Last Updated: November 17, 2025
If you’re planning a desert adventure, you may be wondering how to visit Death Valley from Los Angeles—one of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring landscapes in the American Southwest. With golden sand dunes, colorful badlands, and the lowest point in North America, Death Valley National Park feels like another planet. The good news? It’s just a few hours from Southern California and easy to visit whether you’re driving or joining a guided tour.
Whether you want a classic road trip or a seamless experience like the Los Angeles to Las Vegas One Day Tour via Death Valley National Park, this guide covers everything you need to know.
🚗 How Far Is Death Valley from Los Angeles?
Most visitors enter the park through Furnace Creek, which sits about:
- 270 miles from Los Angeles
- 4.5–5.5 hours of driving
- Longer if you explore major viewpoints like Zabriskie Point or Dante’s View
Death Valley is close enough for a long day trip but rewarding enough to justify an overnight stay—especially if you catch sunrise or sunset.
🗺️ Best Routes From Los Angeles to Death Valley
1. Fastest Route (via Baker & CA-127)
I-15 → Baker → CA-127 → Shoshone → Death Valley Junction → CA-190
- Smooth, straightforward highway driving
- ~4.5 hours
2. Most Scenic Route (via US-395 & CA-190)
LA → Palmdale → CA-14 → US-395 → CA-190
- Mountain views
- Easy access to Lone Pine and Alabama Hills
- ~5–6 hours
3. Best for Travelers Heading to Vegas
LA → I-15 → Las Vegas → Pahrump → CA-190
- Perfect if you’re continuing to Las Vegas after your visit
- Ideal if you’re joining a guided tour
🌄 Must-See Death Valley Highlights
Here are the can’t-miss stops if you’re visiting from Los Angeles:
⭐ Badwater Basin
☑ Lowest point in North America
☑ Salt flats stretching for miles
⭐ Zabriskie Point
☑ Best for sunrise
☑ Golden badlands and sweeping views
⭐ Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
☑ Soft dunes surrounded by distant mountain ranges
⭐ Artist’s Palette
☑ Multicolored volcanic hills
☑ Stunning during late afternoon light
⭐ Dante’s View
☑ One of the best viewpoints in the entire Southwest
🚐 The Easiest Way to Visit: A Guided Tour Through Death Valley
If long desert drives and remote roads aren’t your style, joining a guided experience is the most convenient option.
The Los Angeles to Las Vegas One Day Tour via Death Valley National Park is especially popular because it:
- Takes you from LA through Death Valley
- Includes all the major scenic stops
- Continues onward to Las Vegas
- Lets you avoid the stress of navigation, fuel planning, and timing
This tour is perfect for travelers who want to visit both Las Vegas and Death Valley in one efficient, scenic journey. You can explore the park’s highlights by day and arrive on the Las Vegas Strip by evening—without ever having to touch a map.
Why this tour is convenient:
- No need for multiple hotel bookings
- No backtracking—travel in a straight line from LA → Death Valley → Las Vegas
- Professional guides explain geology, history, and the park’s extreme environment
- Climate-controlled vans with plenty of space
- All permits, park fees, and planning are handled for you
It’s one of the most time-efficient and comfortable ways to experience the Southwest.
🧭 Tips for Visiting Death Valley From Los Angeles
- Depart early — sunrise light is spectacular and temps are cooler
- Carry plenty of water — 1–2 liters per person minimum
- Fuel up before entering the park — gas inside the valley is expensive
- Download offline maps — cell service is limited
- Avoid summer afternoons — Death Valley regularly hits 110°F–125°F
💬 FAQs
Q: Can you visit Death Valley and return to Los Angeles the same day?
A: Yes, but expect 10–12 hours total. Many travelers prefer combining it with a Las Vegas stay.
Q: Is it safe to drive?
A: Yes—as long as your vehicle is reliable and you bring water, snacks, and offline navigation.
Q: Is Death Valley family-friendly?
A: Absolutely. Most major viewpoints require minimal walking and are accessible.
Q: Can I do Death Valley on the way to Vegas?
A: Yes—and this is exactly why the Los Angeles to Las Vegas One Day Tour via Death Valley National Park is so popular.
✨ Final Thoughts
Learning how to visit Death Valley from Los Angeles opens the door to one of the most surreal landscapes in the world. Whether you self-drive the classic desert route or choose the convenience of the Los Angeles to Las Vegas One Day Tour via Death Valley National Park, you’ll experience unforgettable views, colorful canyons, and vast salt flats.
For travelers wanting to see both Las Vegas and Death Valley, this tour is the most efficient, comfortable, and scenic option—turning a simple transfer into a full Southwest adventure.