil’s Golf Course is only an 18-minute drive from Zabriskie Point. Keep a lookout for a small sign on the side of the road as the right turn approaches quickly. However, if you visit during the peak season you will probably spot the dust trails of a few cars navigating the mile drive down the gravel path to get to the parking lot. Once you park in the small parking circle, you are free to get out and walk among the rocks.

girl walking through Devil's Golf Course

Devil’s Golf Course is so named because of the calf-high rocks crusted with rock salt crystal formations. It ended up being one of the most memorable and bizarre places I’ve ever been to. It was also the least crowded stop in Death Valley. Remember to wear foot and ankle protection or you will certainly leave with knicks from the jagged crystals. (That will then burn from the salt- firsthand experience!) Along with the risk of cuts, be sure to watch your footing so you don’t crush any delicate salt formations.

Salt formations at Devil's Golf Course close-up

girl at Devil's Golf Course in Death Valley

Badwater Basin

Another 17 minutes down Badwater Road will take you to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America. This title also makes it one of the most popular places in the park. The turnout is easy to find, although parking will be difficult because of the crowds. It is also one of the few places to find a bathroom. From the parking lot, you have access to what is essentially a long salt walkway. You can see a few of the famous hexagonal salt formations to the left and right of the salt walkway but they don’t really compare to the phenomena at Devil’s Golf Course. You can follow the walkway (and the crowd) over a mile into the desert, but don’t expect to find anything different at the end. And keep in mind, you have to make the same treck back.

girl at and crowds at Badwater Basin in Death Valley — Reality

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

Once you’ve experienced all that Badwater Road has to offer, complete your Death Valley road trip with incredible sand dunes. Head back to the 190 and continue on for 30 minutes to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. The parking lot is very accessible and it is easy to spot the giant dunes from the road. Plan ahead by bringing towels, wet wipes and a change of clothes to make your drive back bearable. And prepare to spend the most time here because the hike out to the taller dunes is totally worth it.

Check out my Instagram for even more Death Valley goodness!

Mesquite flat sand dunes in Death Valley

Other Death Valley Road Trip Stops

If you have the time, these are the places I will be visiting on my next trip.

Dante’s Viewpoint: a detour before you get to Zabriskie with a much longer drive to get to
Artist’s Drive: just before Devil’s Golf Course, you can see some of the colorful hills from Badwater Road
Salt Creek Interpretive Trail: the only place to see the elusive pupfish!
Father Crowley Overlook: the last overlook just past Panamint Springs