The main road transecting Death Valley National Park from east to west is California Highway 190.On the east in Nevada, U.S. Route 95 parallels the park from north to south with connecting highways at Scotty's Junction (State Route 267), Beatty (State Route 374), and Lathrop Wells (State Route 373).
Intense heat in the summer months is what makes Death Valley famous, but the cooler months make for some of the best times to explore the desert. Shoulder months of summer can still have temperatures that make it dangerous to be hiking in the park, plan prior to traveling by checking what the weather will be during your trip.
More about Death Valley's Weather
Death Valley National Park charges an entrance fee year-round. More information can be found on the fees and passes page. Please note that some activities, like staying in park campgrounds, have additional costs. Holders of a current pass that is part of the nationwide America the Beautiful Annual series do not need to pay the park entrance fee. Learn more about the America the Beautiful nationwide pass program. ![]() NPS/Hoerner Death Valley is the largest U.S. National Park outside Alaska at 3,422,024 acres. Nearly 1,000 miles of paved and dirt roads provide access to locations both popular and remote. Even so, 93% of the park is protected as officially designated Wilderness. That wild country includes low valley floors crusted with barren salt flats, rugged mountains rising as much as 11,000 feet, deep and winding canyons, rolling sand dunes, and spring-fed oases. Whether you have an afternoon or a week, careful planning will help make your visit safe and enjoyable. |
Last updated: March 20, 2023