When to Go

Most of the park's 1.7 million annual visitors come between late fall and early spring, taking advantage of moderate temperatures and the lack of rainfall. During these cooler months, you will need to book a room in advance, but don't worry: the park never feels crowded. If you visit in summer, believe everything you've ever heard about desert heat—it can be brutal, with temperatures often topping 120°F. The dry air wicks moisture from the body without causing a sweat, so drink plenty of water. Bring sunglasses, a hat, and sufficient clothing to block the sun's rays and the wind. Flash floods are fairly common; sections of roadway can be flooded or washed away, as they were after a major flood in 2015. The wettest month is February, when the park receives an average of 0.3 inch of rain.

Festivals and Events

Bishop Mule Days. Entertainment at this five-day festival over the Memorial Day weekend includes top country-music stars, an arts-and-crafts fair, barbecues, country dances, the longest-running nonmotorized parade in the United States, and more than 700 mules competing in 181 events. Admission is free. www.muledays.org

Death Valley Dark Sky Festival. A full weekend program, held in late February or early March, celebrates Death Valley’s celestial distinctions with guided hikes, ranger talks, a night-sky photo session, family events, and a star party. www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/death-valley-dark-sky-festival.htm

Death Valley 49er Encampment Days. Originally a centennial celebration held in 1949 to honor the area's first European visitors, this five-day event draws thousands of people from around the world to the Ranch at Death Valley for art shows, a wagon train, live music, artisan booths, dancing, and even a poker tournament. www.deathvalley49ers.org

Lone Pine Film Festival. Every Columbus Day weekend, this town pays tribute to its Hollywood history with three days of tours, films, lectures, and celebrity panels. www.museumofwesternfilmhistory.org/special-events

Shoshone Old West Days. This annual three-day festival celebrates Wild West heritage with live performances, arts-and-crafts, and a deep-pit barbecue. www.shoshonevillage.com