Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Death Valley National Park

Furnace Creek, US
90% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (10 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Location Based: Stories, tips & directions that autoplay
  • inclusion
    Support: Toll free phone, chat and email
  • inclusion
    Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates
  • inclusion
    Easy To Use: Pre-download and tour offline
  • inclusion
    GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide) Audio Tour: 220+ Points
  • inclusion
    Trip Planners: In-app, web and PDF
  • inclusion
    Flexible Routes: Suggested itineraries or create your own

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Optional: national park passes: $30 per vehicle (vary depending on length of stay, ages, group size)

Meeting Point

Start at (from Lone Pine, CA or Pahrump, NV) or join anywhere along the tour route. After booking, search your email for “Download Audio Tour" and follow the instructions to download now over Wi-Fi/cell service. Then, preview the start location/s and tour route in the app.

Meeting point

California , United States

End point

End Point

Commentary plays automatically based on your location, so you have flexibility on where and when you want to start and end your tour anywhere along the tour route.

Meeting point

Death Valley National Park , United States

End point

What to expect

1
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley is the hottest, driest and lowest national park in the country, as well as being the largest national park in the contiguous United States. Death Valley National Park is a truly fantastic drive that is a captivating and, at times, surreal experience. It’s a unique blend of vast landscapes, extreme temperatures, and awe-inspiring geological wonders that make it an unforgettable journey. As the audio guides play commentary based on your GPS location, you can create your own itinerary along the tour route to match your interests and schedule.

Duration 480 minutes
2
Artists Palette

The scenic detour along Artist's Drive, off Badwater Road, is a roller coaster-like experience - a narrow one-way road that zigs and zags between mounds of multicolored rock. Every which way you turn you'll see a full palette of colors, ranging from coppery green to terra-cotta yellow to brick red and even pink. The pigments on display are derived from deposits of different mineral deposits. The Artist's Palette is the most concentrated area along the drive and makes for sublime photos.

Duration 30 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
3

Badwater

Here's your opportunity to stand at the lowest point in North America, 282 feet below sea level. The location is a large salt flat and it's characterized by a small natural pool of undrinkable water beside the road. Sometimes, after those rare rain events, the basin can have more standing water on it - but that will quickly evaporate away returning to dry, patterned salt flats.

Duration 30 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
4

Dante's View

Almost immediately upon arriving inside the national park from Death Valley Junction we have a magnificent 13-mile side trip option to Dante's View, which sits at an elevation just over 5,000 feet. Not only are the views amazing, but it's a place to truly absorb the changing elevations of the region. From Dante's we can peer down to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the USA, and turn our heads to the Panamint Mountain which peaks at over 11,000 feet. On a perfect day we can spot Mount Whitney, the highest point in the Lower 48, topping out at 14,505 feet. That's great value from one viewpoint!

Duration 20 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
5

Devil's Golf Course

Another of Death Valley's sublime landscapes. Devils Golf Course is a vast section of giant salt crystals that are constantly expanding and shrinking as the temperature changes. If you listen closely, you might be able to hear the crystals popping.

Duration 30 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
6
Father Crowley Vista Point

This overlook provides perhaps the best vista across Death Valley on the western side of the park. It's a not-to-be-missed view to take in if first arriving, or about to say farewell to the park. But, not only do we get a superb panorama of Death Valley, we'll also be able to glimpse Rainbow Canyon to the north. Striking red oxidixed volcanic rockfields are prominent in this area. Father Crowley was a Catholic priest from Ireland who was known as the Padre of the Desert, and he served the communities of the surrounding Inyo County in the first half of the twentieth century.

Duration 30 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
7
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

Nothing says desert quite like sand dunes that support zero foliage and change shapes in the wind. Yes, of course Death Valley has to have sand dunes! A fantastic landscape of dunes can be experienced at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Be very wary of venturing too far without ample water on a hot day, and also that the sand can be scolding hot.

Duration 60 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
8
Ubehebe Crater

Ubehebe Crater is a fairly substantial side trip off the main road, into the remote northern corner of the park. Expect to drive for a good hour or more on an unpaved road to get there. In fact, we'll get you in the right path, but we won't have commentary all the way. Ubehebe is the largest of a dozen craters that had explosives origins back when ground water met with hot magma. Driving even further requires a strong will and an appropriate 4x4 vehicle to reach Racetrack Playa, a salt flat famous for its ability to move 600 pound boulders along its surface. Also in this general section of the park is Scotty's Castle, which is actually a remote ranch. Check what the current pre-booking requirement and road status is before attempting to visit.

Duration 120 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
9
Zabriskie Point

Without a doubt one of the most famous views in all of Death Valley, Zabriskie Point provides an easy view over amazing badlands and should not be bypassed. The colors and contours playfully change with the sun at different times of day. Those looking to burn calories will find some nice hiking options including a 3.5 mile trek to Golden Canyon.

Duration 30 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Bring A Charger: Pack a USB/C car charger for charging and easy sound connectivity, and make sure your device is fully charged.
  • Additional information
    Download The GuideAlong App: Download the free app over WiFi or cellular data and sign in with the same Apple or Google account.
  • Additional information
    Download The Tour: Download the tour in the GuideAlong app under 'My Tours' over WiFi or cellular data.
  • Additional information
    Driving Tours: Group Savings: One purchase covers everyone in the vehicle, making it a cost-effective way to explore.
  • Additional information
    Flexible Travel Date: Tours are a one-time purchase with no expiry or date/time limit. If your plans change to a different day, there’s no need to change your travel date.
  • Additional information
    How to Access: After booking you’ll receive an email and text with instructions (search “Download Audio Tour”). Click the link in the email/text to sign in with your preferred Apple or Google account and redeem your voucher code ahead of time.
  • Additional information
    Location-Based Stories: Audio commentary plays automatically as you drive using your phone’s GPS chip. Wherever you are and whichever direction you’re going, you’ll hear the best stories and tips.
  • Additional information
    Start The Tour: Open the tour in the GuideAlong app to preview the start locations, tour route and trip planner, or start the tour.
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    Technical Support: The GuideAlong support team is available daily by toll-free phone, online chat, and email.
  • Additional information
    The app’s audio will play through your car’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display, while the app’s map will display on your phone. You can connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth to listen to the commentary through the car stereo.
  • Additional information
    Tour at Your Leisure: With GuideAlong, you control the pace. Start, stop, and resume the tour any day, anytime, adapting it to your schedule.
  • Additional information
    Works Offline: No internet or cell service is required once the audio tour is downloaded to your phone, so you can relax and tour offline.
Provided by GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide)

What our experts say

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    Visit Zabriskie Point at sunrise.
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    Bring plenty of water for the dunes.
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    Check road conditions for Ubehebe Crater.
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    Consider a picnic at Dante's View.
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    Download the tour before arriving.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Death Valley Self Guided Audio Driving Tour. This innovative tour allows you to explore the stunning Death Valley National Park at your own pace, with a knowledgeable guide providing fascinating stories, local tips, and directions based on your location.

What to expect?

With the Death Valley Self Guided Audio Driving Tour, you can expect to visit all the iconic landmarks of the park, as well as hidden treasures off the beaten path. From the lowest point in North America to the park's most photographed vista, this tour will take you on a journey through the diverse landscapes and rich history of Death Valley.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for travelers who crave flexibility and freedom in their exploration. Whether you're a solo adventurer, a couple seeking a unique road trip experience, or a family looking to create lasting memories, the Death Valley Self Guided Audio Driving Tour is tailored to suit a wide range of interests and preferences.

Why book this?

Immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of Death Valley National Park with the convenience of a self-guided audio tour. Enjoy the freedom to roam offline, at your own pace, without the need for cell service or WiFi. With engaging stories, helpful tips, and detailed directions automatically playing based on your location, this tour offers a seamless and enriching experience that will enhance your road trip like never before.

Good to know

When booking the Death Valley Self Guided Audio Driving Tour, keep in mind that a National Park Pass is required for entry, priced at $30 per vehicle. However, once you have your pass, you can enjoy unlimited use of the tour with no time limits or expiry dates. With a wide range of included features such as 220+ points of interest, suggested itineraries, and easy-to-use trip planners, this tour is designed to provide a comprehensive and enjoyable experience for all travelers.

Reviews

Travelers who have experienced the Death Valley Self Guided Audio Driving Tour rave about the convenience and flexibility it offers. Many praise the detailed and informative commentary, as well as the ability to explore the park at their own pace. Overall, guests are thrilled with the value and quality of this tour, making it a must-book experience for anyone visiting Death Valley National Park.

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