St. George to Death Valley National Park

The lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level. A vast salt flat of polygon patterns stretches across the valley floor — walk out onto the white surface with mountain peaks rising on both sides. The South American's Highest Point sign on the valley wall is a surreal contrast.

The iconic Death Valley viewpoint overlooking eroded badland formations from the Furnace Creek Formation — layered golden, brown, and cream ridges that glow amber at sunrise. One of the most photographed landscapes in the national park system.

A 9-mile one-way scenic loop through hills colored by volcanic deposits — greens, purples, pinks, reds, and yellows that appear literally painted on the hillsides. The Artist's Palette pullout gives the best concentrated color view.

The most accessible dune field in Death Valley — striking golden dunes rising 100 feet near the Stovepipe Wells area. Walk out into the dunes at sunrise or sunset for the best shadows and colors. Star Wars and other films have been filmed here.

A 5,475-foot viewpoint overlooking the full breadth of Death Valley — Badwater Basin directly below, the salt flats stretching north and south, and the Panamint Mountains rising to 11,000 feet on the far side. One of the great panoramic viewpoints in America.

A short 1.5-mile round-trip hike through a narrow canyon to a natural stone bridge. The canyon walls display the layered geology of Death Valley with dramatic narrows and polished stone. A cooler alternative to exposed viewpoints.

A popular 3-mile one-way trail through narrow golden badland canyons to Zabriskie Point. The canyon walls glow amber and gold in afternoon light. Can be combined with Gower Gulch for a 5.5-mile loop. One of the best hikes in Death Valley.

A 4-mile round-trip trail through smooth marble narrows polished by flash floods. The canyon opens into wider sections with colorful mosaic breccia rock. One of the most visually dramatic canyon hikes in the park.

An easy 1-mile loop boardwalk through salt creek habitat. From February through April, the world's only population of endemic Salt Creek pupfish can be seen in the shallow stream. An unexpected wildlife highlight in an extreme desert.

The highest point in Death Valley at 11,049 feet. A challenging 14-mile round-trip hike with views of the lowest (Badwater) and highest (Whitney) points in the contiguous US simultaneously. Best May through November when snow allows passage.

Historic 1927 Spanish-mission resort at Furnace Creek with a spring-fed pool, upscale restaurant, and the most comfortable accommodations in the park. The spring-fed pool is 86°F year-round and surrounded by date palms.

More affordable resort accommodations at Furnace Creek with a large pool, golf course, general store, and multiple dining options. The most practical base for exploring the valley.

Basic but comfortable motel rooms near the sand dunes in the north valley. The gas station here is one of only two fuel stops in the entire park.

Remote rustic resort on the western side of Death Valley near the Alabama Hills approach. Excellent for stargazing, far from the main valley crowds.

Casual bar and restaurant at The Ranch with burgers, sandwiches, and cold drinks. Reasonable prices for an in-park restaurant. A welcoming spot after a day of desert exploring.

In wet years following sufficient fall rains, Death Valley produces spectacular wildflower blooms from late February through April — the desert floor carpeted with gold fields, phacelia, and desert five-spot. Super bloom years draw visitors from around the world.

Death Valley is a certified International Dark Sky Park with some of the darkest skies in the continental United States. The combination of clear desert air, low humidity, and absence of light pollution produces extraordinary astrophotography conditions from October through April.

Historic 1920s Spanish-Moorish mansion built by Chicago businessman Albert Johnson in a remote desert canyon. Currently closed for restoration after a 2015 flash flood — check NPS website for reopening updates.