Death Valley was established as a national park in 1994. This is a park that you need to prepare for before you visit. Making sure you have the 10 essentials, gas, and a plan will make your visit so much better. I hope these Death Valley National Park Travel Tips help you plan your visit!
Death Valley National Park Travel Tips
Cell phone coverage in the park is pretty non-existent. We did find wi-fi available at the visitor center to check emails.
Scotty’s Castle is closed and will remain closed until at least 2019. Please contact 760-786-3200 for more information.
Carry more water and sports drinks with you while hiking than you think you will need.
Pets and Bicycles are not allowed on trails or in the wilderness that covers 90% of the park.
Please do not feed the animals in the park. While we were in the park, we watched a coyote develop a limp as soon as a new car pulled into a parking lot. He limped to the car a few times until they fed him. Once they pulled away the limp was gone, and the coyote ran to another section of the parking lot. He truly worked the tourist over for food.
Don’t fall asleep too early and miss seeing the stars. Death Valley is an International Dark Sky Park! The park has worked to reduce light pollution to allow visitors to see the stars.
Visit the Death Valley National Park website to view the current visitor newsletter.
Give yourself more time than you think you may need to see the park. Many of the attractions are far away from the center of the park. Depending on the time of year you are visiting there may be traffic in the park.
If you are looking for roadrunners keep an eye out by the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. We had one walk up next to the car and I was able to take this pic.
What does it cost to visit Death Valley National Park?
Vehicle Entrance Fee – $25 for 7 Days
- This permit allows all persons traveling with the permit holder in one single private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van) to leave and re-enter the park as many times as they wish during the 7-day period from the date of purchase.
Motorcycle Entrance Fee – $20 for 7 Days
Individual Entrance Fee – $12 for 7 Days
- This permit allows a single individual traveling on foot or bicycle to leave and re-enter the park as many times as they wish during the 7-day period from the date of purchase.
Death Valley Annual Pass – $50 for one year
- Annual pass providing free entrance to Death Valley for 12 months from the date of purchase
- Annual pass covering entrance and standard amenity fees for national parks and other federal fee areas. This replaces the National Parks Pass and Golden Eagle Pass.
- 4th Graders can earn a free pass to all federal fee areas. Visit the website to earn the pass, print the voucher, and then redeem it for your pass when you visit your park.
- Annual pass covering entrance and standard amenity fees for all active military personnel and their dependents. (For active duty military personnel and dependents with proper identification (CAC Card or DD Form 1173)
Access Pass – Free for lifetime
- Lifetime admission and discount pass for US citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Admits only one motorcycle.
Senior Pass – $10 for lifetime
- Lifetime admission and discount pass for US citizens or permanent residents who are age 62 or older. Admits only one motorcycle.
What can you do in Death Valley National Park?
Furnace Creek Golf Course located 214 feet below sea level. This is also a great area for bird watching.
Check out Tammilee’s Post on the Top Things to do in Death Valley
Can you camp in Death Valley National Park?
Campground fees vary with each campground. The campground page gives you the breakdown.
Reservations for the Furnace Creek Campground are available for the camping season of October 15 to April 15 by calling 1-877-444-6777 or visiting recreation.gov. Reservations must be made at least 4 days in advance, but can be made up to 6 months in advance.
Furnace Creek Campground has only 18 sites with full hookups.
Where is there to stay in Death Valley?
Check out our review of Furnace Creek Inn
Where are the Visitor Centers in Death Valley National Park?
Furnace Creek Visitor Center offers park information, wifi, exhibits, a park film, bookstore, ranger information, drinking water and restrooms. This is a great place to start your trip in Death Valley.
Phone (760) 786-3200
Location – The visitor center is located in the Furnace Creek resort area on California Highway 190. Furnace Creek is 30 miles from Death Valley Junction and 24 miles from Stovepipe Wells Village.
Scotty’s Castle Visitor Center – Currently closed due to flooding.
Is there a Junior Ranger Program in Death Valley National Park?
Pick up a free activity booklet at Furnace Creek Visitor Center, or print one off here:
Mid-April to Mid-October: Summer Booklet (663 KB PDF)
Mid-October to Mid-April: Winter Booklet (999 KB PDF)
Once you finish your booklet, bring it to Furnace Creek Visitor Center. A park ranger will check your booklet and you will receive your official badge.
Is there anyplace to eat in Death Valley National Park?
Check out the Death Valley Website to see which restaurants are open during your visit. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast at the Furnace Creek Inn.
Furnace Creek Inn, the dress code is “desert casual” – shorts, tank tops, and t-shirts aren’t allowed.
Death Valley National Park Facts
Average yearly rainfall is 2.36 inches, according to the National Weather Service.
Death Valley was named by California gold seekers who had to cross the desolate wasteland in order to reach the gold fields in 1849.
Many scenes in the original “Star Wars” trilogy were filmed in Death Valley
Badwater Basin is the lowest dry point in America, at 282 feet below sea level.
Death Valley is the largest national park in the contiguous United States, covering 3.4 million acres of desert.
Additional Books and resources
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