Death Valley National Park

Est. 1994National Park · National Park Service
Death Valley National Park — landscape
Greg Willis from Denver, CO, usa · CC BY-SA 2.0
Established
October 31, 1994
Area
3,408,396 acres · 5,326 sq mi
States
California · Nevada
Coordinates
36.450, -116.850
Campgrounds
12
Visitor centers
2
Map loads as you scroll

Official park boundary · National Park Service

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.

Death Valley National Park is a national park of the United States that straddles the California–Nevada border, east of the Sierra Nevada. The park boundaries include Death Valley, the northern section of Panamint Valley, the southern section of Eureka Valley and most of Saline Valley.

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

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.

Source: National Park Service

Entrance - Private Vehicle$30

All visitors, including Non-US residents, may purchase and utilize this entrance fee.

Entrance - Motorcycle$25

All visitors, including Non-US residents, may purchase and utilize this entrance fee.

Entrance - Per Person$15

All visitors, including Non-US residents, may purchase and utilize this entrance fee.

Commercial Entrance - Per Person$15

1 - 15 Passenger Vehicle: $15 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 photogra…

Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04

  • Explore Wildflowers in Death Valley

    Learn about the different flowers you might be able to see in Death Valley during spring months.

  • Visit the Furnace Creek Visitor Center

    Stop by the visitor center to speak with park rangers and pay park fees and purchase national park passes. View the exhibits about Death Valley's history and natural wonders. Watch the park film, which is 20 minutes in length and plays throughout the day.

  • Bird Watching

    Roadrunners and ravens and hummingbirds- oh my! With many resident and migratory species, bird watching opportunities abound in Death Valley.

  • Harmony Borax Works Self Guided Walk

    Harmony Borax Works was instrumental in drawing people to Death Valley in the late 1800s and in the subsequent popularity of the Furnace Creek area.

  • Drive Twenty Mule Team Canyon

    A short scenic drive along an unpaved road through colorful badlands.

  • Tour Artists Drive

    Enjoy a scenic drive through a geologic rainbow! Artists Drive is a one-way, nine mile (14.5 km) drive which passes through eroded, colorful desert hills. Artists Palette (a viewpoint) has the most colorful scenery along the road.

  • Experience Death Valley at Night

    Death Valley is just as spectacular at night as it is during the day- learn about a few ways you can explore the park after dark.

  • Running in Death Valley

    Go for a run in Death Valley! The park can be a very interesting and challenging place to test your road running or trail running abilities. Over 1,000 miles of paved and dirt roads, plus almost endless cross country opportunities await you. To enjoy the park safely, please run in the cooler months.

Source: National Park Service

AstronomyStargazingBikingMountain BikingRoad BikingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingCanyoneeringFoodFlyingGolfGuided ToursHikingBackcountry HikingFront-Country HikingHorse TrekkingLiving HistoryFirst Person InterpretationJunior Ranger ProgramWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park StoreGift Shop and Souvenirs
badlands bathed in pale pink and orange light from the setting sun
Ronald Gaddis
Low, warm light skims across pale sand dunes.
NPS
In the foreground, a narrow stream curves through clumps of green grass and low shrubs.
NPS
A natural rock arch spans a narrow desert canyon. The viewer stands in deep shade beneath the arch.
NPS
white salt flats with dark gray clouds
NPS photo
Snowcapped mountains surrounded by bright blue skies and frames by gold wildflowers on a valley floo
NPS
  • Emigrant Campground
  • Eureka Dunes Campground (Primitive)
  • Furnace Creek Campground
  • Homestake Campground (Primitive)
  • Mahogany Flat Campground (Primitive)
  • Mesquite Spring Campground
  • Saline Valley Campground (Primitive)
  • Stovepipe Wells Campground
  • Sunset Campground
  • Texas Springs Campground
  • Thorndike Campground (Primitive)
  • Wildrose Campground
  • Furnace Creek Visitor Center
  • Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station

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