TRIP IDEA

Star Wars Tour of Death Valley

Death Valley National Park

A park ranger stands next to a gold robot, shaking hands, in the desert.
Topic(s) Geology, Mining, Mountains, Night Sky, Scenic Views, Trails, Ancient Seas, Canyons and Canyonlands, Mineral Deposits, Roads, Routes and Highways, Photography, Rock Landscapes and Features, Wilderness
Activities Scenic Driving, Hiking
Parks Death Valley National Park
A group of adults stand and squat around a two robots, filming a scene in the desert.

NPS photo

Want to visit Tatooine? Well than take a trip to Death Valley National Park! The famous movie series, Star Wars, has filmed in the park for Episode IV -- A New Hope and Star Wars Episode VI -- Return of the Jedi. Check out the locations listed below to see if you recognize any of the locations from Tatooine!
Star Wars, a New Hope, was filmed in the national park a few decades ago, when that type of filming was permitted. We would not allow the vast majority of the filming that was done now because of the prohibition on commercial filming in wilderness. More permit information can be found on our permits page.
Star Wars Filming Locations- How to Visit
  • Death Valley National Park

    Check Out the View at Dantes View
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Scenic Driving
    • Pets: No
    A vast desert valley is seen from a rocky desert mountain top.

    At 5,475 ft (1,669 m), the most breathtaking viewpoint in the park. Facing west, the view of the Panamint Mountains towering over the lowest point (-282ft / 86m) in North America (Badwater Basin) offers one of the best sunrises in the park. The barely visible mountains on the far western horizon are the Sierra Nevadas, home to the highest point (14,505ft / 4,421m) in the contiguous United States - Mount Whitney, however the peak itself isn't quite visible.

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  • Death Valley National Park

    Drive Twenty Mule Team Canyon
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Scenic Driving
    • Pets: Yes with Restrictions
    Highly eroded, multi-hued hills, contrasted in afternoon light.

    Take a drive along this beautiful unpaved road through colorful, eroded badlands. Enjoy scenic views along this 2.5 mile, one-way road. The unpaved road is good for most cars and drivers, but check road conditions before you travel. Afternoon and morning light will provide a delight of contrast, as the erosion in the hills becomes highlighted and shadowed.

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  • Death Valley National Park

    Hike Colorful Desolation Canyon
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Fall
    A rainbow-hued canyon, viewed from above.

    Want to walk through a geologic rainbow? Enjoy the colors of Artists Palette without the crowds. Desolation Canyon is a great canyon to hike in the COOLER months but not recommended in the summer. From the parking area, the canyon is not visible, but you will find some familar views if you are a Star Wars fan. Look around you might notice a few views of Tatooine.

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  • Death Valley National Park

    Hike Golden Canyon
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Golden Canyon parking area
    • Duration: 5–180 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Fall

    A labyrinth landscape of golden colored hills and winding narrow canyons create hiking options ranging from easy strolls to strenuous adventures. The most popular routes can be combined with one another for longer adventures, up about 4.5 miles. Regardless which adventure is right for you, take the map and route description with you.

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  • Death Valley National Park

    Tour Artists Drive
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Scenic Driving
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Artists Drive
    • Duration: 45–60 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    A vehicle drives along a single lane road through colorful, eroded hills.

    Enjoy a scenic drive through a geologic rainbow! Artists Drive is a one-way, nine mile drive that passes through eroded, colorful desert hills. A stop at Artists Palette along the way, either from the car window or a short walk, will provide the most colorful views. Enjoy geology and scenic vistas along this trip!

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  • Death Valley National Park

    Visit Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
    • Duration: 10–180 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Fall
    • Time of Day: Any Time
    Tawny, shaded dunes extend out to distant desert mountains.

    Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are the largest dune field in the park. This dune field includes three types of dunes: crescent, linear, and star shaped. Polygon-cracked clay of an ancient lakebed forms the floor. Mesquite trees have created large hummocks that provide stable habitats for wildlife.

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Tags: things to do winter DV

Last updated: September 27, 2018