Are you looking for a place where the sky is big, and the sun is even bigger? Then Death Valley is the place for you! Death Valley is the hottest, driest, and lowest elevation in the United States. It is an adventure seeker’s paradise. From the sand dunes to the salt flats to the colorful landscape, there is something for everyone in Death Valley. But how do you get there? Don’t worry; this guide will provide all the answers. We’ll tell you how to get to Death Valley, what kind of transportation you need, what to bring, where to stay, and what to do when you get there. So, grab your gear, and let’s get started on your journey to Death Valley!
How To Get To Death Valley?
1. From Los Angeles
You can fly into one of two airports: the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or the Ontario International Airport (ONT). You can also drive if you have less than 8 passengers in your car. Bring your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a credit card if you get a rental car. Don’t forget to fill up your gas tank before you leave!
2. From Las Vegas
You can take a bus from Las Vegas to Death Valley. The bus will take you through Death Valley and drop you off at the closest point of interest. The trip takes about 3 hours and costs $50 per adult round-trip ticket. If you plan on staying overnight in Death Valley, it is cheaper to rent a car once you arrive in Death Valley. You can also fly into the nearby airports in Las Vegas, which are McCarran International Airport (LAS) or Henderson Executive Airport (HND). This will allow you to pick up your vehicle once you arrive in Death Valley.
3. From San Francisco Or Los Angeles
You can also fly into the San Francisco or Los Angeles airports, but it is more expensive than flying into Las Vegas. You will then have to rent a car from San Francisco or Los Angeles and drive to Death Valley National Park. You can rent a car through Enterprise Rent-A-Car at the airport. Make sure you bring your driver’s license and credit card when you pick up your rental car! If you plan on staying overnight in Death Valley, it is cheaper to rent a car once you arrive in Death Valley rather than fly into Las Vegas and then rent a car there. The flight alone costs $200 per person round trip!
4. From Phoenix, Arizona, Or Albuquerque, New Mexico (If Driving)
If you’re driving from Arizona or New Mexico, bring your driver’s license and proof of insurance and fill up your gas tank before leaving.
5. From Las Vegas To Death Valley
If you’re flying into Las Vegas, renting a car, and then driving to Death Valley, make sure to bring your driver’s license and credit card with you when you pick up your rental car! Your hotel may be able to arrange for a shuttle service to take you from the airport or bus station in Las Vegas all the way to Death Valley National Park. If not, there are also shuttle services that can take you from one place in Las Vegas to another (for example, if your hotel is on the strip but there is a shuttle bus that goes from the airport or bus station back down south). You can also rent a car through Enterprise Rent-A-Car at the airport. Make sure you bring your driver’s license and credit card with you when you pick up your rental car! If you plan on staying overnight in Death Valley, it is cheaper to rent a car once you arrive in Death Valley rather than fly into Las Vegas and then rent a car there. The flight alone costs $200 per person round trip!
6. From Joshua Tree National Park To Death Valley National Park
If you’re driving from the nearby Joshua Tree National Park, bring your driver’s license and proof of insurance and fill up your gas tank before you leave.
What Kind Of Transportation Is Necessary
1. Car
If you’re driving to Death Valley, the best way to get there is by car. The nearest airport is in Las Vegas, Nevada, and it’s approximately a 2-hour drive. You can also fly into Fresno, California, and then rent a car or take an Uber to Death Valley. Keep in mind that no trains or buses go directly to Death Valley.
2. Rv
If you like having your own space, an RV is the perfect way to travel around America and see the country on your own terms. If you’re planning a trip to Death Valley while using an RV, you’ll want to ensure that your RV has enough room for all of your things and that it has air conditioning (you’ll need it!). There are 1-way rentals available if you don’t want to drive back from where you started out with it. If you don’t have an RV, you can rent one in Las Vegas and drop it off in Death Valley when you’re done.
3. Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is a great way to get to Death Valley. Make sure you have all your belongings with you and don’t go too far out into the desert (it’s easy to get lost). You may want to ask someone for a ride before you head out. Most people are willing to help with transportation if they go your way! If you don’t know anyone, just start hitching at the nearest gas station or rest stop. You never know who will pick you up!
What To Bring
- Water: Water is the most important thing you will need for your trip. It gets very hot in Death Valley, and it’s important to stay hydrated. You should always carry a water bottle with you, and always drink plenty of water.
- Sunscreen: The sun can be very strong in Death Valley, so you want to make sure that you are wearing sunscreen! You don’t want to get sunburned and turn into a lobster.
- Hat: A hat is essential when visiting Death Valley because it provides protection from the sun and makes you look cool, like Indiana Jones!
- Towel/Chapstick: A towel is useful for drying off after a dip in the pool or lake, and chapstick is good to have around in case your lips get chapped from all of the sand blowing around! Oh yeah, don’t forget sunscreen for your lips too!
- Food/Snacks: You’re going to be walking around a lot, and you’ll need to keep your energy up. Bring some food and snacks with you to keep your energy up and your body fed.
- Camera: You are going to want to capture all of the amazing sights that Death Valley has to offer! Bring a camera so that you can capture the beauty of the park. And if you don’t have one, no worries! There are plenty of places where you can rent one in Death Valley as well as in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
- Hatchet: I know this sounds crazy, but trust me, it’s actually very useful! If you plan on hiking at all while in Death Valley, bring a hatchet with you so that you can chop down any trees or bushes in your way. It also comes in handy for chopping down the occasional cactus if you get hungry.
- Binoculars: If you want to go on a hike while in Death Valley, bring some binoculars so that you can see all of the amazing birds and animals in the park.
- Bug Spray: You’re going to be hiking and exploring a lot, and there are going to be bugs everywhere! Bring bug spray with you so that you don’t get eaten alive by all of the gnats, flies, and ticks. If you don’t want to use bug spray, then at least bring some mosquito nets for your face!
- Sturdy Shoes: You will be walking around a lot while in Death Valley, so make sure that your shoes are sturdy enough to handle them! Don’t wear flip-flops or sandals because they aren’t very comfortable on long hikes. Bring something that is comfortable and will keep your feet protected on rough terrain.
Where To Stay
1. Stovepipe Wells
Stovepipe Wells is a city in Death Valley National Park and the closest town to Death Valley. It is located about 45 minutes from the visitor center of Death Valley. There are several hotels and guesthouses in Stovepipe Wells. The most popular hotel choice is the Furnace Creek Inn. It is a very nice hotel with a good price for its quality. However, if you are looking for something cheaper, there are some hostels, as well as bed and breakfasts. Stovepipe Wells also has a couple of restaurants and cafes, as well as shops where you can buy souvenirs and other miscellaneous things like snacks or drinks.
2. Furnace Creek Ranch
This is another popular area to stay in if you want to be close to the visitor center of Death Valley. The Furnace Creek Ranch is located only about ten minutes away from the visitor center, so it’s really convenient if you plan on going there often. The Furnace Creek Ranch also has a store, restaurant, and cafe. However, it is more expensive than Stovepipe Wells.
3. Shoshone
If you are looking for something a little more remote, then Shoshone is the place for you! Shoshone is located on Death Valley’s northern border and is about an hour and a half drive from the visitor center of Death Valley. There are only two hotels in Shoshone, but they are both very nice! One of them has a pool and hot tub, so that’s definitely a plus if you plan on staying there for a few days! If you want to go hiking or exploring in the wilderness, then this would be ideal because it isn’t too far from Furnace Creek Ranch or Stovepipe Wells, but it also isn’t as crowded or touristy as those places.
4. Telescope Peak/Racetrack Playa
If you are going to be spending most of your time exploring Death Valley’s wilderness, then staying at Telescope Peak is a perfect choice! It is located in the middle of Death Valley, and it is only a one-hour drive to the visitor center. This would be ideal if you want to explore the natural beauty of this area but also want to visit the visitor center as well. There are also a few other hotels around Telescope Peak/Racetrack Playa, so if you want something closer to nature with more privacy and fewer people, this may be a good place for you.
Conclusion
Death Valley is a great place for adventure seekers. It is the hottest, driest, and lowest elevation in the United States. There is something for everyone in Death Valley. It is relatively simple to get to Death Valley, and there are plenty of things to do once you get there. There are hotels and hostels in the desert, hotels in the mountains, and none in the salt flats. Whatever you do, make sure that you are prepared. Death Valley can be a dangerous place if you don’t know what you’re doing.
