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20 best Death Valley hikes and Death Valley backpacking

There are tonnes of Death Valley hikes and knowing where to start can be tricky.

From Death Valley backpacking hikes over multiple days, to amazing day hikes in Death Valley National Park where you’ll witness colorful rocks, cool rock formations, the amazing Badwater Salt Flats, and incredible mountain views, there are just so many incredible things to see in Death Valley.

I’ll be honest, I didn’t have many expectations for Death Valley.

I’d never really heard much about it apart from the fact it gets super hot.

But on our visit to Death Valley during our big USA road trip, not only did it pour down with rain more than it did at any other point during our trip, but I was genuinely surprised about how pretty the park is.

In fact, I’d put it out there that Death Valley National Park was one of my favorite American National Parks from our visit.

If, like me, you like hiking, then perhaps you’re wondering about the hikes in Death Valley National Park.

Whilst you’re not going to want to hike across Badwater Basin in the height of summer, there are still plenty of hiking trails in Death Valley.

I’ve picked out some of the best hikes in Death Valley below, along with some other useful information to help you plan your trip to this National Park in California.

death valley national park

Death Valley map

Below is a map of Death Valley National Park. It includes both a map of all the best things to do in Death Valley from my Death Valley travel guides as well as the best Death Valley hiking trails so you can see where things are in relation to others.

You can simply click on the image of the map below (or here) and it’ll open up into Google Maps so you can view this on your phone or computer as you’re planning your trip and looking for Death Valley trails to hike.

I’d also recommend getting AllTrails+ since there’s very limited cell service in the park. With AllTrails+ you can download the maps to use offline so you can still see if you’re on track as you hike in Death Valley.

AllTrails is my go-to hiking app for finding, planning, and navigating while I’m out on the trails. With offline maps on AllTrails+ you can be confident you’re still on the right track, even without mobile signal.

Best hikes in Death Valley National Park

Some of the best hikes in Death Valley are day hikes. Take a look at these day hikes for some ideas for your Death Valley itinerary! All distances refer to a round trip hike except if otherwise stated.

Also note that distances and times to hike them are approximations and you should do additional planning before going on any of these hikes.

Always check trail conditions and closures with Park Rangers or on the Park’s website before heading out.

death valley national park

Zabriskie Point

  • Distance: 0.4 miles / 0.6 km
  • Duration: 10 minutes
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Elevation Gain: Minimal
  • Trail map

Zabriskie Point is one of the best things to see in Death Valley National Park and it’s a very easy and short walk to get to this beautiful overlook.

The path is accessible and so it’s a great hike in Death Valley with family and kids too.

The views of the iconic badlands are incredible, especially during sunrise and sunset when the scenery transforms with violet, pink, and gold colors.

From Zabriskie Point, you’ll see Manly Beacon, Red Cathedral, and a formation known as the giant elephant toes.

You can make this a longer walk if you like by heading out further from the observation point to enjoy views from the summit of each hill.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

  • Distance: 2.8 miles / 4.5 km
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Elevation Gain: 207 ft / 63m
  • Trail map

The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are a playground for adventure lovers visiting Death Valley.

There’s no formal trail to follow so you’re free to explore the dunes as you see fit. This means you get to shape your own adventure which is super fun as you can seek out the best photo spots, and roam up and over the tunes.

Most people want to head out to the tallest dune in the Mesquite Sand Duns which is where the trail map linked above heads out to.

darwin falls death valley

Darwin Falls

  • Distance: 1.9 miles / 3.1 km
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Elevation Gain: 233 ft / 71 m
  • Trail map

If you thought Death Valley National Park was all desert, then the Darwin Falls hike will take you by surprise.

This Death Valley hike takes you to a waterfall in one of the driest places in the country.

The path is a bit rocky and tricky in places, but it’s not too hard to follow as you make your way along a desert wash and into a canyon with tall, dramatic rock walls.

When you get further in, you’ll have to cross a couple of streams and navigate some overgrown vegetation before you reach the clearing where the waterfall is. Beware of slippery rocks!

Once you reach the end you’ll come out at the waterfall which is a surprisingly lush area.

Note: swimming at the waterfall is not allowed.

salt creek interpretive trail death valey

Salt Creek Interpretive Trail

  • Distance: 0.8 miles / 1.3 km
  • Duration: 30 minutes – 5 hours
  • Elevation: Minimal
  • Trail map

Salt Creek Interpretive Trail is a fun and accessible hike in Death Valley that takes you on a wooden boardwalk alongside the creek.

The best time for this hike is definitely between February and April when the Salt Creek Pupfish are spawning. The Death Valley pupfish are endemic to the region and are classified as endangered so seeing them is very cool.

This trail also has signage that tells you all about the adaptation and survival of the pupfish in the harsh conditions of the Mojave Desert. I found it super interesting to learn about.

artists palette death valley

Artists Drive + Artist’s Palette

  • Distance: 0.3 miles / 0.5 km
  • Duration: 10 minutes +
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on how far and high you choose to climb
  • Elevation Gain: 108 ft / 33 m
  • Trail map

Artist’s Drive and Artist’s Palette are definitely some of the Death Valley must-sees.

The trail linked above takes you from the road to a viewpoint where you’ll look at the Artist’s Palette, so called because the mineral deposits paint the hills with lavender, blues, greens, pinks, reds, and browns.

To get to this area, you’ll need to do the scenic Artist’s Drive to Artist’s Palette Viewpoint. There’s no real trail after that point, so you can wander as you please to view the painted hills up close.

This area gets even prettier at sunset and sunrise with the gentle sunlight making the colors more vibrant!

grotto canyon death valley hike

Grotto Canyon

  • Distance: 2.2 miles / 3.5 km
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Difficulty: Moderate – hard due to some scrambling required
  • Elevation: 640 ft / 195 m
  • Trail map
  • Note: A 4WD vehicle is needed to get to the trailhead.

The Grotto Canyon trail is something of a hidden gem in Death Valley National Park.

This is a fun trail that includes a mix of scrambling and hiking as you make your way into the canyon.

The trail begins relatively easily, but soon the canyon narrows and you’ll first need to navigate a 15-foot climb up a rocky surface followed by scrambling up another section of the trail.

Then, there’s a challenging 8-foot chimney climb that is pretty fun if you’re okay with scrambling.

desolation canyon death valley hike

Desolation Canyon

  • Distance: 3.6 miles / 5.8 km
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Difficulty: Challenging
  • Elevation Gain: 784 ft / 239 m
  • Alltrails+ map

The Desolation Canyon trail is a great hike into Death Valley National Park’s designated wilderness area.

With colorful mineral deposits and unique rock formations, this is one of the most interesting trails for exploring the park’s volcanic landscapes.

There’s a decent amount of climbing and scrambling required on this trail which makes it a bit more challenging despite the fact that it’s not long or steep.

As you start the hike, you’ll enter a wide gulch that narrows out quickly, and then at about 1 mile into the hike there’s a wall with handholds you’ll need to scramble up and over.

There are also some smaller canyons that you can explore along the way too.

At the far point of the trail, you’ll get views over Artist’s Drive, and the Black Mountains.

golden canon gower gulch death valley

Gower Gulch Loop in the Golden Canyon

  • Distance: 4.2 miles / 6.8 km
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Elevation: 715 ft / 218 m
  • Trail map

Golden Canyon is one of Death Valley National Park’s most popular attractions and it’s even been featured in a few of the Star Wars scenes!

The best way to explore this area, in my opinion, is to combine the Golden Canyon Trail with the Gower Gulch Trail. This makes for a fun and moderately challenging hike with some scrambling as you make your way over the colorful rocks up to the Red Cathedral.

After passing Manly Beacon, you can either return to the parking lot to complete the loop or descend into Gower Gulch. While there’s no firm trail leading down into the Gulch, seeing it is very cool, and exiting the wash at the bottom is relatively easy.

sidewinder canyon

Sidewinder Canyon

  • Distance: 4.3 miles / 6.3 km
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Elevation: 1047 ft / 319 m
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail map

Sidewinder Canyon in Death Valley isn’t particularly easy to find as there are no signs pointing to the trailhead which is in the Death Valley Wilderness area.

Once on the trail, you’ll need to climb over ledges that are about 2 meters high and squeeze through tight spaces. It’s these types of obstacles on this hiking trail in Death Valley that make it fun!

At the end of the hike, you’ll be able to enjoy views of the salt flat at the edge of the canyon. You can even extend your hike a bit by walking out onto it (just not in the middle of the day in summer!).

Ubehebe Crater death valley

Little Hebe Crater Trail + Ubehebe Crater Trail

  • Distance: 1.8 miles / 2.9 km
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Elevation: 357 ft / 109 m
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail map

Little Hebe and Ubehebe Crater Trails is one of the best easy hikes in Death Valley National Park where you’ll get to check out some incredible volcanic craters.

You’ll honestly feel like you’re on another planet!

Ubehebe Crater is one of about a dozen craters in the Ubehebe volcanic field but it’s the largest and youngest. Geologists estimate that the explosion occurred 6,000 to 10,000 years ago and some studies suggest it may have been even more recent! In geological terms, that’s like a baby!

As you hike along the rim you’ll get some amazing views of the craters and if you’re up for it, you can brave the steep, gravelly path down into the belly of the crater, getting an up-close view of smaller craters and fascinating erosion patterns.

But be careful – the way back up is steep and the loose gravel makes it a challenging climb.

Hiking this trail in a counter-clockwise direction is generally recommended so that you can complete the more strenuous uphill climb at the beginning of the hike, making the rest of the journey more enjoyable.

death valley national park

Badlands Loop Trail

  • Distance: 2.7 miles / 4.3 km
  • Duration: 1 hour 15
  • Elevation: 413 ft / 126 m
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail map

The Badlands Loop Trail from Zabriskie Point starts with a gradual descent into the heart of the Badlands, which is known for its ridges and vibrant streaks of color.

As you walk down the trail, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful scenery and get up close with some of Death Valley’s top attractions, including Manly Beacon and Red Cathedral.

You can choose to go left towards Gower Gulch or right out of the wash, with the latter giving you more scenic views of the badlands.

natural bridge death valley national park california

Natural Bridge Canyon Trail

  • Distance: 1.4 miles / 2.3 km
  • Duration: 50 mins
  • Elevation: 449 ft / 137 m
  • Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
  • Trail map

The Natural Bridge Canyon Trail is a relaxed, fairly easy hike that takes you through a beautiful canyon, leading you to a super cool natural bridge carved out of the rock by nature.

The start of the trail takes you up a small hill and then along a gravel path into the mouth of the canyon.

The canyon narrows before it opens up under the impressive natural bridge where you can get some cool photos.

telescope peak trail

Telescope Peak

  • Distance: 12 miles / 19.6 km
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Elevation: 3245 ft / 989 m
  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Trail map

Telescope Peak is the highest point in Death Valley National Park at 11,049 feet above sea level.

It’s a challenging hike to reach the summit but you’ll get some absolutely amazing views.

The journey begins on the eastern slope of the Panamint Mountains and starts with a pretty tree-lined trail and then 2.5 miles up the trail you’ll come out into a meadow. In the spring this can be full of wildflowers which makes the area even prettier.

You can also camp here if you’ve got a permit for backpacking.

After some (okay, a lot) of climbing and switchbacks you’ll finally reach the summit of Telescope Peak and get incredible views of Badwater Basin and even Mount Whitney in the distance.

mosaic canyon death valley

Mosaic Canyon Trail

  • Distance: 3.4 miles / 5.5 km
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Elevation: 965 ft / 294 m
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail map

The Mosaic Canyon Trail is a popular hike in Death Valey Park where you’ll walk along a relatively flat trail to the narrows where the canyon walls have some super interesting marble patterns.

The trail gradually gets more demanding, with a bit of rock scrambling and climbing to get to the next series of narrows.

You can always turn back before the scrambling, but if you want to add an extra. funelement to this hike then the scrambling is a good option.

Note: Mosaic Canyon is the site of frequent flash floods (do not enter if there is a chance of rain!)

wildrose peak death valley hikes

Wildrose Peak

  • Distance: 7.8 miles / 12.6 km
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Elevation: 2487 ft / 758 m
  • Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
  • Trail map

From the summit of Wildrose Peak, you’ll get 360-degree views of the park around you but even the trail is an interesting one.

You’ll start close by to the historic Wildrose Charcoal Kilns which were built in 1877! Then, you’ll enjoy walking through pined woodland, and you start to get views of Death Valley around 3 km into the trail. There’s then a steep section before you can relax at the saddle and regain your energy before tackling the final ascent to the summit.

ibex dunes trail death valley national park

Ibex Dunes Trail

  • Distance: 5 miles / 8.2 km
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Elevation: 531 ft / 162 m
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail map

The Ibex Dunes trail is only accessible via the park’s roughest road so a 4×4 is definitely recommended. But if you’ve got a 4×4 and make it here, you’re in for a much more peaceful experience in this part of the park.

At the dunes you’ll be able to walk as long and as far as you like, though the ‘trail’ above goes on for 5 miles, you don’t need to stick to it.

Do bear in mind that hiking in sand dunes is tricky since you’ll slip and slide on the sand a bit, it’s far harder than solid ground!

badwater basin death valley

Badwater Salt Flats

  • Distance: 1.9 miles / 3.1 km
  • Duration: 30 mins
  • Elevation: Minimal
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trail map

A visit to Death Valley National Park wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the mesmerizing Badwater Basin Salt Flats trail, the lowest point in North America, at a staggering 282 feet below sea level.

This enormous salt flat stretches for over 200 square miles, creating a surreal landscape for as far as you can see.

A ramp from the parking area leads you to a boardwalk, marking the start of your journey. Once you step off the boardwalk, you can walk as far as you want to and you’ll notice multiple flattened paths going further into the salt flats.

A 2 hike will take you across the basin, but you can decide how far you wish to go.

Note: the heat can get incredibly intense on the trail, as there’s no shade. Avoid hiking this in summer as it’s just far too hot.

death valley best hikes

Backpacking in Death Valley

Backpacking in Death Valley National Park is often challenging both due to terrain and climate. If you have experience with backcountry hiking and camping then you’ll be treated to sweeping vistas, amazing night skies, and incredible geology.

Death Valley has around 3 million acres of designated wilderness and there are few established trails.

This means that backcountry hiking in Death Valley often means following canyon bottoms, open desert washes, and old dirt roads.

There are loads of backpacking trails you can take in Death Valley, I’ve picked out two that sounded the most interesting and you can see a more complete list of suggested trails and more information on those below here.

What to know about exploring the Death Valley backcountry:

  • Overnight group size is limited to 12 people and no more than 4 vehicles. Larger groups will need to split up and camp at least 1/2 mile apart.
  • Campfires are not allowed in the backcountry. Use a camp stove instead.
  • Pets are not allowed on trails or in the wilderness. However, pets are allowed on the Furnace Creek bike path and hundreds of miles of backcountry dirt roads.
  • Water at springs can be dry or contaminated. Carry your own water or stash it ahead of time.

Backcountry permits for Death Valley

Backcountry permits for Death Valley are free but you do still need to get one. You can get them from either the Furnace Creek Visitor Centre or the Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station.

cottonwood marble canyon loop death valley backpacking

Cottonwood Marble Canyon Loop

  • Distance: 32 miles / 51.2 km
  • Duration: 1-2 nights
  • Elevation: 5614 ft / 1711 m
  • Trail map
  • Note: A 4WD vehicle is required to reach this trailhead.

The Cottonwood-Marble loop trail in Death Valley National Park is an adventure-filled backpacking journey, best done over three days with camping at Cottonwood and Dead Horse camps (permits required).

Hiking this trail clockwise is recommended as the ascent is more gradual and there’s plenty of water along the trail usually.

Having the AllTrails map downloaded ahead of your hike is recommended as it can be difficult to follow the trail at times.

On this backpacking trip in Death Valley, you can expect stunning views, especially on the second day heading north from Cottonwood.

panamint city ghost town death valley

Surprise Canyon, Panamint City ghost town, Sentinel Peak

  • Distance: 16.8 miles / 27 km
  • Duration: 1 night
  • Elevation: 7133 ft / 2174 m
  • Trail map

This old road was washed out in the 1980s and is officially closed to vehicles but it makes a great hiking trail and one of the best Death Valley backpacking trip options.

The main end point of this trail is the ghost town of Panamint City but along the way, you may come across bighorn sheep as well as springs and beautiful mountain scenery.

The trail starts by taking you hiking up alongside some streams so there is quite a bit of shade and access to water if you have a water filter.

While you could hike this in a day, I wouldn’t recommend it in summer since it can get so hot. You’ll also want a 4×4 to get to this area of the park to start the hike.

hole in the wall death valley

Hole-in-the-Wall

There’s no trail on this hike and there are many variations. It really is an example of choose-your-own-adventure hiking in Death Valley!

In the large amphitheater, you can choose between Schwaub and Pyramid Peaks and take some of the small side canyons. Or, if you have climbing skills and equipment you can also explore canyons in the Funeral Mountains.

what to do in death valley national park

Death Valley hikes around Furnace Creek

Most of the hikes in Death Valley are found south of Furnace Creek and down Badwater Road. There are lots of hikes here, so much so that you could spend many days just exploring this area.

Bear in mind that Zabriskie Point and Dante’s Lookout are not on this road. To get there, you have to go all the way back to a road named CA 190.

This means if you’re at Badwater Basin, the trip to Dante’s Lookout will be a very, very long way!

What to know before hiking in Death Valley

To have an enjoyable and safe hike in Death Valley California, here are a few things you should know beforehand:

  • Weather Conditions: Death Valley is the hottest place on earth. So, it’s really important to check the weather before you go. In summer, it can get super hot, even dangerously hot, and in winter, there can be snow in the mountains.
  • Bring Water: You need to stay hydrated! Make sure to bring lots of water with you when you go hiking. The desert can make you thirsty very quickly.
  • Dress Appropriately: Wear light, loose clothing if you’re hiking in hot weather. Don’t forget a hat to protect your head from the sun. If it’s cooler or you’re hiking at high elevations, bring layers to keep warm.
  • Use Sunscreen: The sun can be intense in Death Valley. Always put on sunscreen to protect your skin from getting burned.
  • Respect Wildlife: If you see any animals, keep your distance. They’re wild and can be unpredictable.
  • Start Early: Start your hikes early in the morning. It’s cooler then, and you’ll have more time to enjoy your hike.
  • Know Your Limits: Some trails can be challenging. Make sure to pick a trail that fits your fitness level. Don’t push yourself too hard.
  • Stay on Trail: Always stay on the marked trails. This is for your safety and also to protect the environment.
  • Prepare for Solitude: Some parts of Death Valley can be really quiet and isolated. Make sure you’re comfortable with this before you go.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Have a plan in case of emergencies. Let someone know where you’re going and when you’re expected to be back. Bring a first aid kit with you, too. Having a device like a Garmin InReach is recommended for remote hikes.
  • Cell Reception: Don’t rely on your cell phone because coverage can be spotty or even non-existent in some areas.
  • Pack Food: Bring enough food with you for your hike. It’s always a good idea to have a little extra in case you’re out longer than you planned.
  • Check Road Conditions: Some roads in Death Valley can be rough, and some hikes require 4WD to reach the trailhead. Check the road conditions before you leave.
  • Higher Elevations: The higher parts of Death Valley are cooler in summer but they can be covered in snow in winter and spring. If you plan on hiking there, make sure you’re experienced with winter hiking.
  • Pack the Essentials: Don’t forget your 10 essentials. These are items like a map, compass, sunscreen, extra food and water, and a first aid kit.
  • 4WD Needed: Some hikes might need a four-wheel drive vehicle to get to the start of the trail. Make sure your vehicle can handle the road conditions.
  • Rules for Dogs: If you’re bringing a dog, know the rules. Dogs are allowed in the park but they must be on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. They may not be allowed on some hiking trails.
  • Park Hubs: There are three main spots in the park that have gas, places to stay and food. These are Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells Village and Panamint Springs. The Death Valley Visitor Center is in Furnace Creek.
death valley national park

What to pack for hiking in Death Valley National Park

Below is a guide to what you should consider packing for a hike in Death Valley National Park. Be sure to check out my guide to clothes for hiking in hot weather too. For Death Valley backpacking trips you’ll obviously need a bit more gear!

  • Water: Carry at least 2 liters for a short winter hike, and 4 liters or more for longer hikes, and overnight trips. I use both a hydration pack and reusable bottles.
  • Food and Snacks: Pack enough food for your hike. Energy bars, dried fruits, nuts, and jerky are good lightweight options.
  • First Aid Kit: Always carry a basic first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, medical tape, and any personal medication you may need.
  • Multi-tool or Knife: These can be helpful for a variety of situations, such as repairs or emergencies.
  • Headlamp or Flashlight: Even if you don’t plan on hiking in the dark, you should always carry a source of light in case your hike takes longer than expected.
  • Sun Protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, and a wide-brimmed hat will help protect you from the intense sun.
  • Clothing: Dress in layers so you can adjust your clothing to the weather. Include a thermal layer for colder temperatures and a waterproof layer for sudden rain showers.
  • Hiking Boots: Comfortable footwear is crucial. I usually wear hiking boots when backpacking and trail runners for day hikes.
  • Backpack: Bring a comfortable, lightweight backpack to carry all your gear.
  • Emergency Shelter or Blanket: A lightweight emergency blanket or bivvy can be crucial if you have to spend an unexpected night outdoors. If you’re backpacking, you should have your tent.
  • Portable Charger: If you’re using electronic devices like a GPS or smartphone, having a backup power source can be a lifesaver.
  • Trash Bag(s): Pack out all trash to preserve the natural beauty of the park.
  • Gloves: Especially during colder months, a pair of gloves can be quite useful.
  • Hiking Poles: Particularly for difficult or steep hikes, trekking poles can provide additional stability and support.
Lee Flat Joshua Tree Forest death valley

Death Valley entrance fees

The Death Valley entrance fees are $30 per car, this lasts for 7 consecutive days.

If you’re entering by foot, bike, or by taking the Zion National Park shuttle bus then the entrance fee is $15 per person.

Get a USA National Parks Pass for just $80 and save a tonne of money if you’re planning on visiting multiple National Parks in a year, or visiting the same one more than once!

harmony borax works mine death valley

Best time to hike Death Valley California

Hiking in Death Valley National Park offers some unique and rewarding experiences, but it’s essential to understand the climate throughout the year to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip:

  • Winter (December – February): Winter is arguably the best time to hike in Death Valley. Average high temperatures range from the mid-60s to low 70s°F (18-22°C), with lows dipping into the 40s°F (4-9°C) at night. There’s minimal rainfall, and the cooler temperatures make it ideal for hiking.
  • Spring (March – May): Spring sees wildflowers blooming across the park, offering stunning views. The temperatures start to rise, with averages ranging from 75-90°F (24-32°C) during the day and dropping to around 55-65°F (13-18°C) at night. It’s still a great time for hiking, but ensure to carry enough water and avoid the midday heat.
  • Summer (June – August): Summer in Death Valley is extremely hot, with average highs soaring up to 116°F (47°C) and rarely dropping below 88°F (31°C) even at night. Hiking in these conditions can be dangerous due to the risk of heat-related illnesses, so it’s generally advised to avoid hiking during this period.
  • Fall (September – November): Early fall can still be quite hot, but by late October and into November, temperatures start to cool down to a more manageable range of 75-85°F (24-29°C) during the day and 50-60°F (10-16°C) at night. The mild temperatures and clear skies make late fall a good time for hiking, especially in the higher elevations.

Regardless of the season, always check the specific weather forecast before heading out on the best hikes Death Valley has to offer, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.

places to stay near death valley ca

Where to stay near Death Valley

Below are some of the best hotels near Death Valley. One is inside the park itself and the others aren’t too far away.

charcoal kilns death valley hikes

FAQs about hiking Death Valley

What is the best point in Death Valley?

For the best views, many consider Dante’s View, which provides a panoramic view of the valley.

How many trails are in Death Valley National Park?

Death Valley National Park is huge and there’s a vast wilderness to explore. There are over 20 official trails, ranging from easy, flat walks like Salt Creek, to challenging mountain hikes like Telescope Peak, but many more too.

Does Death Valley have waterfalls?

Yes, Death Valley does have waterfalls, but they are not common. Darwin Falls is the most famous waterfall in the park. It’s a small, lush oasis with water flowing year-round.

Where is the best place to hike in Death Valley National Park?

Many people enjoy Badwater Basin for its unique salt flats and Golden Canyon for its stunning geological features. The view from Dante’s View is also amazing.

Is Death Valley good for hiking?

Yes, Death Valley is excellent for hiking. Despite its name, the park offers diverse landscapes – from sand dunes and salt flats to canyons and mountains. It provides a variety of trails catering to all skill levels, making it a great hiking destination.

What are the best months to hike Death Valley?

The best months to hike in Death Valley are between November and March. During these cooler months, the temperatures are more tolerable. The summer months can reach extreme temperatures, making hiking potentially dangerous.

Can you hike in Death Valley?

Absolutely, you can hike in Death Valley. The park has a lot of hiking trails suitable for all experience levels. From the flat terrain of Badwater Basin to the challenging ascents like Telescope Peak.

saline valley death valley national park ca

Final thoughts on Death Valley National Park best hikes

Death Valley National Park is a (surprisingly) beautiful National Park that has so much to offer from flat salt flats to canyons, and colorful rocks, If you enjoy hiking or want to do some backpacking Death Valley, then you’re in for a treat when it comes to Death Valley’s trails.

Just make sure not to visit in summer as your hiking options will be limited due to the extreme heat this park experiences.

If you’re looking for more hiking tips and guides then be sure to check out this guide to the best hikes in Yosemite National Park such as hiking Yosemite Falls Trail.

If you’re heading East, be sure to check out these awesome things to do in Vegas for free!

If you’re on a western USA road trip, be sure to check out this guide to where to stop in Big Sur, these amazing spots for the best views of the Golden Gate in San Francisco and these budget-friendly things to do in San Francisco too. Or, head north on Hwy 101 and check out these weird attractions along the way!

Last Updated on August 4, 2023 by Hannah

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