Artist’s Palette
Death Valley National Park, CA
Yep, rocks come in every shade of the rainbow—and every shade of the rainbow is present at Artist’s Palette. A highlight of Death Valley National Park’s Artists Drive Scenic Loop, this site has two small looping trails and an overlook, bringing visitors closer to the color. If anything, this spot proves Death Valley isn’t as stark as it seems.
The basics
Artist’s Palette lends its name to Death Valley’s superb Artists Drive Scenic Loop. The one-way drive—the most popular scenic drive in the park—winds for 9 miles (14 kilometers) through incredible technicolor hills. While the whole drive is incredible, even from behind car windows, it’s more than worthwhile to stop at Artist’s Palette Overlook. Two short trails, with multiple dead-end spurs, loop from the overlook and provide different angles on the magnificent rocks. Curious hikers will get fabulous photos from the hilltops, too.
Things to know before you go
The drive has sharp bends and large dips—take it slow.
Vehicles over 25 feet (7.6 meters) are not allowed on Artists Drive Scenic Loop.
Vault toilets are available at the Artist’s Palette overlook.
How to get there
Artists Drive Scenic Loop begins 8.5 miles (13.7 kilometers) south of the Highway 190/Badwater Road junction inside Death Valley National Park. Since it’s only one-way, watch and follow the signs. The Artist’s Palette Overlook and trail system lies at about the halfway point, and you can’t miss it.
When to get there
The best time to visit Artist’s Palette is, without question, at sunrise. At midday, the sun’s harsh light washes out the rocks’ color, and you’ll feel like you’re wandering around a gray-toned landscape. If you can’t swing sunrise, sunset is your second-best bet, but the crowds will be considerably bigger.
May the force be with you
Do the rocks of Artist’s Palette and Artists Drive Scenic Loop feel familiar? You might have seen them on the screen during Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. For film buffs, the free NPS app actually has a guided audio tour that includes this site and other Death Valley locations featured in the movies.
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