Death Valley itinerary

What to do with one to three days in Death Valley National Park.

By The Green Adventures · Updated Nov 1, 2026 · How we check

Here is how to spend one to three days in Death Valley, built from the hikes and activities the National Park Service lists and the time it says each takes. Short on time? Do Day 1. Times are for the activity itself; add time for driving, parking and shuttles between stops, and swap anything that is closed or out of season.

Day 1

About 3 hours of listed activity time, plus stops with no listed time.

Start at Furnace Creek Visitor Center for maps, current trail conditions and ranger advice.

Morning

Explore Wildflowers in Death Valley (1 to 3 hours). Learn about the different flowers you might be able to see in Death Valley during spring months. (best in spring)

Afternoon

Visit the Furnace Creek Visitor Center (15 to 120 minutes). Stop by the visitor center to speak with park rangers and pay park fees and purchase national park passes.
Running in Death Valley (time not listed). Go for a run in Death Valley! (best in winter, spring, fall)
Bird Watching (time not listed). Roadrunners and ravens and hummingbirds- oh my!

Day 2

About 1 hours of listed activity time, plus stops with no listed time.

Morning

Day Hiking (time not listed). Looking for somewhere to hike in Death Valley? (best in winter, spring, fall)

Afternoon

Harmony Borax Works Self Guided Walk (15 to 35 minutes). Harmony Borax Works was instrumental in drawing people to Death Valley in the late 1800s and in the subsequent popularity of the Furnace Creek area. (best in winter, spring, fall)
Hiking/Visiting with Pets (time not listed). Due to the extreme weather, it is not usually a good idea to bring a pet to Death Valley if you want to do any exploring out of your vehicle. (best in winter, spring, fall)
Tour Artists Drive (25 to 45 minutes). Enjoy a scenic drive through a geologic rainbow!

Day 3

About 2 hours of listed activity time, plus stops with no listed time.

Morning

Visit Badwater Basin (1 to 2 hours). Badwater Basin is the lowest elevation in North America at - 282 feet (- 86 m) below sea level. (best in winter, spring, fall)

Afternoon

Drive Twenty Mule Team Canyon (15 to 30 minutes). A short scenic drive along an unpaved road through colorful badlands. (best in winter, spring, fall)
Experience Death Valley at Night (time not listed). Death Valley is just as spectacular at night as it is during the day- learn about a few ways you can explore the park after dark.
Mountain Biking (time not listed). Hundreds of miles of dirt roads are available for mountain biking exploration. (best in winter, spring, fall)

Make it work

When to go: January, February, November and December. See the best time to visit.
Where to stay: 12 campgrounds and 1 lodge in the park; see camping and lodging.
Before you go: check today’s alerts and read know before you go. More ideas: all things to do.

Today at Death Valley

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Checking park alerts…

Alerts: National Park Service, checked hourly. Forecast: National Weather Service, for Furnace Creek Visitor Center. Always confirm on the official park site before you set out.

Sources

National Park Service: things to do in Death Valley National Park (Data API, public domain)

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Death Valley?

One day covers the highlights; 3 days lets you add longer hikes. Add travel time between areas of the park.

What should I do with one day in Death Valley?

Start at Furnace Creek Visitor Center, then: Explore Wildflowers in Death Valley, Visit the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, Running in Death Valley, Bird Watching.