GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PARK

There are more than 350 unpaved miles of roads in Death Valley. Some of the most rewarding drives can also be the most challenging, and youʼll need to bring a four wheel drive to manage some of these roads. Thankfully, some of the lowest prices on rental cars in the country are in California, so you can afford the extra cost of a more rugged vehicle.

Badwater is the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere, and most visitors to Death Valley stop here on their California Tour. The Furnace Park Visitor center is on Highway 190, so youʼll want to stop here to get information and maps. Some of the camping in Death Valley takes place in the backcountry. There are a number of roads off the main highways, and you are required to drive a few miles down these roads before you are allowed to camp. It is not permitted in all areas to be sure to follow the signs carefully.

To get the best vista of Death Valley California, bike to the Panamint Mountains and take in the unbeatable views at Aguereberry Point. This incredible view can only be reached via bike, on a route that begins about 20 south of Stovepipe Wells. Be sure you check out Palm Springs before you continue your drive east of to get to Death Valley.

One of the top hikes in the Death Valley National Park is to Telescope Peak. You can see Mt Whitney and the Sierra Range from here, and look out over most of Death Valley. You go through pine forests to get to this scenic vista at the end of this strenuous 14-mile hike.

With over 3.4 million acres to explore, Death Valley is five times bigger than Yosemite, so this is one of the places you should not overlook on your next California vacation.