Should You Visit Death Valley National Park?

Is Death Valley National Park worth visiting?

Yes, it's worth visiting this national park for two to four days because of the many great activities. Death Valley National Park is in the state of California and is filled with canyons, sand dunes, salt flats, and desert landscapes. Visitors will enjoy exploring a truly unique landscape that feels other-worldly. It's a large park that requires several days to visit the many diverse sights, and it will surely pass your expectations. We first visited in 2006 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with its unique landscapes and environment of extremes.

Death Valley National Park

Reasons to Visit Death Valley National Park

Hiking
Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Things to Consider Before Visiting Death Valley National Park

Nightlife
Most people don't associate Death Valley National Park with a lively nightlife scene. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Shopping
Death Valley National Park isn't exactly a shopper's destination. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.

Museums: Death Valley National Park isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.

Food: Death Valley National Park doesn't top the list for most foodies. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Death Valley National Park might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Death Valley National Park here or see if Death Valley National Park is expensive here.

Related

What is Death Valley National Park most famous for?

Death Valley National Park is most famous for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S. It is often described as vast, dramatic, and striking.

What is the most famous sight in Death Valley National Park?

The most popular sight in Death Valley National Park is Zabriskie Point. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Death Valley National Park on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Zabriskie Point and other attractions here.

How touristy is Death Valley National Park? Is it a popular national park to visit?

Death Valley National Park is a popular national park for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Death Valley Self Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15

How long should I spend in Death Valley National Park?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Death Valley National Park is two to four days. Since Death Valley National Park has activities such as hiking, many visit for up to four days.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Death Valley National Park? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Death Valley National Park?.