You can plan your Death Valley weekend getaway in a jiffy using the resources below.
Why Should You Go? Will You Like Death Valley?
- Get a Preview: Take a look at our Death Valley pictures.
- Death Valley is popular with hikers, photographers, stargazers and those who love the Old West. The Furnace Creek Inn is also a great place to relax, swim in the pool and get a massage.
Best Time to Go to Death Valley
Death Valley weather is best in December and January. If you go during November's Leonid meteor showers, especially if they occur during a dark moon, you'll get an extra nighttime light show.During summer, the valley is blazing hot and the Furnace Creek Inn is closed.
Don't Miss
If you only have time to do one thing in Death Valley, California, take the 18-mile drive south on CA Hwy 178 from Furnace Creek to Badwater. It's part of our Death Valley photo tour where you'll find driving directions and tips.4 More Great Things to Do in Death Valley
- Top Sights in Death Valley and how to see them in a day.
- Sunrise is worth getting up early for, and sunset from Furnace Creek Inn is just as lovely.
- With the nearest city far away and little stray light, night skies are outstanding, whether you just sit and watch or bring a telescope.
- Rhyolite Ghost Town
Annual Events You Should Know About
- Badwater Ultramarathon: Held in July, this grueling race goes from Badwater (282 feet below sea level) to the flanks of Mt Whitney at 8,360 feet, taking the winner over a full day to finish.
- Not wanting to be left out, bicyclists test their mettle against the desert in the Furnace Creek 508, a 508-mile bicycle race held in early October.
- The Death Valley 49ers Encampment happens here in early November, and accommodations fill up fast.
- Las Vegas Astronomical Society holds an annual Star Party in late January at the Furnace Creek airport.
- With dark skies, this is a good place to watch a meteor shower. The most impressive are the Perseids, which happen in August and the Leonids in November, but there are more. Stardate has a full calendar of them.
Tips for Visiting Death Valley
- Get an early start if you want to go hiking here, even in mid-winter.
- Bring plenty of water. You'll drink more than you can imagine.
- Bring your binoculars.
- To cope with the dry climate, find out what you need to do before you go to the desert
Best Bites
Furnace Creek Resort offers a casual cafe, an old-fashioned steak house and the upscale restaurant at the Furnace Creek Inn. The Sunday brunch at the Inn is especially nice.Where to Stay
Check our recommended hotels and campgrounds. The Furnace Creek Inn is our favorite place to stay in Death Valley.Getting There
Driving? Death Valley is 290 miles from Los Angeles, 350 miles from San Diego, 445 miles from Sacramento, 488 miles from San Jose and 141 miles from Las Vegas.Flying? The nearest aiport is in Las Vegas. Check airfares.
