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Death Valley Circuit — United States — Desert
North America

Death Valley Circuit

United States

In short: Death Valley Circuit is a 480 km desert road trip in United States, typically driven over 2–3 days, best in Oct–Apr. Highlights: Las Vegas, Zabriskie Point, Dante's View.

Distance
480 km
Duration
2–3 days
Best Season
Oct–Apr
IconicModerateDesert

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.

~0 refuels
~1 charge
Practical notes
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.
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Stops along the route

Las Vegas — Departure — Death Valley Circuit — United States
Departure
Las Vegas
Drive west into the Mojave. Within two hours the Strip's neon dissolves and the Amargosa Valley opens into something ancient.
Hotels
Furnace Creek — City — Death Valley Circuit — United States
City
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.
Hotels
Stovepipe Wells — Arrival — Death Valley Circuit — United States
Arrival
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.
Hotels

Things to Do

Zabriskie Point — Landmark — Death Valley Circuit — United States
Landmark
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 — Nature — Death Valley Circuit — United States
Nature
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 — Landmark — Death Valley Circuit — United States
Landmark
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 — Nature — Death Valley Circuit — United States
Nature
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.
Mesquite Flat Dunes — Nature — Death Valley Circuit — United States
Nature
Mesquite Flat Dunes
Star-shaped dunes rising 30m from the valley floor. At sunrise their crests throw knife-edge shadows across the rippled faces.
Harmony Borax Works — Historic Site — Death Valley Circuit — United States
Historic Site
Harmony Borax Works
Explore the ruins of a 19th-century borax refinery and learn about the '20 Mule Team' wagons that transported minerals.
Golden Canyon Trail — Hike — Death Valley Circuit — United States
Hike
Golden Canyon Trail
A 3-mile round-trip hike through colorful canyons leading to the striking Red Cathedral rock formation.
Devil's Golf Course — Scenic Viewpoint — Death Valley Circuit — United States
Scenic Viewpoint
Devil's Golf Course
Vast expanse of jagged salt formations, creating a surreal and otherworldly landscape.
Furnace Creek Visitor Center — Museum — Death Valley Circuit — United States
Museum
Furnace Creek Visitor Center
Offers exhibits on Death Valley's geology, history, and wildlife, along with a park film and bookstore.

Where to Eat

The Inn Dining Room — Fine Dining — Death Valley Circuit — United States
Fine Dining
The Inn Dining Room
Offers upscale American cuisine with panoramic desert views, featuring seasonal ingredients and an extensive wine list.
The Last Kind Words Saloon — Steakhouse — Death Valley Circuit — United States
Steakhouse
The Last Kind Words Saloon
Rustic Western-themed steakhouse serving hearty meals, including prime cuts and classic sides, in a lively atmosphere.
The 19th Hole — Casual American — Death Valley Circuit — United States
Casual American
The 19th Hole
Relaxed eatery adjacent to the golf course, offering burgers, sandwiches, and cold drinks with scenic views.
Badwater Saloon — Bar and Grill — Death Valley Circuit — United States
Bar and Grill
Badwater Saloon
Casual spot serving burgers, salads, and a variety of beers, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Explore related routes

United States road trips Iconic Scenic Coastal DrivesDesert RoadsWeekend Drives North America routes

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Death Valley Circuit drive?

The Death Valley Circuit covers 480 km from start to finish.

How long does the Death Valley Circuit take to drive?

Most travellers spend 2–3 days on the Death Valley Circuit, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Death Valley Circuit?

The recommended season for the Death Valley Circuit is Oct–Apr.

Where does the Death Valley Circuit start and end?

The Death Valley Circuit runs from Las Vegas to Stovepipe Wells.

What are the main stops on the Death Valley Circuit?

The Death Valley Circuit passes through Las Vegas, Zabriskie Point, Dante's View.

Can I drive the Death Valley Circuit in a regular car?

Yes — the Death Valley Circuit is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Death Valley Circuit?

Plan around 0 refuels (or about 1 EV charges) along the Death Valley Circuit, based on its 480 km length.

Is the Death Valley Circuit safe to drive?

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.

What scenic tier is the Death Valley Circuit?

The Death Valley Circuit is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.