Dante's View is the best overlook in Death Valley National Park, offering breathtaking views that will leave you in awe. It stands at about 5,476 feet above sea level, directly overlooking Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, which is below sea level! On the opposite side of the valley, you can see Telescope Peak, the highest point in the park.
If you enjoy photography, be sure to visit at sunrise or sunset for extraordinary opportunities to capture stunning images. Many photographers I’ve spoken with believe the best time to take exceptional photos at Dante's View is in the morning when the sun rises in the east. However, if you're interested in stargazing, visiting Dante's View at night with a telescope can also be a rewarding experience.
Visitors often overlook Dante's View since it's a bit isolated from other attractions in the park. If you are staying at Furnace Creek, it’s about a 45-minute drive to reach the overlook. Coming from the east side, it takes approximately 35 minutes from the Amargosa Opera House. The road is accessible to all vehicles, except for the last section, which is closed to larger vehicles like RVs.
The parking lot at the top is quite spacious, and during my six visits, I have never seen it full. There is a one-mile trail along the ridge that is suitable for all skill levels. If hiking isn't your thing, you can simply stroll along the designated sidewalk by the parking lot, where you’ll find plenty of excellent viewpoints of the valley and the surrounding mountains.
In addition to its stunning vistas, Dante's View provides a cooler respite from the intense heat experienced in the valley below. Due to its higher elevation, temperatures can be significantly lower, making it a more comfortable spot for those looking to escape the desert sun.
For geology enthusiasts, the views from Dante's View offer an excellent perspective of Death Valley's geological features. You can observe the distinct layers of rock formations and the vast salt flats of Badwater Basin, which reveal the valley's ancient history.
Wildlife lovers might also enjoy a visit to Dante's View. While Death Valley's harsh environment limits the variety of wildlife, resilient species such as lizards, birds, and even the occasional bighorn sheep may still navigate the rocky terrain.
Whether you’re a photographer, hiker, geology buff, or simply someone looking for an incredible viewpoint, Dante's View in Death Valley National Park has something to offer everyone. Be sure to include it in your itinerary when visiting this unique and...
Read moreIf you're visiting Death Valley, Dante's View is an absolute must-see attraction. The panoramic views of the valley are breathtaking and worth every bit of the winding road to reach the summit. At over 5,000 feet above sea level, Dante's View offers a stunning vista of the Badwater Basin, the salt flats, and the surrounding mountains. The colors and contrasts are amazing, with the morning and evening sun casting long shadows across the valley. The view from Dante's View is even more spectacular during sunset when the colors of the sky are transformed into a vibrant palette of red, pink, and orange. If you're lucky enough to visit on a clear day, you can even see Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States. There are also picnic tables at Dante's View where you can enjoy a snack or lunch while taking in the view. However, keep in mind that there are no facilities at this location, so make sure to bring enough food, water, and sun protection. Overall, Dante's View is a breathtaking destination that should not be missed when visiting Death Valley. Whether you're a photographer, nature enthusiast, or just looking for a stunning view, Dante's View will not disappoint. Highly...
Read moreHigh atop Dante's View above Death Valley you will see what I can only describe as breathtaking, spectacular views. This is a MUST drive that is about located above Badwater Basin, looking out over all of Death Valley, into Panamint Valley and on the clearest of days you will see Mount Whitney - WOW just WOW beautiful!
Making the drive 16 miles south of Furnace Creek was well worth it, with even getting a reprieve in temperature from the valley floor in Death Valley, seeing a significant drop of 10 to 20 degrees. On the particular day we went we even had wind gusts of upwards of 40 mph that had us cautious of getting close to the edge.
Grab your binoculars to spot out different places at 5575 feet above it all - you will want to photograph your smiling faces with the colors of the desert landscape below and the panaromic views all around. ...
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