Day trip to Death Valley from Nevada
2 hours from Vegas across the state line, the hottest and lowest place in North America. $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass.
Salt flats stretching to distant mountains at Badwater Basin
The route and timing
Drive NV-160 west from Vegas through Pahrump to Death Valley Junction, then CA-190 into the park — 130 miles, roughly 2.5 hours to Furnace Creek. Do this trip October through April only. May through September, Badwater regularly hits 115 to 125 degrees and rangers actively discourage day-trippers. Fill up in Pahrump; gas at Furnace Creek runs about $2 a gallon over Vegas prices.
The stops that matter
Zabriskie Point at sunrise if you can swing an overnight in Pahrump; otherwise hit it late afternoon. Badwater Basin at 282 feet below sea level — walk 15 minutes out onto the salt flats. Artist's Palette, a 9-mile scenic loop of mineral-stained hills, best in soft light. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes at sunset, a 10-minute walk from the road. Skip Scotty's Castle (closed for repairs) and Dante's View unless you have extra hours.
Frequently asked questions
What people ask before they set off on this one.
A full day covers the four main stops if you leave Vegas by 7am and drive back after sunset. Two days lets you add Dante's View and Ubehebe Crater.
Only near Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells. Download offline maps before you leave Pahrump.
4 liters of water per person, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and a full tank of gas. There is no reliable food outside Furnace Creek.
You can, but limit yourself to short stops from an air-conditioned car. Do not attempt hikes above Badwater in summer.
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