Death valley when should I go?

I was told Death Valley was the best place to visit. I need to experience this!!! So I'm debating if I should head out late October (25th-28th) or November (23rd-26th) Both on a New Moon. Will it still be hot in October? Will it be too cold in November? Hows the tourist? What should I check out? Thanks for your help!

 

Should be nice around that time of year. On an average.

Since you haven't been before you should at least see the normal things that most people see. Badwater, Furnace Creek, Artist's Palette, Zabriskie Point, etc.

 

I was planning to drive through Titus canyon and go watch the fighter jets.

 

I would be much more inclined to go as late or early in the year as possible. Much of Death Valley is very remote so no matter when you go, go prepared. But personally I would only make that trip in the winter time, December ideally. If November is the only other option I would pick that one

 

I was there this past april and it was slammed with tourists hoping to see a superbloom in that area (It did not happen there). April, it was warm, keep abreast of weather reports, we got stuck in constant 45 mph winds and it was impossible to set up a tent. Like @eon_blue said, go prepared.

Oh and gas will be cheapest in stovepipe wells. For whatever reason, gas in Furnace Creek is like 5 dollars a gallon and in stovepipe closer to 3.50.

 

I was there in late November and found the weather to be perfect, plus absolutely no people.

 

Thanks for the help!! Is most of death valley BLM?

 

Go in August, no one will be there. Good luck.

 

I Already have a planned trip in August for Yosemite

 

In general things start cooling down in October, so you should be safe then. I used to go there a few times a year when I lived in California. That was my favorite place to visit. I've driven over almost every inch of that place in a little four-banger 2wd taco (see profile photo).

However, keep in mind that the park is so large and the topography so varied that a "good month" for one region is a bad month for another. For example:

• Saline Valley can get closed by snow (on the mountain passes) at any time in the winter, and will stay that way for a few months. Don't get trapped.
• The Death Valley Road in the north end of the park (connecting Big Pine to the Eureka Sand Dunes and beyond) can also get closed down by snow, and isn't plowed in winter.
• Telescope Peak and the surrounding areas likewise get closed by snow at some point in the winter.

It's really a matter of, "what is a good month to visit for the parts of the park that I want to see?" Titus Canyon is low elevation, so it should be accessible most of the winter. I have to admit that it's one place I haven't visited in the park though, so do your research. The park service maintains a very active facebook group for the park, and they frequently post road conditions on there, including photos. That's your best source for the latest beta on your route.
Brandon

 

@DVexile

Also I vote for December or January, I've done both and it was beautiful both times

 

I believe so, I am from Toronto and was passing by, but decided to spend 2 days camping and sightseeing. I followed vehicle tracks and stayed within officially mapped routes, camped in areas that seemed to me already had visitors before.

Somebody might know better.

 

HOLY Toronto!?!!? What a road trip!!

 

No. All of Death Valley is National Park.

 

Yeah, I had a brain fart and went on 35 day solo visit across 25+ US states and plenty of wheeling...

here is the answer!
The map I had said you can camp as long as there is no camp fire i believe?

 

It's a national park, since 96 i think. Or am I confusing with Joshua Tree?

I am planning to go at Christmas. I was in the park a few years ago and it was one or two layers of clothing weather. Temperate.

 

Any campgrounds inside?

 

Your Nov dates are Thanksgiving weekend. I’d avoid due to crowds. End of October should be nice. Your Oct dates are a full week before the 49ers encampment which also generates crowds so you should be OK there. Since most people stargaze in the evening the week of 3rd quarter is also good.

Check out https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/death-valley-off-road-adventures.60777/ for lots and lots of ideas and trip reports.

 

I suggest you do some reading.

https://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm