Death Valley loop
Golden badlands, the lowest point in North America and sand dunes, with a ghost town on the way.
- Distance
- 326 km (203 mi)
- Driving
- 3 h 37 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 5
- States
- NV, CA
- Updated
- September 4, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 326 km (203 mi) with 5 stops, from Las Vegas to Beatty. About 3 h 37 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Nevada, California · More road trips from Las Vegas
Route description
Leave Las Vegas west on NV-160 to Pahrump, then continue to Death Valley Junction and CA-190 into the park. The first stop is Zabriskie Point, where golden badlands fold like cloth below the viewpoint; sunrise here is one of the classic desert views.
Badwater Road runs south along the valley floor to Badwater Basin, 282 feet below sea level and the lowest point in North America, where the salt flats crack into hexagons. On the way back, the one-way Artists Drive loop passes colorful hills but is closed to vehicles over 25 feet.
North on CA-190, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes near Stovepipe Wells are rippled dunes you can walk into straight from the road. From May to September avoid the midday heat, and walk in the early morning or late afternoon.
Leave the park east over Daylight Pass to Beatty, Nevada, passing the ghost town of Rhyolite just before it. Fill the tank before entering the park, carry plenty of water and do not rely on phone coverage; the most comfortable months are November to March.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Las Vegas
NV - 2183 km
Zabriskie Point
ViewsDeath Valley, CAGolden badlands folded like cloth. Sunrise here is one of the classic desert views.
- 326 km
Badwater Basin
NatureDeath Valley, CAAt 282 feet below sea level, it is the lowest point in North America. The salt flats crack into hexagons. Avoid midday in summer.
- 463 km
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
NatureStovepipe Wells, CARippled dunes you can walk into from the road. Avoid midday heat from May to September.
- 555 km
Beatty
NV
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Las Vegas → Zabriskie Point · 114 mi · 2 h 02 minOvernight nearby, for example: Sunset Campground (4 mi); Texas Springs Campground (4 mi).
- Day 2: Zabriskie Point → Badwater Basin · 16 mi · 0 h 17 minOvernight nearby, for example: Sunset Campground (17 mi); Texas Springs Campground (17 mi).
- Day 3: Badwater Basin → Beatty · 73 mi · 1 h 19 minOn the way: Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.Overnight nearby, for example: Space Station RV Park (< 1 km); Beatty RV Park (4 mi).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, May and December. Hot in June–September. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is Death Valley loop?
3-day road trip of about 326 km (203 mi) with 5 stops, from Las Vegas to Beatty. About 3 h 37 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Death Valley loop?
We suggest 3 days: about 3 h 37 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Death Valley loop start and end?
It starts in Las Vegas and ends in Beatty.
Which states does Death Valley loop pass through?
Nevada and California.
Where can you camp along Death Valley loop?
OpenStreetMap lists 25 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Thousand Trails Las Vegas, Hitchin' Post RV Park and Motel and Las Vegas RV Resort.
When is the best time for Death Valley loop?
The most pleasant months are usually April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, May and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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