Private Death Valley Day Tour and Hike: Badwater Basin, Artist’s Drive, and Zabriskie Point
Walk the salt flats of Badwater Basin, wind through golden canyons, and watch the Panamints rise over a valley 282 feet below sea level. This private, full-day tour blends big views with flexible hiking and the kind of local insight that makes Death Valley come alive.
The Experience
Before You Go
Hydrate like it matters
Carry at least 3 liters per person and sip steadily; the dry air pulls water from you faster than you realize.
Beat the heat with timing
In warm months, start at dawn for cooler temps and softer light; midday stops focus on short walks and viewpoints.
Footwear over fashion
Wear trail shoes or boots with grippy tread—salt crust and gravelly badlands can be slick and sharp.
Service is spotty
Download offline maps and keep your party together—cell coverage drops across much of the valley.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Twenty Mule Team Canyon’s short scenic drive for sculpted badlands and soft morning light
- •Harmony Borax Works ruins for quick history and wide valley views near Furnace Creek
Wildlife
- •Desert bighorn sheep
- •Tarantulas (most visible in fall)
Conservation Note
Stay on durable surfaces to protect fragile salt crusts and cryptobiotic soils. Pack out all trash and avoid stepping on vegetation that takes years to recover.
The Timbisha Shoshone have lived in and around the valley for centuries; later, 1880s borax mining and the 20-Mule Team etched a new chapter that led to early tourism.
Photographer's Notes
- • Zabriskie Point badlands
- • Badwater Basin salt polygons a short walk from the boardwalk
- • Artist’s Palette pullout on Artist’s Drive
What to Bring
3L hydration reservoir or multiple water bottlesEssential
High heat and low humidity demand ample water to stay safe and alert.
Wide-brim sun hatEssential
Relentless sun makes head and neck coverage critical during hotter months.
Lightweight UPF long-sleeve layer
Protects skin from UV while keeping you cooler than short sleeves in dry heat.
Electrolyte drink mix or salt tabs
Replaces salts lost to sweat and helps prevent cramps on hot days.
Common Questions
How much hiking is included?
Guides typically plan 2–4 miles of hiking with 200–600 feet of elevation gain, adjusted to your group’s interests and conditions.
What’s included in the tour?
Private transportation, a medically trained naturalist guide, park entry fees, and a picnic lunch are included; dietary needs can be accommodated with notice.
Where are common stops?
Badwater Basin, Artist’s Drive and Palette, Zabriskie Point, Devil’s Golf Course, and a canyon hike such as Golden Canyon are frequent highlights, adjusted for weather and timing.
Is this suitable for kids or older travelers?
Yes—viewpoint stops are accessible and hiking distances are tailored. Strollers can be used at some stops; carriers are recommended for infants on trails.
When is the best time to visit?
November through March offers the most comfortable hiking weather. Spring can bring wildflowers; summer is feasible with very early starts and limited hiking.
Can I be picked up from my hotel?
Pickup is available within about a one-hour radius of the park; pickups farther afield may be arranged case-by-case for an additional fee.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
6–8 hours
Location
Furnace Creek, California
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Comfortable walking 2–4 miles on uneven, sun-exposed terrain with 200–600 feet of elevation gain.
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