12 Helpful Tips For Driving in Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is one of the most unique national parks in the park system but visiting can be a bit intimidating. Located in the Mojave Desert, it’s the lowest spot in North America and is known for being extremely hot and dry. Plus, it contains more roads – 1400 miles to be precise – than any other national park.

Just driving through Death Valley can be problematic if you don’t know what to expect. Add in the remoteness of the area and you can see why it’s important to be prepared. As someone who’s driven all over the southwest, I’m sharing a few Death Valley National Park driving tips. If you’re an east coaster like me, take note, because this environment is definitely different from back home.

This post contains affiliate links. That means I may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you book or buy something from a link I share. This keeps Southerner Says online and on the road. Thank you for your support.

Driving in Death Valley National Park

Despite its harsh conditions, Death Valley National Park is a popular destination for road-trippers, especially those coming from Southern California and Las Vegas. But with its extreme heat, long distances and limited services you can’t just treat it like an ordinary scenic drive.

As long has you know what to expect, driving in Death Valley can be safe and enjoyable. The tips below will help you plan ahead, avoid common mistakes and feel confident navigating one of the most impressive landscapes – and the largest park – in the park system.

1. Check the Weather

Death Valley is one of the driest places in North America but that doesn’t mean extreme weather can’t happen. Flash floods, powerful thunderstorms, high winds and even rare snowfall can quickly impact road conditions and travel safety. That’s why checking both the weather forecast and current road conditions is essential before driving in Death Valley National Park.

The park typically receives less than two inches of rain annually, which means the landscape isn’t designed to absorb sudden rainfall. When a storm does hit – especially during late-summer monsoon season – roads, washes and canyons can flood rapidly. Entire road sections can become impassable with little warning and vehicles can easily become trapped or damaged.

While monsoon storms are most common in late summer, hazardous weather can occur any time of year. Always stay alert, use your preferred weather apps when you have cell service (coverage is limited in much of the park) and check in with rangers at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center for the most up-to-date conditions before heading deeper into the park.

2. Make Sure Your Vehicle is in Good Condition

Death Valley’s extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable – it can be tough on vehicles. Temperatures can easily reach 120–130°F, and the combination of hot pavement, long distances and rugged backroads creates conditions cars aren’t used to. You’ll even see signs in the park advising drivers to turn off their air conditioner on steep grades to prevent overheating.

Before heading into the park, make sure your vehicle is in excellent working order. Check your fluids, battery health and tire pressure. Check to see if your tires are in good condition for both scorching asphalt and the many gravel roads found throughout Death Valley National Park. Don’t forget to confirm that your spare tire is usable and that you have all the tools you need to change it

It’s also smart to carry a few extras for desert driving: a tire gauge, can of fix-a-flat and a compact jump box – especially one that can both jump-start a car and air up a tire – can be incredibly handy in a place where help may be far away. And in addition to drinking water, keep plenty of water on hand in case your vehicle overheats. These cubes are useful for that.

For a more thorough pre-trip vehicle checklist, check out my full guide: Things to Check on Your Vehicle Before a Road Trip. Being well-prepared ensures a safe, stress-free and enjoyable visit

3. Pick Up a Death Valley Map

With thousands of miles of roads – many of them unpaved – navigating Death Valley can be tricky. The last thing you want is to wander onto a high-clearance or 4WD road by mistake, so be sure to grab an official park map at the visitor center or at any entrance station. It’s one of the simplest ways to make driving in Death Valley much easier (and much safer).

The National Park Service updates these maps regularly, and they clearly identify the different road types: paved roads, graded/unpaved roads, high-clearance routes, and 4WD-only roads. Understanding those distinctions makes a huge difference in a park where conditions can change quickly.

If you’re planning to explore the more remote parts of the park, pick up the Backcountry & Wilderness Access Map, which includes details on road suitability and dispersed camping guidelines. And for anyone venturing farther off the beaten path, a large, waterproof area map – like the National Geographic Trails Illustrated version – is a worthwhile backup

4. GPS Might be Unreliable

GPS is incredibly useful in most places — but Death Valley is not one of them. In such a remote region, GPS often relies on outdated or incomplete map data. Old mining roads and closed routes may still appear on digital maps even though they’re no longer drivable. If your GPS tries to route you onto one of those roads, you could end up stranded in a dangerous situation.

There have been real cases where visitors followed incorrect directions and became stuck on impassable roads, leading to search-and-rescue efforts – and even tragedies. While the National Park Service works with mapping companies to correct these errors, the park is huge, and updates take time.

The safest approach? Use a physical map to navigate, especially if you’re exploring unpaved or backcountry routes. Your GPS can be a helpful reference, but it shouldn’t be your only guide in Death Valley

5. Drive Defensively and Carefully

The roads in Death Valley can be narrow and winding, with steep drop-offs, blind curves and limited visibility in some places. On Highway 190, certain sections feature steep grades ranging to 10%. Even blowing sand and other conditions can be an issue driving in Death Valley National Park.

It’s important to pay attention, drive defensively and be aware of your surroundings at all times. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including coyotes, desert bighorn sheep and snakes. Watch for wildlife on the roads and drive cautiously, particularly at dawn and dusk.

6. Fuel Up Often When Driving in Death Valley

The availability of gas stations in the remote areas of the western United States might be a little different than what you are used to where you live. Since they’re fewer and far between, it’s always a good idea to top off your tank frequently. Running out of gas is one of the mistakes you definitely want to avoid on a road trip.

When driving in Death Valley National Park, it’s smart to fill up before you arrive. But because you’ll cover a lot of ground once you’re inside the park, it’s helpful to know that you can refuel at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells and Panamint Springs. Just be ready for higher prices – fuel in the park is always more expensive than stations outside.

7. Let Someone Know Your Plans

When you’re exploring a place as remote as Death Valley – especially if you’ll be driving on lesser-traveled and backcountry roads – it’s crucial to let someone know your plans. Share your route, where you expect to be and when you plan to return with a family member, friend or even a ranger if you’re doing more remote travel or camping.

Check in whenever you can. Cell service is spotty, so updates may be limited but even occasional communication helps ensure someone knows where you are in case you run into trouble. It’s simple peace of mind for both you and the people who care about you.

8. Have an Emergency Kit

No matter where you road trip, it’s important to have an emergency kit with you. But it’s even more so the case when driving in an isolated national park like Death Valley. Supplies to get you through a few hours, or a night or two, in case of a breakdown are priceless. Your kit doesn’t have to be overly complicated. What’s important is that it keep you comfortable long enough for help to arrive.

You can buy a pre-made emergency kit that includes basic medical supplies and packaged food like MREs or you can easily build your own. A storage bin from a home or outdoor store filled with – at minimum – plenty of water, long-lasting food and snacks, basic first-aid items, solar or battery-powered lights and something warm to wear if you end up waiting for help after dark.

A refillable water cube, or this collapsible version, are good solutions for carrying and storing extra water. I also like handy refillable these bags because you can freeze them and then then pack down when empty.

9. Stay on the Established Roads

With so many unpaved roads in Death Valley, you might be tempted to attempt to go off-road. But if you’re in a car and aren’t fully equipped for those kinds of road conditions then you could be setting yourself up for a expensive tow bill. Most of the unpaved roads to remote areas in Death Valley are designed for high-clearance and 4-wheel drive vehicles only.

To be safe, it’s best to avoid driving off-road in Death Valley National Park in a car. The terrain in some places is rugged and can damage not only your vehicle but the fragile desert environment if you don’t know what you’re doing. Familiarizing yourself with a Death Valley map (nps.gov) and the road legends, can help you avoid catastrophe.

If you really have an urge to drive some of Death Valley’s backcountry roads like Titus Canyon, Jeep rentals are available in the Furnace Creek area of the park. However, if you aren’t used to driving 4-wheel drive roads then it’s best to just stay on the paved roads or known safe, well maintained unpaved roads especially in the hot summer months.

10. Don’t Leave Your Car if You Have Trouble

Cell service is extremely limited in Death Valley National Park, especially once you’re off Highway 190. If your car breaks down or you’re involved in an accident, you may not be able to call for help. Because of that, the National Park Service strongly recommends staying with your vehicle instead of trying to walk for assistance.

Your car provides shade, visibility and a safer place to wait until another driver or a ranger comes by. This is exactly why carrying an emergency kit and – I can’t say it enough – extra water is so important. You want to be prepared to wait comfortably and safely until help arrives.

11. Upgrade to a Satellite Phone

Because cell service is so limited in Death Valley National Park – and in many other remote parks – some travelers choose to carry a satellite device for added safety. Satellite phones and messengers allow you to make calls or send texts even when you’re far from a cell tower, which can be invaluable in an emergency.

If you travel frequently in remote areas, a satellite phone can be a great investment, since it works almost anywhere in the world where use isn’t restricted. Although they can be expensive, for a more affordable option consider a satellite messenger like the Zoleo, which allows you to send texts and emails and is well-reviewed for reliability.

12. Leave No Trace

No matter which national park or public lands you’re visiting, practicing Leave No Trace principles is essential – and that includes how and where you drive in Death Valley. “LNT” is an outdoor ethics program that encourages visitors to enjoy natural spaces while minimizing their impact on the environment.

In the desert, this is very important.. Even though Death Valley can look empty and rugged, the desert ecosystem is incredibly fragile and more difficult to restore. Tire tracks can destroy cryptobiotic soil, vegetation and animal habitat – and in a climate like this, damage can take years or even decades to recover. Always stay on marked roads and pullouts.

Leaving nature as you found it protects the landscape, the wildlife and the experience for everyone who visits after you. And truly, that’s something we all want.

When to Go to Death Valley

While Death Valley National Park is open year-round, some seasons make driving far more comfortable – and much safer. Winter and early spring (December through March) offer the most manageable temperatures for road trips. Cooler weather means less strain on your vehicle, easier hiking add-ons and a better experience overall.

Spring (March–April) can also be a beautiful time to visit, especially if wildflowers make an appearance. Just keep in mind that temperatures can start climbing quickly by late April and early May.

Summer and early fall (May–October) bring extreme heat, with temperatures regularly soaring well above 110°F – and sometimes past 120°F. While you can drive in Death Valley during these months, it requires extra caution: more water, more planning and more awareness of your vehicle’s limits. Many road closures also happen after summer storms, so always check conditions before heading out.

If you want the most comfortable, low-stress driving experience in the park, aim for the cooler months whenever possible

How to Get to Death Valley National Park

With three main entrances, Death Valley National Park is is easily accessible California in the west or Nevada on the eastern side of the park. Most people coming north on Highway 395, on the western side of the park, opt to travel though Olancha, CA and enter the park near Panamint Springs.

From Las Vegas, there are a couple of routes to the eastern entrances. Nevada Highway 160 to Pahrump towards Death Valley Junction and then Highway 190 into the park. Or drive Highway 95 northwest from Las Vegas to Beatty, Nevada, aka the Gateway to Death Valley. Beatty is also a great place to overnight if you don’t plan on staying in the park.

Driving in Death Valley FAQ

Is it okay to drive through Death Valley?

Yes definitely! Hwy 190 passes through the park east to west and is the Death Valley Scenic Byway. It begins approximately 13 miles west of Death Valley Junction on Highway 190 at the entrance to Death Valley National Park. The end of the byway is the western boundary of the park. Of course, you can also drive it west to east.

How much does it cost to enter Death Valley?

It’s $30 USD for cars to enter Death Valley National Park or $15 for motorcycles. An annual pass is $55 USD. Entrance is free with an America the Beautiful Park Pass. Find out more about this super useful purchase and how it can save you money at over 2k other public lands.

Do you need all wheel drive to drive in Death Valley National Park?

No. Even though Death Valley National Park has a high number of unpaved and gravel roads, there are plenty of road and experiences for regular passenger cars. The National Park Service’s map has a road legend to help you know which roads to avoid.

Tips for Driving in Death Valley

Besides all the helpful information and tips for navigating the park available from the park service at nps.gov, I highly recommend picking up a guidebook about the park. Moon books have always been my go-to guidebooks for all destinations and this Death Valley National Park guide highlighting scenic drives and hikes is a must for everyone.

With a little planning and an understanding of the conditions, driving in Death Valley is much less intimidating. Once you know how to navigate it safely – preparing your vehicle, respecting the desert environment and keeping an eye on weather and road conditions – you’ll feel more confident and set up to enjoy everything this extraordinary park has to offer.