Death Valley technically straddles the California-Nevada line, and the Nevada side (Beatty gateway) is how most Vegas visitors enter. It's a park of superlatives — the lowest point in North America at Badwater Basin (-282 ft), the highest reliably recorded air temperature on Earth (134°F at Furnace Creek, July 1913), and one of the largest and darkest Dark Sky Parks in the world. In winter it becomes bizarrely welcoming — 70°F afternoons, wildflower blooms in wet years, and a fraction of the summer traffic. It pairs perfectly with a Vegas casino weekend as the ultimate day-trip reset.
Enter from Beatty via NV-374 (Daylight Pass), which puts Rhyolite ghost town, Titus Canyon and Ubehebe Crater within easy reach. Hit Zabriskie Point at sunrise, Badwater Basin at midday (walk 1 mile out onto the salt polygons), Artist's Palette in late afternoon golden light, and Dante's View for sunset over the entire basin. Fuel at Beatty before entering — Furnace Creek gas is nearly double the price. In summer (May-September) do not hike below 3,000 ft after 10:00; heatstroke is genuinely lethal here.
Hours
- Park open 24/7 year-round
- Furnace Creek Visitor Center 8:00-17:00 daily
- Scotty's Castle closed for flood repairs (check nps.gov)
Good to know
How much does Death Valley cost?+
$30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass, $25 motorcycle, $15 per person on foot or bike. America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers it.
When is entry free?+
Five federal fee-free days: MLK Jr Day (Jan), first day of National Park Week (April), Great Outdoors Day (June), National Public Lands Day (Sept) and Veterans Day (Nov).
How long do I need?+
One long day (12-14 hours from Vegas including drive time) hits the highlights. Two nights at Furnace Creek or Stovepipe Wells lets you add Racetrack Playa, Telescope Peak or the Eureka Dunes.
When is it closed?+
The park never closes. Individual roads close after flash floods (check nps.gov/deva) and Scotty's Castle has been closed since 2015 flood damage. Furnace Creek Visitor Center closes December 25.
Do I need a reservation?+
No reservation needed for entry. Furnace Creek Campground reserves half its sites Oct 15-Apr 15 on recreation.gov; the Inn at Death Valley and the Ranch at Death Valley book 3-6 months ahead for winter weekends.
What is the closest town?+
Beatty, Nevada (pop. 800), 40 min northeast on NV-374 — three casinos, three motels, gas at reasonable prices. Pahrump is 60 miles via NV-160. Las Vegas is 120 miles / 2 hours from Furnace Creek.