Death Valley Sunrise and Stargazing Tour from Las Vegas — Dante's View, Badwater & Artist's Palette
Difficulty
easy
Duration
10 hours (door-to-door from Las Vegas)
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness needed—mostly short, easy walks from vehicle to viewpoints; be comfortable standing on uneven ground.
Overview
Wake before dawn and trade casino lights for a sky full of stars, then watch the sun command a palette of color over Death Valley’s highest viewpoints. This guided tour from Las Vegas packs Dante’s View, Artist’s Palette and Badwater Basin into a dramatic sunrise-to-midday outing.
Death Valley Sunrise and Stargazing Tour from Las Vegas — Dante's View, Badwater & Artist's Palette
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It’s 3 a.m. when the van slips out of Las Vegas and the strip’s neon gives way to a horizon that’s already swallowing the stars. The road hums; passengers pull down hoodies and sip bottled water handed out by a guide who reads the sky the way an alpine guide reads a map. By the time the vehicle climbs toward Death Valley’s high ridgelines, the Milky Way has poured itself into the bowl of the desert and the night feels simultaneously immense and intimate.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers
High-elevation mornings can be cold and the valley heats quickly — wear a warm layer you can remove, plus sun protection.
Bring plenty of water
Even on a short tour, desert air is dry; carry at least 1–2 liters and sip frequently.
Camera tripod recommended
For star trails and pre-dawn color, a small tripod and interval timer will improve low-light photos.
Protect the salt crust
Stay on designated paths at Badwater; the salt crust is fragile and walking off marked areas can cause damage.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Desert bighorn sheep
- Kit fox (nocturnal, may be seen near dusk/dawn)
History
The valley’s modern history includes Timbisha Shoshone habitation and a late-19th-century borax industry that shaped early tourism and transport routes.
Conservation
Salt flats and desert soils are fragile; stick to marked paths, pack out waste, and use water sparingly to reduce impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Las Vegas
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Warm jacket
Pre-dawn temps at high elevation can be chilly even in warmer months.
spring specific
Sun hat and sunscreen
Midday desert sun is intense — protect skin and eyes when the tour moves to lower elevations.
summer specific
Sturdy walking shoes
Salt flats and badland viewpoints are uneven; closed-toe shoes improve footing.
Compact tripod
Useful for long exposures during stargazing and sunrise photography.