Tour Artists Drive
Death Valley National Park
Enjoy a scenic drive through a geologic rainbow! Artists Drive is a one-way, nine mile (14.5 km) drive which passes through eroded, colorful desert hills. Artists Palette (a viewpoint) has the most colorful scenery along the road.
Looking for a way to see the beauty of Death Valley without having to do a lot of walking? Be sure to check out Artists Drive. The most popular scenic drive in the park, this nine mile (14.5 km) paved road winds through multicolored, eroded hills. The colorful rainbow hills of Artists Drive were formed by volcanic deposits of different compositions. Artists Drive is beautiful any time of day, but the colors are most dramatic during afternoon light. This drive is one-way and has a vehicle length restricion of 25 feet (8 m) due to dramatic dips and sharp turns. This is a popular route for cyclists, so watch for bicyles and pedestrians in the road. Star Wars Fan? Check out the area around Artists Palette for some familiar views! Parts of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, were filmed here. Star Wars was filmed in the national park a few decades ago, when that type of filming was allowed. The vast majority of the filming which was done at that time is not permitted today in order to protect park wilderness. Information on commercial filming can be found on our permits page.
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Details
25-45 Minutes
Included with entrance fee or pass.
Yes
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
This scenic drive is a paved road with a 25 ft (8 m) length restriction. The view at Artists Palette can be seen from the parking area.
Yes — General Death Valley pet regulations: Pets are allowed on roads and in developed places such as campgrounds and picnic areas. Pets must be restrained or kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet (1.8 m) at all times. Pets may not go on trails or into Wilderness areas. Do not leave your pet in your vehicle.
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Artists Drive