Death Valley Circuit
United States
The lowest, hottest, driest national park on Earth, and one of its most spectacular. Golden badlands, salt flats at 86m below sea level, rainbow-painted hills, and dunes that hum when the sand shifts in the wind.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Las Vegas
Drive west into the Mojave. Within two hours the Strip's neon dissolves and the Amargosa Valley opens into something ancient.
- Zabriskie Point
Layered badlands of borax and clay in every shade of gold, best at sunrise when long shadows turn each eroded ridge razor-sharp.
- Dante's View
1670m above Badwater Basin, looking down the full length of Death Valley. The salt flat gleams white against the Black Mountains below.
- Badwater Basin
86m below sea level, the lowest point in North America. A vast hexagonal salt pan stretching to the horizon beneath the Black Mountains.
- Artist's Palette
Iron oxides paint the hillside in pink, green, yellow, and purple. Drive the one-way loop at golden hour when the colours are most surreal.
- Furnace Creek
The park's hub at 58m below sea level. Fuel, the historic Inn, and the world's lowest-elevation golf course beside a spring-fed oasis.
- Mesquite Flat Dunes
Star-shaped dunes rising 30m from the valley floor. At sunrise their crests throw knife-edge shadows across the rippled faces.
- Stovepipe Wells
The valley's original settlement. Cold beer at the saloon, the Milky Way overhead, and temperatures that only start to drop after midnight.
Where to Eat
- The Inn Dining RoomFine Dining
Offers upscale American cuisine with panoramic desert views, featuring seasonal ingredients and an extensive wine list.
- The Last Kind Words SaloonSteakhouse
Rustic Western-themed steakhouse serving hearty meals, including prime cuts and classic sides, in a lively atmosphere.
- The 19th HoleCasual American
Relaxed eatery adjacent to the golf course, offering burgers, sandwiches, and cold drinks with scenic views.
- Badwater SaloonBar and Grill
Casual spot serving burgers, salads, and a variety of beers, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Things to Do
- Harmony Borax WorksHistoric Site
Explore the ruins of a 19th-century borax refinery and learn about the '20 Mule Team' wagons that transported minerals.
- Golden Canyon TrailHike
A 3-mile round-trip hike through colorful canyons leading to the striking Red Cathedral rock formation.
- Devil's Golf CourseScenic Viewpoint
Vast expanse of jagged salt formations, creating a surreal and otherworldly landscape.
- Furnace Creek Visitor CenterMuseum
Offers exhibits on Death Valley's geology, history, and wildlife, along with a park film and bookstore.
Travel advisory
Summer temperatures routinely exceed 48C and can cause engine overheating and tire blowouts; visiting between May and October demands thorough vehicle preparation and ample water. Some backcountry spur roads like Racetrack Playa are unpaved and require high clearance, but the main circuit is paved. Always carry extra water, food, and a charged phone or satellite communicator.