VIP Death Valley Sunset & Stargazing Tour — Dante's View, Badwater & Mesquite Dunes
Chase sunset light from Dante’s View to Badwater Basin, then watch one of America’s clearest skies unfold. This VIP small-group tour pairs short hikes, guided stargazing, and pro photos for a compact but expansive Death Valley experience.
The Experience
Before You Go
Hydration is critical
Bring a 1–2L refillable water bottle in addition to the provided bottled water—desert conditions dehydrate quickly even in cooler months.
Dress in layers
Temperatures swing from warm valley floors to chilly high viewpoints and cold nights—pack a light insulating layer and windproof shell.
Footwear for sand and rock
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good traction will handle dunes and rocky overlooks better than sandals.
Bring a tripod for night shots
If you want sharp starfields or long-exposure shots of dunes at twilight, a compact tripod is invaluable.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Salt Creek pupfish viewing area (small boardwalk near Furnace Creek)
- •Rhyolite ghost town and the Goldwell Open Air Museum near Beatty for desert art and ruins
Wildlife
- •Desert bighorn sheep
- •Coyote
Conservation Note
Desert soils and cryptobiotic crusts are fragile—stay on established paths and pack out waste. The park’s dark skies are protected; use red-light modes and minimize flash photography at night.
The Timbisha Shoshone are Indigenous to parts of Death Valley; in the late 19th century borax mining and 20-mule teams shaped the valley’s industrial history.
Photographer's Notes
- • Dante’s View for panoramic sunset
- • Zabriskie Point for sculpted badlands and texture
- • Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes for close-up dune patterns and star trails
What to Bring
Sun hat and sunglassesEssential
Protects you from intense desert sun during daytime stops.
Layered jacketEssential
Evenings and high viewpoints get cold quickly after sunset.
Sturdy closed-toe shoesEssential
Necessary for dune walking and uneven badland trails.
Compact tripod
Helps capture long-exposure starlight photos—guide may assist with settings.
Common Questions
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes—complimentary pickup is provided from Las Vegas hotels along the Strip; confirm location with the operator 24–48 hours prior.
How long is the tour and how much driving is involved?
The tour is approximately 11 hours with roughly 2–2.5 hours driving each way from Las Vegas; stops include several short walks and viewpoints.
Are photos included?
Guides take and provide photos of the group and night-sky exposures—confirm specifics at booking for file delivery methods.
Is the tour suitable for children or infants?
Yes—infants and small children can ride in strollers; infant seats are available. The operator notes the activity is physically easy for all fitness levels.
Can people with mobility issues participate?
Many stops have short walks and uneven terrain; some viewpoints are accessible by vehicle or short paved paths—contact the operator to discuss specific needs.
What should I wear for the stargazing portion?
Warm layers, a hat, and closed-toe shoes are recommended; nights can be unexpectedly cold even after hot days.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
11 hours
Location
Furnace Creek, California
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers who can manage several short walks (10–45 minutes) and sit for long drives; not technically demanding but physically long.
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