Death Valley Private Tour: Badwater, Zabriskie Point & Artists Palette

What does the lowest point in North America actually look like?

You visit Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, Artists Palette, Golden Canyon, and Devil's Golf Course at your own pace in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. Lunch and park entry are included, and you choose your departure time and which optional stops to add. The flexibility means you spend your day on what matters to you, not on a fixed itinerary.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Visit Zabriskie Point overlook
• Hike Golden Canyon to Red Cathedral
• Walk Devil's Golf Course salt formations
• Stand at Badwater Basin lowest point
• Drive through Artist’s Palette colors
• Stop at Visitors Center for lunch
• Explore Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

The Experience

Badwater Basin sits 282 feet below sea level, and standing there means looking out across a landscape that feels less like Earth and more like something from another planet. The salt flats stretch white and flat to the horizon, broken only by the jagged polygonal crusts that formed when an ancient lake dried up thousands of years ago. A private Death Valley tour puts you in an air-conditioned vehicle with your group, so you're not fighting the heat alone — and you get to decide when you stop, how long you stay, and which of the park's most dramatic sites matter most to you.

The day usually starts with Zabriskie Point, where the badlands roll in waves of gold and rust, with Manly Beacon rising like a spire in the middle of it all. From there, you move through Golden Canyon, hiking between towering walls the color of dried blood, then to Devil's Golf Course — a maze of serrated salt formations that crunch under your feet and look nothing like any golf course on Earth. Artists Palette comes next, a hillside painted in mineral colors: pink, purple, teal, gold. The minerals in the rock create the hues, and the light changes them as the sun moves. Lunch and snacks are included, and the vehicle has AC, which matters when you're in one of the hottest places in the country.

You can add Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes to your route if you want — towering golden dunes backed by purple mountains — or skip it and spend more time at the sites that grabbed you. The flexibility is the whole point. Your group sets the pace, chooses the stops, picks the departure time. No rushing through on someone else's schedule, no waiting for a tour bus to fill up. It's just your people, the park, and a driver who knows where to go.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• Death Valley National Park entrance fee.
• lunch.
• snacks.
• flexible pickup time.
• customizable itinerary with access to Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, Artists Palette, Golden Canyon, Devil's Golf Course, and optional Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by stterolla tours

Is this one for you?Book this if your group wants to explore Death Valley's major sites without following a fixed schedule or waiting for other travelers — the private vehicle and flexible itinerary mean you spend your time on what interests you most, not on a tour operator's timeline.

Top questions

How long is the tour?

The itinerary covers multiple major sites across Death Valley, typically taking most of a day. Your exact duration depends on which stops you choose and how long you spend at each one.

What's included in the tour?

Private transportation, park entrance fee, lunch, snacks, and an air-conditioned vehicle. You arrange your own departure time and customize which attractions to visit.

Can I choose which sites to visit?

Yes. The tour includes options like Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, Artists Palette, Golden Canyon, Devil's Golf Course, and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. You decide which ones to include based on your interests.

Is there hiking involved?

Yes, there are walks and hikes at several stops, including Golden Canyon and the salt formations at Devil's Golf Course and Badwater Basin. The intensity varies by site.

How hot does it get?

Death Valley is one of the hottest places in the U.S., with temperatures often exceeding 120°F in summer. The vehicle is air-conditioned, but you'll be exposed to heat during outdoor stops.

What should I bring?

Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. The terrain is uneven and the sun is intense, even in cooler months.

Is this suitable for families with children?

The tour can work for families, though the heat and walking distances vary by stop. Check the specific sites you plan to visit and bring extra water for kids.

Can I book this for a specific date?

Yes, you choose your departure time and date when booking. The private format means the tour runs on your schedule.