Death Valley National Park is a vast national park known for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Death Valley National Park and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're hiking in nature or taking in the beauty.
How much does it cost to travel to Death Valley National Park?
You should plan to spend around $101 per day on your vacation in Death Valley National Park. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $35 on meals
- $41 on local transportation
- $73 on hotels
A one week trip to Death Valley National Park for two people costs, on average, $1,414. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
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One Week
Per person
$707
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2 Weeks
Per person
$1,414
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One Month
Per person
$3,030
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One Week
For a couple
$1,414
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2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,828
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One Month
For a couple
$6,060
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Death Valley National Park cost?
A one week trip to Death Valley National Park usually costs around $707 for one person and $1,414 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Death Valley National Park on average costs around $1,414 for one person and $2,828 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Death Valley National Park will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Death Valley National Park on average costs around $3,030 for one person and $6,060 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Death Valley National Park expensive to visit?
Death Valley National Park is a well-liked national park that lures countless visitors with differing travel preferences and spending habits. Affordable hotel choices are available, but luxury hotels also cater to the more affluent clientele, along with mid-range accommodations that are perfect for families and couples.
Although Death Valley National Park can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by enjoying the free hiking trails and finding more rustic accommodation.
On average, budget travelers spend $44 per day, mid-range travelers spend $101 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $192 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Death Valley National Park.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Death Valley National Park is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in North America for its affordability. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Death Valley National Park.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Death Valley National Park Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Death Valley National Park?
The average Death Valley National Park trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Death Valley National Park travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Death Valley National Park cost?
Death Valley National Park on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$16
|
$37
|
$69
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$18
|
$41
|
$79
|
|
Food 2
|
$15
|
$35
|
$66
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$16
|
$36
|
$70
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-6
|
$4-13
|
$8-25
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
To manage your travel budget, it's important to set realistic expectations. Many people think they can visit Death Valley National Park on a cheap budget, but most don't enjoy the limitations of a tight shoestring budget. Consider how you like to travel. Do you enjoy hostels, resorts, hotels, or vacation rentals? Do you want to dine out and explore the major attractions? These decisions will determine your budget and itinerary.
Death Valley National Park on a Shoestring Budget?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $44 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Most visitors to Death Valley National Park will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $101 per person, per day.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you want a vacation with premium amenities and superior service, brace yourself for a price near $192 daily. Choosing upscale hotels, dining at award-winning eateries, enjoying lavish excursions, and using taxis or private drivers around the national park will require a luxury budget.
Accommodation Budget in Death Valley National Park
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Death Valley National Park can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in Death Valley National Park in the off-season is $0, but in the peak spring travel season it will average around $0. In general, you can expect hotel prices in Death Valley National Park to range from $0 to $0. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Death Valley National Park for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $73. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $37 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Death Valley National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Families visiting Death Valley National Park will find that choosing accommodations with more room can make their trip much more comfortable.
If you plan your trip for the shoulder or low season and avoid spring, you'll enjoy reduced accommodation costs and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Death Valley National Park
Unfortunately, Death Valley National Park does not have a reliable public transit network. There is no public transportation within the park.
Unfortunately, the national park is not very walkable. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.
Public Transit: 
(poor)
Walkability: (poor)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $41 per person, per day, on local transportation in Death Valley National Park. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Death Valley National Park is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$41
If you're driving, make sure your hotel has convenient parking.
How much does it cost to go to Death Valley National Park? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Death Valley National Park will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Death Valley National Park
Food choices in Death Valley National Park are restricted and lack quality. Rather than spending a lot on dining out, focus on other activities that are more fulfilling. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Death Valley National Park can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Death Valley National Park is $35 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$35
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Death Valley National Park is around $35 ($35) per person, with previous travelers spending from $15 to $66. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Death Valley National Park are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $10
- Lunch: $5 to $14
- Dinner: $10 to $24
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
As mentioned earlier, towns in Death Valley are far and few. So unless you are a camper prepared to rough it over a camp fire, restaurants and grocery stores are far and few as well. Campers can fuel up on supplies at hubs like Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, Panamint Springs, or any towns adjacent to the park. Furnace Creek is the village with the most amenities, sporting a general store and a small selection of restaurants available at the Furnace Creek Inn. Stovepipe Wells and Panamint Springs each have a restaurant or two as well. The selections are fairly basic, saloon-type, sandwiches, burgers, and brews. The best place to get a wider selection is the Death Valley Junction located just outside the eastern border. Here visitors can find a few saloons and steakhouses as listed on TripAdvisor.
Traveling with children? Look for dining spots that have a children's menu. This can lead to significant savings since those meals are often more budget-friendly. Some restaurants might not list these options, so it's wise to ask your waiter before you decide what to order.
A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.
You can save money and appreciate the scenery by enjoying a picnic. Stop by a local grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and find a lovely park or scenic area to enjoy your meal.
Take a water bottle with you to save on drinks. It's also an environmentally friendly option.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Death Valley National Park
It's easy to see why people visit Death Valley National Park, given its budget-friendly accommodations, hiking, family-friendly activities, and romance.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Death Valley National Park typically cost an average of $36 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$36
The sights of Death Valley are nearly all natural landforms. Some of the best views of the park from above include Dante's View and Zabriskie Point, both located along the ridge of the Black Mountains on the eastern end of the park. Both offer panoramic views of the valley (best during morning hours when the sun is in the east), as well as breathtaking views of the night sky. Due to its isolation, the sky above Death Valley at night provides some of the best visibility for stargazing. Visitors can even see the Milky Way stretch above the desert and sometimes catch a meteor shower.
Another prime sight-seeing feature of the park is the Artist's Drive, a scenic loop drive through multi-hued volcanic and sedimentary hills. The 9-mile stretch is one-way, starting from Badwater Road and running past some of the most beautiful features of the park, like Artist's Palette which is especially photogenic in late afternoon light. Other popular spots include Titus Canyon, Badwater salt flats, Ubehebe Crater, the Mequite Flat Sand Dunes, Mosaic Canyon, the Devils Golf Course, and the Racetrack-where visitors can see evidence of the phenomenon where rocks leave mysterious tracks, seeming to have moved on their own. From jagged mountain trails and giant craters to sweeping sand dune and vast salt flats, the landscape of Death Valley is one of great diversity.
With over three million acres of wilderness, Death Valley National Park contains an amazing variety of terrain, historic sites, plants, and animals for outdoor adventurers to explore. From hiking, backpacking, and backcountry camping, to mountain biking, birdwatching, and horseback riding, visitors from all over come to experience the rugged environment of the lowest valley in North America. It is, however, important to be prepared with plenty of water and clothing for temperature extremes. The highest recorded temperature in the valley reached as high as 134 (F), while the lowest recorded 15 (F).
In addition to seeing the natural phenomena and wildlife, Death Valley is also home to the ruins of the Harmony Borax works, which operated from 1883 to 1888. Now a ghost town, visitors can tour the abandoned Adobe ruins and an original wagon that lay as evidence to the industry that once was. Loads of Borax were pulled from this site by the famous Twenty Mule Teams all the way to a railhead near Mojave, a grueling 165 mile, ten day trip across primitive roads. If you wish to experience a little history, this is the place to start.
There are also photography tours, private tours, hiking and camping tours, as well as off-road tours available to visitors who wish for a more guided experience.
Hiking:
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the hiking near Death Valley National Park. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Death Valley National Park. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Death Valley National Park for $17 details
Nightlife Budget in Death Valley National Park
The nightlife in Death Valley National Park is generally non-existant. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $8.57 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Death Valley National Park per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$8.57
Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.
Traveling in Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park
With over 3.4 million acres of desert and mountains, the sights of Death Valley encompass sweeping viewpoints, scenic drives, dunes, craters, and colors that change with the course of the sun. Historically, a few Native American cultures are known to have lived in the area, mostly nomadic. The first Europeans to stumble upon the area were a group drawn by the California Gold Rush. Forced to abandon their wagons, they were eventually able to hike out of the valley. Upon leaving, one traveler called it Death Valley and the name stuck.
Today, though the vast stretch of desert seems dry and barren, it is thriving biosphere for many species. In addition to bighorn sheep, coyotes, bobcats, cougars, and mule deer, the region also lay home to birds, reptiles, amphibians, and plant life like desert holly, mesquite, Joshua trees, and pinyon-juniper. While the lowest point in the valley is several hundred feet below sea level, these creatures have adapted to the harsh environment, a surprising place full of beauty in unexpected ways.
Neighborhoods & Around
In the harsh environment of Death Valley, towns of civilization are far and few. In addition to nine campgrounds with varying facilities, Death Valley has a few spots of convenience in Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells Village, and Panamint Springs. At any of these places, visitors can find lodging, camper stores, restaurants, dump stations, fuel and auto services. Furnace Creek Visitor Center, located on the eastern end, is perhaps the best place to start as it is the main visitor information source for the park. With a resort featuring an inn and ranch as well as restaurants, a golf course, tennis courts, and tourist excursions, Furnace Creek is probably the village with the most amenities. Tourism of Death Valley began here, and so it has become a little oasis for visitors looking to experience the park.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.