Best 2 Days in Death Valley National Park (with Map)
If I had to describe Death Valley with one phrase, it would be ‘other-worldly’. There are few places that I’ve visited that have left me as dumbfounded as Death Valley National Park did.
For many, the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Death Valley is the high temperatures or the desert landscapes, but it’s far more than that. It’s one of the largest parks in the USA and has one of the most diverse array of landscapes to admire. From the surreal volcanic craters to beautiful sand dunes and vast salt flats, it’s easy to fill up 2 Days in Death Valley – and I’ll outline the best way to do so!
2 Days in Death Valley Itinerary in Short
- Day 1 (AM): Zabriskie Point, Gower Gulch, Twenty Mule Team Canyon
- Day 1 (PM): Badwater Basin, Devil’s Golf Course, Artist’s Palette, Dante’s View
- Day 2 (AM): Ubehebe Crater
- Day 2 (PM): Mosaic Canyon, Mesquite Sand Dunes
This itinerary is planned with two things in mind: minimising driving and maximising the amount you can see in two days (ideally at the best times). It’s based on my own experiences and the lessons learnt from my visit to Death Valley National Park.
How many days do you need in Death Valley National Park?
What’s great about Death Valley is that you can visit for anywhere between 1 and 5 days without running out of things to do!
2 Days in Death Valley is a popular choice as it makes a great weekend away or an ideal segment in a longer Southwest road trip. And since there aren’t many long hikes around the park, you can squeeze a lot of quicker activities into your days!
I think you can get a good taste of what Death Valley has to offer in 2 days. But 3 days or more allows you to take your time and check out some of the less-explored areas.
Things to consider:
- Do you have a 2WD or 4WD vehicle? The main activities (including the ones in this itinerary) only need 2WD, but there are plenty more things to do in Death Valley which are hidden down less accessible gravel roads.
- When are you visiting? Temperatures in the summertime will limit the number of ‘comfortable’ daylight hours you have to explore.
When to visit Death Valley National Park
The best time to visit Death Valley National Park is during the cooler months of October to April.
The heat in Death Valley during the summer months (May-September) is brutal. The last ten summers have consistently reached over 50°C in the area, so I highly recommend avoiding it unless you can handle the heat!
Where possible, try to avoid weekends and holiday seasons as these naturally attract more crowds.
2 Days in Death Valley Breakdown
Day 1 Morning:
Zabriskie Point 📍
Start the day early in the morning with a sunrise visit to Zabriskie Point.
This iconic spot is probably the most photographed location in the whole national park! Arriving early will help you avoid the crowds at sunset, as well as any tour buses later in the morning.
Another great reason for arriving at this time is because the colourations of the rock are far more visible at sunrise compared with later in the day, making it even more spectacular.
It’s a short, paved walk from the parking lot to the viewpoint. From here you will have a panoramic view overlooking Cathedral Rock, Manly Beacon, Gower Gulch, and the distant mountains.
You should allow 15-30 minutes at Zabriskie Point.
Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch 📍
Once you have seen Zabriskie Point, I recommend walking through the canyons below and completing one of the short hikes.
Temperatures remain relatively cool post-sunrise and the morning glow of the sun covers the rocks with a beautiful golden colour.
I recommend the full Gower Gulch and Golden Canyon loop so you can return to your car at the top (do it anticlockwise). The hike has moderate elevation with some sections where it’s uneven underfoot. But for any moderate/experienced hiker, this should be easy.
Allow at least 2-3 hours for the walk. However, you can easily shorten the route if you don’t have time because the trails interlink with each other.
Twenty Mule Team Canyon 📍
Just along from Zabriskie Point is the Twenty Mule Team Canyon. Whilst it’s only a couple of minutes away, it offers another different experience from the previous canyon.
FUN FACT: Several scenes from Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi were filmed here!
There are a handful of hiking trails through the canyon. However given that you only have 2 days in Death Valley, I recommend just taking a short wander until you want to turn back.
Your visit to Twenty Mule Canyon should require 30-45 minutes.
Lunch 🍽️
Stop for lunch during the heat of the day to cool off and get some shade. Depending on your schedule, you might consider an extended lunch (and siesta) to avoid the heat.
Being in the middle of a desert, there aren’t many places to eat in Death Valley National Park…
There are a handful of restaurants around Furnace Creek. I tried out the Wild Rose Tavern which was a surreal experience given the surroundings. The food was pretty good though.
That being said, I recommend a packed lunch which you can have on the road in a much more scenic location! It’s cheaper and gives you more flexibility with your itinerary.
Day 1 Afternoon:
Badwater Basin 📍
No trip to Death Valley is complete without a stop at Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America. Sitting at 282 feet below sea level, this vast salt flat is both eerie and beautiful, offering endless photo opportunities. Walk out onto the salt-crusted ground and marvel at the stark, alien landscape stretching out for miles.
Whilst Badwater Basin is best visited during golden hour, it’s still epic during the heat of the afternoon.
TOP TIP: Bring sunglasses as the bright white salt can reflect the sun and be extremely harsh on your eyes!
Your visit to Badwater Basin should require 30-45 minutes.
Devil’s Golf Course 📍
A short drive from Badwater Basin, the Devil’s Golf Course is the similarly awesome, but less-aesthetic (and less busy) version! A surreal expanse of jagged salt formations that look like they belong on another planet.
Named for its forbidding terrain, these lumpy ‘flats’ aren’t easy to walk on, so tread carefully. If you don’t fancy exploring on foot, there is a viewing area where you can admire this fascinating formation from afar.
Artist’s Drive and Artist’s Palette 📍
Continue your journey to the multi-coloured rocks of Artist’s Palette!
Located along a 9-mile scenic loop called Artist’s Drive, the whole area is a vibrant display of colours splashed across the hillsides. Created by the oxidation of different metals, the array of hues ranges from pinks to greens to purples.
There are numerous pull-ins for photos along the drive, but Artist’s Palette has a small car park where you can get out and explore properly.
Much like Zabriskie Point, the area is particularly striking in the late afternoon light.
This stop should require around 30 minutes.
Dante’s View 📍
Dante’s View is back in the direction you came from earlier in the morning, but it’s the perfect spot to watch sunset!
Standing at around 5500 feet, it’s one of the best views in the whole of Death Valley National Park. On a clear day, you can see both the highest and lowest points in the United States: Mount Whitney and Badwater Basin.
And since you will have already spent the afternoon admiring Badwater Basin, it offers a completely different perspective on its vastness!
Day 2 Morning
Ubehebe Crater 📍
Your first stop of the day will require you to journey north to Ubehebe Crater, a large volcanic crater formed by a massive steam explosion.
The crater, nearly half a mile wide and 600 feet deep, offers several hiking trails around its rim and down to the bottom. The contrast of the dark basaltic rock against the surrounding desert is a striking sight.
Your visit to Ubehebe Crater should require 1-2 hours. If you don’t want to spend this long, you can easily view the crater from the car park or do a shortened rim walk.
Day 2 Afternoon
Mosaic Canyon 📍
Next, hike through Mosaic Canyon, known for its smooth, polished marble walls and unique rock formations. This narrow canyon is popular among geology enthusiasts and hikers alike and pleasantly surprised me on my visit! The trail winds through tight squeezes and open areas, revealing the beauty of the canyon’s mosaic-like breccia rock formations.
I recommend doing this hike in either early morning or late afternoon. Not just because of the heat, but the soft shadowy light makes the slot canyon look even more beautiful!
Your hike through Mosaic Canyon should require 1-2 hours.
Mesquite Sand Dunes 📍
Finish your day with an epic stop at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. These dunes offer a mesmerising landscape of rolling sand hills that shift and change with the wind.
There’s a large car park where you will leave your car behind, before walking into the dunes to explore!
The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon when the light creates dramatic shadows and the temperatures are more comfortable for exploring. I recommend sunset mainly because the sunrises are better in other locations and so you can sit down, get comfortable and watch the sun go down.
You can spend as long as you like exploring or relaxing on the dunes. I would recommend at least 1 hour as it involves walking out and back on the soft sand.
After watching sunset, you can drive out of Death Valley to your next stop, or you can return to camp for one last evening looking up at the stars!
Death Valley Itinerary Map
This map covers all the activities in green and potential accommodation options in blue.
How to use this Death Valley itinerary map: Click the tab in the top left corner of the map to view the details and breakdown of the itinerary (Day 1, Day 2, accommodation). You can click the boxes to show and hide layers.
You can add this map to your Google Maps account by clicking the star next to the title. By doing this you will be able to access it on your phone or computer by opening Google Maps, clicking the menu button and going on ‘Your Places’ then ‘Maps’.
Budget for 2 Days in Death Valley
Your budget in Death Valley entirely depends on whether you are roughing it or want something more luxurious. I did my 2 days in Death Valley on the cheap, pre-packing most of my meals and camping.
In total I spent $96. My expenditures are outlined below:
- Texas Springs Campground (2 nights): $32
- Fuel: $44 (this will depend on how much you start with and your miles per gallon)
- National Park Pass: $80
- Food: $36
- Packed lunches and portable stove cooking
- Includes meal for two in the Wild Rose Tavern
- Activities: Free
NOTE: Shared costs like campgrounds, fuel and food are divided by number of people.
NOTE: To enter Death Valley you will need a National Park Pass. The annual America is Beautiful Pass costs $80. But if you’re only doing this trip, a single private vehicle pass (which covers 7 days) costs $30.
Tips for Visiting Death Valley National Park
- Pre-download your maps: The majority of Death Valley National Park has no service. There is free WiFi at the Furnace Creek Visitor Centre and some of the restaurants in the small village.
- Buy supplies beforehand: Death Valley is isolated meaning that the prices are ramped up! Make sure to stock up on food and supplies before you arrive.
- Keep extra water: Death Valley is incredibly hot and dry so it’s worth keeping water in your vehicle for emergencies.
- Be mindful of fuel: Distances are far in Death Valley and petrol stations are sparse. Keep an eye on your petrol gauge and mileage. Plan where you are going each day to ensure you have enough!
- Wake up early: Given the temperatures, you should make the most of the cooler times of day like sunrise and sunset.
- Rest if it’s too hot: Just because you have 2 days in Death Valley doesn’t mean you have to suffer in the heat! If it gets too hot for you, take some time to relax and cool down.
What to pack for Death Valley National Park?
Death Valley National Park is super easy to pack for as the weather is so consistent.
For the daytime, you will want shorts and a T-shirt as well as clothing for sun protection like hats and sunglasses. Sports trainers or hiking shoes are ideal for wearing each day.
Depending on the time of year you visit, you might want warmer clothing for the evenings or the early-morning sunrise starts. I recommend packing at least one pair of longer trousers and a jumper/fleece.
- Clothing (outlined above)
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof (just in case)
- Flip-flops (for around camp)
- Wash Bag
- Towel
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel, deodorant
- Suncream
- Tissues
- First aid kit
- Personal medication
- Food + Water (2-3 days worth)
- Technology
- Phone
- Camera
- Battery Pack
- Headtorch
- Camping gear (depends on your sleeping arrangements)
- Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, pillow
- Stove, cooking utensils
Where to stay in Death Valley National Park
If you are visiting Death Valley, I highly recommend staying inside the National Park. Since it’s so large, it would be very time-consuming to stay outside and drive in each day.
Thankfully there are several campgrounds within the National Park as well as non-camping options.
Campgrounds in Death Valley
Most campgrounds are seasonal, meaning they only open during peak season (winter season), running from 15th October until 15th April.
Some of which you can book in advance, but most where you arrive on the day to find a pitch, and then pay via an automated machine.
| Campground | Open | Reservation | Sites | RV Hook-up? | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Furnace Creek Campground | All year | Yes (Winter) FCFS (Summer) | 136 | Available | $22 Standard $36 Hook-up |
| Texas Springs Campground | Seasonal | First come first serve | 92 | No | $16 |
| Sunset Campground | Seasonal | First come first serve | 230 | No | $14 Standard $7 Senior/Access |
| Stovepipe Wells Campground | Seasonal | First come first serve | 190 | No | $14 Standard $7 Senior/Access |
| Emigrant Campground (tent only) | All year | First come first serve | 10 | No | Free |
| Wildrose Campground | All year | First come first serve | 23 | No | Free |
| Mesquite Spring Campground | All year | First come first serve | 40 | No | $14 Standard $7 Senior/Access |
Besides these National Park Service campgrounds, there are also privately operated campgrounds that accept reservations, primitive campgrounds that are quieter but may need 4x4s to access, as well as backcountry camping options along appropriate dirt roads (permits may be required).
For this itinerary, I would recommend one of the more central campgrounds near Furnace Creek such as Texas Springs, Sunset or Furnace Creek.
NOTE: Wherever you end up in Death Valley, be prepared for hard ground!
Non-camping Options in Death Valley
If you’re not a camper or RV-er, you can stay in Furnace Creek where there’s a handful of accommodation options offering more facilities. As you may expect, these options are more expensive.
- Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel
- The Inn at Death Valley
- The Ranch at Death Valley
- Panamint Springs Resort
What to do if you have more time in Death Valley?
Telescope Peak: The highest peak in Death Valley National Park stands at 3366m (11,049 ft). You can follow the 12-mile hiking route up to the top to reveal the epic 360-degree views over the park.
Sandboarding at Mesquite Sand Dunes: If you’re looking for something more adrenaline-fueled than a regular visit to the dunes, you could spend half a day sliding down them on a sandboard!
Natural Bridge: Natural Bridge is a fascinating geological formation offering a relatively easy and family-friendly hike through a canyon to reach it. The impressive arch is over 50 feet tall but didn’t make it into my 2 days in Death Valley itinerary because of the time it takes to get there and other hikes available.
Racetrack Playa: For a truly unique and mysterious experience, Racetrack Playa is a remote dry lakebed famous for its “sailing stones.” These rocks, some weighing hundreds of pounds, leave long trails behind them as they inexplicably move across the cracked, dry surface. It’s not easy to reach the wandering stones of Racetrack Playa as you’ll need a high-clearance vehicle.
Where to go after Death Valley?
If you’re doing an American road trip or a road trip of the Southwest, then you might be wondering how to fit 2 days in Death Valley into your larger route.
If you’re coming from the west, you might consider continuing through California into Sequoia National Park or Yosemite National Park. Or if you want to avoid any snow during winter time, you could head further south towards Los Angeles and Joshua Tree National Park.
If you’re coming from the east, you might wish to cross into Nevada for a big night in Las Vegas!
Before you go
Thank you for reading my itinerary for 2 Days in Death Valley National Park. If guides, itineraries and travel content like this interest you, head over to my blog page to find out more.
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Happy travelling!
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