Death Valley National Park, one of the largest national parks in the lower 48, is less than an hour’s drive southeast of Lone Pine. The park provides a stark contrast to the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west.
Because of its proximity, both day and overnight trips into Death Valley are popular from Lone Pine. Some of the park’s signature areas are directly on Highway 190 heading out from town. And the arid environment comes into big view while descending this route over 4,000 feet into the park.
A few popular tourist attractions in Death Valley include Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Zabriskie Point, and the Devil’s Golf Course. Badwater Basin is another must-visit area, home to the lowest elevation in North America at a startling 282 feet below sea level. Stovepipe Wells and Furnace Creek are two of the most popular campgrounds when coming from Lone Pine.
The park is also home to some of the hottest temperatures ever recorded and extreme summer heat. Visiting the park in the summer months is highly discouraged. Instead, October through April is the prime season to visit Death Valley.
