las vegas to death valley
death valley national park

Death Valley Rally

Las Vegas to Death Valley and Beyond

Route Distance

Up to 370 mi

Suggested Time

3 or 4 Days

Nothing is more extreme than a road trip from Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park—or rather, nothing has more extremes. We’re talking the lowest point in North America and nearly 12,000-foot Mt. Charleston. Rugged biker bars and elegant wineries. Sprawling sand dunes and ancient bristlecone pines. Ghost towns and… well, Las Vegas. These are just a few of the mesmerizing contrasts you’ll attempt to wrap your mind around on this classic Nevada road trip but a kaleidoscopic stone’s throw from one another along the very same route. So pack your sunscreen, sandals, gloves, and sweater, and come get extreme on the Death Valley Rally.

Highlights

  • Discover Death Valley: the hottest, driest, and lowest place in North America
  • Ponder the past in Rhyolite, one of the West’s best ghost towns
  • Hike (or even snowshoe) among 5,000-year-old bristlecone pine forests

Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park

From One Extreme To Another and Back Again

With its stark terrain, tenacious wildlife, and thermometer-shattering climate, Death Valley National Park is the perfect centerpiece for a route marked by more extremes than any other. You’ll kick off this Las Vegas to Death Valley road trip at an oasis and legendary hiker’s paradise—mere minutes from the wild, bustling Strip—before cruising through friendly, small-town Nevada on to one of the hottest and driest places on Earth. After exploring its world-famous features, including the lowest point on the continent, the Death Valley Rally carries you back to civilization by way of a camera-hogging ghost town, the Lower 48’s largest national wildlife refuge, and 11,916-ft Mt. Charleston, Nevada’s fifth-tallest peak.

Death Valley map

COMMUNITIES ON THIS TRIP

Pahrump, Amargosa Valley, Beatty, North Las Vegas

Glovebox Essentials

Prepare for Your Adventure

Get ready to come chase some horizons with this handy tool kit. Here, you’ll find all the Death Valley Rally road trip essentials, including downloadable directions, maps, and podcasts, and tunes to complement your upcoming adventure.

Death Valley Rally Playlist

Woman Road Warrior: Road Tripping the #DeathValleyRally

Expand

It’s Rally Time

Death Valley Rally: Take It to the Extreme

As full of surprises as Nevada always is, few road trips cover as many contrasts as three days on the Death Valley Rally. From 279 feet below sea level to 12,000-foot mountains, beautiful wineries to badass biker bars, ghost towns to one of the country’s biggest metros, and plenty in between, get warmed up for the most extreme ride of your life.

Leg 1

Blast Off Beyond the Neon

You could shoot from Las Vegas to Death Valley in under three hours. But you’d miss Red Rock Canyon, biker bars and wineries, and all the #WeirdNevada wonderment along the way.

Leg 2

Death Valley National Park: Hot Damn

Straddling the Nevada-California border, discover Death Valley, the largest national park in the Lower 48, and the hottest, driest, and lowest of in the entire country.

Leg 3

Mining Towns & Millions of Acres of Wilderness

Loop back to Las Vegas by way of Rhyolite Ghost Town, legendary Sagebrush Saloons, the Lower 48’s largest wildlife refuge, and ancient Bristlecone-studded mountains.

las vegas to parhump

Leg 1

Las Vegas to Pahrump via Red Rock Canyon

Up to 130 miles

First stop: Spring Mountain Ranch State Park for lush, oasis-like scenery and tranquil walks. This gem lies within Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area—famously breathtaking, thanks to red-banded sandstone canyons, curious wildlife, and outdoor action galore. Break for biker bar beers on the way to Pahrump, home to all manner of amenities, two wineries and a meadery/cidery, and a lovably offbeat mom-and-pop coffin “shop.” Time it right and, before bedding down, you might catch a show at the historic and funky Amargosa Opera House.

Find plenty of pillows around Pahrump at a number of hotels and casino resorts. Park your rig at some swanky, amenity-packed RV resorts. Or get closer to Death Valley at funky, fun Longstreet Inn & Casino.

Pahrump Nugget Hotel Casino

Pahrump Nugget Hotel Casino

Pahrump

Longstreet Inn & Casino | Resort & Hotel

Longstreet Inn & Casino | Resort & Hotel

Amargosa Valley

Lakeside Casino & RV Resort

Lakeside Casino & RV Resort

Pahrump

RV Ranch Resort

RV Ranch Resort

Pahrump

Wine Ridge RV Resort & Cottages

Wine Ridge RV Resort & Cottages

Pahrump

West Gate RV Park

West Gate RV Park

Pahrump

Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Pahrump

Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Pahrump

Pahrump

Saddle West Hotel and Casino

Saddle West Hotel and Casino

Pahrump

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Hike around oasis-like Spring Mountain Ranch and splendorous Red Rock Canyon, discover the planet’s rarest fish at Ash Meadows, then crank up the #WeirdNevada vibes at Coffinwood and Amargosa Opera House.

Amargosa Big Dune Recreation Area

Amargosa Big Dune Recreation Area

Amargosa Valley

Pahrump Valley Museum

Pahrump Valley Museum

Pahrump

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

Amargosa

Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club

Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club

Pahrump

Spring Mountain Ranch State Park

Spring Mountain Ranch State Park

Blue Diamond

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Las Vegas

Amargosa Opera House

Amargosa Opera House

Death Valley

View All

Cold beers and an out-back Mexican food shack await at Mountain Springs Saloon. Taste your way around Pahrump at three wineries and Stonewise Mead & Cellars. Then cool off at Seemore’s, the World’s Tallest Ice Cream Stand.

Sanders Family Winery

Sanders Family Winery

Pahrump

Seemoore’s Ice Cream

Seemoore’s Ice Cream

Pahrump

O Happy Bread French Bakery

O Happy Bread French Bakery

Pahrump

Mountain Springs Saloon

Mountain Springs Saloon

Las Vegas

Desert Cane Distillery

Desert Cane Distillery

Pahrump

Stonewise Mead & Cider

Stonewise Mead & Cider

Pahrump

Stateline Saloon

Stateline Saloon

Amargosa Valley

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Be wowed by the Pahrump Social Powwow, dine deliciously at the Silver State Chili Cook-Off, or have yourself a scary little “X-mess” during Christmas at Coffinwood.

Silver State Chili Cook-Off

Silver State Chili Cook-Off

Christmas at Coffinwood

Christmas at Coffinwood

Pahrump Fall Festival

Pahrump Fall Festival

parhump to death valley

Leg 2

Pahrump to Death Valley to Beatty NV

170+ mi

Despite that ominous name, Death Valley National Park is a landscape alive with incredible beauty. Enter from Highway 190 and get the lay of the land from Dante’s View and gaze 5,760 feet down to Badwater Basin salt flats and, on clear days, out to Mt. Whitney—the highest and lowest points in the Lower 48. Hit Furnace Creek Visitor Center, then spend the day exploring landmarks like kaleidoscopic Artist’s Palette, sea level-defying Badwater Basin, Star Wars fan faves Golden Canyon and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and more, before bedding down in Beatty.

Give yourself some space at the funky, retro, alien-friendly Atomic Inn; hit up the pool at the Death Valley Inn & RV Park; or keep things classically cozy at the Exchange Club and Motel 6.

Death Valley Inn and RV Park

Death Valley Inn and RV Park

Beatty

Exchange Club Motel

Exchange Club Motel

Beatty

Motel 6 – Beatty & Death Valley

Motel 6 – Beatty & Death Valley

Beatty

Atomic Inn

Atomic Inn

Beatty

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It’s been a century since Death Valley hit Earth’s hottest verified temperature ever—134° F (56.7° C)—but it still routinely tops “hottest monthly temperature” charts. Summer visitors: protect your bodies and your vehicles.

Goldwell Open Air Museum

Goldwell Open Air Museum

Beatty

Spicer Ranch

Spicer Ranch

Beatty

Beatty Burros

Beatty Burros

Beatty

Amargosa Opera House

Amargosa Opera House

Death Valley

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

Amargosa

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park

Furnace Creek

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In a town where burros happily roam the streets, Beatty’s human visitors (as well as the Beatty Cowboys) love pulling up stools at Happy Burro Chili & Beer, an old saloon serving, well, homemade chili and ice-cold beer. 

Death Valley Nut & Candy Co.

Death Valley Nut & Candy Co.

Beatty

Smokin’ J’s Barbecue

Smokin’ J’s Barbecue

Beatty

Happy Burro Chili & Beer

Happy Burro Chili & Beer

Beatty

Gema’s Café

Gema’s Café

Beatty

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Bring your mountain bike for races and partying along Death Valley’s edge. Or celebrate Beatty’s history with three days of revelry, including unusual contests like the Pickle Liquor Hoot-N-Holler and infamous Bed Races.

Beatty Days Festival

Beatty Days Festival

death valley to beatty nv

Leg 3

Home Stretch: Beatty NV to Las Vegas

170+ mi

Dig into literally rich history at the Beatty Museum and Historical Society, then see it in person at Rhyolite, one of the West’s best-preserved (and most photographed) ghost towns. On your way out, stop at adjacent Goldwell Open Air Museum to wander an avant-garde array of other-wordly art installations. Grab lunch at rustically Wild Western Happy Burro Chili & Beer before exploring wildlife-packed Desert National Wildlife Refuge or mountainous Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. Then it’s back to the Strip to complete your trip!

Before blasting back to Vegas, escape to a 6,700′ mountain lodge for stargazing, drinks by the fire, and panoramic views at the Retreat on Charleston Peak. If that neon glow beckons, go retro in Downtown Las Vegas.

El Cortez Hotel and Casino

El Cortez Hotel and Casino

Las Vegas

Oasis at Gold Spike

Oasis at Gold Spike

Las Vegas

The Retreat on Charleston Peak

The Retreat on Charleston Peak

Las Vegas

There’s a lot to see on the road from Beatty to Las Vegas. Take your pick of museums, a ghost town and unconventional sculpture park, or parks and wild lands packed with recreational activities and unique flora and fauna.

Nevada National Security Site Tour

Nevada National Security Site Tour

Las Vegas

Area 51 Alien Center

Area 51 Alien Center

Amargosa Valley

Desert National Wildlife Refuge

Desert National Wildlife Refuge

Las Vegas

Lee Canyon

Lee Canyon

Las Vegas

Rhyolite Ghost Town

Rhyolite Ghost Town

Beatty

Beatty Cowboys

Beatty Cowboys

Beatty

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument

North Las Vegas

Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

Las Vegas

Beatty Museum & Historical Society

Beatty Museum & Historical Society

Beatty

Goldwell Open Air Museum

Goldwell Open Air Museum

Beatty

View All

Head back to Happy Burro for a chili burger breakfast, or cruise up to 6,700 feet for “elevated” eats, from butternut squash soup to tomahawk steaks, in the Canyon Restaurant & Tavern Bar at the Retreat on Charleston Peak.

Happy Burro Chili & Beer

Happy Burro Chili & Beer

Beatty

Area 51 Alien Center

Area 51 Alien Center

Amargosa Valley

#DeathValleyRally

You’ll have an extremely awesome time sightseeing this scenic slice of Nevada life. And don’t forget to tag #DeathValleyRally so we (and everyone else) can see how you conquer this lively expedition. 

What a beautiful picture...must have been a really good photographer 😉
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#nationalparkgeek #nationalpark #findyourpark #mountains #outdoors #nature #westbysouthwest #nevada #keepitwild #lifeofadventure #beautifuldestinations #roamtheplanet #explore #dfmi #driftr #wanderlust #optoutside #naturephotography #canon  #nevada_lovers_photos #hiking #travel #adventure #desert #deathvalley #canon
🇫🇷 Ne buvez pas la tasse !
Ne manquez pas de vous arrêtez à Badwater Salt Flats ! Vous serez 85 m sous le niveau de la mer… 🐳 Et les pieds au sec !
♿️ Retrouvez les infos d’accessibilité de toutes nos bonnes adresses sur jaccede.com .
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🇬🇧 Somewhere below the sea 🎶
Make a stop at Badwater Salt Flats! You’ll be 282ft under sea level… 🐳 Without getting wet!
♿️ Find all the accessibility info of the visited places on jaccede.com
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#underthesea #deathvalley #nps #california #nationalpark #adventures #travelblogger #travel #travelphotography #travelgram #selfie #tourdumonde #worldtour #handicap #handitravel #wheelchair #instatravel #nationalparks #accessibility #wheeledworld
The Mud Divide - Death Valley National Park ———————————————————————-
#amazingworldtravels #patagonia #ig_color #deathvalley #thenorthface #withmytamron #photography #livetravelchanel #ems 
#nevada #oakley #worldniceshots #dofnature #visualmovement #landscape_captures #shutterupandclick #natgeo #natgeotravel #nikonusa #expedia #canonusa #hikingtheglobe #ig_fotografdiyari #nationalparks #illgrammers #blackandwhitephotography #mudcracks #amazingdestinations #neverstopexploringboston #wildandco
I love going through my camera roll of all my hiking excursions - this one made me smile prettttaaay BIG today 😁 
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#hike #nature #hiking #mountains #adventure #travel #outdoors #explore #naturephotography #landscape #photography #hikingadventures #wanderlust #mountain #naturelovers #getoutside #trekking #idhikethat #optoutside #outdoor #hikerbabe #instagood #hikingtrails #landscapephotography #photooftheday #trail #beautiful #naturelover #alltrails #womenwhoexplore
I never get tired of these shots! #astrophotography #milkyway #travelnevada #nevada
Figured I'd throw out a landscape shot to close out the night. This is from a couple of weeks ago, when the Spring Mountains were greeted with a cold shower, high winds and a rainbow.

Canonusa 5DIII, 16-35 f4L
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#lasvegas #westbysouthwest #canonusa #canon_photos #mycanonstory #teamcanon #nevada #explorenevada #naturalnevada #travelnevada #dfmi #lasvegasigers #vol5k #aov5k #smugmug #photography #earthgridz #earthofficial #ig_color #mg5k #createexplore #igtones5k #agameof10k #weekly_feature #usaprimeshot #lensbible #explorenature #landscapephotography #rainbow
Still about a month away from being able to see the galactic core but now is a good time to start shooting because temps are still cool and now I am seeing more of the gas clouds. Stars will be tact sharp because of almost zero atmospheric distortion from heat. About 9pm last night, 51 deg, and a rain shower just passed through the area so it smelled nice. The mercury vapor street light added a nice green glow to the buildings. It was nice to hangout at an abandoned ghost town, by myself, in the dark……
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#nikon D810
#nikkor 14-24mm ƒ/2.8
25 sec ƒ/2.8
14mm
ISO 2500
Rhyolite, Nevada. Additional fill and red lighting courtesy of j.marie_nightphotography #goldfieldghosttown #nightscapephotography #deathvalley #instagramnv #beattynv #nevadahighways #VisitNevada #nevada #igersnv #weownthenight #weownthenight_nv  #heatercentral #night_photography #landscapes #landscapes #nikond850 #underthestars #neverstopexploring #carforest #shotz_fired #nevadahiking #longexposure #longexpohunter #capturenevada #nightshooters #nightscaper #nevadadesert
Another one of the mysterious moving rocks from Racetrack Playa in Death Valley National Park. Such a serene place and an awesome experience! #California #Nevada #Desert #beautiful #nature #nightshots #MovingRocks #lakebed #sony #alpha #a6300 #amazing #supermoon #racetrackplaya #tbt #stars
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