Three-Day Death Valley Itinerary for First-Timers

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We first started researching Death Valley National Park while writing our book, USA RV Adventures. Writing about a place you haven’t visited is difficult, which is one reason why we generally don’t do that on this site. In December 2024, we finally made our first visit to Death Valley and put our itinerary to the test.

I have to say… we pretty much nailed it!

We had to make a few adjustments to the itinerary during our trip because we didn’t have our RV with us. We also had a little more time than we included in the book routing. But, overall, our itinerary was almost perfect for a first-time visit. 

And, still, we left expecting that we would return one day. 

Hiking a washout on the Gower Gulch Trail in Death Valley National Park, one of our favorite trails.
On the Gower Gulch Trail in Death Valley National Park

We were both blown away by the landscape of Death Valley. Every turn offered new views of mountains, valleys, foothills and everything in between. At times, all we could see were layers upon layers of mountains. 

It was simply breathtaking! 

And there is so much to see and do!

But three days was a good start. We left feeling like we had seen and done everything we should have. Our visit felt complete. At the same time, we yearned for more time to simply enjoy the vastness, beauty and variety of Death Valley National Park.

Driving through Twenty Mule Team Canyon, which must be on your Death Valley itinerary.
On the dirt road going through Twenty Mule Team Canyon

In this article, you’ll get an in-depth three-day itinerary for visiting Death Valley National Park (and suggestions for how to adjust if you have more or less time). I’ll also provide a few tips about planning your trip.

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Death Valley National Park Three-Day Itinerary 

In three days, first-time visitors to Death Valley National Park will have time to explore all of the highlights of the park and do a couple of hikes. Of course, as it is the largest National Park in the contiguous 48 states, you could easily spend more time at Death Valley. 

Here’s a quick overview of our Death Valley Itinerary. Keep reading for more information and tips. 

Day 1

  • Furnace Creek Visitor Center
  • Harmony Borax Works Interpretive Trail
  • Twenty Mule Team Canyon Drive
  • Dante’s View
  • Lunch in Furnace Creek 
  • Badwater Basin
  • Artists Drive
  • Zabriskie Point

Day 2

  • Salt Creek Interpretive Trail*
  • Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
  • Darwin Falls*
  • Picnic Lunch
  • Father Crowley Vista Point
  • Wildrose Charcoal Kilns

Day 3

  • Golden Canyon Trail
  • Lunch
  • Ubehebe Crater
  • Scotty’s Castle*

*These sites are inaccessible as of January 2025. Check conditions before planning your visit. 

Planning Your Visit to Death Valley National Park

As national park lovers, there was never a question of if we would visit Death Valley National Park. The only question was when to visit. 

Death Valley is well-known as being the hottest place on Earth (134°F on July 10, 1913) and the lowest elevation in North America (282 feet below sea level). As such, the best time to visit the park is in the Winter. Fall and Spring are good times as well, though highs reach the 90s even in April and October. 

Digital thermometer at Furnace Creek Visitor Center
The famous temperature gauge at Furnace Creek Visitor Center in December

Summer temperatures consistently reach in the 110s and higher, with lows in the 80s. If curiosity gets the best of you regarding exactly how hot this is, use extreme caution. Heat-related illness and even death is a real concern. 

Since we live and teach in Georgia, we were extremely limited in when we could visit. Ultimately, we chose to visit Death Valley National Park over Christmas 2024. Our full Southern California road trip itinerary included visits to a few other nearby national park sites and a few stops between Georgia and California. 

Stay tuned for our upcoming article on the best stops along I-40.

The weather this time of year was great, though definitely cold in the early morning. By mid-day, we were often in a lightweight long-sleeve layer or even short sleeves. Yes, winter in the desert can be glorious!

Hiking the Golden Canyon Trail in Death Valley National Park
Selfie on the Golden Canyon Trail

As mentioned previously, we initially wrote an itinerary for Death Valley for our RV guidebook. Due to the park’s remote location and limited services, this is one park that I would say is almost better to visit with an RV. It allows you to be more self-sufficient when it comes to food and other necessities. 

That said, I recommend having a tow/towed vehicle unless you are driving a camper van. There are a few unpaved roads that are well worth a visit (and included on our itinerary) that are off-limits to RVs and vehicles over 25 feet. 

Driving through Twenty Mule Team Canyon
On the dirt road going through Twenty Mule Team Canyon

Finally, you’ll certainly save time driving if you stay inside the park. But there are a few small towns just outside the park that are good options. Keep reading for more information on where to stay (and eat).

Death Valley Day 1

Your first day takes you through some of the best areas of the park, focusing on the area south of Furnace Creek. This is, typically, where you’ll find the biggest concentration of people. Parking can be difficult at times, but we didn’t have any major issues. 

Furnace Creek Visitor Center

We always recommend starting your visit to any national park with a stop at the visitor center. That is especially true at Death Valley National Park where conditions are harsh and services are extremely limited. Be sure to pay your entrance fee (or purchase or show your annual pass) here or at one of the kiosks. 

Grant views exhibits at the Death Valley National Park Furnace Creek Visitor Center.
Grant studying the exhibits at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center in Death Valley National Park.

You’ll also want to get a park brochure and Visitor Guide (newspaper) and check in with a ranger on current conditions. Finally, there are a few exhibits here on the history and landscape of the park plus the park film. 

Harmony Borax Works Interpretive Trail

Just north of the visitor center, this site tells the history of borax mining and its process in and around Death Valley. As this is an integral piece of the park’s history, I highly encourage you to visit. 

Display of the carts pulled by twenty mule teams when processing borax in Death Valley.
Famously, these carts were hauled out of Death Valley by a train of 20 mules. The first two carts contained the processed borax. The final cart contained the water needed for the mules and drivers.

Twenty Mule Team Canyon Drive

Located south of Furnace Creek, this unpaved road is named for the teams of mules that hauled borax through Death Valley. The road winds through foothills and badlands giving you up-close views of the spectacular landscape of the park. This was easily one of our favorite drives in Death Valley. While the road is generally in good condition, it is narrow in many areas and conditions can vary.

Driving through Twenty Mule Team Canyon should be included on any Death Valley National Park itinerary.
On the dirt road going through Twenty Mule Team Canyon

Dante’s View

The overlook at Dante’s View rises 5,575 feet over Badwater Basin, the lowest elevation in North America. Quite simply, this is one of the grandest views in the park. Spend as much time as you want taking it all in.

Salt flats as seen from Dante's View at Death Valley National Park.
Looking out on Badwater Basin from Dantes View

Lunch in Furnace Creek

Unless you packed a picnic lunch, return to Furnace Creek to hit one of the restaurants. The General Store also sells some premade sandwiches if you want a grab-and-go option.

Badwater Basin

You simply cannot visit Death Valley National Park and not stop at Badwater Basin. This is where you’ll find the salt flats that the park is best known for. We encourage you to walk far enough out to escape the crowd and simply take in the vast wilderness and quiet that surrounds you.

Artists Drive

This one-way side road winds through foothills and badlands and provides several opportunities to stretch your legs. The most popular stop is Artists Palette, where you can wander through the hills splashed with a rainbow of colors in the rock.

Zabriskie Point

Time your arrival for at least an hour before sunset, as the sun dips below the adjacent mountain 20-30 minutes before the official sunset time. Additionally, this is an extremely popular spot, so it may take you a bit to find parking. The walk to the overlook is a somewhat steep uphill, but it’s worth it. The views over Golden Canyon are breathtaking any time of the day. The soft light at sunset turns that up even more. 

Note: this is also popular at sunrise if you are an early riser.

Sunset at Zabriskie Point is the perfect way to end a day in Death Valley National Park.
Sunset at Zabriskie Point

Head back towards your hotel or RV, stopping for dinner if needed. 

Death Valley Day 2

Your second day takes you to the western side of the park, which is, generally, must less congested than the area covered on day one.

Salt Creek Interpretive Trail*

This creek is one of only a few places where you’ll find flowing water but you’ll only find it in the winter. (The creek dries up in the summer.) It’s also home to Salt Creek pupfish, a small fish specifically adapted to the extreme salt concentrations found here. 

*Unfortunately, this area was severely damaged in the Summer 2022 floods and is closed until at least June 2025. During our visit in December 2024, the park had removed all signage for Salt Creek. 

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

One of seven sand dunes in the park and the easiest to access. The sand here is similar to that found at Indiana Dunes National Park or Great Sand Dunes National Park. But these dunes are much smaller. Still, hiking in the sand is never easy. Wander wherever you want for as long as you want. 

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes at Death Valley National Park
Grant taking pictures at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.

Note: the nearby Stovepipe Wells area has a couple of small gift shops and is much more developed than Panamint Springs, which is farther west. If you need any supplies, pick them up here. 

Darwin Falls Trail*

One of only a few year-round waterfalls in the park, Darwin Falls is a literal oasis in the desert. Currently, it is a 7-mile round-trip hike along the washed-out road and trail.

*The side road to the waterfall was damaged by flooding in 2023, but you can hike from the main road. Due to the longer hike, we did not make it here during our visit. We will make this a priority when we return. The park’s website indicates the road is likely to remain closed until Summer 2026.

Picnic Lunch

The nearby Panamint Springs area has a small convenience store but options are extremely limited beyond basic snacks and drinks. I suggest you plan ahead and bring lunch with you this day. 

Stovepipe Wells Village in Death Valley National Park is a great place for supplies.
Stovepipe Wells Village in Death Valley National Park

Father Crowley Vista Point

A paved parking lot offers views of Rainbow Canyon, named for the variety of colors found in the rock layers. This canyon is also used for military test flights, so you just might catch a fighter jet zipping through the canyon. An unpaved side road takes you to another viewpoint overlooking Panamint Dunes and the surrounding valley. 

Rainbow Canyon in Death Valley National Park
Rainbow Canyon in Death Valley National Park

Wildrose Charcoal Kilns

It’s a long but scenic drive through Emigrant Canyon, but the nine historic beehive-shaped kilns at the end offer one more peek into the history of the area. We even found a little bit of snow on the ground here!

Note: In early 2025, Emigrant Canyon Road will be temporarily closed for infrastructure work. It is expected to reopen in early March 2025.

Wildrose Charcoal kilns are a unique piece of history in Death Valley National Park.
The charcoal kilns at Wildrose on the west side of Death Valley National Park.

Stop for dinner at Stovepipe Wells and take your pick between Toll Road Restaurant and Badwater Saloon. The two are connected but children are not allowed in the saloon. I highly recommend the Elk Chili.

Death Valley Day 3

The Death Valley itinerary we included in our book, USA RV Adventures, was only for two days. But we think a third day gives you a more complete experience at the park, especially if you are interested in doing any hiking. 

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Golden Canyon-Gower Gulch Loop Trail

The Golden Canyon trailhead offers several different routes, depending on your interests and ability. If you are up for a somewhat strenuous uphill and a bit of rock scrambling, we highly recommend the Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch Loop. This was, by far, our favorite hike in the park. My watch mapped it as 4.4 miles, which took us about 2 hours and 15 minutes. 

Borax Museum at Furnace Creek

Located near the General Store, the Borax Museum has a few exhibits on the history of borax and mining in Death Valley. It’s another great way to learn a little bit more about the history of the area. Be sure to grab lunch before driving to your next stop.

Ubehebe Crater

Located on the north end of the park, this 600-foot-deep volcanic crater is nearly a half-mile in diameter. While the crater itself is impressive, the drive through the north end of the park is just as worthy of your time. Take time to pull off and snap pictures as the mood strikes. A 1.5-mile trail circles the crater if you have time and want to do a short hike.

Ubehebe Crater at Death Valley National Park
Ubehebe Crater

Scotty’s Castle*

A grand mansion that was once a private vacation getaway for a Chicago millionaire. Unfortunately, the area was damaged in a significant flood in 2015 and a more recent fire. The entire Grapevine Canyon area is currently closed and currently expected to reopen in late 2026 at the earliest. The Death Valley Natural History Association offers restoration progress tours on select weekends from December – March. 

How to Adjust with More or Less Time

Three days at Death Valley National Park is ideal for a first-time visitor. With less time, I would start with the first day’s activities, then add on the second day if you can. If you are an early riser or visiting when there is a little more daylight, you’ll certainly be able to fit in a bit more.

The only exception that I would make is to prioritize a hike at Golden Canyon with any extra time you have. You could even swap out Artists Drive, Darwin Falls or a stop at Father Crowley Vista Point with a hike at Golden Canyon.

Golden Canyon Trail in Death Valley National Park.
On the Golden Canyon Trail in Death Valley National Park

Yes, all of these stops are great. But I enjoyed the hike through Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch more than any of them.  

If you have more time, add on a stop at Natural Bridge, which is just south of Golden Canyon. It’s a good trail and a neat natural feature. But, again, if I had to pick just one, I’d go with Golden Canyon.

Natural Bridge at Death Valley National Park.
Natural Bridge

There are also several canyons that you can drive or hike through that we didn’t have time for. I’m sure any of them would be worth your time if you have an extra day or two.

About 24 miles south of Badwater Basin, the Ashford Mill ruins are worth a 10-15 minute stop, especially if you are entering or leaving the park in this direction.

The ruins as Ashford Mills are a great stop on your way in or out of Death Valley National Park.
The ruins of Ashford Mill in Death Valley National Park

Finally, a visit to The Racetrack would be a highlight for anyone who enjoys rough, unpaved roads to remote locations. The drive starts at Ubehebe Crater and is recommended only for high-clearance vehicles with four-wheel drive and heavy-duty tires.

You can also book a tour with Farabee Jeeps (located in Furnace Creek) and let someone else do the driving. Rentals are also available if you prefer to drive yourself but don’t have the appropriate vehicle and/or gear.

Where to Stay and Eat at Death Valley National Park

Inside the park, there are two main areas with lodging and food: Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells. Furnace Creek is the most central and offers the most options. Stovepipe Wells is about 30 minutes northwest of Furnace Creek and is generally less congested.

Finally, Panamint Springs, on the park’s western side, offers a campground, restaurant and small convenience store but no lodge.

For campers, there are three campgrounds in the Furnace Creek area, though two are only open seasonally (closed in the summer). We will almost certainly camp at one of these when we return to Death Valley National Park. Only the Furnace Creek Campground has a few sites with electric hookups. 

The campgrounds at Stovepipe Wells and Panamint Springs are privately owned. Both have a few sites with hookups.

Outside the park, we’d recommend staying in Beatty, NV. It is the closest town to Furnace Creek, though it is still about 40 miles and a 50-minute drive. Beatty is a small town with limited options, but we enjoyed it. You may also find a few feral burros wandering around town. 

We stayed at the Death Valley Inn, which also has an attached RV Park. The motel was basic but comfortable, with everything we needed. The front desk staff was friendly and helpful, even on Christmas Day.

The RV Park offers full hookups and mountain views. Of course, it is the desert, so don’t expect too much in the way of trees or shade. There is a pool at the hotel that is open to RV guests.

Across the street, Mel’s Diner offers a hearty breakfast, which we thoroughly enjoyed. Also in Beatty, we recommend Happy Burro Chili & Beer for dinner. The menu is about as basic as the name implies, though they do have a fairly robust bar. We loved the tiny space and its small-town charm.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Death Valley National Park

Our first visit to Death Valley National Park was every bit as wonderful as we expected it to be. After doing quite a bit of research, we knew we would enjoy the park. Its varied landscape, layers of mountains and valleys and overall remoteness stole our hearts.

I’m not sure it will replace Yellowstone National Park as our absolute favorite park but it has definitely made its way to one of our favorites.

We hope that with our three-day Death Valley itinerary, you’ll fall in love with the park as much as we did.

If you have more time to explore the area, check out our 5-day “California’s Desert Parks” route in our book, USA RV Adventures. This route takes you through Death Valley National Park, Mojave National Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park.


Travel Resources
What do you use to find a flight?

We use Skyscanner to find deals on flights. Skyscanner has a great interface and compares tons of airlines for the best pricing and routing. That said, it does not always have every airline and some airlines will have better deals on their website. Still, Skyscanner is a great place to start.
Click here to search for a flight.

What do you use to find a hotel?

We typically stay at Hilton properties, so we use the Hilton website. You can find good Hilton Honors discounts or AAA discounts for a hotel there. We make great use of our free night certificates from our Hilton Honors American Express.
Click here to book a Hilton property.

If there are no Hilton properties available, we use TripAdvisor to read reviews and book the hotel. We find we can get the best price that way.
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We recently partnered with Stay22 to add interactive maps to each of our destination posts. This will allow you to see a plethora of hotels and vacation rentals all in one responsive map of the area.
Click here to search an interactive map.

What if I need more space than I can get at a hotel?

We use Vrbo for the times when we have rented a cabin for a weekend getaway, like this cabin in Townsend, TN, or needed to rent a house for a large family vacation. We had a great experience with them in terms of refunding deposits when COVID hit and will continue to use them.
Click here to search for a vacation rental.

Who do you use for rental cars?

As a general rule, we book with Hertz for rental cars. We have had nothing but good experiences with them. Plus, we really like unlimited mileage and not worrying about crossing state lines. We have even rented from Hertz overseas in both Slovenia and Croatia.
Click here to book a rental car.

How about booking a cruise?

We have found some amazing prices for booking a cruise through Cruise Direct. We have saved a lot of money on our cruises compared to what we found elsewhere, making a last-minute Bahamas cruise even cheaper.
Click here to book a cruise.

What if I want to rent an RV?

We highly recommend Outdoorsy for RV rentals. We rented a camper van for a week to visit Rocky Mountain National Park for the elk rut and Custer State Park for the Buffalo Round-Up and had a blast. The program was easy to use and we really enjoyed the freedom of having a camper van for that trip.
Click here to rent an RV.

What do you use for booking tours?

We don’t often book tours. Typically, we like to do stuff on our own. That said, there are some experiences you can’t have any other way. So, when we do want to book a tour, we always check Viator first.
Click here to book a tour.

Do you use anything to get discounts on the road?

We make extensive use of both Good Sam and AAA on the road. Good Sam is normally regarded as a discount card for RVers at campgrounds and Camping World but anyone can use the 5 cents off a gallon at the pump at both Pilot and Flying J.
Click here to get a Good Sam membership.
We have had AAA as long as we have been married and it has more than paid for itself in discounts at hotels, aside from the peace of mind of having roadside assistance. Add in paper maps and the ability to get an international driver’s license and it is more than worth it for any traveler out there.
Click here to get a AAA membership.

Where can I get Travel Insurance?

We have partnered with Global Rescue for travel and evacuation insurance. This provider will put you out of the worst situations and get you to medical care promptly. You can even purchase “cancel for any reason” insurance from Global Rescue. This is our go-to provider of travel insurance. Traveling somewhere dangerous? They will even extract you if war were to break out on your trip.
Click here to get Global Rescue for your upcoming trip.

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