Death Valley might be one of the world’s hottest, least hospitable places, but it sure is a remarkable, otherworldly place for a day trip.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
As one of North America’s finest National Parks, boasting some of the highest temperatures in the world (best avoided in the warmest months), and the lowest elevation on the North American continent, Death Valley is a fascinating place. Visiting this seemingly barren, yet thriving, landscape has never been easier (despite the fact that it was almost impossible and quite deadly to try less than a century ago). Now it is possible to visit from Las Vegas, which lies 131 miles (211km) away on a day trip, so you don’t even have to worry about driving in the challenging climate.
Death Valley Day Tour from Las Vegas
The fascinating discoveries begin before you even reach Death Valley from Las Vegas on this 12-hour trip. Stop at ghost towns such as Rhyolite, which existed due to the gold rush and was soon abandoned when the land offered little else. In the National Park, you’ll also be able to visit Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Badwater Basin, Artist’s Palette, and Zabriskie Point. This hugely popular tour doesn’t always follow the same route. Depending on how many people are on the tour, you can sometimes request customizations to the itinerary. From $199 per person.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Death Valley Full-day Small Group Tour from Las Vegas
The contrast between Las Vegas and Death Valley couldn’t be greater, from the inescapable din of capitalism to the wide-open wildernesses that stretch beyond the horizon. This day-long tour hits a number of the main sights to the east and south of Furnace Creek Visitor Center, particularly those along Badwater Road, including the impressive mineral colors of Artist’s Pallete, the mirage-inducing Badwater Basin, with its cracked valley floor, and the famous Zabriskie Point. Snacks and a light lunch are provided, as well as water to ensure you stay hydrated in the driest spot in America. From $279 per person.
Full-day Death Valley Tour from Las Vegas
Comprehensive tours of Death Valley are tricky to achieve in a single day trip from Las Vegas. After all, there are miles and miles of roads winding through the desert, connecting disparate points of natural and historical interest. However, this tour gives its best shot at covering as many as possible in its ten-hour itinerary. The classics are included, but so too are the sand dunes, the Devil’s Golf Course, the Salt Lake and some time for browsing the informative exhibits at Furnace Creek Visitor Center. A continental breakfast and lunch are also provided to guests. From $269 per person.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Death Valley Trekker Tour from Las Vegas
The Trekker Tour has guests cruising along in a custom-built, distinctive pink, all-terrain vehicle. With tinted windows and reclining leather seats, this tour scores highly on comfort. The itinerary combines the most celebrated Death Valley viewpoints with a trip to the remarkable Rhyolite ghost town. There’s also a chance to visit the Area 51 Alien Center, given that the heavily guarded base is located nearby. Lunch and all entrance fees are included. Like most Death Valley tours, this one doesn’t usually run in July and August, when temperatures rise higher than anywhere else on the planet. From $284 per person.
4-Day Tour of Death Valley, Yosemite and San Francisco from Vegas
If a day-long tour doesn’t sound like long enough (and it really isn’t), it is possible to take a four-day tour from Las Vegas that incorporates a visit to Death Valley into a longer itinerary. You will visit the western side of Death Valley on this tour, thanks to not having to turn around and head back to Las Vegas. Also included are a number of hikes and a city highlights tour of the remarkable San Francisco. This tour departs three times a month, usually on Sundays. Please note that the tour ends in San Francisco. From $895 per person.