Death Valley Day Tour from Las Vegas: Dante's View, Badwater & Mesquite Dunes
A long, intense day that compresses Death Valley's extremes into one small-group tour from Las Vegas — high viewpoints, salt flats, colored badlands and sand dunes. Perfect for travelers who want geology, history and accessible short hikes without the logistics of self-driving.
The Experience
Before You Go
Hydrate early and often
Bring a minimum of 2 liters of water per person; guides supply bottled water but extras are wise for long walks and high-heat days.
Protect against the sun
Wear wide-brim hats, UV sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen — shade is rare and reflective salt and sand intensify sun exposure.
Wear closed, grippy shoes
Dunes and badland edges have loose sand and sharp salt crystals; closed shoes with tread protect feet and improve stability.
Plan for an early start
Summer departures can be as early as 3:00am to beat heat; check pickup time and bring a warm layer for the cool morning drive.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Mosaic Canyon: polished marble walls and short slot sections for a quick, photogenic walk
- •Devil's Golf Course overlook: salt formations with dramatic textures often quieter than main viewpoints
Wildlife
- •Desert bighorn sheep
- •Kangaroo rat (most active at dusk)
Conservation Note
Heat, fragile salt crusts and rare desert species mean visitors should stick to developed paths, avoid driving off-road and pack out all waste to minimize impact.
The valley's modern story includes Shoshone and Paiute presence, a late-19th-century borax boom (20-mule teams) and ghost towns born from mining booms.
Photographer's Notes
- • Dante's View for sweeping panoramas
- • Badwater Basin for low-angle salt-crust textures
- • Artist's Palette pullout for colorful badlands
What to Bring
Hydration bottle (1–2L)Essential
Reusable water keeps you topped up between provided bottled water stops and reduces waste.
Sun hat & sunglassesEssential
Essential to protect face and eyes from intense desert sun and reflective surfaces.
Light layersEssential
Cool mornings and hot afternoons mean a lightweight jacket plus breathable layers work best.
Sturdy closed-toe shoesEssential
Protects feet on salt flats, sand dunes and short rocky walks; avoid sandals.
Common Questions
How long is the tour and where does it start?
The tour runs about 11–12 hours total and departs from Las Vegas with hotel pickups on or near the Strip and in Downtown Las Vegas.
Is food provided?
Yes — depending on season you’ll get either a breakfast buffet or a sit-down lunch inside Death Valley; bottled water is always included.
Can I join in summer?
Yes, but summer trips start very early (sometimes ~3:00am) to avoid extreme heat; guests should be prepared for high temperatures and bring sufficient water and sun protection.
Are restroom stops available?
Restrooms are available at visitor centers, restaurants and major stops like Furnace Creek, but not at every roadside viewpoint — plan accordingly.
Is the tour suitable for children or older travelers?
The tour is generally suitable for most ages, but long travel time and heat exposure make it less ideal for infants and those with serious cardiovascular or heat-sensitivity issues.
Can I get picked up from a private residence?
Pickups are offered broadly but for private residences or distant hotels you may be asked to meet on the Strip or in Downtown Las Vegas; confirm at booking.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
11–12 hours
Location
Furnace Creek, California
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average physical condition; most stops involve short, easy walks but the day is long.
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