Staff Pick

Road Trip Los Angeles to Death Valley – Furnace Creek, Zabriskie Point

Los Angeles Furnace Creek
440
km
5h
drive
Winter
season

The Itinerary

Death Valley National Park — the largest U.S. national park outside Alaska (13,793 km²) — holds the world heat record (56.7°C in 1913) and North America's lowest point (Badwater Basin, -85 m below sea level). The contrast between scorching valleys and snowcapped peaks at 3,300 m is staggering.

From Los Angeles, I-15 north then SR-127 lead to the park's southern entrance. Sunset at Zabriskie Point — featured in Antonioni's eponymous film — over ochre and gold badlands is unforgettable. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes near Stovepipe Wells offer Saharan-style erg photography minutes from the road.

Badwater Basin and its polygonal salt desert, Artist's Palette's multicoloured rocks, 20 Mule Team Canyon, Dante's View (1,670 m, sweeping view of Badwater), and Ubehebe Crater in the north are must-stops. Avoid in summer (deadly temperatures). October to April are optimal.

Points of Interest

  • ✦
    Badwater Basin
    -85 m, lowest point in North America, salt desert.
  • ✦
    Zabriskie Point
    Legendary ochre badlands at sunset.
  • ✦
    Artist's Palette
    Multicoloured volcanic rocks, scenic drive.
  • ✦
    Mesquite Flat Dunes
    Saharan-style dunes right off the road.
  • ✦
    Dante's View
    1,670 m, sweeping view over Badwater Basin.
Practical info
  • Departure Los Angeles
  • Destination Furnace Creek
  • Distance 440 km
  • Duration 5h
  • Category Long (250–500 km)
  • Best season Winter
Themes
desert national-park extreme photo california unique road-trip dunes

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