If you’re looking for a quick reset, even just 2-days in Death Valley hits differently. There’s something about exploring those wide open spaces and otherworldly locations like salt flats that stretch for miles, pastel-colored mountains, and sunsets that make you forget your phone exists.

It’s an easy-ish drive from LA (about 4-hours), but it feels like another world entirely once you’re there. This itinerary is packed with just enough adventure – hikes, scenic drives, jaw-dropping viewpoints – with plenty of room to slow down and soak it all in. Here’s exactly how to spend a weekend chasing desert horizons.

Tips for the Perfect Weekend In Death Valley

Hydrate!: Pack plenty of water (more than you think). The dry is air very dry, and when it’s warm outside, you’ll definitely need it.
Fuel Up: Fill your gas tank before entering the park—gas stations inside are scarce and super expensive.
Bring Extra Layers: Temperatures can swing dramatically between morning and afternoon. Keep a lightweight jacket (or heavier – check the temps!) on hand for early mornings and breathable clothes for midday.
Download Maps: Since cell service is highly unreliable, download offline maps, trail guides, and any reservation confirmations before you lose signal.
Timing is Everything: Early mornings and late afternoons are your best friends—perfect for cooler temps, fewer crowds, and the best light for photos. At the highest temps of the day, try get an A/C lunch in.
Be Ready for Dirt Roads: Some scenic drives like Twenty Mule Team Canyon are unpaved. A standard car is usually fine, but drive carefully and check conditions before heading out. If you have a sedan, just make sure to take your time on these dirt roads.

2-days in Death Valley Itinerary

Day One: Afternoon in Death Valley

Hit the Road

Get on the road bright and early to make the most of your day in the desert. We typically aim to leave by 7AM to get there around lunch time. Once you’re out of the city, it’s nothing but open roads, desert landscapes, and that feeling like you’re heading somewhere pretty special. Make a quick coffee stop, settle in with your favorite playlist, and enjoy the ride.

Lunch: Toll Road Restaurant

By the time you reach Ridgecrest, you’ll be ready to get some lunch. Toll Road Restaurant is classic roadside diner – it’s been around for decades and is nothing fancy, but it’s exactly the stop you want to make after sitting in the car for hours.

Expect hearty portions and a menu full of comfort food staples like burgers, sandwiches, omelets, and homemade pies.

Afternoon: Mosaic Canyon

After lunch, you’re just a little over a 10-minute drive from Mosaic Canyon. This 2.5-3 hour hike is a must-do. Picture yourself wandering through narrow marble walls and intricate rock patterns that look like nature’s version of modern art. Definitely make sure you have good shoes for this one, because the terrain can be a little tricky. And of course, bring plenty of water—it’s the desert, after all!

Sunset: Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

For the most perfect desert golden hour, make your way to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. As you pull up to the parking lot, you’ll get your first glimpse of the rippling dunes that stretch out endlessly. But I definitely recommend walking out at least 30-minutes to get to more remote, bigger dunes for the best views.

As golden hour settles in and the sun starts to set, the whole area glows in the most beautiful shades of gold and orange. It’s incredible. Find a little space on a dune and just watch the colors change.

If it’s a warmer evening, you can take your shoes off and walk in the sand, but we chose to keep our sneakers on – just know you’ll be dumping piles of sand out of them when you make it back to the parking lot. But it will be worth it 🙂

Evening: Stay at Longstreet Inn

While there are two hotels in Death Valley, they are quite expensive and do sell out frequently. We chose to stay about an hour outside of the park, at Longstreet Inn on the Nevada side of the park. We didn’t expect much, but knew there was a casino in the hotel (very Vegas of them), and it ended up being just what we needed.

The rooms are cozy & large with fireplaces, but expect the lobby (which is the casino) to smell of cigarettes and booze. They had live music all night, which actually ended up being a fun little treat. If you’re open to the gimmicky vibes, it’s a great spot for some end of the day entertainment.

Book your stay at Longstreet Inn & Casino HERE.

Day Two: Full-Day in Death Valley

Sunrise: Artist’s Palette

It’s so worthwhile waking up early to spend sunrise in the park. The colors of Death Valley really make sunrise & sunset so insane. Pack up some snacks & make a cup of coffee for the road, and make your way to Artist’s Palette.

You’ll have to turn onto Artist’s Drive Scenic Loop to make it to Artists’s Palette. The full loop is a 9-mile stretch of winding roads through the colorful hills, and at about mile 5 is when you’ll come to the parking lot for Artist’s Palette.

The hills at Artist’s Palette are streaked with vibrant shades of pink, green, and gold, from the oxidation of minerals. It’s really like a natural tie-dye of rocks. But the timing you come is really important because at certain hours, the colors just don’t shine as bright and look much more muted.

We arrived around 7am to catch the first breaks of light coming through, and ended up spending about an hour and a half exploring.

After you finish up, head back to finish the rest of the leisurely drive out of the loop and back to the main road.

Morning: Badwater Basin

Next up: Head to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level. The vast salt flats look like a snowy wonderland, but don’t be fooled—it’s all salt. It’s worth walking out about 30-minutes for those wide-open surreal photo ops. And, if you’re like us and feeling a bit curious – take a little taste of the salt!

Natural Bridge

Badwater Basin is the deepest part of the park on this side we’ll reach, so turn around and start making your way back to the Furnace Creek area. The first stop comes up on the right for Natural Bridge. The trail is just about 1-mile round trip and takes around 45 minutes to finish.

You’ll walk through a narrow canyon leading to a striking natural rock bridge. It’s a relatively easy hike, but can be very rocky, so make sure you have the right shoes on.

Even though you don’t need 4-wheel drive for this road, it is definitely worth having. If you’re in a sedan, like we were, make sure to drive slowly! We saw a Tesla with a flat at the bottom, so be careful.

Quick Stop at Devils Golf Course

Just across the road from the Natural Bridge Stop is Devil’s Gold Course – you’ll find it down a straight, long road heading to the “golf course”. Make a quick stop here – there’s no hike, but spend some time walking around the unique landscape filled with the jagged salt formations.

Lunch: Inn at Death Valley

After your hike, head over to the Inn at Death Valley Inn for a well-deserved lunch. This historic luxury hotel feels like an oasis in the valley, and is the perfect spot for a break. You’ll walk in through an underground cave-like entrance, which is a cute little touch.

From the dining room, you’ll get beautiful views of the desert, with tons of palms surrounding you. Go for the classic burger and fries, or the turkey avocado BLT for some extra fuel for the rest of the day. And, if you have some time to spare, take a second to walk around the property, or check out the rooftop.

The Inn Dining Room operates from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM for lunch, so make sure you make it here before they close.

Afternoon: Zabriskie Point

After lunch, make your way to Zabriskie Point, one of the most iconic and breathtaking viewpoints in Death Valley. The parking lot is only a 5-minute drive from the Inn!

The view here is truly magic: waves of golden badlands rise toward the horizon, creating a landscape that looks almost unreal. In the afternoon light, the ridges and valleys cast dramatic shadows, highlighting the textures and colors of the rock. It’s a short, paved walk up to the viewpoint—easy and totally worth it.

Spend some time soaking in the panoramic vistas, snapping photos, or simply standing in awe of nature’s artistry.

Last Stop: Twenty Mule Team Canyon

If you have some fuel still left in you, continue just a few minutes down the road to take the scenic Twenty Mule Team Canyon Drive. This 2.5-mile, one-way dirt road winds through colorful, eroded badlands and offers a glimpse into the rugged terrain once traversed by mule teams hauling borax.

It’s an easy, short drive, but absolutely packed with gorgeous, cinematic views. Perfect for a leisurely exploration before the drive home ahead of you.

Drive Back to LA

After an unforgettable weekend in the desert, it’s time to hit the road. You’ll head back to LA filled with memories of jaw-dropping landscapes, peaceful moments, and a newfound appreciation for the raw beauty of Death Valley.

And, if you’re the passenger, try your best not to fall asleep on that 4-hour drive for the sake of your co-pilot (or at least thats what my boyfriend always begs of me!).