Death Valley Day Trip from Las Vegas: Zabriskie Point, Badwater & Artists Palette
Difficulty
easy
Duration
11 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required—comfortable for most travelers who can handle short walks on uneven surfaces
Overview
Escape the Strip for a full-day private tour to Death Valley’s signature sights—Zabriskie Point, Badwater Basin, Devil’s Golf Course and Artists Palette—packed into an 11‑hour route from Las Vegas. Discover geology, history, and practical tips for handling the desert heat.
Death Valley Day Trip from Las Vegas: Zabriskie Point, Badwater & Artists Palette
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The van hums away from the neon of the Strip and the city’s glow thins to a horizon of hard light and long shadows. In two lanes of asphalt the Mojave reasserts itself: creosote bushes lean into wind, and distant ridgelines stack like pages of a weather-worn atlas. By the time the group pulls into Zabriskie Point, the desert has sharpened—every fold of badland and every flake of salt reads like a map of geological time.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Hydration is non-negotiable
Carry at least 2–3 liters of water per person for the day and drink early and often; temperatures can spike quickly.
Time your light
Plan major stops for early morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh shadows and midday heat; Badwater is hottest around noon.
Footwear for salt and shale
Wear sturdy shoes with tread—salt flats are slippery when wet and badland slopes are loose underfoot.
Watch for wildlife and hazards
Stay on designated paths—rattlesnakes and fragile soils are common; keep children close during walks.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Desert bighorn sheep
- Kit fox (nocturnal; best spotted at dusk)
History
The valley’s industrial past is marked by borax mining and the Twenty Mule Team era; sites and place names recall that 19th–20th century extraction history.
Conservation
Stay on marked roads and trails—cryptobiotic soils and salt crusts recover slowly; leave no trace and avoid disturbing historic artifacts.
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Adventure Hotspots in Las Vegas
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
3L hydrapak or large water bottles
Keeps you hydrated over long stretches between services in extreme heat.
Wide-brim sun hat and UV sunglasses
Protects face and eyes from intense desert sun and glare off salt flats.
summer specific
Sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes
Provides traction on loose badland shale and salt-crusted surfaces.
Sunscreen SPF 30+ and lip balm
Prevents rapid sunburn in the high UV environment.