Sunset and Stargazing in Death Valley: Dante's View, Badwater & Zabriskie Point Tour
Spend a long day moving from Death Valley’s high viewpoints to its lowest salt flats, finishing under one of the darkest skies in the continental U.S. This small-group tour pairs iconic stops like Dante’s View, Badwater Basin and Zabriskie Point with a guided stargazing session.
The Experience
Before You Go
Hydrate liberally
Bring at least 2 liters of water per person and sip steadily — desert dehydration is insidious even outside summer months.
Dress in layers
Temperatures drop sharply after sunset; a warm jacket and hat make the stargazing portion comfortable.
Sun protection
Wide-brim hat, SPF 30+ sunscreen and UV sunglasses protect during midday stops at Badwater and Artist’s Palette.
Bring a tripod for night shots
A compact tripod and a wide-angle lens will vastly improve astrophotography results under Death Valley’s dark skies.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Amargosa Opera House area near Death Valley Junction — quiet, historically rich skies for stargazing
- •Harmony Borax Works and nearby short trails for a low-effort historical stop
Wildlife
- •Kit fox
- •Desert bighorn sheep
Conservation Note
Dark-sky stewardship and fragile desert soils are priorities — stay on roads and designated viewpoints, pack out trash, and avoid driving off-trail.
The valley bears traces of Timbisha Shoshone habitation and 19th-century borax mining; place names and old infrastructure recall extractive eras.
Photographer's Notes
- • Zabriskie Point for layered badlands at sunset
- • Badwater Basin salt flats for reflective foregrounds
- • Dante’s View for wide valley panoramas
What to Bring
Insulated water bottle (2L+)Essential
Keeps you hydrated in dry air and reduces plastic waste.
Wide-brim hat & UV sunglassesEssential
Protects face and eyes during exposed midday stops.
Warm jacket or fleeceEssential
Nighttime temperatures can be cold even after a hot day; layer up for stargazing.
Compact tripodEssential
Essential for long-exposure astrophotography and stable sunset shots.
Common Questions
How long is the tour and what are pickup times?
The tour runs about 12 hours; pickup times vary by date (typically between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM from select Las Vegas hotels) — confirm your pickup when booking.
What sites are included?
Key stops include Dante’s View, Badwater Basin, Artist’s Palette, Furnace Creek, Zabriskie Point and a stargazing location near Death Valley Junction/Amargosa area.
When does stargazing begin?
Stargazing takes place roughly 90 minutes after sunset to allow the sky to darken; visibility depends on lunar phase and weather.
Is this tour suitable for children or people with health issues?
Not recommended for children under 5, pregnant travelers, or those with serious heart or spinal conditions; check supplier notes before booking.
What happens if a road is closed or weather is bad?
If a planned road or site is closed due to natural events, the guide will visit alternative viewpoints; tours may be canceled in severe weather with a refund if within policy.
Are meals and water provided?
Bottled water and a meal break at Furnace Creek are included; bring extra snacks if you have specific dietary needs.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
12 hours
Location
Furnace Creek, California
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most adults who can manage short paved walks and standing during viewpoints; not strenuous.
Ready to Explore Furnace Creek?
Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.
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