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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesWest USACaliforniaLos Angeles to Death Valley
Death Valley Road

Los Angeles to Death Valley Road Trip

Los Angeles - Red Rock Canyon S.P. - Furnace Creek - Zabriskie Point - Death Valley Junction

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Security Security
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Urban life Urban life
Wildlife Wildlife
Beach Beach
Los Angeles to Death Valley Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages4 km517 h/stage1.4

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Los Angeles to Death Valley Road Trip in California?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 90EUR drive & more 75EUR sleep & more 154EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 373EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 463EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 108EUR drive & more 88EUR sleep & more 242EUR eat & more 216EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 546EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 654EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 180EUR drive & more 125EUR sleep & more 396EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 809EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 989EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 450EUR drive & more 138EUR sleep & more 110EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 392EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 842EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Los Angeles to Death Valley Itinerary

Take a journey from the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles to the desert oasis of Death Valley Junction with this amazing road trip. Along the way, you will pass through Red Rock Canyon State Park, where you can admire the awe-inspiring red rock formations. Then, you will travel to Furnace Creek, the perfect place to explore the desert and take in the vast landscape. Afterward, take a break and take in the stunning views at Zabriskie Point. The journey is just over 517 km and should take around two days to complete. The best time to take this trip is in the spring or fall, when the temperatures are cool and pleasant. The road conditions are generally good, making this a great trip for any driver. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes and create lasting memories with this amazing road trip. And, with a moderate budget, you can make this trip a reality.
number of days 2 number of days
route length 517 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level moderate accident level

START Los Angeles

Distance 517 km Driving time 5.8 h Pace: fast 155.2 kWh Airports LAX
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Los Angeles is an exciting city in the United States and the perfect starting point for the Los Angeles to Death Valley Road Trip. Here, you can explore a plethora of attractions, from the world-famous Hollywood sign to the buzzing beaches of Santa Monica. The closest international airport is the Los Angeles International Airport (IATA: LAX). From here, you can easily get to your desired destination by renting a car. Several car rental companies are located at the airport, such as Enterprise, Hertz and Avis. Once you have your car, you can get started on your road trip. Before heading out to Death Valley, make sure to check out some of the city's highlights, such as the Griffith Observatory, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. For a dose of culture and history, the Getty Center is a must-see. The museum offers beautiful views of the city and a great collection of art, from classic to contemporary. You can also explore the vibrant arts and culture scene in Downtown LA, where you'll find a variety of galleries, performance spaces, and street art. Los Angeles is a great place to begin your road trip and offers plenty of exciting attractions. From the city's iconic landmarks to its vibrant arts scene, there's something for everyone in this city.

1 Los Angeles - Red Rock Canyon S.P.

Distance 202 km Driving time 2.3 h Pace: fast 60.6 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options
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Are you ready for an incredible road trip from Los Angeles to Red Rock Canyon State Park? This 126-mile journey will take you less than three hours of driving, and it will be filled with amazing sights and attractions. Start your journey in Los Angeles, and take in the sights of the city's iconic skyline, Hollywood sign, and the Griffith Observatory. Then, hit the highway and make your way to Red Rock Canyon State Park. Along the way, you'll be treated to some of the most picturesque landscapes in the country. Once you arrive at Red Rock Canyon State Park, you'll be able to explore the incredible rock formations, unique wildlife, and breathtaking views. This park is one of the most popular attractions in the area, and it's easy to see why. Take a hike through the canyon, and take in the incredible sights. This is just one of the many stages of your larger tour, but you'll want to make sure you take the time to appreciate the amazing sights and attractions along the way. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an amazing road trip from Los Angeles to Red Rock Canyon State Park!

2 Red Rock Canyon S.P. - Furnace Creek

Distance 267 km Driving time 2.8 h Pace: fast 80.0 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips
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Are you ready to start your journey? Prepare yourself for the amazing 166 mi drive through the Red Rock Canyon S.P., Death Valley N.P. and Furnace Creek! This is one of the most spectacular stages of your tour, so don't forget to take lots of photos. Start your journey in the Red Rock Canyon S.P., a great place for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Explore the unique sandstone formations and take in the breathtaking views. Continue your journey to Death Valley N.P., the lowest point in North America. Here you can explore the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Badwater Basin and the Devil's Golf Course. Finally, end your journey in Furnace Creek and visit the Harmony Borax Works and the historic Borax Museum. This journey should take you fewer than 3 hours, so don't forget to stop and take in the amazing views of the desert. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

3 Furnace Creek - Zabriskie Point

Distance 8 km Driving time 0.1 h Pace: modest 2.0 kWh View map Itinerary
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Are you ready for an incredible road trip from Furnace Creek to Zabriskie Point? This 5mi journey is one of the stages of an amazing tour, so don't miss it! It will take you less than 1 hour to drive, so you can enjoy the most interesting places to visit in these two locations. In Furnace Creek, you can experience the unique and fascinating views of the Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America. You can also explore the unique geological formations of the Devil's Golf Course. At Zabriskie Point, you will be amazed by the spectacular views of the eroded badlands and by the strange and beautiful shapes of the eroded hills. You can also take a walk along the Golden Canyon Trail and explore the unique and fascinating landscape of the area. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So don't miss this amazing road trip from Furnace Creek to Zabriskie Point!

4 Zabriskie Point - Death Valley Junction

Distance 41 km Driving time 0.4 h Pace: fast 12.3 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip? Let us take you on a journey from Zabriskie Point to Death Valley Junction! This 25mi drive will take you less than an hour and will be a great addition to your tour. Start at Zabriskie Point, one of the most iconic views in Death Valley National Park. Here you can admire a spectacular landscape of colorful and eroded badlands formations. Continue your journey to Furnace Creek Visitor Center, where you can find out more about the area and pick up some souvenirs. Then, take a break at the Furnace Creek Ranch, where you can buy snacks and drinks. Your next stop is Stovepipe Wells, a great place to take photos of the sand dunes and see the iconic Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Then, head to the Harmony Borax Works to learn about the area's mining history. Finally, you will reach your destination, Death Valley Junction. Here you can visit the Amargosa Opera House and Museum, which is home to a unique collection of artifacts from the area. Remember that more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

  Death Valley Junction

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Death Valley Junction is the perfect ending point to your Los Angeles to Death Valley Road Trip. This remote desert town is located near the eastern border of California and Nevada, and is known for its unique landscape and variety of activities. One of the must-see attractions in Death Valley Junction is the Amargosa Opera House and Hotel. Built in the 1920s, this historic building contains a museum, theater, and hotel, and is a great place to learn about the history of the area. The desert town also offers plenty of outdoor activities. Take a hike through the nearby Amargosa River Canyon and soak up the stunning views of the desert landscape. Or, take a scenic drive and explore the sand dunes, salt flats, and other geological features of the area. For those looking to cool off, head to the nearby Saline Valley Warm Springs, where you can take a dip in the natural hot springs. The closest international airport to Death Valley Junction is McCarran International Airport (LAS). From there, you can rent a car and take the scenic drive to the desert town. No matter what kind of traveler you are, Death Valley Junction is sure to offer an unforgettable experience. With its unique attractions and stunning natural beauty, it's the perfect way to end your Los Angeles to Death Valley Road Trip.

Los Angeles to Death Valley at a glance

Before you set off

Embark on an unforgettable Road Trip from the bustling city of Los Angeles to the tranquil and otherworldly Death Valley Junction. Spanning over 517 km (approximately 321 miles), this journey can comfortably be spread across two days, providing ample opportunity to immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes of California. Experience the stark contrast between the glamour of urban life and the serene desolation of one of the most extreme environments on earth.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

  • Red Rock Canyon State Park: Witness the dramatic cliffs and buttes with rich red hues that make this park an otherworldly experience. It's a popular location for photography and scenes from famous movies like `Jurassic Park` were filmed here.
  • Furnace Creek: Located in the heart of Death Valley, Furnace Creek is the perfect base to explore the desert's unique geological features. It holds the record for the highest reliably reported air temperature on Earth at 134°F (56.7°C) in 1913.
  • Zabriskie Point: Offering one of the most famous views of Death Valley, Zabriskie Point showcases the surreal landscape of eroded badlands. It's a prime spot for capturing the desert's beauty at sunrise or sunset, when the light plays with the colors of the rocks.

Best Time to Go:

The optimal times to visit are during the spring or fall when temperatures are mild and the natural beauty of the desert is at its peak. Wildflower blooms in the spring can add a splash of color to the stark desert landscape.

Potential Risks:

  • Summer temperatures in Death Valley can soar to dangerous levels, making it essential to avoid strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat.
  • Vehicle reliability is crucial; ensure your car is well-maintained and carry emergency supplies, as services are sparse in this remote region.
  • Dehydration is a serious risk. Carry ample water and be mindful of the limited availability of services along some stretches of the route.

Facts for Roadtrippers:

Death Valley National Park has well-maintained Roads, making it accessible for drivers of all skill levels. A moderate budget should cover the costs of fuel, food, and accommodations. Due to the scarcity of lodging in and around Death Valley, it's wise to book your accommodations well in advance, especially during the peak travel seasons.

A good choice for:

This Road Trip from Los Angeles to Death Valley Junction is more than a journey—it's a chance to witness the extraordinary diversity of California's landscapes. From the pulsating energy of the city to the profound silence of the desert, travelers can capture the full spectrum of beauty that this route has to offer, creating lasting memories along the way.

Facts for safer driving in California

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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