2-Day Private Death Valley Tour from Los Angeles: Zabriskie, Dunes, Craters & Badwater
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness required — comfortable walking up to 4–5 miles with some elevation gain and uneven footing
Overview
A private, two‑day deep dive into Death Valley’s most dramatic sites—Zabriskie Point, Ubehebe Crater, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Badwater Basin—packed into a customizable itinerary from Los Angeles. Expect long drives, short hikes, and prime sunrise/sunset photo stops with a local guide.
2-Day Private Death Valley Tour from Los Angeles: Zabriskie, Dunes, Craters & Badwater
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You step out of an air‑conditioned van while the desert exhales heat and silence—an ocean of stone and salt under a sky so wide it seems to tilt the horizon. On Photravel Adventures’ private 2‑day trip from Los Angeles, the choreography of Death Valley unfolds quickly: Zabriskie’s badlands flare in ochre and rust, Ubehebe’s rim yawns into volcanic black, and Dantes View delivers a sunset that steels the ribs of the valley with long, cool shadows.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Hydrate aggressively
Carry at least 3–4 liters of water per person per day and sip continuously—desert heat can dehydrate you faster than you think.
Time your photos
Plan to shoot Mesquite Dunes at sunrise and Badwater Basin at sunset for the best light and cooler temperatures.
Footwear for variable terrain
Bring sturdy trail shoes that can handle sand, slick rock and loose scree—flip‑flops are poor desert companions.
Watch summer heat warnings
If temperatures exceed safe limits guides may modify or cancel outdoor stops—be prepared to reschedule hikes.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Desert bighorn sheep
- Kangaroo rats and gray foxes (mostly nocturnal)
History
The Timbisha Shoshone have long inhabited the Death Valley area; later, 19th‑century borax extraction and mule teams shaped place names and early routes through the basin.
Conservation
Stay on established trails and pack out all waste; the fragile cryptobiotic soils and evaporite crusts recover slowly from footprints and vehicle damage.
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Adventure Hotspots in Furnace Creek (Death Valley National Park)
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
3–4 liters water reservoir or bottles
Essential for preventing dehydration in the arid desert climate.
summer specific
Sturdy trail shoes
Support and traction for sand, polished rock and loose gravel.
Wide‑brim hat & high‑SPF sunscreen
Sun protection for long exposed drives and hikes.
summer specific
Lightweight insulating layer
Mornings and nights can be cold—pack a warm layer for sunrise/sunset stops.
winter specific