Perhaps only at high elevation ? Thanks Alex

Hey all,

We’ve just booked a last minute trip to visit Death Valley next week from the UK

We are an active couple in their 30s who enjoy long day hikes and being outdoors all day. But we’re not campers or multi day hikes so have booked in at the Inn.

We have 8 nights in total. First night we’ll stay in Las Vegas and drive the next morning to Death Valley.

We then have 5 or 6 nights to spare. Thinking for the last 2 nights to be in Las Vegas and head to Valley of Fire for 1 or 2 days (open to suggestions!)

I’ve been to Red Rock Canyon before, loved it but keen to see somewhere new!

We don’t like moving around too much, we’d prefer to stay in one place for the stay. We had considered going to Joshua Tree too but would rather have more time to explore one place well. Joshua Tree will be another trip!

Just starting my research now, so welcome any suggestions!

Hi DeathValleyNP!

Quick question for you all. I am thinking of planning a trip to Death Valley National Park in February 2025. My brother and I live in the East Coast and Midwest. Therefore, due to the travel required, we were thinking of visiting the park during the long holiday weekend. Notably, the holiday will save us one day of vacation time.

Based on your experiences, will the park be overcrowded on a holiday weekend in February. We do not mind a few crowds, but ideally we don’t want to feel like we are at a Zoo or amusement park. We know more people will be there for the holiday weekend, but we’re wondering just how many more?

What are your thoughts? Would we better picking another weekend to avoid the crowds?

Thank you in advance for your insights and help!

I am looking at Airbnbs around DV and most of them are at very remote locations. Are locations between DV and Lone Pine safe to stay for a few nights? Sorry if this is a dumb question but I have never been to DV so I am not sure if safety should be a concern. Thanks!

I'm going to be in DV in the first week of November, and I'm wondering if anyone has recently driven to the Racetrack?

I'm not an experienced off-roader, although I've driven a few washboard trails in my time, and I'll be driving a 4WD pickup. I just want to set some expectations before I set out.

I'm thinking of car camping/dispersed camping in DV for Thanksgiving. I'd need to rent a car--planning on AWD SUV situation--but I don't have a ton of unpaved road experience.

I know you need to be a mile into an unpaved road to car camp, but which ones are best for a beginner who doesn't want to pay damage fees?

Feel free to let me know if this is an awful idea, also. Feel free to give recs for specific cars as well.

Can I take a car rental to mosaic canyon? I plan to rent a car with full insurance coverage... can I drive a normal sedan or small SUV to mosaic?

Any other slot canyons that are easy for first timers to drive to?

Doing a trip in December from So Cal to Vegas. Vegas will be home base. Want to drive out to DVNP early in the morning and spend full day at the park. What are the must see places and stops to make? Any short hike worth doing?

Long shot request, please delete it if this is not allowed:

I am looking for a ride from Lone Pine and/or Whitney Portal down to Badwater Basin on the morning of October 31st. If the weather holds, I plan to do “Low to High” that week. I am willing to pay gas/food, and drive (clean driving record). 

I am willing to pay for a shuttle service if anyone knows of any. I am willing to stick out the ole’ thumb the morning of, just more or less hoping to prearrange something to take one thing off the plate for now.

I heard that Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Zabriskie Point are great for sunset and sunrise, but I can only choose one for each.
Which one would you choose for sunset, and which one would be better for sunrise during Thanksgiving week?
I'll be staying at the Ranch for two nights, but I actually have only one full day in Death Valley

We planned to camp for 3 nights in Death Valley over Thanksgiving. But our 'Guide to your National Parks' book says that 2 nights would be plenty to see the park. Would you all suggest packing up and spending the third night somewhere else, ideally not too far away? Or should we do all three nights in DV?

First trip, 3 adults. We tent camped at furnace creek the first two nights— which was very warm still, but doable if required. The other two nights were at wildrose, which was a longer drive from many attractions, but a huge upgrade in temp and privacy. We did think the stargazing was better at furnace creek, though!

For those who are wondering—

We went to Dante’s view, zabriskie point, devils hole, charcoal kilns, bad water basin, Titus canyon, artists palette, natural bridge, twenty mule team canyon, stovepipe well, mosaic canyon, and mesquite sand dunes. We dedicated a full day to telescope peak. On the way out of the park, we hit rhyolite ghost town.

If I had to skip anything, it would have been the sand dunes, but mostly because I’ve seen sand dunes before and it’s a little “whatever” to me when there are mountains to explore. But if that’s your thing, then definitely make some time to hit it.

Devil’s Hole is next to a wildlife preserve outside of the park, and it’s really really well done. It’s in a natural spring and there is a nice boardwalk where you can see the spring and wildlife.

The burros are really cute, and I know they are problematic, but it appears the park is doing very little about them, so I’m giving you permission to enjoy them as well.

We spent almost all day all four days away from our campsite until at least 6pm, but we felt like we comfortably saw everything we wanted to see and then some!

We hiked telescope peak on day 3, and that was amazing. It was worth dedicating a day to it, and I’m super glad we were able to do it. Do not underestimate the 7 miles to the summit. Bring a lot of food and water and be prepared to take lots of breaks. I was surprised how much the altitude sickness affected me, and it slowed me down significantly more than I thought. Also, the road wasn’t in the best shape leading to the trailhead, but we were ok in a 4 wheel drive vehicle. It took us almost 6 hours to the summit and another 3 hours to hike back. If you have time— DO IT. You won’t regret it. My husband also found a skull off the side of the trail, so we left that for whoever braves the hike next!!

Anyways, I was really intimidated about the heat, but as long as you are dressed appropriately and you drink more fluids than you think you need, you should be fine. Also— just buy the ice. BUY THE ICE. Put it in a cooler in your car, we just used a small soft one. Your quality of life will increase immensely when you have cold drinks and cold water to dunk your hat in.

Ok so a few things I noticed a lot: (1) Please do not run your AC in your car in the park. It’s so hard on the vehicle and you risk so many mechanical issues in such a remote area. And it’s expensive to get a tow. So just roll your windows down and enjoy the wind. It also will help acclimate you to the heat when you inevitably exit the vehicle. (2) please leave your dogs at home. The pavement is so hot on their paws, and they really aren’t allowed in many areas. We saw a few dogs out there who were NOT having a good time. It wasn’t very nice of their owners, but we will assume they just didn’t know. So I’m telling you now— don’t bring the dog.

Beautifully maintained park. Great bathrooms, even the ones with no water, and we were able to really enjoy the sites without a ton of other people. Happy exploring! Off to Zion!

Did anyone see the Northern Lights Last Night? They are supposed to be visible again tonight... I am 200 miles down south but will drive if its worth it :-)

I’ve never been to Death Valley NP and would like to go this year. We are thinking about going camping for Thanksgiving and I’m wondering how busy the park gets. From what I understand, Furnace Creek is the only reservation campground and it is booked for that weekend. We have a dog and a 1 year old and it’s at least a 4 hour drive for us, so going without a reservation for tent camping makes me a little nervous.

So, do you think we will be able to find descent tent camping or should I look elsewhere for a place that takes reservations? Thanks!

I’ve never been to Death Valley NP and would like to go this year. We are thinking about going camping for Thanksgiving and I’m wondering how busy the park gets. From what I understand, Furnace Creek is the only reservation campground and it is booked for that weekend. We have a dog and a 1 year old and it’s at least a 4 hour drive for us, so going without a reservation for tent camping makes me a little nervous.

So, do you think we will be able to find descent tent camping or should I look elsewhere for a place that takes reservations? Thanks!

When I booked my upcoming trip to DV, I thought that the temperatures would be somewhere in the mid-low 90s (ie - still hot, but doable). I see that high temps are in the 100s, and it's making me nervous. Couple of questions:

1. My plan is to do hikes as early/late as possible to avoid the hottest part of the day. Would this still be doable in the current temps, or should I prepare for the possibility that I won't be able to do any hiking?
2. I'm nervous about lack of cell service in the park. What happens if I break down or have some other type of emergency? How do I get help? I plan on sticking to main roads/attractions but I will be in a rental car and, well, things happen.

Any tips you have to make sure I'm adequately prepared would really help calm my nerves.

UPDATE: Looks like it will cool off a bit next week, so I'm not quite as nervous (although I still plan on taking the same precautions). Thank you all for your advice!

I’m visiting for a week in November, and I intend to do some star-gazing at Dante’s View. What kind of temperatures and winds are likely after dark and into the early hours at high elevation? (I’ve only day-tripped to DV in the past, and have done my research on daytime conditions.)

Thanksgiving week at Death Valley and Yosemite NPs doable?

Or not worth it and go in summer?

We are going to be in DVNP over Thanksgiving and staying at The Ranch at Death Valley. Any suggestions for Thanksgiving dinner, there will be four adults and four kids ranging from ages 7 to 16.