Sierra Nevada & national parks Sequoia & Kings Canyon
Two adjoining national parks in the southern Sierra Nevada, home to the largest trees on Earth and one of the deepest canyons in North America.
Things to see in Death Valley
Seven sights, most within 45 minutes of Furnace Creek. All can be reached in an ordinary car on paved roads.
1. Zabriskie Point
A short, paved path from the car park leads to a view over a maze of golden-yellow badlands, the eroded bed of an ancient lake, with the salt flats and the Panamint Range beyond. Sunrise is the classic time; sunset is also good and quieter.
2. Badwater Basin
The lowest point in North America, 86 m (282 ft) below sea level. A boardwalk leads onto a vast white pan of salt; walk a kilometre or so out to see the polygon patterns. A sign high on the cliff behind the car park marks sea level. Do not walk far in hot weather.
3. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
The park’s most accessible dunes, beside the road near Stovepipe Wells, reaching about 30 m (100 ft) high. There is no trail — simply walk in. Come at sunrise or sunset for the shadows and cooler sand.
4. Artists Drive and Artists Palette
A one-way scenic loop of about 14 km (9 miles) through hills stained green, pink, purple and gold by oxidised minerals. The colours are strongest at Artists Palette in late-afternoon light. Vehicles longer than about 7.5 m (25 ft) are not allowed.
5. Dante’s View
A viewpoint at 1,669 m (5,475 ft) on the crest of the Black Mountains, almost directly above Badwater. The whole valley lies at your feet, and it is usually 10°C (about 20°F) cooler than on the floor. The last stretch of road is steep.
6. Golden Canyon
The park’s most popular walk follows a wash between glowing yellow walls to the base of the Red Cathedral cliffs, about 5 km (3 miles) return, with a longer loop back via Gower Gulch or up to Zabriskie Point. A winter and early-morning hike only.
7. Ubehebe Crater
A volcanic crater about 800 m (half a mile) across and 180 m (600 ft) deep in the north of the park, formed by a steam explosion. You can walk the rim or descend to the floor — the climb back up through loose cinders is hard work.
Destinations
Combine it with
Sierra Nevada & national parks 
Deserts Palm Springs & Joshua Tree
A mid-century desert resort beneath 3,000-metre peaks, and an hour away a national park of giant boulders and spiky Joshua trees.
Sierra Nevada & national parks Yosemite
Granite cliffs a kilometre high, some of the tallest waterfalls in North America and groves of giant sequoias — the Sierra Nevada at its grandest.
Plan your trip
Book tours in Death Valley
Compare real-time prices and availability on GetYourGuide. Most tours can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours ahead.