Drive through Death Valley on a self-guided audio tour that covers 80+ miles and 55+ stories—from Badwater Basin to Dante’s View. Download the app, start at Furnace Creek or Beatty, and explore the park at your own pace.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You pull onto CA‑190 and the world opens into extremes: salt flats that glare like forged metal, badlands folding in ochre and rust, and a sky so wide it seems to push the horizon back. The tour’s voice guides you through long empty shoulders and sudden overlooks—direct, knowledgeable, and timed to the road ahead.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
Low fitness required—mostly seated driving with short easy walks; be comfortable stepping on uneven terrain for brief viewpoints.
Wildlife
History
Death Valley’s modern history is marked by 19th‑century miners and the borax industry; the Timbisha Shoshone have inhabited the region for millennia and maintain cultural ties to the land.
Conservation
This desert is fragile—stay on roads and marked trails, pack out all waste, and avoid disturbing geological or cultural sites; check park alerts for flood closures.
Reserve your spot on the Death Valley National Park Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Download before you go
Install the Action Tour Guide app and download the tour over Wi‑Fi—once offline the narration and maps work without cell service.
Carry extra water per person
Even for a driving tour, carry at least 1 gallon (4 L) per person for the day—temperatures can spike rapidly.
Mind vehicle limits
Some spurs like Artist’s Drive and Devil’s Golf Course access are unpaved—check vehicle advisories and avoid low-clearance cars.
Watch for sudden closures
Recent flash floods can close roads—check NPS alerts for Badwater Road and other affected routes before setting out.
Water (minimum 1 gallon per person)
Hydration is critical in the desert heat and for any spontaneous short hikes.
summer
Sun protection (wide‑brim hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Open roads and reflective salt flats expose you to intense UV; shade is rare.
summer
Sturdy walking shoes
Useful for short walks at overlooks and on trails like Golden Canyon.
Phone charger and power bank
Keep your device charged to run the audio app and offline maps throughout the tour.