But yes, sunset will be early; if you want to be at a particular place to see it, check at the visitor center for the time and give yourself a time cushion so you can enjoy all of it. The California Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash late Friday afternoon, Dec. 20, in Death Valley. From there to Dante’s View, you’ll follow Route 190 for 12 miles before turning right onto Furnace Creek Wash Road. It's $39-49 each way on Virgin America and takes 90 minutes. Plan to bring your own wheels or pick them up on your drive from the airport. And what plans do you have after Mammoth? 6 Must-See National and State Parks in California. The rest of Death Valley National Park has a 30-day per calendar year camping limit. During summer, the valley is blazing hot and the Inn at Death Valley is closed. The other resorts are Stovepipe Wells Village, a half hour northwest of Furnace Creek, and Panamint Springs, a half hour west of Stovepipe. If you’re a cyclist, especially one who lives somewhere too cold for winter riding, a Death Valley trip could be just the thing to keep you motivated during the off-season. (More on snow later.) Do you know what kind of room or perhaps even what building they are putting you in? The parking lot will be on your right. It’s possible to go from Pahrump to Shoshone on NV Hwy 372, and then CA Hwy 178 into Death Valley via Badwater. Stop by Las Vegas Cyclery, which offers road, mountain and e-bike rentals for up to two weeks. 3 Things to Do in Death Valley National Park in Winter The name might sound ominous, but Death Valley National Park in wintertime is strangely inviting. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. These are the product of water erosion down the canyon, You can see some of the beautiful colors and formations without a strenuous hike.. Death Valley has some months with regular humidity, with some extremely dry months. The main formation visible in the canyon is called Ely Springs Dolomite, a rusty colored rock. The dining room and saloon have an Old West decor with wood interior, mining artifacts, Native American crafts, and wagon wheels, and the passageway between them looks like a mine tunnel. FC Inn is more upscale, a historic Spanish villa with hand-cut stonework, beautiful terraced gardens, and elegant pool, and a fine dining room with unique specialties and a mild dress code. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. In any season, if you find it too hot on the valley floor, go up. Become an Alamo Insider and save 5% off of our already low rates. The Ranch is a more mainstream, family-oriented place with more services: a variety of room styles, a big pool, golf course (lowest in the world), a general store, several restaurants, post office, and a small museum. Related: What are the most popular tours in Death Valley National Park? Because the dunes are constantly shifting with the wind, there’s no marked trailhead — just pick a ridge and start wandering. Not clear you have time for Yosemite too, aside from driving to the valley (with your chains) and then heading back out on 140 to San Francisco. Warmest regards , Lisa. Friends, Death Valley weather is no joke. It might not be the typical winter wonderland, but this desert on the California-Nevada border offers its own kind of magic. BACKCOUNTRY road conditions - can I get to ...? From December through March, everything is cooler and quieter than it is during spring and summer, when the sun’s heat and the park’s crowds can be overwhelming. Enter custom title ... We want to go through Death Valley and then up north over the 395 towards Yosemite to take one of the all-year open roads west towards San Fransisco. And with 21 days over 120, this past July in Death Valley was the hottest month all-time at a single location. Take a direct route: as noted Death Valley and then across to 99. We spent half a day there on our 10-day West Coast road trip since we were only passing through Death Valley on our way from Las Vegas to Yosemite. Located in southeastern California, Death Valley National Park is about 4.5 hours by road from Los Angeles and a two-hour drive from Las Vegas in neighboring Nevada. It can rain, sometimes heavily, to the point that roads are washed out and canyons flooded. Death Valley is famous for its vistas, and in spring and fall camera-toting tourists mob the park, eager to take that perfect shot. LAS VEGAS one-day turnaround trips - what can we see? High temperature: 65°F (19°C) Low temperature: 39°F (4°C) Hours daylight/sun: 10 hours. Sky is clear and peaks can be snow-capped. The park can be too hot to ride in the summer, and there are more cars on the roads in fall and spring, so winter is the time to do it. I appreciate the offer for even more help too! Since your trip is in December, you have a little time to plan ahead. What maps to use? Death Valley Weather in December. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-40473366', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Las Vegas to Death Valley is a couple of hours. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. For that reason, many summer visitors see only the beginning of the dunes, comprised of ridges or hills of sand formed by the wind. Thank you so much! Death Valley weather is best in December and January. I am looking for itinerary suggestions for Death valley NP in December end. Daytime temperatures usually reach 18°C in Death Valley in December, falling to 3°C at night. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Capture the park from its legendary sunrise vistas at east-facing Zabriskie Point to the rugged cliffs and shadows of its slot canyons and the brilliant stargazing at Aguereberry Point. They have a few different sizes and prices to choose from. If you go during November's Leonid meteor showers, especially if they occur during a dark moon, you'll get an extra nighttime light show. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one. As part of a month long holiday we are planning on driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? "At Death Valley the sky literally begins at your feet," said Tyler Nordgren, Associate Professor of Physics at the University of Redlands (Calif.) and International Dark-Sky Association board member. Weather in Death Valley National Park in january 2021. The Sand Dunes are magical at sunset and also sunrise. Continue onto California Route 190 at the junction and follow this road to the park’s visitor center. Accom doesn't need to be fancy but expect clean and happy if it is an interesting place to stay - not just touristy. Charles Cody Siler is a writer, photographer, cyclist and active travel guide based in Bogotá, Colombia. The kids are aged 16 and 13yrs and we are all reasonably fit. Early in the month is a park-wide event called Death Valley '49ers Encampment, honoring the pioneers of 1849 who got lost heading for the California Gold Rush and were stranded in what they later named Death Valley. Can leave LV as early as needed on the first day but would like to be on the mountain at Mammoth by night fall of the seond day. The roads are smooth, the scenery is unique and the riding offers everything from cruises through salt flats to steep back-road inclines. I feel like I have my own personal tour guide. Furnace Creek is close to many of the major sights, including Zabriskie Point, Golden Canyon and other places along Badwater Road, the park visitor center, Harmony Borax Works, and Salt Creek. We'll talk about the lodging options so you can do your research and decide soon; winter is a popular visitor season so you'll want to reserve while there is a good selection. Visiting Death Valley in California USA was one of the most anticipated adventures of our trip.. It is one of the best national parks to visit in December and the weather is a large reason why. Generators are prohibited in Texas Springs Campground, except from April 16 to May 15 in the upper loop from 7 a.m. … The Scenic Route > Travel Destination Guides > National Parks > Death Valley Winter: Visiting Death Valley in December. On average, the warmest months are June, July and August Death Valley National Park has dry periods in January, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November The coldest months are January and December Death Valley has snow at higher elevations and often heavy rain elsewhere, and this may cause some roads to be closed or require chains. It can rain, sometimes heavily, to the point that roads are washed out and canyons flooded. I really appreciate you taking the time to help. Death Valley Explorer Tour by Tour Trekker, Death Valley National Park - Private, Custom Adventure w/ Pro Photography, Private Tour: Death Valley Day Tour with Evening Milky Way Viewing, http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html. The most quiet area, and the darkest for nighttime stargazing, is the Roadrunner building. Mammoth is a renowned ski destination and there will be snow, on the highways around the town and on local streets. The Cottonwood and Panamint buildings are the most close-in, so there is more foot traffic. Hopefully, you have more than one day to do this. They are all on paved roads or graded gravel side roads that are maintained regularly. To review the Tripadvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html. CAMPING - where and when can we camp in Death Valley? Death Valley National Park Weather in December While the middle of December gets fewer crowds, the period from Christmas until New Year’s is far more bustling at the national park. But in January, the number of recreational visitors dips to just over a third of its August peak, according to the park service. I was in Death Valley in early December two years ago. The peaks aren’t so high that you’ll be disoriented, and you may even be able to retrace your steps in the sand on the walk back to your car. Explore Death Valley in winter with these three must-do activities. Generator hours: From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., unless otherwise posted. I’m one of those people who live in Death Valley in summer, and it’s true that for most North Americans, is more comfortable to visit in winter. Generally, the temperatures are moderate at lower elevations with some snow in the mountains, a beautiful contrast. Email This BlogThis! We will do as much as possible on the drive to there from LV on the first day. Between now and February, the Furnace Creek Golf Course will host a steady stream of golfers. But you can walk across the road to the campground or the path to the airfield and find it quieter and darker. It’s tough to explore the famous Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, for example, when the burning sun reflecting off the sand brings temperatures above 100 degrees. I would add that the sun goes down very early in December. Get answers to your questions about Death Valley National... WINTER - does it exist in Death Valley, or does summer last forever? With December’s more pleasant temperatures (highs average in the mid-60s), you can also forge deeper into the backcountry, where the dunes are all but untouched. WOW! One of the park’s most famous — and somewhat challenging — rides goes from Furnace Creek up to Dante’s View, where you’ll enjoy a panorama of the southern Death Valley basin and the Owlshead Mountains rising in the south. The adventure continues in Part Three - Click Here. Posted by Ski3pin at 10:52 AM. The major natural wonders along Badwater Road are in the northern 25 km, so if you go through Shoshone, most of the southern portion of this road will be about long-range panoramas rather than specific natural marvels. Get the monthly weather forecast for Death Valley, CA, including daily high/low, historical averages, to help you plan ahead. Death Valley’s Winter Sports A properly equipped winter sports enthusiast in Death Valley is outfitted with good hiking boots, sunscreen, hat, binoculars, camera, golf clubs, bathing suit, tennis racket, water, full tank of gas and light jacket. Death Valley National Park Vacation Packages, Things to Do in Death Valley National Park, Romantic Hotels in Death Valley National Park, 3-stars Hotels in Death Valley National Park, Death Valley National Park Hotels with Pools, Pet Friendly Hotels in Death Valley National Park, Suite Hotels in Death Valley National Park, Quiet Resorts in Death Valley National Park, Unique Resorts in Death Valley National Park, Death Valley National Park Pet Friendly Campgrounds, Death Valley National Park Hotels with Balconies, Charming Hotels in Death Valley National Park, Family Resorts in Death Valley National Park, Quiet Hotels in Death Valley National Park, Death Valley National Park Affordable Resorts, Browse all 3,226 Death Valley National Park topics ». In winter, there are guided horse tours. You have a couple of choices of lodgings in the park, and we do suggest staying in the park for the most authentic Death Valley experience. Death Valley holds the record for the highest recorded temperature on earth of 134 °F, and it was living up to its name. The strata in the north end of the Panamint Mountains has been tilted to almost vertical. Driving through Death Valley in August -advice please. Death Valley Junction is a ghost town, a former borax mining settlement. The name might sound ominous, but Death Valley National Park in wintertime is strangely inviting. I think we’ll probably be talking again, once you digest some of this info and have a chance to think about your time in Death Valley. It's a quick walk to the central part of the resort, the restaurant, store, etc., but it's at the edge of the property where there is less foot traffic and the lighting is less intense. In terms of daylight, this day is 4 hours, 59 minutes shorter than on June Solstice. Getting to Furnace Creek Visitor Center: Follow California Route 190 about 25 miles west from the Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station. His work has appeared in Club Traveler magazine, Gambit Weekly, Berkeleyside and other publications. Death Valley is very pleasant in December. It's the hottest place on earth and the driest spot in North America, getting less than 2 inches of rain per year on average. The windiest month is April, followed by May and June. Since Las Vegas is only 2-3 hours from much of DV, you will have time to see Dante's View, Zabriskie Point, the places along Badwater Road, the Furnace Creek area and visitor center, and maybe Harmony Borax and Salt Creek on the first day. Answer 1 of 9: We are a family of 4 from Australia travelling to the US in December of this year. From an observation deck, to a Roller Coaster and Red Rocks Canyon see all that Las Vegas has to offer on and off the Strip. The weather in Death Valley National Park in the month of january comes from statistical datas on the past years. If you stay there, you’d need to see all of the major sights in the park on your first day, or else backtrack on the second day, which I don’t think would be an efficient use of your time. When I visited the road to Eureka dunes was not officially open (as well as some others I didn't care about), but a ranger was nice enough to hint that … In December, you’ll have fewer daylight hours, so it’s good to get an early start. WILDFLOWERS - will this be a superbloom year? Note: December in Death Valley is as "cold" as January. How sunny is it in Death Valley in December? Easily accessible and especially enjoyable in winter, Mesquite Flat features three types of dunes — crescent, linear and star-shaped — and it’s the only dune field that permits sandboarding in Death Valley. It is a long way off yet, but I have found already that accommodation in various places is filling up. Read on to discover the most exciting things to do in Death Valley National Park: the must-visit Death Valley attractions and points of interest you will not want to miss! HOWEVER, a couple of big CAVEATS: December is winter in California. Also, this will put you far out of the way to go to Dante’s View, one of the great must-see places of Death Valley. Today, the only services are the Amargosa Hotel and Opera House and a café. Copyright ©2020 Alamo. The Moon phase calculator shows exact times of the various moon phases for Furnace Creek (Death Valley), California, USA in year 2021 or in other locations and years. WILDLIFE - do they bite? SUMMER - is it safe to go to Death Valley? It's good to make your reservations 7 or 8 months in advance otherwise you could be staying in a motel an hour away. Death Valley Service to Close Noon Dec. 7, 2020, Your vision for Stovepipe Wells & Emigrant areas, Driving from Stovepipe Wells Village to The Strip Vegas, See All Death Valley National Park Conversations, Driving Las Vegas to Yosemite - Where to stop. Getting to Zabriskie Point: Drive 30 miles east on California Route 190 from the Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station. Generally, the temperatures are moderate at lower elevations with some snow in the mountains, a beautiful contrast. All Rights Reserved. Death Valley - US 395 - Yosemite in December. It’s no wonder Death Valley has become a destination for cyclists. SPW is my own favorite; it’s smaller and more rustic than Furnace Creek and it feels more to me like "being in Death Valley." Rainy days: 0. We have never been there and don't know much about the area. 5-stars Hotels in Death Valley National Park, Popular Death Valley National Park Categories. The least humid month is June (9.6% relative humidity), and the most humid month is December (36.3%). Their ordeal was in December, otherwise they would probably have died. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-40386926', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Las Vegas, through Death Valley to Mammoth Lakes over two days and hence an overnight stay somewhere in Death Valley. In the morning, there is the additional fun of looking for animal tracks in the dunes. Must-See Attractions In and Around Las Vegas. 4. This is a beautiful scenic route, but it will take you longer. The second hottest month? How far to ____ ? I look forward to hear from you again when you have the time. Death Valley is on the border between the Mojave and Great Basin Deserts. Death Valley National Park - December 2020 - Part Two ... Where were we off to on our last full day in Death Valley National Park? And other DV enthusiasts will come and share too. From December through March, everything is cooler and quieter than it is during spring and summer, when the … Mosaic Canyon is a fine hike just west of Stovepipe; it's on a gravel road that's OK for any car driven carefully. You can view the weather statistics for all the month, but also by using the tabs for the beginning, the middle and the end of the month. There are normally 6 hours of bright sunshine each day in Death Valley in December - that's 65% of daylight hours . You need to know, if this applies to you, you CANNOT enter Yosemite from the east in winter once Tioga Pass closes; this usually happens in early November but can vary. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Hwy 395 from Lone Pine (or more usually Big Pine) northward is subject to winter storms that may bring heavy snow, icy surfaces, and high winds. ROUTES to Death Valley? 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