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Day Trips from Death Valley National Park

Day Trips from Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park California, USA Travel Guide

Pahrump, Nevada

Located approximately a 1-hour drive from Furnace Creek.

A practical stop for stocking up on groceries, water, fuel, and finding more affordable accommodation if commuting to the park daily.

Features

  • Full-service town with large supermarkets.
  • Multiple gas stations, often cheaper than in-park.
  • Budget-friendly lodging choices.
  • Local wineries.

Natural Escapes

Explore diverse natural landscapes beyond Death Valley's boundaries.

Alabama Hills

Unique rounded rock formations and natural arches appear against the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains. This area served as a popular Hollywood filming location for decades.

Activities

  • Easy hiking and bouldering.
  • Exceptional photography opportunities, notably at sunrise or sunset.
  • A scenic driving loop explores the formations.

Mount Charleston

A stark contrast to Death Valley, this area in the Spring Mountains features cool pine forests, alpine meadows, and considerably lower temperatures. Elevations extend to 11,918 feet (3,632 meters).

Activities

  • Numerous hiking trails and picnicking spots.
  • A welcome escape from desert heat during warmer months.
  • Winter snow play is possible.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Features

  • Stunning red rock formations.
  • Dramatic sandstone cliffs.
  • Diverse desert vegetation.
  • Scenic photography vistas.

Activities

  • A scenic loop drive.
  • Numerous hiking trails for various skill levels.
  • Rock climbing.
  • Picnicking.

Other noteworthy Locations

  • Beatty, Nevada:A small mining town on the eastern park edge. Find gas stations and basic services. A gateway to Rhyolite Ghost Town.
  • Lone Pine, California:A scenic Western gateway to Death Valley and the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. Has lodging, restaurants, general services. Access to Alabama Hills and Mount Whitney.
  • Las Vegas, Nevada:Approximately a 2 to 2.5-hour drive from Furnace Creek. A major metropolitan hub with extensive entertainment, world-class dining, shopping, and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS).
  • Mojave National Preserve, California:Approximately a 2 to 3-hour drive south of Death Valley. This preserve features unique Joshua tree forests, volcanic cinder cones, lava flows, and sand dunes. A less visited, rugged desert experience.
  • Rhyolite Ghost Town:A well-preserved former gold mining town from the early 20th century. Includes historic building remnants, an unique Bottle House, and art installations. An interesting historical excursion directly linked to the region's mining past.
  • Manzanar National Historic Site:Near Lone Pine, CA. A poignant site preserving the history of a Japanese-American internment camp from WWII. Features reconstructed buildings, a museum, and a self-guided driving tour.
  • Southern California Desert Loop:Combine Death Valley with Joshua Tree National Park and/or Mojave National Preserve for a comprehensive desert experience, demonstrating unique ecology, geology, and dark skies.
  • Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway (US-395):Travel north from Death Valley along U.S. Route 395 to explore towns like Lone Pine, Bishop, and Mammoth Lakes. Access the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains, including the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park (seasonal Tioga Pass).

Helpful Tip

When planning multi-day extensions, consider driving times; distances in the American West are considerable. Factor in fuel stops and potential road closures, specifically for mountain passes during winter.

Cultural Excursions

Explore the human history of the region beyond the park.

Rhyolite Ghost Town

A well-preserved former gold mining town from the early 20th century, located near Beatty, Nevada. It features historic building remnants, an unique Bottle House, and art installations. This offers an interesting historical excursion connected to the region's mining past and makes for an easy side trip from the park's eastern side.

Manzanar National Historic Site

Located near Lone Pine, CA. A poignant and important site preserving the history of one of ten Japanese-American internment camps during World War II. It features reconstructed buildings, a museum, and a self-guided driving tour. This site delivers a powerful and educational experience about a challenging period in U.S. History and is a moving tribute to those who persisted forced relocation.

Mining History

The Death Valley region is a rich history tied to mining. Visitors can explore remnants of the borax mining era at Harmony Borax Works. These sites illuminate the human story within the valley's harsh environment, demonstrating the resilience and ingenuity of early inhabitants.

Historical Context

Historical Eras

  • Timbisha Shoshone people's ancestral lands.
  • Gold rush and mining boom era.
  • Borax industry, including the 20 Mule Teams.

Site Exploration

Many historical sites within and around the park are accessible. They offer a glimpse into the lives of those who adapted to this challenging landscape.

Popular Historical Stops

  • Harmony Borax Works.
  • Rhyolite Ghost Town (outside park).
  • Wildrose Charcoal Kilns.

Multi-Day Extension Overview

Southern California Desert Loop:Combine Death Valley with Joshua Tree National Park and/or Mojave National Preserve. This creates a comprehensive desert experience with unique ecology, geology, and dark skies.
Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway (US-395):Travel north from Death Valley along U.S. Route 395. Explore towns like Lone Pine, Bishop, and Mammoth Lakes. Access the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains, including the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park (seasonal Tioga Pass).
Las Vegas & Grand Canyon:The Grand Canyon's South Rim sits approximately 4-5 hours from Las Vegas. This popular combination has a diverse itinerary, moving from desert grandeur to urban excitement and a famous natural wonder.
Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks (Utah):These stunning national parks in southern Utah are accessible from Las Vegas (2.5-3 hours drive to Zion). Features spectacular canyon and hoodoo formations, a continuation of geological wonder distinct from Death Valley.
Travel Time:This trip calls for at least 3-5 extra days beyond Death Valley.
Seamless Booking:For multi-day tours or bundled activities including these destinations, explore options on GetYourGuide.

Planning Multi-Day Journeys

  • Always consider driving times; distances in the American West are considerable.
  • Factor in fuel stops and potential road closures.
  • Mountain passes may experience winter closures.
  • Verify road conditions and opening dates, especially for seasonal routes.
  • Booking accommodations in advance for popular areas is wise.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider combining Death Valley with other regional highlights for a longer journey.

Desert Grand Tour

JT

Joshua Tree NP

Combine Death Valley with Joshua Tree National Park (approximately 4-5 hours south) for a comprehensive desert experience, showing unique ecology and geology.

MNP

Mojave National Preserve

Explore Mojave National Preserve as an extension to experience its Joshua tree forests, volcanic features, and sand dunes. This park delivers a less visited, rugged desert landscape.

LV

Las Vegas & Grand Canyon

A popular combination moving from desert grandeur to urban excitement in Las Vegas, then to the world-renowned Grand Canyon. Grand Canyon's South Rim is 4-5 hours from Las Vegas.

Eastern Sierra Exploration

  • Travel north along U.S. Route 395 from Death Valley.
  • Explore scenic towns like Lone Pine, Bishop, and Mammoth Lakes.
  • Access the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains.
  • This includes the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park (Tioga Pass, seasonal).
  • This route has a dramatic contrast from desert to high mountains.
  • Opportunities for hiking, fishing, and photography abound.

Utah's Canyon Lands

  • Consider Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks in southern Utah.
  • These are accessible from Las Vegas (2.5-3 hours drive to Zion).
  • They display spectacular canyon and hoodoo formations.
  • The geological wonder continues, distinct from Death Valley.
  • This trip warrants at least 3-5 extra days for comprehensive viewing.
  • Plan for varied terrain and elevations across these parks.

Planning Reminders

Driving Times

Distances in the American West are considerable. Always factor in ample driving time between destinations.

Fuel Stops

Plan for fuel stops, specifically when venturing into remote areas. Gas prices inside parks often exceed those outside.

Road Conditions

Verify current road conditions and potential closures, especially for mountain passes in winter or during flash flood advisories.

Final Recommendation

A longer stay covering multiple parks has a richer, more diverse experience of the American West. Prioritize flexibility and preparedness for varied conditions.