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Before you go
Your trip to Furnace Creek.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Furnace Creek – California Destination Las Vegas and Death Valley
How to get there
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Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) Las Vegas · 190 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
By car from Las Vegas, via Pahrump and Death Valley Junction, in about two and a half hours. From southern California the usual entrances are Baker or Lone Pine. There is no public transport; organized tours depart from Las Vegas.
How many days
One day is enough to see Badwater, Zabriskie Point and Artists Drive. With one night in Furnace Creek you’ll have time for sunrise at Zabriskie Point, the Mesquite Flat dunes and Dante’s View.
When to go
From November to March days are usually mild and nights cold. In spring, in wet years, there can be wildflowers in the desert. From June to September temperatures often exceed 45 °C, and walking outside the early hours is risky.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Yes. The attractions are spread across a huge park with no internal transport. Fill up before entering and carry extra water in the car.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Furnace Creek
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Morning
Zabriskie Point and Badwater
Start at Zabriskie Point with the morning light and head south to the Badwater salt flat. Walk on the salt and see the sign marking the level below sea level.
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Afternoon
Artists Drive and visitor center
On the return, drive Artists Drive and stop at the Artists Palette overlook. In Furnace Creek visit the visitor center and rest during the hottest hours.
2 days in Furnace Creek
Day 1
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All day
The south of the park
Do Zabriskie Point, Badwater and Artists Drive and, at late afternoon, drive up to Dante’s View to see the valley from above.
Day 2
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Morning
Mesquite Flat dunes
Go early to the Mesquite Flat dunes, near Stovepipe Wells, and walk along the crests before the heat. After that, return to Las Vegas or continue traveling through California.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Where to stay in Death Valley?
Furnace Creek has most of the lodging inside the park, plus restaurants and a gas station. Stovepipe Wells and Panamint Springs have smaller options. Outside the park the nearest bases are Beatty, in Nevada, and Pahrump.
What time zone is Furnace Creek in?
Furnace Creek is in California and follows Pacific Time, the same as Las Vegas: UTC-8 in winter and UTC-7 during daylight saving time, from March to November.
How to visit Death Valley in summer?
With preparation: temperatures often exceed 45 °C. Stay close to the car, walk only in the early hours, carry several liters of water per person and follow park warnings. Prepare the trip in advance.
Is there cell phone signal in Death Valley?
In most of the park, no; there is limited signal in Furnace Creek. Download maps beforehand and tell someone your itinerary.