Death Valley National Park has some of the most impressive sand dunes in the United States. Unfortunately without a 4×4 or a high clearance vehicle, some of them are hard to get to. Except for the the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
What kind of car do you need to drive in Death Valley? Any car would be fine for driving on the main paved roads which are well maintained. However, there are many dirt roads that require four-whee drive, high clearance vehicles, such as the Titus Canyon and Racetrack Roads.
Then, Do you have to pay to drive through Death Valley? All visitors in Death Valley National Park are required to pay an entrance fee. PRIOR TO ARRIVAL, VISITORS PURCHASING DIGITAL ENTRANCE PASSES ARE REQUIRED TO PRINT A HARD COPY PASS. Visitors should DISPLAY THE PRINTED PASS on their vehicle’s dashboard when traveling inside the park boundary.
Are the roads in Death Valley paved? From Hwy 395 the access road is mostly paved and signed Death Valley Road. The access road from the south is called the Big Pine Road and is a long graded, gravel road recommended for high clearance 2WD vehicles. Road beyond dunes is high clearance 4WD to Saline Valley.
FAQ
Is Death Valley open right now?
Visitor Centers
OPEN: The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This includes pass sales, information, bookstore, exhibits and the park film. OPEN: Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station.
Is sedan OK for Death Valley? Racetrack Valley Road
Sedans, vans and campers do negotiate this road occasionally but are not recommended. Posted 4WD, high clearance due to changing road conditions and irregular maintenance. Flat tires are common on this road; be sure your spare is in good shape.
What is the best time to visit Death Valley? The best time to visit Death Valley is November through March. Since it’s the desert and literally the hottest place on earth, avoid the summer at all costs. Even in April and October the highs are in the 90’s – yikes!
Do I need a permit for Death Valley? Permits are highly recommended for all overnight Wilderness users. Filling out a permit provides us information in case of a search and rescue, and provides you with a handy list of rules you must follow while camping in Death Valley.
Can you enter Death Valley at any time?
There are no hours. You can enter the park from any direction at any time of the day or night. There are kiosks that you can use when the visitor centers are closed.
Can I enter Death Valley at night? While we don’t recommend a hike at night in an area with obstacles such as rocks, a casual stroll at a place like Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes or Badwater Basin can be quite rewarding. Visit during a full moon for the best natural lighting. Make sure to pause to view the stars and to listen for wildlife.
Are ATVS allowed in Death Valley National Park?
Although the national park service in Death Valley does not allow any ATV or SxS / UTVs, they do however allow Jeeps, which is a very popular attraction in Death Valley.
Can you go to Death Valley in a sedan? If you have a rental sedan, most of the graded gravel roads in the park will be OK.
What is the longest straightest road in America?
North Dakota claims its Highway 46 is the longest straight road in the US and Canada. Slight bends aside, the motorway boasts a 31-mile dead straight stretch from Gackle to Beaver Greek. However, the aforementioned Bonneville Salt Flat road is meant to be longer, at 35 miles.
Does anyone live in Death Valley?
More than 300 people live year-round in Death Valley, one of the hottest places on Earth. Here’s what it’s like.
What is the best month to visit Death Valley? SPRING. It is the most popular time to visit Death Valley. Besides warm and sunny days, the possibility of spring wildflowers is a big attraction. If the previous winter brought rain, the desert can put on an impressive floral display, usually peaking in late March to early April.
Is Joshua Tree still open? Joshua Tree National Park is open 24 hours a day and may be visited at any time of the year.
Is Death Valley closed right now?
Current Closures and Conditions
OPEN: Most park roads, trailheads and overlooks are open, with exceptions noted below.
Do you need snow chains for Death Valley? Tire chains required on CA-190 (Towne Pass section only). Emigrant Canyon/Wildrose Road and Dantes View are closed. Some snow on Daylight Pass (road to Beatty). … Most of CA-190 is fine.
Can you drive an RV through Death Valley?
You can definitely drive your RV through Death Valley. The main thing is stay on asphalt, which is easy to do. NO dirt roads in your RV. This is unbelievably easy to do and is what almost everyone does in a car anyway.
Is there phone reception in Death Valley? Most of Death Valley National Park does not currently have cell phone reception. Comnet operates two cell towers in the park, one on NPS land at Stovepipe Wells and the other on private property at Furnace Creek.
Is Death Valley hot in May?
Death Valley is the hottest place on Earth. In the summer months (May-September) temperatures average over 100°F (38°C), and often exceed 120°F (49°C).
Does it ever snow in Death Valley? Snow in Death Valley is a rare and fascinating event. In winter you can see the highest peaks of the park covered by a blanket of snow. It is just as rare that it will rain. In Death Valley, it never rains more than 10 days a year, and the highest concentration of rainfall is in March and December (2-3 days a month).
