Best Death Valley National Park Tours and Hiking Trips Package

Death Valley National Park Overview

Straddling the border of California and Nevada lies a land of striking beauty and contrasting landscapes—Death Valley National Park. The park encompasses two stunning valleys in the Mojave Desert: Death Valley and Panamint Valley.

As America’s hottest, driest, and lowest national park, Death Valley National Park symbolizes extremity and diversity. From stunning dunes, colorful badlands, and expansive salt flats to mysterious canyons and towering mountains, the park has it all. 

Despite its contradictory name, Death Valley National Park is full of life. Its extensive flora and fauna attract visitors throughout the world. Once a bustling mining hub, the park is a popular hiking and adventure spot. 

Death Valley National Park Location

Most of the Death Valley Naional Park is in southeastern California, with some parts extending to Nevada in North America. Most of the Death Valley National Park tours begin from Las Vegas, Nevada, which is about 120 miles (193 km) away. The park is also easily accessible from Los Angeles, California, which is about 270 miles (434 km) to the southwest.

Death Valley National Park Attractions

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: Mesquite Dunes are known for their stunning color displays when the ripples and edges of the sand dunes contrast beautifully at sunset and sunrise. It’s a perfect spot for photography and stargazing in the park, 

Zabriskie Point: Another awesome spot for photography, Zabriskie Point is known for its yellow and brown striped hills formed of eroded badlands. The place has been featured in many films including an Italian movie with the same name.

Dante’s View: This 5,476 ft (1,669 m) high viewpoint terrace offers a 360-degree view of Death Valley, along with the surrounding Owlshead Mountains and Funeral Mountains. 

Badwater Basin: At 282 ft (82 m) below sea level, Badwater Basin is North America’s lowest point. This lifeless basin boasts endless salt flats with desert mountains at a far distance.

Artists Palette: Located along the Artists Drive Scenic Loop, Artists Pallete is known for its colorful hills displaying vibrant hues of pink, yellow, purple, and green. This unique array of colors is due to the oxidation of mineral deposits present in the rocks.

Ubehebe Crater: This massive volcanic crater is a hidden gem on your Death Valley National Park itinerary. Formed by a violent volcanic explosion around 2,000 years ago, the half-mile-wide and 600-foot-deep crater offers dramatic views and a unique hiking experience.

Best Time to Visit Death Valley National Park

The best time for a Death Valley National Park hike is around the winter months (December to February). During this period, the weather is quite pleasant with average high temperatures ranging from 65-73°F (18-23°C) and lows between 38-46°F (3-8°C).

If you want to see wildflowers in the valley, visit in spring (mid-February to mid-April). During this time, the desert oasis is full of gold, purple, pink, and white blooms.

The summer months (May to August), although less crowded, are best avoided due to the intense heat in the valley, with maximum temperatures reaching 115°F (46°C).

Things to Do on Death Valley National Park Tour

Hiking: Hike along popular trails in Death Valley National Park like Badwater Salt Flat, Natural Bridge, Badland Loop, Golden Canyon, Dantes Loop, Telescope Peak Trail, and more. 

Camping: Furnace Creek Campground, Sunset Campground, and Stovepipe Wells Campground are some popular campsites in the park where you can stay overnight in nature’s lap.

Mountain Biking: The park has hundreds of miles of roads suitable for biking. Some popular routes are Artist’s Drive, Trail Canyon Road, Salt Creek Road, Hole-in-the-Wall Road, Bicycle Path, and more.

Jeep Safari: Venture out on a drive along the backcountry roads within the park. The journey through the wilderness offers a unique experience with ample opportunities to encounter rare wildlife.

Stargazing: Watch countless stars and celestial objects at popular spots like Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Badwater Basin, Ubehebe Crater and Harmony Borax Works.

Spa and Wellness: Hop to Wellness Sanctuary and The Oasis at Death Valley to get some rejuvenating spa treatments by trained masseuses.

Essential Tips for Death Valley National Park Tour

Layered Clothing: Wear lightweight and breathable clothes in the park during daytime activities. But always carry extra layers as the early morning and night can get chilly.

Stay Hydrated: The park is literally a desert. So, you should carry more than enough water (at least one gallon), even in winter.

Avoid Hiking in Summer: The park features the hottest place on Earth. If you are visiting in summer, limit yourself to sightseeing and driving only. Avoid hiking, as temperatures can soar above 115°F (46°C).

Carry an Offline Map: There’s little to no phone reception in the park. So, if you are planning to rely on a map, it’s best to carry an offline one.

Fill Up Your Tank: Gas stations in the valley are limited—only three, with two offering diesel fuel. Make sure your tank is full before heading into the park via your car.

Respect Park Guidelines: While camping or hiking in the Death Valley National Park, it’s advisable to follow all regulations, stay on marked trails, and keep a safe distance from wildlife.

Death Valley National Park Tour Cost

The best Death Valley National tour packages can cost around $200 to $1200, depending on the services and itineraries you choose. We, at AdventureTripr, offer affordable Death Valley National Park guided tours, customizable according to your budget and preferences. 

Death Valley National Park Tour Accommodation

A number of accommodation options are available within the park like The Inn at Death Valley and The Ranch, both centrally located in the Furnace Creek region, Stovepipe Wells Village in the north, and Panamint Springs Resort in the west of the park. 

Additionally, you can choose to camp at popular campgrounds including Mesquite Springs, Texas Springs, or Sunset Campground. The type of accommodation you stay in depends on your tour package.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Question: How much time does it take to explore Death Valley National Park?

Answer: For the best Death Valley National Park tour experience, you should plan on spending at least 2 to 3 days. This allows you to visit key attractions as well as enjoy some hiking and scenic drives. If you want to explore the park’s more remote areas, consider extending your visit to 4 or 5 days.

Question: Are there permits required to visit Death Valley National Park?

Answer: No special permits are required to visit Death Valley National Park for sightseeing and hiking. However, if you plan to camp or indulge in backcountry hiking or off-road driving, a wilderness permit is required.