Artists Drive
Death Valley National Park, CA
Artists Drive is one of Death Valley National Park’s most popular scenic drives, and you won’t be surprised once you’ve experienced the route for yourself. With 9 miles (14.5 kilometers) of paved road winding around colorful eroded hills formed by volcanic deposits, there’s impressive scenery at every turn—including Artists Palette, an appropriately named collection of striking rock formations.
The basics
Driving along Artists Drive is recommended If you’re exploring Death Valley National Park independently, although it’s also a popular route for cyclists and there are plenty of hiking trails in the area, too. Audio self-driving tours are available to help you navigate and provide an informative commentary. Another option is to book a Death Valley highlights tour from Las Vegas; many tours include transportation and a journey along Artists Drive, so you can enjoy the scenery without the stress of driving yourself.
Things to know before you go
- Be aware of cyclists and pedestrians while you’re driving.
- Keep in mind that Artists Drive is a one-way road only.
- There are multiple spots to stop at and take in the views along the drive, but make sure you have plenty of water and are dressed in comfortable clothing.
How to get there
To get to Artists Drive within Death Valley, start at Furnace Creek Visitor Center, drive about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers), and then turn right at Badwater Basin Road. From that turn-off point, it’s about another 8 miles (13 kilometers) to Artists Drive on the left.
When to get there
The best time to visit Death Valley National Park is November through April when it’s not as hot as summer. Consider a trip to Artists Drive in the afternoon, as the lighting then is great for photography and the landscape’s colors will appear at their most dramatic.
Combine a visit to Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
The end of Artists Drive is near CA-190, which leads to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Make the most of your time in Death Valley National Park by also visiting the popular dunes—explore the dunes on foot or take part in activities such as sandboarding.
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