1. Depart from Las Vegas (8:00)

Most of the people doing a day trip to Death Valley are leaving from Las Vegas, so I’m setting that as the departure site. It will depend on if you are flying in, when you rent your car and the time of year, but I’m going to plan for an early start. Additionally, this day is about 400 miles, so it is a lot of driving. Let’s go!

2. Dante’s View (10:30)

When you enter the park, you will need to buy a day pass at the kiosk or display your annual pass. If you want an annual pass, be aware that you can only purchase them in the visitor center, which is not close to this point.

Dante’s View overlooks Badwater Basin and gives a nice vista of the lowest point in the US. There is some hiking here, but if you only have a day it is best to spend a little time to see the view. Also, it is one of the many locations used in the filming of Star Wars.

3. Twenty Mule Team Canyon (11:15)

I’m sure a lot of people drive right by Twenty Mule Team Canyon, but we really enjoyed this drive. It will add an extra 20 minutes to drive through as it is unpaved. If you have more time, it can be fun to get out and hike around. However, it is a beautiful drive even if you only have time to drive through.

4. Zabriskie Point (11:45)

Zabriskie Point is another overlook of Death Valley. Additionally, plan for about 30 minutes to get up to the overlook and back to your car. If you have more than one day, Zabriskie Point is the main place for photographing the sun hitting the mountains. Also, it is the big photo at the top of this page.

5. Badwater Basin (12:30)

Badwater Basin is the lowest point in the US. It is also the hottest recorded place on earth. From the parking lot, you can hop out and see the basin. Additionally, if you like you can walk about 1 mile out onto the salt flats. However, it feels a bit like you are walking a long way to nothing, it does give a view of the varied ecosystem.

6a-c and 9:  Some Optional Sights

*Since you only have one day, I’m listing the next few sights as optional. Decide which one looks the best to you and pick that one, since you don’t have time to do all of them. 

6a. Optional: Natural Bridge

If you are travelling with kids, Natural Bridge is a great short hike through a canyon to a large rock arch.

6b. Optional: Artist’s Palette

This is a side road (Artist’s Palette scenic drive) that will only add an extra 15 minutes if you just drive through, which I recommend even if you don’t have time to hike here. However, there are numerous trails at the Artist’s Palette (about halfway) where you can wander around.

6c. Optional: Golden Canyon

If you are looking for a beefier hike, consider The Golden Canyon to Red Cathedral. It is about 3 miles and will take 90 minutes to 2 hours. It is a pretty hike through the box canyons that leads to a scenic overlook at Red Cathedral. If you are afraid of heights, the last 100 yards up Red Cathedral might be a bit much, but should be okay for most people.

7. Optional: Food at the Ranch

If you are getting hungry, the Ranch at Death Valley (right before the visitor center) has some options. First, the cheaper option (which is still quite expensive) is to grab a burger at the ice cream shop. Second, there is a The Last Kind Words Saloon, which is more expensive, but is sit down with more options.

8. Furnace Creek Visitor Center (2:00-4:00)

The National Park visitor centers are always great for information on the area. Additionally, most park rangers I meet are friendly and have a ton of knowledge! And don’t forget to get your passport book stamped!

9. Optional: mosaic Canyon (3:00)

If you only have one day and are interested in Mosaic Canyon, you probably will have to skip all of the #6 options to be able to hike it. Trail distance is about 4 miles out and back. Additionally, be aware the rocks here are very polished and slippery. The hike isn’t strenuous, but it does have a few steps that are a couple feet high. A woman had fallen and broke her leg while we were visiting here, so be extra careful.

10. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes (5:00)

One of the many highlights of Death Valley are the sand dunes. Also, the most accessible is Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Additionally, there is no set trail, you just walk out as far as you like. Plan for about an hour to explore. Additionally, for photographers, early in the day or the evening provide the best options for shadows across the sand dunes.

11. Rhyolite (6:30)

Rhyolite includes both the ghost town and the shells of about a dozen buildings. Additionally, there is a free outdoor sculpture area. Plan for about 20 minutes just to get a quick look around.

12. Return to Las Vegas (9:00)

From Rhyolite, it is a little over 2 hour drive and returning at 9pm is a long day. However, if you are looking to get back a little earlier, consider skipping all of the optional sights. Safe Travels!