Death Valley National Park
In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes.
Photo: Ronald Gaddis / NPS
About Death Valley National Park
In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet, each extreme has a striking contrast. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow. Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. Lush oases harbor tiny fish and refuge for wildlife and humans. Despite its morbid name, a great diversity of life thrives in Death Valley.
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Driving times from Death Valley National Park, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$30.00All visitors, including Non-US residents, may purchase and utilize this entrance fee. Purchasing this entrance fee allows all persons traveling in one single private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van/RV/aircraft) to leave and re-enter the park as many times as they wish during the 7-day period from the date of purchase.
Entrance - Motorcycle
$25.00All visitors, including Non-US residents, may purchase and utilize this entrance fee. Purchasing this entrance fee allows all persons traveling on 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles to leave and re-enter the park as many times as they wish during the 7-day period from the date of purchase.
Entrance - Per Person
$15.00All visitors, including Non-US residents, may purchase and utilize this entrance fee. Purchasing this entrance fee allows a single individual traveling on foot or individuals traveling on one bicycle to leave and re-enter the park as many times as they wish during the 7-day period from the date of purchase.
Commercial Entrance - Per Person
$15.001 - 15 Passenger Vehicle: $15 per person. In addition to the entrance fees listed below, additional permits are required for commercial groups, special park uses (weddings, memorialization, group events, etc.), commercial film and photography, research, and more.
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
$100.0016 - 25 Passenger Vehicle: $100 In addition to the entrance fees listed below, additional permits are required for commercial groups, special park uses (weddings, memorialization, group events, etc.), commercial film and photography, research, and more.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
$200.0026 + Passenger Vehicle: $200 In addition to the entrance fees listed below, additional permits are required for commercial groups, special park uses (weddings, memorialization, group events, etc.), commercial film and photography, research, and more.
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
$15.00Non-commercial Groups (e.g., Scout groups, church groups, etc.) entering in a vehicle with a capacity of 16 persons or more are charged per-person for each person on board, not to exceed $200.
Entrance - Education/Academic Groups
FreeNational Park Service regulations allow school groups and other approved national and international academic institutions to obtain a waiver of Park entrance fees, provided that visit is for educational or scientific purposes, and the resources or facilities that the group intends to use, support those purposes. Submit your waiver through the link below at least one month prior to your visit.
Hours
Death Valley National Park
- Mon
- All Day
- Tue
- All Day
- Wed
- All Day
- Thu
- All Day
- Fri
- All Day
- Sat
- All Day
- Sun
- All Day
Activities
Getting there
SPRING is the most popular time to visit Death Valley. Warm and sunny days with the possibility of spring wildflowers is a big attraction. SUMMER starts early in Death Valley. By May the valley can be scorching hot. AUTUMN arrives in late October, with warm but pleasant temperatures and generally clear skies. WINTER has cool days, chilly nights and rarely, rainstorms. With snow capping the high peaks and low angled winter light, this season is especially beautiful for exploring the valley.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to enter Death Valley National Park?
- Entrance to Death Valley National Park starts at $15. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
- What is there to do at Death Valley National Park?
- Popular activities include Astronomy, Backcountry Camping, Backcountry Hiking, Biking, Birdwatching, Bookstore and Park Store.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Death Valley National Park?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Manzanar National Historic Site (3 h 26 min), Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument (3 h 57 min), César E. Chávez National Monument (4 h 53 min), Devils Postpile National Monument (5 h 7 min), Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail (5 h 44 min), Yosemite National Park (5 h 59 min).