Explore the diverse landscapes and dark skies of Death Valley National Park on a small-group excursion. These 11 to 12-hour guided tours depart from Las Vegas and feature major daytime landmarks like Badwater Basin before concluding with sunset and night sky viewing.
Free Cancellation Visit Death Valley’s famous landmarks and watch the sunset before stargazing under a dark desert sky.
Free Cancellation Explore Death Valley's iconic landscapes and star-filled night skies in a small group limited to ten people.
Free Cancellation A full-day Death Valley tour from Las Vegas featuring Badwater Basin, a Zabriskie Point sunset, and stargazing.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Death Valley — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Leaving the bright lights of Las Vegas behind, these full-day excursions take you into the heart of the largest, hottest, and driest national park in the lower 48 states. You will spend the afternoon exploring surreal desert landscapes and panoramic overlooks before settling in under some of the darkest skies in the country for an unforgettable stargazing experience.
Walk out onto vast, geometric salt crusts at the lowest point in North America, sitting 282 feet below sea level. The blinding white flats offer a surreal contrast to the surrounding rugged mountains.
Stand at this iconic panoramic overlook to take in a breathtaking view of the valley floor and layered badlands. It is a prime spot for watching the sun dip below the horizon.
Drive through a canyon splashed with vibrant shades of green, pink, gold, and purple. These colorful hillsides are the result of oxidized volcanic mineral deposits.
Wander through shifting, classic desert sand dunes near Stovepipe Wells. The late afternoon sun casts deep, dramatic shadows across the ripples of sand.
About an hour and a half after sunset, the desert plunges into total darkness. Far from city lights, you'll have the chance to witness a spectacular canopy of stars and the Milky Way.
Before you secure your spot on a Death Valley stargazing tour, there are a few logistical and physical factors to keep in mind to ensure a smooth trip.
These are comprehensive, small-group day trips departing from Las Vegas that last between 11 and 12 hours. You'll spend a significant amount of time in a comfortable passenger van navigating the vast distances between park landmarks.
Because the main event is sunset and stargazing, your hotel pick-up time will shift drastically depending on the month. Winter tours may leave Las Vegas as early as 8:30 AM, while summer tours might not depart until 12:30 PM.
Most guided tours include the mandatory $30 National Park vehicle entrance fee, bottled water, and hotel pick-up/drop-off along the Las Vegas Strip. Some also provide light snacks, but you should plan to bring your own meals or money for food stops.
Stargazing is highly dependent on natural conditions. If there is heavy cloud cover, rain, or a very bright full moon, visibility of the stars and the Milky Way will be significantly reduced.
Due to the extreme environment and long travel times, these tours are generally not recommended for pregnant travelers, those with spinal injuries, or individuals with poor cardiovascular health. One operator strictly limits participation to guests under 70 years of age.
All listed stargazing tours offer a flexible cancellation policy. You can receive a full refund as long as you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time.
| Sunset and Stargazing Tour | Day & Night Scenic Tour | Small Group Day Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 12 hours | 11 hours | 11 hours |
| Group Size | Small Group | Max 10 guests | Small Group |
| Key Inclusions | Park fees, bottled water, hotel pickup | Bottled water, hotel pickup | Park fees, snacks, beverages, pickup |
| Price from | $249.00 | $299.00 | $229.99 |
Death Valley National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can enter or exit the park at any time, which makes late-night stargazing possible.
If you are exploring independently before or after a tour, note that specific facilities have set hours. The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
For guided tours, your schedule is dictated by the sun. Operators adjust their itinerary hours seasonally so that you arrive at prime viewpoints just in time for sunset, followed by stargazing about 90 minutes after dusk.
Most stargazing tours include round-trip transportation from Las Vegas, which is about 120 miles away. The drive takes roughly two hours via Highway 160 to the eastern entrance at Death Valley Junction.
If you are driving yourself to meet a tour or explore independently, ensure your vehicle is in excellent condition. There is no public transportation into the park.
Important: Fill up your gas tank in Las Vegas or Pahrump before entering the park. In-park gasoline prices are notoriously high, often reaching $5 to $6 per gallon.
The absolute best months to visit Death Valley are from November to March. During this winter season, daytime highs are a comfortable 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C), making afternoon sightseeing pleasant and safe.
Summer visits (April to October) are highly dangerous due to extreme heat. Temperatures regularly exceed 120°F (49°C) and have reached up to 130°F (54°C). If you take a summer tour, you will be limited to very short walks near the air-conditioned van.
For the best stargazing experience, try to book your tour during a new moon phase. A bright full moon acts like natural light pollution and washes out the fainter stars and the Milky Way.
Death Valley National Park has several accessible highlights. Badwater Basin, Dante's View, and Zabriskie Point feature paved paths or ramps. The Salt Creek Trail also offers a one-mile wheelchair-accessible wooden boardwalk loop.
However, the accessibility of the tours themselves varies. While some operators note that infants can ride in strollers and service animals are allowed, getting in and out of a 15-passenger van multiple times a day can be challenging for those with limited mobility.
Tour operators explicitly state that these trips are not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or severe cardiovascular issues due to the harsh environment and long travel times.
Facilities inside Death Valley are sparse. The main hub is the Furnace Creek area, which has a visitor center, restrooms, a general store, and a few dining options.
Be aware that Death Valley transitioned to a completely cashless fee system in 2023. If you are buying souvenirs or paying independent entrance fees at automated kiosks, you must use a credit or debit card.
While your tour will provide bottled water (and sometimes snacks), it is highly recommended to pack your own substantial food. Dining options in the park are limited, expensive, and may not align with the tour's fast-paced sunset schedule.
The National Park Service strictly enforces rules to protect both visitors and the fragile desert ecosystem.
These are full-day excursions departing from Las Vegas that typically last between 11 and 12 hours. The extensive duration accounts for the two-hour drive each way, afternoon sightseeing, sunset viewing, and nighttime stargazing.
Yes, most guided tours include the standard $30 per vehicle National Park entrance fee in the ticket price. It is always best to double-check your specific tour's inclusion list before booking.
Pick-up times vary drastically depending on the season to ensure you are in the park for sunset. In the winter months (Nov-Feb), pick-up can be between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM, while in the summer (June-Aug), tours may not depart until 12:30 PM.
Stargazing is highly dependent on the weather. If there is heavy cloud cover, rain, or a very bright moon, many stars will not be visible. The tour will still operate to show you the daytime landscapes, but the night sky views may be limited.
While suitable for most fitness levels, the extreme desert environment can be taxing. Some tour operators prohibit travelers over 70 years of age or those with poor cardiovascular health. Infants are usually allowed, and specialized seats or strollers can sometimes be accommodated.
Tours provide plenty of bottled water, and some offer light snacks, but they generally do not include full meals. Because in-park dining is expensive and limited, it is highly recommended that you bring your own sandwiches and snacks from Las Vegas.
No. Launching, landing, or operating drones or quadcopters is strictly prohibited within Death Valley National Park boundaries. Doing so can result in heavy fines from park rangers.
Layering is essential. While the daytime temperatures can be warm or extremely hot, the desert cools down rapidly after sunset. Bring a warm jacket for the stargazing portion, and wear sturdy closed-toe shoes to protect your feet from sharp salt crystals at Badwater Basin.
Yes, the itineraries are specifically timed so that you arrive at a premier viewing location, such as Dante's View or Zabriskie Point, just as the sun is setting over the mountains.
No, these tours focus on scenic stops rather than strenuous hiking. You will take short, relatively flat walks at locations like the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Artist's Palette, and Badwater Basin, making it accessible for most physical fitness levels.
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