It’s hot, it’s dry, and it’s home to the lowest elevation point in the country – still, the best Death Valley tours from Las Vegas manage to prove that this sinisterly named slice of Nevada and California isn’t just a desolate wasteland.
In reality, the hottest place on Earth is an awe-inspiring landscape of ancient rock formations, sparkling salt flats and colorful canyons, peppered with ghost towns and abandoned mines from the gold rush era.
Since most outdoor adventure-seeking Las Vegas visitors venture east (toward Zion, Bryce and the Grand Canyon), it leaves Death Valley to fly under the radar. And with activities like stargazing, dune bashing, hiking, and lookouts of places like the Kaleidoscopic Cliffs, it’s safe to say this sprawling national park deserves a spot on your itinerary of things to do in Las Vegas.
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How to get to Death Valley from Las Vegas?
Stretching for some 3.4 million acres across the Mojave Desert, and straddling the border of California and Nevada, Death Valley National Park might be massive — in fact, it’s the largest U.S. National Park outside Alaska — but it remains rather remote and isolated.
Being such a stark contrast from Las Vegas’s ritzy casinos, Death Valley is basically baron, with minimal infrastructure with the exception of a few campgrounds and visitor centers. Therefore, planning ahead is crucial when it comes to your 120-mile trip in between Sin City and the park.
So how do you get there? There are a few options available, each with their own pros and cons:
By Car
The most popular way to get from Las Vegas to Death Valley is by car. The drive takes around 2 – 3 hours depending on which part of the park you want to reach, and which route you take. To get there is relatively easy, with three roughly equidistant options to choose from.
For the first option, simply take US-95 northwest from Vegas and follow it until you reach Nevada Highway 373. From there, it’s a straight shot to Death Valley National Park, and you’ll pass by the old Rhyolite ghost town and the Death Valley National Park Sign.
The second option heads out of Sin City on Highway 160 and takes you through the town of Pahrump en route to Death Valley Junction, Zabriskie Point and the Harmony Borax Works.
Finally, the third route enters Death Valley from the south, connecting with Badwater and the salt flats via a longer, winding road. To get here, take Highway 160 to Pahrump but then turn left onto Highway 178 which will connect with Badwater Road.
While driving is generally convenient and gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, it’s imperative to bring extra water and supplies, and try to avoid driving through Death Valley during the hottest months of July and August.
By organized tour
Since Death Valley has its risks – heat, size, remoteness – the best way to visit for many (especially for first-timers) is through an organized tour. Not only do these tours take care of all the logistics for you (the driving, the activities, the planning), but they also provide experienced guides who have extensive knowledge of Death Valley’s history, landscapes, and animals – so you’re bound to learn a thing or two by day’s end as well.
Take your pick from short and sweet day trips that focus on sightseeing, adventure-tailored tours that incorporate activities like dune bashing and off-roading, or even overnight camping trips that allow you to experience Death Valley’s breathtaking night sky in all its glory.
If you’ve got time up your sleeve, some of the best Death Valley tours from Las Vegas span 3 or 4 days, combining wine tastings with ghost town visits, and the chance to check out Yosemite National Park and San Francisco.
And of course, if you’re looking for luxury, VIP-style private tours are on the menu too. With a variety of tour companies to choose from, it’s easy to find one that suits your budget and interests.
Is camping allowed in Death Valley National Park?
Generally speaking, yes, camping is allowed in Death Valley National Park. However, there are certain restrictions depending on the location and the time of year.
In total, there are 12 different campgrounds spread throughout all corners of the park, with a range of facilities on site to make your stay a little more comfortable.
Some campgrounds are open year-round, while others are only open during certain seasons due to extreme temperatures — the Furnace Creek Campground, for instance, which sits close to the Harmony Borax Works, is the only campground open in summer.
The majority of the public campsites are free and first-come, first-served, but there are a few other options (some privately owned) that require a small fee, such as the Fiddlers’ Campground, the Sunset Campground, and the Texas Spring Campground (to name a few).
Since each campsite has slightly different rules and amenities (i.e. hookups for RVs), it’s best to double-check out the park’s official website before you make the trek.
If you prefer to go full adventure mode and ditch the campsites altogether, there are also some backcountry camping options available. However, permits are required for these and they can only be obtained in person at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center or the Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station.
A handful of the best Death Valley Tours from Las Vegas do include overnight stays. If you go down this route you won’t have to worry about planning your own trip, transport or camping equipment since the tour company will sort all of that out for you.
How much does the entrance ticket to Death Valley cost?
You have a few different options on the menu when buying tickets for Death Valley National Park.
If you’re planning on visiting the park multiple times in a year, then purchasing an annual pass would be your best bet. This will cost US$55 and grants access for one vehicle plus all passengers to Death Valley.
Alternatively, if you want to see more of the American National Parks, then purchasing an Interagency ‘America the Beautiful Pass’ for US$80 will get you into the likes of the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Arches, and dozens more revered national parks over the course of a year. This option is only US$20 for seniors and is free for active and past military and 4th graders as well.
If you prefer to keep things simple, a standard Death Valley entrance ticket is also available. These are valid for 7 days and are priced at US$30 per vehicle, US$25 per motorbike, or US$15 per person if traveling by foot or push bike.
The pricing structure is different for commercial vehicles, costing up to US$75 for commercial cars and vans and up to US$200 for 26+ seat buses. If you’re taking a guided tour, the entrance fee is always included in the package.
Pinching pennies? On 5 days throughout the year, Death Valley National Park invites anyone to visit free of charge. These usually include Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 16), the First Day of National Park Week (April 22), the day of The Great American Outdoors Act (August 4), National Public Lands Day (September 23) and Veteran’s Day (November 11).
How to choose the best Death Valley tour from Las Vegas?
When it comes to picking the perfect Death Valley adventure, you have a bounty of choices.
But what defines the so-called best Death Valley tours from Las Vegas really depends on your individual tastes and priorities. If you’re someone who spares no expense and wants to see everything the park has to offer in VIP style, then splurging on a private tour with all the bells and whistles may be your best bet.
On the flip side, if you’re more budget-conscious and prefer to meet more fellow travelers, affordable group tours are a dime a dozen as well.
Then, of course, you’ve got the combo options — tours that not only check off the quintessential Death Valley sites, but also explore surrounding areas like Yosemite, San Francisco and the Rhyolite ghost town. With these takes, you’re getting a few bucket-list-worthy experiences all wrapped into one.
Throw in a few extra options that include winery excursions, Jeep safaris and photography exhibitions, and you can see that there’s certainly no shortage of options.
With that in mind, let’s dive into each of the different Death Valley tours in a little more detail to help you pick the perfect adventure.
What is the classic Death Valley tour itinerary?
The majority of the best Death Valley tours from Las Vegas follow a similar schedule – the “classic” tour, so to speak. And while each tour company will put its own little spin on the day, the itinerary and main attractions you’ll visit are pretty consistent.
Lasting between 10 and 11 hours, the exciting day all starts with convenient hotel pickup. Whether you’re staying on the Strip or in downtown Las Vegas, the tour bus will typically come by bright and early (before 7 am – even as early as 4.30 am between May and September to beat the heat*) and you’ll be on your way out of Sin City before most people have even had their first cup of coffee.
After a couple of hours of driving through the Mojave Desert, you’ll arrive at your first stop — usually the old Rhyolite ghost town. From there, you’ll get to snap a quick pick in front of the Welcome to Death Valley sign before continuing on to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
A stop at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center usually comes next, after which you’ll make your way down (literally) to the Badwater Basin Salt Flats – famous for being the lowest point in North America at a remarkable 282 feet below sea level.
Depending on your particular tour, you’ll usually either head along Artist’s Drive – a scenic 9-mile route through colorful canyons – to Artist’s Palette or check out Zabriskie Point where stunning views of the Mars-like landscapes await – a quintessential Death Valley photo op if there ever was one.
As the journey carries on into the afternoon, you’ll likely head to Dante’s View, another top-notch vista that looks out over the badlands and the southern half of the park.
If you stick around after dark then stargazing might also be on the agenda. If not, you’ll leave Death Valley in the early evening, getting back to Las Vegas after a possible stop in Pahrump on the way home to stretch your legs.
*If you book a day trip that includes stargazing, it’s possible you might start much later – anywhere between 8 am and 2 pm depending on the day.
Death Valley day trips from Las Vegas
Since Death Valley is only a two-hour drive from town, it’s easy to squeeze into a day trip, leaving more time in your back pocket to check out all the other best national parks near Las Vegas.
The majority of the Death Valley single-day tours follow the “Classic” itinerary — you’ll start at the Rhyolite ghost town, then onto Furnace Creek and the salt flats. You’ll have time to bash around at the Mesquite Flat sand dunes, witness sights like Artist’s Palette, Zabriskie Point and Death Valley Junction (infamous for its stargazing) before heading back to Sin City after dark.
That said, if you’re looking for something a little bit out of the ordinary, there are a few more options to consider. For early birds, the Death Valley Sunrise & Stargazing Day Tour (well, technically a night tour) shows off the park’s otherworldly landscapes in the cool, quiet hours of the morning. Under the moonlight, you’ll spend a couple of hours stargazing before witnessing the colors change as the sun rises. And the best part? You won’t be battling against the scorching heat.
Alternatively, you can sign up for something like the Las Vegas Death Valley premium tour, which not only shows off the quintessential classics, but also dedicates some time to walking along the Salt Creek boardwalk, checking out the 19th-century Harmony Borax Works historic mining site, and popping into the Area 51 Alien Center.
Death Valley jeep tours from Las Vegas
Tailored to adventurers and travelers who like to journey off the beaten path, jeep tours are all about experiencing the raw, unfiltered Death Valley — one of desolate backcountry roads, abandoned mining camps and stunning viewpoints.
Similar to the traditional Death Valley single-day getaway, these tours start with convenient pick-up from your Las Vegas hotel in the morning (usually 7 am in the case of Pink Jeep Tours), make their way up to the Area 51 Alien Center and the Goldwell Open Air Museum, and then wind through some of the park’s must-sees: the Borax Works Historic Mining site, Zabriskie Point, Badwater Basin, and the Artist’s Palette, to name a few.
However, what sets Jeep tours apart is their flexibility. With a smaller group size and a knowledgeable guide behind the wheel, you’ll have more time to venture deeper into the park and explore the lesser-known areas. Plus, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for breathtaking photos – and the tour guide is always happy to act as your professional photographer.
Factor in an included picnic lunch, the big windows from the custom-made Tour Trekker Jeep, and time to wander along the Salt Creek Boardwalk and learn about the endangered Desert Pupfish, and you’ve got yourself an immersive, unforgettable Death Valley experience.
Death Valley stargazing tours from Las Vegas
By day, contiguous America’s largest national park is a vast and arid, yet surprisingly diverse landscape of sand dunes, salt flats, canyons and mountains. It’s hot, it’s dry, and it looks like something taken straight out of a sci-fi movie (especially at The Racetrack, where the rocks mysteriously move on their own).
But by night, Death Valley transforms into one of the best places for stargazing in the world. With next to zero light pollution, clear desert skies most nights of the year and low humidity levels, it’s a prime location for staring at the stars and constellations above.
And contrary to the first-thought image most visitors conjure up, Death Valley isn’t just flat – it boasts several valleys and mountain peaks, each of which serves up different vantage points to appreciate the twinkling night sky.
Death Valley stargazing tours from Las Vegas typically work in one of two ways: Either you’ll depart from Sin City a little later so that you can stay in the desert after sundown (when the constellation show begins), or you’ll leave in the wee hours of the morning to stargaze before the sun comes up, and then add on a few quintessential sightseeing stops thereafter.
Whichever option takes your fancy, thanks to certified guides who not only know the ins and outs of the park, but are also experts in astronomy, you’re bound to walk away having learned something new.
Consider this: If you’re looking for something a little on the fancier side, consider the Death Valley Sightseeing and Stargazing Photography Tour with VIP Wine Tasting. As the name suggests, you’ll be treated to a stop at a local winery (usually the Pahrump Valley Winery) – the cherry on top of an already fantastic day out. Keep reading to learn more…
Death Valley wine-tasting tours from Las Vegas
Adding a touch of sophistication to the typical Death Valley day trip, these highbrow tours not only show off the postcard-worthy landscapes this National Park is known for — places like Badwater Basin, the colorful Artist’s Palette and the Zabriskie Point lookout — but they drizzle on some local culture with a lovely stop at a Nevada winery.
Capped at just 12 people, meaning that you’ll get a more personalized experience compared to the traditional busload of tourists, this tour picks you up from your Vegas hotel and then heads straight up Highway 160 to the Pahrump Valley Winery.
Here, you’ll have the chance to sample a delicious variety of reds, whites and sweet dessert wines as you soak up the scenery in a picnic-style setting. The winemakers will walk you through the wine-making process, from soil to bottle, giving you a deeper appreciation of the art, and you can even purchase a bottle or two to take home as a souvenir.
After a glass (or three) or Nevada’s finest, you’ll hightail your way over to the National Park where you can expect a combination of exploring and photo-ops, hearing plenty of stories and tidbits from your friendly tour guide along the way.
The day is usually capped off with an enchanting stargazing session, after which you’re taken on the scenic route back to your Las Vegas hotel.
Quick tip: If you do decide to book one of these tours, make sure to do so in advance. With only a dozen spots available per tour, these experiences tend to sell out quickly.
Death Valley & Rhyolite Ghost Town day trip from Las Vegas
Before Nevada became known worldwide for its ritzy casinos, lavish hotels and bustling nightlife, it was the epicenter of the Wild West — a place where cowboys roamed free and gold was king. Showing off a slightly different side of the state, this tour takes you back in time to the days of the Gold Rush, exploring Death Valley and the historic Rhyolite Ghost Town through a more historical lens.
You’ll start your journey by heading out in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle in the morning, making your way through the stunning desert landscape towards Death Valley via Pahrump. Just before you get to the park’s entrance — “Hell’s Gate”, as it’s widely known — you’ll stop into Rhyolite. In the early 1900s, this city was one of many gold rush-era boomtowns. Fast forward to today and it’s nothing but a collection of old buildings, half-standing ruins and deserted streets — the perfect precursor to what lies ahead in desolate Death Valley.
After about an hour for photo ops and history lessons, your guide will take you into the heart of the Valley, where you’ll get to see the rolling Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, colorful Artist’s Drive, Badwater Basin, and the 19th-century Harmony Borax Works which played a huge role in shaping the early history of Death Valley.
Given its affordability and combination of history and sightseeing, this option sells itself as one of the best Death Valley Tours from Las Vegas.
Death Valley 4-day trips from Las Vegas
Want to see as much of this part of the country as possible? And not just the big, famous cities? If you’ve got some more time up your sleeve, the multi-day trips from Las Vegas that combine Death Valley with a handful of other equally stunning locations are definitely worth considering.
On the one hand, you’re getting a much better bang for your buck — these trips take in the very best of Nevada and California, following a cleverly put-together route that saves you from doing multiple single-day trips from different cities. On the other, you’re getting a much more varied and enriching experience compared to the cookie-cutter Death Valley day trip.
Despite having a handful of companies to choose from, when it comes to Death Valley 4-day trips, you’ve essentially got two very different yet equally fantastic options.
The first (and the most popular) is an adventure that hits up Death Valley on day 1, Yosemite National Park (via the stunning Tioga Pass) or days 2 and 3, and then finishes up in the City by the Bay – San Francisco – with an in-depth city tour. Since this is a one-way trip, you’ll save money on a potential airfare from Vegas to San Fran as well. And with highlights including Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan, the Golden Gate Bridge and, of course, Death Valley, it’s an experience that few others could hope to match.
Or, you can choose the second option – a 4-day Death Valley hiking and camping trip that stays within the confines of the park for an epic 96 hours of pure adventure. Sure, you’ll get to see the most famous spots like Zabriskie Point, Dante’s View and the Salt Flats, but you’ll also traverse trails like Golden Canyon, Gower Gulch, the Amargosa Range and the Wildrose Peak climb — perfect for adventurous types that love to get off-the-beaten-path.
All up, you’ll hike at least 22 miles worth of trails, allowing you to see areas of the park that only one in a million tourists get to experience. All of your meals are included, and camping under the stars each night; well, that’s just the icing on the cake.
Death Valley private tours
The fundamental appeal of Death Valley is its remoteness. When you’re out in the middle of nowhere – be that the lowest elevation point in North America, or one of the viewpoints that look out over the empty, desolate and foreboding landscape – you get a sense that this is truly unspoiled, wild America.
But if you’re experiencing all of this rugged, untouched wilderness surrounded by 40 other snap-happy tourists, it kind of defeats the purpose, doesn’t it? That’s why some people opt for private tours of Death Valley instead.
Limited to just you and your group (friends, family, bachelor party buddies, whatever), private tours are all about personalized, intimate experiences. While the tours do have an itinerary, you have the flexibility to make adjustments here and there, whether that’s staying longer at a certain spot or skipping some places altogether to go hiking instead.
While the single-day private Death Valley adventure is justifiably popular, making its way to places like Golden Canyon, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Dante’s View, it’s not the only option. If you’ve got more time up your sleeve, the Private 4-Day Death Valley and Yosemite Tour from Las Vegas is a non-stop highlight reel certainly worth considering.
Like all Las Vegas private tours, you get the added benefit of having your very own guide (AKA private photographer) the whole way through. They’ll be on hand to answer any questions, point out hidden gems and of course, capture all your Insta-worthy moments.
And while they might be more expensive at face value, in reality, private tours can be relatively comparable with small group tours. Since they’re usually charged per group, not per person, the more people in your group, the cheaper it will be for everyone.
What will you see in Death Valley?
The uneducated answer is “not much – there’s nothing there,” or “it’s just a desert.” But these couldn’t be further from the truth.
In reality, Death Valley National Park is full of diverse landscapes and incredible geological structures that have been shaped by millions of years of natural forces.
From the lowest point in North America at Badwater Basin to the towering peaks of the Panamint Mountains, there is so much to see and explore in Death Valley. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top-rated things to do in Death Valley.
Badwater Basin
Officially the lowest point in North America, Badwater Basin is an eerily beautiful, very rare landscape that sits at 282 feet below sea level. Guaranteeing incredible photos, the salt flats here tessellate spectacularly, and you can wander across them as far as the eye can see.
Zabriskie Point
Of all the lookouts in the park, Zabriskie Point is probably the most famous – and for good reason. Sitting just south of Furnace Creek it serves up spectacular views of Artist’s Palette. The waves of deep canyons and the colorful pastel-hued rocks aren’t something you’d see in any other national park.
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
When people think desert, they think of rolling dunes of sand. And that’s exactly what you’ll find at Mesquite Flat. These ever-changing, wind-sculpted dunes are perfect for a quick hike or an off-road adventure. If you’re coming up through the Rhyolite Ghost Town entrance, you’ll usually stop here first before heading south toward Badwater.
Dante’s View
While not as popular as Zabriskie Point, Dante’s View is equally picturesque. From here, at about 5,000 feet above sea level, you’re treated to sweeping vistas of the Badwater Basin. If you’re up for a challenge, you can tackle the 8-mile round-trip journey to Mt. Perry – although this isn’t included in any day tours.
Artist’s Drive
Considered the best scenic road trip in Death Valley, the Artist’s Drive is a nine mile detour off of Badwater Road that takes you through the most colorful landscapes in the park. About halfway along the drive, you’ll come across the famed Artists Palette, a dramatic section known for its multi-colored rocks. Words simply can’t do it justice.
Rhyolite
While not technically in Death Valley National Park, the ghost town of Rhyolite is right next to the Hell’s Gate entrance — so if you’re coming in from the northeast, it’s impossible to miss. Once a bustling gold rush town, it’s now one of the most photographed ghost towns in Nevada thanks to its abandoned buildings and eerie, Wild West feel.
Is one day in Death Valley enough?
Yes, a day in Death Valley can definitely be enough to see some of the highlights and get a feel for the park. You’ll be able to check out the Badwater Basin, admire the Artist’s Palette, and take in the sand dunes over at Mesquite Flat.
However, with over 3 million acres of land to explore, the reality is that you’ll only scratch the surface in just one day. If possible, it’s recommended to spend at least two days in Death Valley to truly appreciate its diversity. If you have the opportunity to stay overnight to witness the unobstructed starry sky, or even take a multi-day tour that ticks off Yosemite, go for it!
That being said, most of the best Death Valley Tours from Las Vegas are only 11-12 hours long.
How much does a Death Valley tour from Las Vegas cost?
Prices for Death Valley tours from Las Vegas vary pretty substantially depending on the tour company, the length of the tour, and whether you decide to combine it with places like Yosemite.
For the most basic day trips, expect to pay between US$180 and US$290 per person. Generally, the cheaper end of the spectrum will be with a larger group, while smaller group sizes typically come with a small premium.
More niche excursions, such as the VIP wine-tasting plus Death Valley sightseeing and stargazing tour cost around US$285 per person, while the Tour Trekker Jeep adventure costs about US$295 each.
Private tours, understandably, cost a lot more, with prices ranging from US$1100 to US$1,350 depending on the length of the tour and group size. The caveat here is that these prices are generally per group, not per person**, so if you have a larger group, it may actually be a more cost-effective option (or, at least, not that much more expensive) to book a private tour.
Multi-day tours tend to cost roughly US$950 if you go for the camping option, or US$1,395 if you prefer a bougier lodge setup.
How to book Death Valley tours from Las Vegas?
The most important thing to know about booking Death Valley trips is to do so BEFORE you actually arrive in Las Vegas. The earlier the better, because you don’t want to be stuck with limited options or overpriced tours if you only have a few days to play with.
If you’re planning a trip in advance, it’s best to book online through reputable tour companies. But rather than spend hours in the weeds of different websites, use something like the TourScanner search engine instead. Designed to make your trip as hassle-free as possible, the search engine shows off a wide range of tours, compares all of prices and discounts, and even lets you read reviews of previous visitors, giving you a much better idea of what to expect before you book.
Plus, the majority of the tours shown on TourScanner offer free cancellation up to a day before the tour begins, so there’s no need to worry about unexpected changes in your plans.
Death Valley’s opening hours
Being a National Park, Death Valley is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The Visitor Center, which is located in Furnace Creek, is also open daily from 8 am to 5 pm.
While the park itself doesn’t close, some facilities and areas do have seasonal closures, especially in the summertime when temperatures can exceed 120°F (48°C).
With that in mind, it’s always important to check the park’s website for the most up-to-date information before planning your trip. On that note, if you plan on camping, only one of the 12 campgrounds is open year-round (Furnace Creek Campground). The rest have specific opening and closing dates, so make sure to check those as well before heading out.
When is the best time to visit Death Valley?
Most of the Southwest’s coveted national parks around Utah and Arizona are best visited in the summertime, known for getting snow during their winters. Death Valley, on the other hand, is different. With a reputation as one of the hottest places on Earth, winter is actually the best time to take on this adventure.
In the winter, temperatures tend to stay below 80°F (26°C), making it a much more comfortable experience compared to June through September. Winter also welcomes a handful of extra activities, such as daily ranger-led programs.
The downside of visiting in the peak of winter is that the days are slightly shorter. Unless you plan on stargazing, a tour in spring or fall would be ideal for avoiding the crowds and still enjoying bearable (read: certainly warm) temperatures.
Travel tips
- Let’s not beat around the bush. Even outside of summer, Death Valley is HOT. So, dress appropriately, bring a hat, sunblock, and sunglasses, and make sure to bring extra water. Most tours will have near-unlimited water on hand, however, you can never be too cautious
- Due to the size and remoteness of the park, cell phone service can be pretty hit-and-miss, so make sure to download an offline map or go old-school with a physical one on hand.
- Some phones struggle on days of extreme heat, so bringing a portable charger might save your skin if something goes wrong.
- Given the infamous risks of Death Valley, it’s highly recommended for first-time visitors to take a guided tour instead of attempting to explore on their own. Not only will you have an experienced guide leading the way, but you’ll also learn a lot more about the park’s history, nature and wildlife this way.
- Last but not least, make sure to book your tour online and in advance. This way, you can lock in the best price on your preferred day, and not have to worry about planning it all out yourself when you touch down in Sin City.