Death Valley National Park

  • The Park features vast deserts, dramatic landscapes, salt flats, sand dunes, rugged mountains, & unique geological wonders.

DAY 1 Arrive at Death Valley National Park.

  • Sunset at Zabriskie Point: A short, accessible viewpoint offering stunning panoramic views of the badlands—perfect for photography.

  • Dinner: Enjoy a meal at the Inn at Death Valley dining room.


DAY 2

Morning:

  • Artist’s Palette Drive: Take this scenic loop to witness colorful mineral deposits.

  • Golden Canyon Trail: Hike the moderate 3-mile (RT) trail to experience the iconic golden-hued rock formations.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch: Stop at Furnace Creek for a quick bite

Late afternoon and Evening::

  • Sunset at Badwater Basin: Walk on the salt flats at the lowest point in North America

  • Dinner: Return to your accommodation for dinner.


DAY 3

Morning

  • Sunrise at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes (optional, if you love photographing dunes in morning light).

  • Hike Mosaic Canyon.

Afternoon

  • Scotty's Castle (if reopened): A historic site (check for access updates). Alternatively, explore Titus Canyon Road for dramatic canyon views if you have a high-clearance vehicle.

  • Lunch: Picnic or eat at nearby facilities.

  • Harmony Borax Works: Learn about the history of borax mining in Death Valley.

Evening

  • Star Gazing: Death Valley is an International Dark Sky Park. Spend your final night gazing at the incredible stars.

DAY 4

Morning Departure

  • Return to las Vegas or to your next destination.

Here’s a prioritized list of must-see locations in Death Valley National Park for stunning photography, focusing on terrain with dramatic, otherworldly beauty:

1. Zabriskie Point

  • Best Time: Sunrise or sunset for soft, golden light and shadow play.

  • Why: Iconic badlands with textured ridges and striking colors.

2. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

  • Best Time: Sunrise or sunset for warm tones and long shadows emphasizing the dune shapes.

  • Why: Rolling dunes with shifting patterns perfect for minimalist and dynamic compositions.

3. Badwater Basin

  • Best Time: Late afternoon or sunset for warm light; after rain for unique salt patterns.

  • Why: Expansive salt flats at the lowest point in North America with striking geometric textures.

4. Artist's Palette (Artist's Drive)

  • Best Time: Late afternoon for vibrant, natural colors enhanced by golden hour light.

  • Why: Multicolored volcanic and mineral-rich hills create a surreal, painterly scene.

5. Dante’s View

  • Best Time: Sunrise or sunset for breathtaking light and vast panoramic views.

  • Why: High-elevation vantage point offering sweeping views of the valley floor, Telescope Peak, and Badwater Basin.

6. Ubehebe Crater

  • Best Time: Morning for soft light and fewer shadows in the crater.

  • Why: Dramatic volcanic crater with vibrant layered walls perfect for geological photography.

  • Distance: A 1-hour drive each way from the Furnace Creek Visitor Center.

7. Golden Canyon and Red Cathedral

  • Best Time: Morning or late afternoon for dramatic light and rich, golden hues.

  • Why: A short hike reveals textured canyon walls and striking rock formations.

8. Devil’s Golf Course

  • Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon for softer light and defined textures.

  • Why: Jagged salt formations create a surreal and dramatic foreground.

9. Harmony Borax Works

  • Best Time: Sunrise or sunset for warm tones.

  • Why: Historic ruins set against stark desert landscapes for a touch of history.

Here are the best short hikes in Death Valley National Park (3 miles or less), prioritized for stunning scenery and photographic opportunities:


1. Golden Canyon to Red Cathedral

  • Distance: 2.5 miles round trip

  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate

  • Why: Hike through golden-hued canyon walls to reach the dramatic Red Cathedral cliffs. Stunning textures and colors make it a photographer’s dream.

  • Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon for soft light and cooler temperatures.

2. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

  • Distance: Variable (1–2 miles is enough to explore)

  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate (depending on how far you go on the sand)

  • Why: Walk among the shifting dunes for endless photo opportunities with dramatic patterns and shadows.

  • Best Time: Sunrise or sunset for the most photogenic light.

3. Badwater Basin Salt Flats

  • Distance: ~1 mile round trip to explore salt formations

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Why: Walk onto the salt flats for unique hexagonal salt patterns and otherworldly landscapes.

  • Best Time: Late afternoon or after rain for vibrant contrasts and reflections.

4. Natural Bridge Canyon

  • Distance: 1 mile round trip

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Why: A short walk through a canyon leads to a striking natural rock bridge. Ideal for framing shots and capturing desert geology.

  • Best Time: Morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures.

5. Mosaic Canyon

  • Distance: 3 miles round trip

  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate

  • Why: Narrow, polished marble-like walls and fascinating textures make this a unique and photogenic hike.

  • Best Time: Morning for softer light and cooler temperatures.

6. Salt Creek Interpretive Trail

  • Distance: 0.5 miles round trip

  • Difficulty: Easy (boardwalk)

  • Why: A chance to see rare pupfish in a spring-fed creek surrounded by a stark desert. Great for a quick, serene walk.

  • Best Time: Early spring for active pupfish or early morning for soft light.

7. Zabriskie Point Badlands Loop

  • Distance: ~2.5 miles round trip

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Why: Extend your visit at Zabriskie Point with a hike into the surrounding badlands for closer views of dramatic textures and colors.

  • Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon.

8. Keane Wonder Mine Trail

  • Distance: 1.5 miles round trip

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Why: A historic hike with remnants of a gold mine and expansive desert views.

  • Best Time: Early morning for cooler temperatures and clear light.