Experience Death Valley at Night

Rangers offer special night sky programs during Death Valley's annual Dark Sky Festival.

NPS/Patrick Taylor

Did you know that Death Valley National Park has no closing time and that it is just as spectacular at night as it is during the day? Instead of leaving right after sunset, consider experiencing the park at night:

Star Gazing

Far from cities and carefully managed to protect darkness, Death Valley National Park is an excellent place to view the night sky. Nights in Death Valley are so dark that the park is classified at the highest (Gold Tier) level by the International Dark-Sky Association; many celestial objects which can be viewed from Death Valley are not visible elsewhere in the world! While most places in the park away from lodging/campgrounds and major roads will provide good night-sky viewing opportunities, here are a few top ranger suggestions for star gazing locations:

• Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

• Harmony Borax Works

• Ubehebe Crater

• Badwater Basin

Hints for seeing the most stars:

• Stay out long enough (about 30 minutes) for your eyes to fully adjust

• Use a red light filter on your flashlight to protect your night vision

• Visit during a new moon (time when the moon is not visible)

• Bring binoculars

• Choose a location without nearby obstructions like mountains 

Ranger Programs

Interested in learning more about the night sky? Join a Ranger for an introduction to the cosmos at a famous Death Valley location. Programs are offered during the winter; check at a visitor center for the schedule.

Full Moon Night Hiking

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. Always bring a flashlight and water and remember that nighttime temperatures can still be over 100 F (38 C) during the summer. 

Night Photography

Dark nights mean ample opportunity to photograph the stars. While there is no one “best” location, astrophotographers often choose places such as Zabriskie Point, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes or Harmony Borax Works to capture their night images. Please note that while you may park along major roadways while photographing, camping along paved roads is prohibited. 

Dark Sky Festival

Each spring, Death Valley National Park holds an annual event where visitors are invited to come and learn more about space and other worlds. The event lasts multiple days and includes special ranger programs, hands-on activities, and guest speakers from organizations such as NASA, JPL, Goddard, and SETI. Check the park website or ask a ranger at Furnace Creek Visitor Center for upcoming event dates.

Details

Activity

Astronomy

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Pets are not allowed in many locations in the park, including on trails. Pets can go where vehicles can go, so a night hike up a dirt road is a great way to experience the park after dark with a pet. 

Activity Fee

Yes

Fee is included in regular park entry fee.

Reservations

No

Time of Day

Night

Accessibility Information

Trail and program locations vary widley from ADA accessible to rough and rocky. Check with a ranger about the accessibility of the location you plan on visiting.