The Best Death Valley Itinerary for 48 Hours of Adventure

The moment you step into Death Valley National Park, it feels like you’ve landed on another planet. As you peer out, towering sand dunes ripple like golden waves under a scorching sun. In the distance, jagged mountains rise and the salt flats stretch endlessly, shimmering like a mirage. This is a land of extremes—the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.—yet within its harsh beauty lies an otherworldly charm. From the ghostly silence of Badwater Basin to the kaleidoscopic colors of Artist’s Palette, Death Valley is a place that both humbles and exhilarates in equal measure. You’ll find that 48 hours of exploring flies by in a blur as you traverse the remote desert.

Two days in Death Valley is the perfect sweet spot for experiencing its most breathtaking sights, without venturing into the rugged backcountry. In just 48 hours, you can stand at the lowest point in North America, wander across the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, drive the scenic curves of Artist’s Drive, and witness the fiery glow of sunrise at Zabriskie Point. You’ll have enough time to explore the highlights—without needing a high-clearance vehicle or hours of off-roading. Whether you’re here for the epic landscapes, the eerie silence, or the thrill of exploring one of Earth’s most extreme environments, a well-planned two-day itinerary ensures you see the best of Death Valley without pushing past your comfort zone.

Timing is Everything

While late fall to early spring (i.e. October to April) is the ideal time of year to visit, what’s most important is knowing when not to visit—- and that’s the middle of the summer. Summer visits are not recommended due to the dangerous heat (regularly > 120°F). It becomes unsafe to spend too much time outside in an area notorious for being as dry as it is hot.

A visit in March or April means you might get to see some wildflowers in bloom. I had an open four day weekend at the end of January, so I decided to go visit! Temperatures ranged from 40s-60s, so it was warm enough to camp without issue, while also staying comfortable whilst hiking around. The quantity of fellow park visitors was minimal. Overall, January was a great month to visit!

Catch Some Zzzzzs

There are loads of accommodation options when you’re visiting Death Valley. In-park accommodations tend to either be very economical (camping) or a little on the spendier side (lodge living). Either way you have quite a few options to choose from— you can explore them below. It’s worth noting, both camping and the lodges will fill up quickly. If you know this is where you want to stay, book sooner rather than later!

LODGE LIFE

For those looking to experience Death Valley without roughing it, the park offers several lodge options. These range from historic luxury to rustic desert stays. The Inn at Death Valley, a beautifully restored 1920s resort, offers the most upscale accommodations in the park. Think elegant rooms, a spring-fed pool, and stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. Just down the road, The Ranch at Death Valley provides a more casual, family-friendly experience, featuring a western-style vibe, a general store, and even a saloon. Both properties are located in Furnace Creek, making them ideal bases for exploring Death Valley’s major attractions. 

To the northwest, Stovepipe Wells Village offers a mid-range option. You’ll find comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and easy access to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly and remote stay, Panamint Springs Resort on the park’s western edge provides basic motel rooms, cabins, and tent sites, along with a small gas station and a restaurant. Whether you’re seeking luxury, convenience, or a rugged desert retreat, Death Valley’s lodges offer a place to cool off and rest after a day of exploring the park’s extreme landscapes.

CAMPING

Death Valley has several developed campgrounds (and even more primitive campgrounds), each catering to different styles of desert camping. Furnace Creek Campground is the most popular, due to its convenient location (just minutes from the Furnace Creek Visitor Center). It’s also the only campground that allows advanced reservations. This makes it the best choice for any planners who love the peace of mind that comes with a guaranteed spot—especially during peak season.

Nearby, Texas Springs Campground offers a quieter alternative with a scenic setting against the foothills, while Sunset Campground provides a massive, open gravel lot that’s ideal for RVs and larger vehicles. These three campgrounds are all within a five-minute drive of the visitor center, making them a convenient base camp when exploring Death Valley’s major sights. 

About 30 minutes northwest, Stovepipe Wells Campground offers a rustic stay near the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, with easy access to gas and a general store. For those looking to be a bit more removed, Emigrant Campground is a free, tent-only site along Highway 190, while Wildrose Campground is nestled in the Panamint Mountains, providing a cooler, higher-elevation option. The most remote of the developed campgrounds, Mesquite Spring Campground, sits near Ubehebe Crater and offers a peaceful, less crowded experience. 

Good Eats 

Even in one of the harshest landscapes on Earth, you’ll find a surprisingly large variety of dining options. As you might expect, the Furnace Creek area offers the most choices, centered around The Oasis at Death Valley. The Inn Dining Room serves upscale cuisine with desert views that are as memorable as the food is delicious. The Ranch 1849 Buffet provides an all-you-can-eat experience for those looking to refuel after a long day of exploring. Just around the corner, the Last Kind Words Saloon, with its Western atmosphere, serves hearty meals and cocktails. Even if you pack your own meals, the Coffee and Cream is the nice spot to visit for a morning caffeine or post-adventure sweet treat.

If you’re staying or stopping at Stovepipe Wells, you’ll find a couple options: Toll Road Restaurant for casual lunch and dinner fare, and Badwater Saloon, a great place to grab a bite and unwind with a drink— especially after a long day in the desert. The general store here also has some snacks, cold drinks, and basic supplies. 

The Panamint Springs Resort, located on the park’s western edge, has a restaurant and bar serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner year-round. To really enjoy your meal, snag a patio seat and take in the rugged mountain views. The resort’s general store also carries firewood, camping essentials, and souvenirs. 

Death Valley’s limited but well-placed food options ensure you won’t go hungry in the middle of this vast desert wilderness.

Ridin’ Dirty 

While Death Valley is home to some rugged, off-the-grid destinations that require a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle, this itinerary is accessible to anyone with a standard vehicle. Almost all the desert landscapes on the list can be reached via paved roads or well-maintained gravel routes. You’ll be able to sample Death Valley’s remote beauty without the risk of getting stuck in deep sand or rough terrain! You don’t need off-roading capabilities to have an unforgettable adventure. 

It’s always a good idea to fill up on gas before you head to Death Valley, but there are gas stations in the park. No need to fret about running out of gas!

D A Y   O N E 

Visitor Center at Furnace Creek

The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is a perfect starting point for any Death Valley adventure. They have everything you need to get your bearings before heading out—park maps, trail updates, and a water fountain… all of these things are especially important as the weather in Death Valley grows warmer! It’s nice to have the rangers’ insight, and they can also answer any questions you might have— be sure to ask about the mysterious moving rocks at Racetrack Playa. The visitor center also features informative exhibits on Death Valley’s extreme climate, unique geology, and rich history– particularly regarding the indigenous Timbisha Shoshone culture. For any parks passporters, don’t forget to get your stamp! 

Badwater Basin 

At an impressive 282 feet below sea level, Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America—a vast, surreal expanse of hexagonal salt formations that seem to go on endlessly under the rising sun. While the view from the parking lot is rather impressive, it’s even more enchanting to take the 2-mile walk onto the salt flats. As you venture farther, the ground beneath your feet transforms into a dazzling white crust, crunching with each step.

It’s so wild to think the sandy-looking ground is actually an impressive stretch of salt… I did a quick taste test (not recommended) and can very heartily attest to the salinity. This truly is a beautiful place to start your adventuring— the expanse of salt and distant mountains make this a stark, stunning desert landscape.  

Devil’s Golf Course 

You won’t find a lush, manicured golf course amidst this desert expanse. The Devil’s Golf Course is a vast field of jagged, twisted salt formations so tumultuous that “only the devil could play golf here.” This peculiar landscape was formed as ancient lake beds evaporated, leaving behind a maze of salt pinnacles, sculpted by wind and time. It’s intriguing to see two salt fields that differ from one another so tremendously. Their similarity? The salt expands as it heats up in the warm sun, causing it to crackle and pop. 

Artist’s Drive & Artist’s Palette 

Winding through colorful hills and rugged canyons, Artist’s Drive is one of Death Valley’s most scenic roads. This 9-mile, one-way loop twists through a landscape that looks more like a painting come to life than a desert landscape. Especially at Artist’s Palette, where mineral-rich volcanic deposits have stained the hills in hues of red, yellow, green, and even purple, creating a surreal view. In our opinion, the best time to visit is in the late afternoon when the soft light brings out the most vibrant hues. 

Dante’s View

Perhaps the most breathtaking panorama in the park, Dante’s View, sits at a perch of 5,475 feet, offering a staggering bird’s-eye view of Death Valley below. From here, you can see the vast salt flats of Badwater Basin stretching to the horizon, framed by towering mountains and, on a clear day, you can even see the distant peak of Mount Whitney. Not only is this incredibly scenic, but the dichotomy of visible elevation stretches from the lowest point in the U.S. at Badwater Basin to the highest peak in the continental U.S. at Mount Whitney. This makes for a serene place to end the day as the soft golden light of sunset rolls through. 

Bonus views: Dante’s view is also an awesome place to stargaze. If you don’t mind hanging out for a bit, pack some dinner and hang out while you wait for the stars to make an appearance. Death Valley National Park is an international dark sky park, meaning the stargazing here is far above average.

D A Y   T W O 

Zabriskie Point

Start the day with an iconic sunrise at Zabriskie Point. As dawn breaks, the soft golden light streams across the rolling badlands, casting deep shadows and highlighting the dramatic ridges and valleys below. There’s a short walk out to a viewpoint, overlooking a labyrinth of eroded rocks, with the Panamint Mountains in the distant background. It makes for an incredibly peaceful and grounding start to the day! 

Mosaic Canyon

Tucked into the hills near Stovepipe Wells, Mosaic Canyon is a hidden wonder of smooth marble-like rock and narrow passageways. A 3.5 mile out-and-back trail starts with a short scramble and leads into a twisting slot canyon, where polished walls, shaped by centuries of water erosion, gleam in the sunlight. Even if you aren’t keen on doing the whole hike, the first half-mile or showcases the most stunning formations— making it a worthwhile stop for adventurers of all fitness levels!  

Twenty Mule Team Canyon Drive

Up next? A short and sweet peek at the rugged backcountry. The Twenty Mule Team Canyon Drive delivers a thrilling, off-the-beaten-path experience—without the need for 4WD! The road is named for the famous mule teams that once hauled borax out of the valley…. My how times have changed!! While this 2.7-mile loop remains unpaved, you shouldn’t have difficulty navigating through a maze of golden badlands, where rolling hills and eroded ridges create an almost alien-like landscape. 

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

For being out  in the middle of the desert, it’s amazing how many unique, memorable landscapes you’ll find. Trade the plains of salt, for endless sand! The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are a sea of rolling, wind-sculpted dunes— rising up to 100 feet tall. There’s a 2.3 mile trail, for a more immersive experience; however, there’s no official path, so shoe and footprints or hikers are ever-changing in the shifting sands. 

Ubehebe Crater

Ubehebe Crater is an enormous, gaping hole measuring 600 feet deep and half a mile across. This volcanic crater was formed by a powerful explosion when rising magma superheated groundwater, creating a violent steam eruption. The resulting dramatic, steep pit is surrounded by layers of dark volcanic rock, making it yet another unique geographical marvel in this desert park. To take it in from every angle, there’s a just-under-2-mile hike around the rim that offers panoramic views of Ubehebe as well as a peek at Little Hebe Crater nearby. 

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Death Valley National Park embodies such varieties and extremes. From salt flats to mountains to sand dunes to craters, and all the slot canyons in between, this national park is a wonderland of unique experiences in a desert landscape. We hope you have an incredible time exploring and adventuring— it’s action packed, but 48 hours in the park is an awesome glimpse of this natural desert wonder!

Looking to hit another California desert national park? Joshua Tree National Park is a completely different ambiance, only 4.5 hours away. If you head in the opposite direction, Zion National Park is also an easy 4.5 hours away. You never have to go toooo far to find your next adventure in this pocket of the country. Happy travels!

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