Death Valley is famous for being the largest national park south of Alaska, and for being North America’s driest and hottest place.

I highly recommend spending 2-3 days in Death Valley (there’s A LOT to do here). But if you only have a day, then plan on arriving as early as possible to beat the heat and maximize your time.

Death Valley got its name from a group of pioneers lost here in the winter of 1849-1850. Only one of the group died in Death Valley, but they all assumed that this would be their grave.

The Best Things To Do in Death Valley National Park:

Hikes: Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes (easy-moderate), Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch (moderate), Hungry Bill’s Ranch (difficult), Sidewinder Canyon (easy), Ubehebe Peak (difficult), Telescope Peak (very difficult), Wildrose Peak (moderate), Mosaic Canyon (easy).

Scenic Drives: Artist’s Drive and Palette – a paved loop suitable for all cars. Twenty Mule Team Canyon – unpaved loop; high-clearance vehicles are recommended. Titus Canyon – a 27-mile drive from Scotty’s Castle Road to Nevada Highway 374 just outside the park entrance; high-clearance vehicles are recommended.

Overlooks: Dante’s View, Zabriskie Point, on top of one of the higher dunes in Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Father Crowley Overlook, Aguereberry Point.

At Night: start your hike out to Badwater Basin at sunset and then patiently wait for the park’s extraordinary night skies; participate in a ranger-led night sky viewing.

Guided Tours: Farabee Jeep Tour to Racetrack, a horseback ride with Furnace Creek Stables.

Star Wars Filming Sites: Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes for shots of R2-D2 rolling through the desert after he and C-3P0 crash-land their escape pod; Artist’s Drive and Palette where Jawas abducted R2-D2; Desolation Canyon where Luke encounters the Tusken Raiders; The panoramic view from Dante’s View served as the panoramic shot of Mos Eisley; Twenty Mule Team Canyon is the road that leads to Jabba’s Palace.

Yes. About 300 people live in Death Valley year-round.

Spring is the most popular season to visit Death Valley, so book your tours and accommodation in advance (especially if you’re camping). In early Spring, temperatures are in the 70s and 80s during the day (21-27ºC) and in the 50s and 60s (10-15ºC) at night. But by late April, it’ll be in the 90s (32ºC). If there’s been any winter rain, then the wildflowers will be out on many of the higher-elevation hikes.

Summer temperatures are in the 100’s (38ºC) during all but the earliest hours of the morning. So the key to enjoying summer in Death Valley is to start your day around sunrise, do the hikes, drives, or tours you want to do, then head back indoors for the afternoon until you go back out for sunset and the night skies. Summer is Death Valley’s low season, so some tour companies, accommodation, and restaurants aren’t open.

Fall in Death Valley starts in October when temperatures decline to the 90s (32ºC) during the day and the 60s (15ºC) at night. Rangers programs and guided tours are in full swing, and as long as you avoid the holidays, the park is still relatively uncrowded. The Death Valley ‘49ers Encampment in November is a fantastic festival of old-time western music, art, and events that celebrate Death Valley’s pioneer spirit.

Most people are surprised to learn that Death Valley is cold in the Winter, with lows at night in the 40s (4ºC). Everything – tours, accommodation, etc. – is fully open in the Winter, though keep in mind that the days are much shorter during these months. Winter occasionally sees rain in the valley and usually brings snow to the Panamint Mountains.