Death Valley as day trip?
 

How long does it take to drive from Las Vegas to Death Valley? I have a free day following a convention in Las Vegas in early December and would like to visit some place "natural." <BR><BR>I've already been to Lake Mead and Hoover Dam, so I thought I would visit Valley of Fire State Park, but someone suggested Death Valley. Is Death Valley "doable" as a day trip, or should I wait to visit it when I have time to stay there at least one night?<BR><BR>If "doable," can you recommend an itinerary in the park? I want to photograph unusual<BR>formations, textures and colors, and also want to do some moderate hiking.

Hi,<BR><BR>I belive it takes less than three hours each way from Las Vegas to Death Valley so it is do able as a day trip.<BR>For information on the Death valley try this site ( national park service)<BR>http://www.nps.gov/deva/<BR>There are a couple of small towns in the valley that might be worth seeing, Furnace Creek, Stovepipe wells but Scotty's castle at the north end of the valley is supposed to be well worth a visit.<BR>I would take a good pair of walking boots and plenty of water.<BR>

Hello Lorraine<BR>We drove out to Death Valley from Vegas<BR>in April. It took us about 2 hoursm not a bad ride if you have good company. We wanted to golf at the furnace creek golf course. It was a perfect day about 80 degrees. We did 18 holes & drove back the same day. It was a good time : ) <BR>Hope this helps.

Lorraine - It is an easy drive if you come in from the Nevada side, via Parhump (even a winery there) If you happen to do this on a Sunday, there is a great Sunday Brunch at the Furnace Creek Inn. The Furnace Creek area is the best place to go. Scott's Castle will add at least another hour each direction and unless you want to visit the sand dunes, Stovepipe Wells doesn't offer much. For a change you can return (a little longer trip) via Baker and I-15.

The only thing I'll add, which is probably stating the obvious (but we did make the mistake!!) is that it gets dark very early in December!<BR><BR>A friend and I crossed Death Valley last December but we didn't enter until early afternoon. Suddenly it was dark, we couldn't see a thing and in the couple of hours it took we only saw six cars! I have to say that I have NEVER seen the stars look so clear, bright and numerous (which was fantastic) but overall it was a little scary.

For the record, here is how the Death Valley Visitors Center replied to my inquiry:<BR> <BR>It is a 2 1/2 to 3 hour drive from Las Vegas to Death Valley. It is possible to come to Death Valley as a day trip but you will be limited as to what you can visit. Essentially, you will have time to see one or two of the main sites and then have to leave. This will be compounded by the fact that sunset will be approximately 4:30 pm.<BR><BR>If this is going to be your best opportunity to visit Death Valley I recommend you drive out. If you will be able to come to Death Valley another time and stay for a few days that I would suggest skipping us this time. If you decide not to venture to Death Valley may I suggest you visit Red Rock Canyon. It is a natural area located about 30 minutes west of Las Vegas.<BR><BR>If you are coming to Death Valley may I suggest an early morning start and the<BR>following route to get the most out of your visit...<BR><BR>Leave Las Vegas going south on NV 95 or I-15 or south on the strip. Turn west<BR>(that should be a ight turn) onto Blue Diamond road (by Silverton Casino). Stay on Blue Diamond (it is also NV 160) until you reach Pahrump, NV. At the main intersection (the first stoplight) turn left. This will put you on NV 178 to Shoshone, CA. At Shoshone follow the sign to Death Valley and enter the park just outside of Shoshone.<BR><BR>You are now on the Badwater Rd. This will bring you past many of our scenic<BR>areas: Ashford Mill, Badwater (lowest elevation in the western hemisphere),<BR>Devil's Golf Course, Artist's Drive (a prime area for photographs). The<BR>Badwater road reaches CA 190 by the Furnace Creek Inn. Turn left and drive to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center.<BR><BR>To leave Death Valley and return to Las Vegas, I recommend you go east on CA<BR>190. This will take you from the park past many other scenic areas (Zabriskie<BR>Point, Twenty Mule Team Canyon, Dante's View (an excellent place to view the<BR>sunset). When CA 190 meets CA 127 you can go right and then (within a few miles) left to return to Pahrump. From Pahrump retrace your route to Las Vegas.