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Death Valley National Park

Designation: National Park

Location: California, Nevada

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet, each extreme has a striking contrast. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow. Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. Lush oases harbor tiny fish and refuge for wildlife and humans. Despite its morbid name, a great diversity of life thrives in Death Valley.

🌤 Weather Information

SPRING is the most popular time to visit Death Valley. Warm and sunny days with the possibility of spring wildflowers is a big attraction. SUMMER starts early in Death Valley. By May the valley can be scorching hot. AUTUMN arrives in late October, with warm but pleasant temperatures and generally clear skies. WINTER has cool days, chilly nights and rarely, rainstorms. With snow capping the high peaks and low angled winter light, this season is especially beautiful for exploring the valley.

🚗 Directions

There are multiple entrances to the park. Click below to learn the best ways to travel to Death Valley.

Images

badlands bathed in pale pink and orange light from the setting sun

The warm light of sunset covers the badlands at Zabriskie Point.

Credit: Ronald Gaddis

Morning light on the badlands below Zabriskie Point.

Zabriskie Point is a popular place to view sunrise over the badlands.

Credit: NPS Photo

white salt flats with dark gray clouds

Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America at -282 feet.

Credit: NPS photo

a sunset overlooking a valley filled with white salt

A mile above the salt flats in the valley below, Dantes View provides breathtaking vistas.

Credit: NPS / Jan Vanderlay

pink lupine flowers with an orange and black butterfly

Higher elevations provide a respite from the heat in this alpine ecosystem.

Credit: NPS / J. Jurado

nine 25 foot tall rock beehive structures

Nearly a century and a half old, these are some of the best preserved kilns in the western U.S.

Credit: NPS / J. Jurado

a field of yellow flowers with a mountain

About once a decade, rains at the right times can lead to a rare superbloom!

Credit: NPS / Kurt Moses

thermometer reading 130 f 54 c

Summers are infamously hot, as for 6 months of the year temperatures above 120 degrees are regularly recorded.

Credit: NPS / J. Jurado

polished walls of a narrow canyon

There are numerous canyons to explore across this vast park.

Credit: NPS / J. Jurado

badlands bathed in pale pink and orange light from the setting sun

The warm light of sunset covers the badlands at Zabriskie Point.

Credit: Ronald Gaddis

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
All Day
Monday
All Day
Tuesday
All Day
Wednesday
All Day
Thursday
All Day
Friday
All Day
Saturday
All Day

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle
This permit allows all persons traveling with the permit holder in one single private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van/RV/aircraft) to leave and re-enter the park as many times as they wish during the 7-day period from the date of purchase.
$30.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
This permit allows persons traveling on one motorcycle to leave and re-enter the park as many times as they wish during the 7-day period from the date of purchase.
$25.00
Entrance - Per Person
This permit allows a single individual traveling on foot or individuals traveling on one bicycle to leave and re-enter the park as many times as they wish during the 7-day period from the date of purchase.
$15.00
Commercial Entrance - Per Person
1 - 6 Passenger Vehicle: $25 + $10 per person. In addition to the entrance fees listed below, additional permits are required for commercial groups, special park uses (weddings, memorialization, group events, etc.), commercial film and photography, research, and more.
$10.00
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
1 - 6 Passenger Vehicle: $25 + $10 per person In addition to the entrance fees listed below, additional permits are required for commercial groups, special park uses (weddings, memorialization, group events, etc.), commercial film and photography, research, and more.
$25.00
Commercial Entrance - Van
7 - 15 Passenger Vehicle: $75 In addition to the entrance fees listed below, additional permits are required for commercial groups, special park uses (weddings, memorialization, group events, etc.), commercial film and photography, research, and more.
$75.00
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
16 - 25 Passenger Vehicle: $100 In addition to the entrance fees listed below, additional permits are required for commercial groups, special park uses (weddings, memorialization, group events, etc.), commercial film and photography, research, and more.
$100.00
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
26 + Passenger Vehicle: $200 In addition to the entrance fees listed below, additional permits are required for commercial groups, special park uses (weddings, memorialization, group events, etc.), commercial film and photography, research, and more.
$200.00
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
Non-commercial Groups (e.g., Scout groups, church groups, etc.) entering in a vehicle with a capacity of 16 persons or more are charged per-person for each person on board, not to exceed $200.
$15.00
Entrance - Education/Academic Groups
National Park Service regulations allow school groups and other approved national and international academic institutions to obtain a waiver of Park entrance fees, provided that visit is for educational or scientific purposes, and the resources or facilities that the group intends to use, support those purposes. Submit your waiver through the link below at least one month prior to your visit.
$0.00

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park
This pass allows all persons traveling with the pass holder in one single private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van) or those on a motorcycle to leave and re-enter the park as many times as they wish for 12 months from the month of purchase.
$55.00

3-Day Weather Forecast

Saturday, Mar 14

Sunny

Sunny

High: 76.8°F | Low: 55.4°F

Humidity: 19%

Wind: 4.5 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1.4

Sunrise: 07:00 AM

Sunset: 06:55 PM

Moon: Waning Crescent (26%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 49.3°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Sunday, Mar 15

Sunny

Sunny

High: 70.5°F | Low: 50.7°F

Humidity: 28%

Wind: 6.3 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1.4

Sunrise: 06:59 AM

Sunset: 06:56 PM

Moon: Waning Crescent (18%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 48.5°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Monday, Mar 16

Sunny

Sunny

High: 76.8°F | Low: 57.2°F

Humidity: 25%

Wind: 5.6 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1.5

Sunrise: 06:58 AM

Sunset: 06:57 PM

Moon: Waning Crescent (11%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 51.6°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Park Alerts

Gas Pumps at Panamint Springs Resort are Closed at Night Information
Gasoline is available at Panamint Springs Resort from 7am-9:30pm, daily. Gas is available at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells 24hrs.
Special Events Friday 2/6-Sunday 2/8 Caution
Expect increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic due to the Death Valley Dark Sky Festival and a running event. Please drive with caution.

More Info

No Boating on Lake Manly (Badwater Basin) Information
Launching or recovering any type of watercraft is prohibited. No flotation devices, including kayaks, paddleboards, or similar equipment, are permitted anywhere in the park.

More Info

Debris on Roads Caution
Flash floods on 12/24, 1/1 and 1/3 deposited gravel on some roads and created drop-off on road shoulders. Drive with caution.
North Highway Closed from CA-190 to Grapevine Ranger Station Park Closure
North Highway is closed from the junction with CA-190 to the Grapevine Ranger Station. It is not possible to exit this way if vehicles enter from Big Pine or Racetrack Road.
Power Outage 12/19/2025 Information
A planned power outage 8 am to 4 pm on Friday, Dec. 19 may impact fuel pumps, cell phones, and other services.
Fire Restrictions in Effect 6/15-10/1 Information
No open flame fires are allowed at Thorndike, Wildrose or Mahogany Flats campgrounds or in firepans above 3,000 ft in elevation. Controlled flame devices with shut off valves and gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel sources are allowed.
Gas Pumps at Panamint Springs Resort are Closed at Night Information
Gasoline is available at Panamint Springs Resort from 7am-9:30pm, daily. Gas is available at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells 24hrs.
North Highway Closed from CA-190 to Grapevine Ranger Station Park Closure
North Highway is closed from the junction with Mud Canyon (exit to Beatty, NV) to the Grapevine Ranger Station. It is not possible to exit this way if vehicles enter from Big Pine or Racetrack Road.
Flash Flood Watch - Dec. 24-25 Caution
The National Weather Service issued Flash Flood Watch in Death Valley NP for Dec. 24-25. Sustained rain may result in flash floods pushing rocks onto roads. Do not drive through flowing water. Turn Around -- Don't Drown. The park may lose electricity and phone service in this storm.
Event Alert: Runners on the Road Monday 7/7- Wednesday 7/9 Caution
Please drive carefully. Slow down and watch for runners and their crew along CA Hwy 190.
Fire Restrictions in Effect 6/15-10/1 Information
No open flame fires are allowed at Thorndike, Wildrose or Mahogany Flats campgrounds or in firepans above 3,000 ft in elevation. Controlled flame devices with shut off valves and gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel sources are allowed.

More Info

Emigrant Campground and Restroom Closed Information
Emigrant Restrooms and Campground are closed due to storm damage to the water supply system. Access to the day use area is still open. 
Emigrant Campground and Restroom Closed Information
Emigrant Restrooms and Campground are closed due to storm damage to the water supply system. Access to the day use area is still open. 
Some roads and campgrounds closed Information
Several park roads and campgrounds are closed due to flash flooding on 12/24, 1/1 & 1/3. Some open roads have damaged shoulders and debris. Drive with caution. Click "more" and scroll down for detailed information.

More Info

Debris on roads Caution
Drive all park roads with caution. A storm on 8/25 left mud and rocks on roads. Additional flash floods are possible in coming days.
Planned Power Outage 3/10/26 Information
A planned power outage will occur starting 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday March 10th, likely lasting until 4:00 p.m. in Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells. Some amenities may be unavailable such as internet and gas. Please plan accordingly.

Park Events

Golden Canyon Ranger-led Hike

Hike with a ranger through one of Death Valley’s most popular and beautiful canyons. Easy walk with one small scramble. Approximately 1 mile. Bring water, a hat and hiking shoes.

 

Location: Meet at the Golden Canyon Trailhead Parking Lot

Date: Dec 12, 2025 12:00am to Dec 12, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Harmony Borax Works Ranger Program

Learn about fascinating mining history in Death Valley. 20 mule team wagons, borax, fortunes and more! Easy 1/3 mile walk on a paved path.

 

Location: Meet at Harmony Borax Works Parking Area

Date: Dec 12, 2025 12:00am to Dec 12, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Sand Dunes Ranger Walk

Stroll through the Death Valley Wilderness with a Park Ranger. Explore living and non-living parts of this unique landscape. 

Location: Meet at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Parking Lot

Date: Dec 14, 2025 12:00am to Dec 14, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Badwater Basin Ranger Talk

Visit an extreme part of the park and learn about the unique forces that create the lowest, hottest and driest place in North America.

 

Location: Badwater Basin

Date: Dec 14, 2025 12:00am to Dec 14, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Golden Canyon Ranger-led Hike

Hike with a ranger through one of Death Valley’s most popular and beautiful canyons. Easy walk with one small scramble. Approximately 1 mile. Bring water, a hat and hiking shoes.

 

Location: Meet at the Golden Canyon Trailhead Parking Lot

Date: Dec 14, 2025 12:00am to Dec 14, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Harmony Borax Works Ranger Program

Learn about fascinating mining history in Death Valley. 20 mule team wagons, borax, fortunes and more! Easy 1/3 mile walk on a paved path.

 

Location: Meet at Harmony Borax Works Parking Area

Date: Dec 14, 2025 12:00am to Dec 14, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Sand Dunes Ranger Walk

Stroll through the Death Valley Wilderness with a Park Ranger. Explore living and non-living parts of this unique landscape. 

Location: Meet at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Parking Lot

Date: Dec 15, 2025 12:00am to Dec 15, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Harmony Borax Works Ranger Program

Learn about fascinating mining history in Death Valley. 20 mule team wagons, borax, fortunes and more! Easy 1/3 mile walk on a paved path.

 

Location: Meet at Harmony Borax Works Parking Area

Date: Dec 15, 2025 12:00am to Dec 15, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Golden Canyon Ranger-led Hike

Hike with a ranger through one of Death Valley’s most popular and beautiful canyons. Easy walk with one small scramble. Approximately 1 mile. Bring water, a hat and hiking shoes.

 

Location: Meet at the Golden Canyon Trailhead Parking Lot

Date: Dec 16, 2025 12:00am to Dec 16, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Badwater Basin Ranger Talk

Visit an extreme part of the park and learn about the unique forces that create the lowest, hottest and driest place in North America.

 

Location: Badwater Basin

Date: Dec 16, 2025 12:00am to Dec 16, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
PO Box 579
Death Valley, CA 92328

🏤 Mailing Address:
PO Box 579
Death Valley, CA 92328

📞 Voice Phone: 7607863200

✉️ Email: deva_information@nps.gov

Park Location

👏 Fun Fact
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