Learn about the different flowers you might be able to see in Death Valley during spring months.
1-3 Hours
Roadrunners and ravens and hummingbirds- oh my! With many resident and migratory species, bird watching opportunities abound in Death Valley.
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. The 1/4 mi (0.4 km) paved walking path at this site takes visitors back in time by exploring the ruins of the plant and associated townsite and an original twenty mule team wagon.
15-35 Minutes
A short scenic drive along an unpaved road through colorful badlands.
15-30 Minutes
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.
25-45 Minutes
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.
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.
Looking for somewhere to hike in Death Valley? The park has interpretive trails, hiking trails, and unofficial hiking routes, and is open to cross-country travel by foot in most places.
Badwater Basin is the lowest elevation in North America at - 282 feet (- 86 m) below sea level. A visit to this otherworldly salt flat will provide you with a unique experience and a landscape that appears to stretch on forever. A short 1/4 mile (400 m) hike will you bring you to the polygon salt formations that Death Valley is famous for, or in the summer months, the view can be enjoyed from the parking area.
1-2 Hours
Due to the extreme weather, it is not usually a good idea to bring a pet to Death Valley if you want to do any exploring out of your vehicle. If you are traveling through the park with a pet, and want to know where they are allowed to go, this is where to find that info! Stick to the roads, developed areas, and campgrounds. Pets are not permitted in the Wilderness or out of the areas listed above.
Hundreds of miles of dirt roads are available for mountain biking exploration.
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. Shop at the bookstore - light snacks/sandwiches/water are available for purchase. Become a Junior Ranger! Complete the activities in the booklet and earn a badge.
15-120 Minutes
Whether you prefer flat and straight or mountainous and curvy, Death Valley has paved roads suitable for all levels of cycling enthusiasts.
An immense area of rock salt eroded by wind and rain into jagged spires. So incredibly serrated that "only the devil could play golf on such rough links." Listen carefully and you'll hear sounds like tiny pops and pings. The sound is literally billions of tiny salt crystals bursting apart as they expand and contract in the heat.