Death Valley Day Trip From Lone Pine
Quick answer: To reach Death Valley National Park from Lone Pine, CA, take CA-136 southeast past Owens Lake and continue onto CA-190 east into the park; the road is paved the whole way but has long grades, sharp curves and stretches with no services or cell signal. Summit Sanctuary is about 12 minutes from downtown Lone Pine, so add that to the drive. Late fall through spring is the most comfortable season for a day trip.
Lone Pine is one of the western gateways to Death Valley National Park. From town, CA-136 runs southeast past Owens Lake and joins CA-190, which climbs over the Argus and Panamint ranges and drops into Death Valley. Summit Sanctuary, a tiny house on a working ranch on the west side of Lone Pine, makes a quiet base for a full day in the park and a cool, dark night back under the Sierra. Drive times below are approximate and assume normal conditions; allow extra time for stops.
The Route: CA-136 to CA-190
From Lone Pine, take CA-136 southeast toward Keeler along the edge of Owens Lake, then continue onto CA-190 east into the park. The road is paved the whole way but includes long grades, sharp curves and stretches with no services or cell signal. Downtown Lone Pine is about 12 minutes from Summit Sanctuary, so add that to the times below.
Stops Along the Way
Here's a typical west-to-east route. Approximate drive times are from Lone Pine.
- Father Crowley Vista Point: overlooks Rainbow Canyon and the Panamint Valley from the western edge of the park. About 45 minutes from Lone Pine without stops.
- Panamint Springs: a small resort with fuel, food and lodging in the Panamint Valley. About 1 hour from Lone Pine without stops.
- Stovepipe Wells: a village with a general store, fuel and a ranger station. About 1 hour 30 minutes from Lone Pine without stops.
- Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: the park's most accessible dunes, just east of Stovepipe Wells; walk out at sunrise or late afternoon for soft light and cooler air
- Furnace Creek: home to the main park visitor center, fuel, food and lodging. About 2 hours from Lone Pine without stops.
- Badwater Basin: salt flats at the lowest point in North America, 282 feet below sea level, south of Furnace Creek. About 2 hours 30 minutes from Lone Pine without stops.
Park Entrance Fee
Death Valley charges an entrance fee per vehicle, valid for several days. The park relies largely on self-pay: you can buy a pass online in advance or at visitor centers and fee machines inside the park. America the Beautiful passes are accepted. Check the park's website for the current fee.
Summer Heat Safety
Death Valley is one of the hottest places on Earth, and summer temperatures can be dangerous. The National Park Service advises against hiking at low elevations after about 10 AM in hot weather. In summer, plan to visit low-elevation sites in the early morning, stay near your vehicle, and keep the air conditioning working.
- Carry plenty of water for every person, plus extra in the car
- Bring salty snacks and drink regularly, not just when thirsty
- Tell someone your plans; cell service is limited or absent in much of the park
- If your car breaks down, stay with it
- Late fall through spring is the most comfortable season for a day trip
Fuel and Water
Fill your tank in Lone Pine before you leave. Fuel is available inside the park at a few places, including Panamint Springs, Stovepipe Wells and Furnace Creek, but distances are long and prices are typically higher. Bring a cooler with water and lunch; the full-size fridge and kitchenette at Summit Sanctuary make it easy to pack food the night before.
Coming Back to Lone Pine
Heading west in the late afternoon, the Sierra Nevada fills the windshield as you descend toward Owens Lake. Back at the house, the patio chiminea and the dark skies make a good finish after a long desert day. Check-in is at 3 PM and checkout at 11 AM, so a Death Valley day fits neatly into the middle of a multi-night stay.
Common questions
How do you get to Death Valley from Lone Pine?
Take CA-136 southeast from Lone Pine toward Keeler along the edge of Owens Lake, then continue onto CA-190 east into Death Valley National Park. The route is paved but includes long grades, sharp curves and stretches with no services or cell signal.
How long is the drive from Lone Pine to Furnace Creek and Badwater Basin?
Plan on about 2 hours from Lone Pine to Furnace Creek and about 2 hours 30 minutes to Badwater Basin, without stops. Allow extra time for stops such as Father Crowley Vista Point, Stovepipe Wells and the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
Where can I get gas in Death Valley?
Fuel is available inside the park at Panamint Springs, Stovepipe Wells and Furnace Creek, but distances are long and prices are typically higher. Fill your tank in Lone Pine before you leave.
Is it safe to visit Death Valley in summer?
Summer temperatures in Death Valley can be dangerous. The National Park Service advises against hiking at low elevations after about 10 AM in hot weather, so visit low sites early, stay near your vehicle, carry plenty of water and stay with your car if it breaks down.
Is there an entrance fee for Death Valley National Park?
Yes. Death Valley charges a per-vehicle entrance fee valid for several days, payable online in advance or at visitor centers and fee machines in the park; America the Beautiful passes are accepted. Check the park's website for the current fee.
What is the lowest point in Death Valley?
Badwater Basin, south of Furnace Creek, is the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level. It is a salt flat best visited early in the day in hot weather.
Last reviewed 2026-10-09