Death Valley from Vegas: Best Tips & Hilkes
If you’re looking for a jaw‑dropping day trip from Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park is one of the most unique and unforgettable places you can visit. With otherworldly landscapes, salt flats, colorful canyons, and sweeping desert views, it’s unlike anything else in the Southwest. And the best part — it’s an easy two‑hour drive from the Strip, making it perfect for families, first‑timers, and anyone craving a break from the neon lights.
This guide covers everything you need to plan the perfect day trip from Las Vegas to Death Valley, including the best stops, fees, what to pack, and insider tips from our own visit.
Heads up: This post has affiliate links. If you use them, I earn a tiny commission — the kind that fuels coffee, not private jets. Thanks for supporting my travel‑obsessed corner of the internet.
⭐ Is Death Valley Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Death Valley is one of the most unique national parks in the U.S., and the fact that you can visit it as a day trip from Las Vegas makes it even better. The landscapes are unlike anything else, and it’s a perfect mix of easy viewpoints, short hikes, and unforgettable scenery. Our family enjoyed this way more than I ever imagined! I hope this guide helps you get the most out of your trip to Death Valley.
🚗 How to Get to Death Valley from Las Vegas
Death Valley is located about 120 miles west of Las Vegas, and the drive is surprisingly simple.
Drive Time
Expect about 2 hours each way, depending on traffic and where you’re staying on the Strip.
Best Route
The most common and easiest route is:
Take NV‑160 West toward Pahrump
Continue to Bell Vista Ave
Enter the park near Death Valley Junction
This route is well‑marked and has gas, restrooms, and food options along the way.
Parking
Parking is available at all major stops, but popular viewpoints like Zabriskie Point and Badwater Basin fill up quickly during peak season.
💵 Death Valley Entrance Fees
Death Valley is part of the National Park Service.
$30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
$25 per motorcycle
$15 per person (walk‑in or bicycle)
Passes that work here:
America the Beautiful Annual Pass
Senior Pass
Military Pass
Best Death Valley Tours from Las Vegas
If you don’t want to drive or prefer a guided experience, these tours are highly rated and perfect for first‑time visitors:
🌤️ Best Time to Visit Death Valley
The best time to visit Death Valley is November through March, when temperatures are mild and perfect for hiking. Our family visited in mid-December, and we had great weather.
Spring & Winter
Comfortable temperatures
Clear skies
Ideal for hiking and photography
Summer Warning
Death Valley regularly hits 110–120°F in summer. If you visit June–September:
Start early
Bring extra water
Avoid midday hikes
⭐ Best Stops in Death Valley (Perfect for a Day Trip)
These are the must‑see highlights you can easily fit into one day:
Zabriskie Point
One of the most iconic viewpoints in the park. Sunrise is magical here.
Badwater Basin
The lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level. The salt flats stretch for miles.
Artist’s Drive & Artist’s Palette
A colorful, winding drive through mineral‑stained hills. Great for photos.
Golden Canyon
A family‑friendly hike through golden rock walls. You can go as far as you want.
Devil’s Golf Course
Jagged salt formations that look like another planet. I have never seen anything like this before! Crazy cool! Do not skip!
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Perfect for sunset — and kids love running up the dunes. My older teens enjoyed this too!
Our Experience Visiting Death Valley
We made the two‑hour drive from Las Vegas and were blown away from the moment we entered the park. We travel a lot, and none of us had ever seen anything like this. The landscapes felt otherworldly, and every stop was more impressive than the last. We did several hikes, and each one was incredible in its own way. I will add that we enjoyed this day way more than I ever expected. We had so much fun hiking and talking as we explored. If you are a sci-fi lover, Death Valley is a must. I felt like we were on another planet at times.
Where to Stay in Las Vegas
Places I’ve Stayed
👉What to Pack for Death Valley
Sunscreen
Hydration pack or large water bottles
Chapstick
Portable charger
Cooling towel
Lightweight hiking shoes
Snacks
Hat + sunglasses
Layers (mornings can be chilly in winter)
Find these and more on my Amazon List for Death Valley
💡 Tips for Visiting Death Valley from Las Vegas
Start early to beat crowds and heat
Bring more water than you think you’ll need
Download maps — cell service is limited (I cannot emphasize this enough)
Gas up before entering the park
Wear sturdy shoes for uneven terrain
Plan your route ahead of time
My Verdict
A day trip to Death Valley from Las Vegas is more than just a scenic drive—it’s a chance to step into one of the most unique landscapes in the world. From the salt flats of Badwater Basin to the golden views at Zabriskie Point, every stop offers a glimpse of nature’s extremes. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or as part of a bigger Southwest adventure, Death Valley delivers unforgettable memories just a short drive from the Strip. Save this guide for your next Vegas getaway and let the desert surprise you with its beauty.
Keep Planning Your Vegas Adventure
About the Author
I’m Julie, the planner behind NO POINT LEFT BEHIND, where I help families explore more for less using points, miles, and smart strategies. Our crew loves mixing Vegas trips with national park adventures, and I share the exact routes, tips, and real‑life experiences that make these trips easy and fun for beginners and families.
