Sunset & Stargazing at Dante's View in Death Valley National Park
This week we’re exploring Death Valley, the national park that boasts the lowest point in North America. Today, however, we’ll be viewing that spot from one of the highest scenic overlooks in the park. Join me as we soak in the panoramic sights of Dante’s View.
FAST FACTS
Distance: 0.75-1.5 miles RT
Elevation: 200-450 feet
Difficulty: Easy
The official Dante’s View along the north trail
Looking north across Death Valley from the south trail at Dante’s View
Location
Located in the Black Mountains about 25 miles from the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, this overlook features some of the most spectacular sights in the park. At over 5500 feet above Badwater Basin below, you have panoramic views to the west of Telescope Peak and the Panamint Range across the ancient lakebed below. A viewing platform has been built right off the parking area, so these magnificent views can be enjoyed without any hiking if you’re short on time or energy.
Dante’s View parking lot and viewing platform
Along the south trail at Dante’s View in Death Valley National Park
Sunset at Dante’s View in Death Valley National Park
Hiking
The incredible views can be seen right from the parking lot platform, but I’d highly recommend exploring if you have the time. There are two different hiking trails...one to the north and another to the south. If you take the full out and back trail to the south, you’ll hike about 3/4 miles with 240 ft in elevation change. The trail to the north takes you to official “Dante’s View”, and it’s also approximately 3/4 miles round trip with about 200 ft in elevation. I’d definitely encourage you to check out both trails if time permits, and bonus, the further you hike the less crowded it’ll be!
If you’re up for a more challenging but rewarding hike, you can continue on the north trail all the way to Mount Perry, which adds another 8 miles and 2000 ft in elevation gain to your adventure.
Badwater Basin seen from Dante’s View in Death Valley National Park
Badwater Basin tourists seen from Dante’s View through a telephoto lens
Mount Whitney seen beyond the Panamint Mountains through a telephoto lens
Views
From the viewing platform and especially on the south trail, you get excellent views of Badwater Basin thousands of feet below. With binoculars or a telephoto lens, you might even be able to see the small dots of people walking around the salt flats. Towering above Badwater Basin and Devils Golf Course on the opposite side of the valley to the west are the Panamint Mountains and Telescope Peak, which marks the highest point in the park. On very clear days, you can even see Mt. Whitney barely visible above the Panamint Range, making it possible to see both the highest and lowest points in the contiguous 48 states of the US from the same spot.
Along the north trail you get great views of the Spring Mountains and Charleston Peak in Nevada to the east. The dusk colors in this direction can be quite spectacular...and if you hang out after nightfall, you’ll see quite the glow in this direction from the Las Vegas city lights.
Charleston Peak and the Spring Mountains seen from Dante’s View north trail
Astrophotography of the Milky Way over Death Valley from Dante’s View
Stargazing
This is a popular spot for both sunrise and sunset, but don’t limit your visit just to daytime hours. Since Death Valley is an International Dark Sky Park, you can enjoy incredible starry skies here at night. The night I visited was the first New Moon of the year, so the skies were extra dark, perfect conditions for the galaxies above to truly shine.
Every year the National Park Service partners with Death Valley Natural History Association, NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and other organizations for the annual Death Valley Dark Sky Festival. Over the course of a few days, visitors can participate in astrophotography meetups, astronomy programs, and all kinds of family friendly events throughout the park.
Sunset at Dante’s View in Death Valley National Park
Death Valley water formations seen from Dante’s View south trail
Know Before You Go
• The last 5 miles of the road leading to Dante’s View can close due to weather, so make sure to check the official NPS website for the latest road and weather conditions prior to your visit.
• The terrain can be quite uneven and loose if you hike beyond the parking area, especially on the trail to the south. Plan footwear accordingly.
• Hiking in Death Valley is not recommended after 10am in the brutal heat of Summer months. Always bring extra water and sun protection for any Death Valley adventure.
• It can get quite cold and windy here at this higher elevation, so I’d recommend bringing a warm jacket, especially if you’re visiting for sunrise or sunset.
• If you’re a Star Wars fan, you’re probably aware that there are several spots in Death Valley that were featured throughout the films. If this spot looks familiar, it’s because it was the Tatooine overlook of the Mos Eisley spaceport.
• Please remember the Leave No Trace Principles so this spot’s natural beauty can be enjoyed for years to come.
Top 10 Things to Do in Death Valley
Dante’s View parking area viewing platform in Death Valley National Park
Sunset over the Panamint Mountains & Telescope Peak in Death Valley National Park
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week in Death Valley National Park. For a virtual visit of Dante’s View, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement where you go!
Dante’s View in Death Valley National Park
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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Can you kayak in Death Valley? Yes! Currently the National Park Service is allowing park visitors to take kayaks and stand up paddle boards onto the historic Lake Manly, the ancient lake that has reappeared at Badwater Basin. Read this Flying Dawn Marie travel guide for all the info you need to plan your kayaking adventure to Death Valley National Park, a perfect road trip from Los Angeles.