Dog Friendly Death Valley: Is it Worth Bringing Your Dog?
So you are considering a journey to the most scorching location on the planet and wondering if it’s a good idea to take your dog along for the adventure? This is an important consideration for a dog-friendly Death Valley trip.
I have two Golden Retrievers and we frequently road trip through our home state of California with our furry companions. Recently, we drove from San Francisco to Death Valley with our dog Cash.
I am going to be upfront with you. Bringing our dog to Death Valley was worth it to us, however, it may not be for everybody.
There are a couple of things you will want to consider first. For one, if you have your heart on exploring some hiking trails, dogs are most likely not welcome. They are only allowed to walk on paved and dirt roads.
But don’t worry, you can still see a ton of Death Valley with your pup. I’m excited to share with you our experiences and lots of tips we learned with this dog friendly Death Valley guide!
Are Dogs Allowed at Death Valley
Yes, dogs are allowed at Death Valley. However, just like most national parks, there are rules you need to follow to ensure the safety and well-being of both the pets and the park environment.
The Death Valley National Park dog policy includes:
- Dogs are allowed with you at your campgrounds.
- For obvious reasons, do not leave your dog in the car during the day.
- They must be kept on a leash, no longer than 6 feet at all times.
- Dogs are only allowed to walk on paved and dirt roads.
- They are not permitted on any trails or inside park buildings.
Tip know before you go: Zabriskie Point is a paved trail. However, dogs are technically not permitted.
Things To Do in Death Valley With Dogs
Discovering things to do in Death Valley with dogs is the area that I had the most trouble with when planning our trip. Besides the Death Valley National Park website, I could not find current information on travelers’ personal experiences with taking their dogs to Death Valley.
It felt like our only option was to drive in the car, which I was not too excited about. I wanted to see Badwater Basin, Mesquite Flat Dunes, and Zabriskie Point.
Otherwise, what is the point of traveling all the way there? Here are my tips and first-hand experiences with taking a dog to Death Valley National Park.
Dog Friendly Death Valley: Where Can You Go With Your Dog?
1. Dog Friendly Drives Death Valley
One way to experience and explore Death Valley National Park is to go on a beautiful drive. If you are not into the heat or hiking, that is something you should absolutely look into doing. Some great Death Valley drives to go on with your dogs:
- Artist Drive Loop
- Titus Canyon Road
- Twenty Mule Team Canyon
- 20 Mule Team Canyon
- Devil’s Golf Course Road
- Father Crowley Point spur road to Padre Point
- Furnace Creek Airport Road
- Lake Hill Road
- Mustard Canyon Road
- Cottonwood-Marble Access Road
Titus Canyon Road, Artist Drive Loop, & 20 Mule Tem Canyon are the three that I researched or visited that I felt were worth going on.
2. Artist Palette
You can find Artist Palette by driving the 9-mile loop on Artist Drive. There are a few pull-off locations where you can get out of your car and take pictures of beautiful hued mountains.
One of the vistas, is a short uphill hike that is dog-friendly. Here you can get an incredible picture with the mountains as your backdrop. I suggest doing this earlier in the day because there is no shade and it gets hot out there in the blaring sun.
There are trails that get you a closer look of the rainbow colored mountains. However, they are unfortunately not dog friendly.
3. Dantes View
Visiting Dante’s View is a must-do dog-friendly activity in Death Valley. This spot was a highlight of my trip to the national park and is truly worth the journey. The vista offers expansive views of the southern Death Valley basin.
As soon as you step out of your car, you’re welcomed by the awe-inspiring scenery of Death Valley. While I had heard of its beauty, seeing it in person exceeded all my expectations.
Dante’s View is not only easily accessible and dog-friendly but also provides a unique perspective. On clear days, it allows you to see both the lowest point in North America and the highest point within Death Valley– the salt flats of Badwater Basin and Telescope Peak in the Panamint Range.
Fun Fact, there is water in Death Valley! A river actually flows underneath this breathtaking vista!!
4. Ubehebe Crater
If you’re willing to venture a bit off the beaten path and another stop on the dog-friendly Death Valley guide is the Ubehebe Crater.
The crater is conveniently close to the parking area, making it an easy stop. While dogs aren’t permitted on the trail that circles the crater, you can still have a fulfilling experience and view the magnificent Ubehebe Crater without walking the trail.
5. Devils Golf Course
The Devil’s Golf Course is a vast and impressive salt pan located on the floor of Death Valley. Dogs are not allowed on the salt flats, as the terrain could be hazardous for them.
But the good news is, you can still enjoy viewing the Devil’s Golf Course. Either from your car in the parking lot or because it is so close to the parking lot, you can take a quick couple of minutes to explore the salt crystals and leave your dog in an air-conditioned car.
6. Father Crawley Vista Point
Farther Crawley Vista Point is close to one of the entrances to Death Valley and makes for a great spot to stretch your dog’s legs.
The Vista Point is a short walk from your car. I do not think it is an absolute must-see location. However, if you drive by, it is a good destination for a beautiful view that you can also bring your dog.
7. Wildrose Charcoal Kilns
A unique and underrated site in Death Valley is the Wildrose Charcoal Kilns. These ten beehive-shaped, 25-foot-tall structures were built in the late 19th century for charcoal production.
You can find the historic Charcoal Kilns nestled in the scenic Wildrose Canyon along Emigrant Canyon Road. The kilns can be easily seen from the parking area, but with a short stroll, you can wander around and explore the kilns up close.
8. Badwater Basin
The salt flats at Badwater Basin are not dog friendly, but I left them on this list because there is still a way to see them with a dog.
When you arrive at Badwater Basin, there is a little boardwalk where the salt flats begin. You can bring your dog there, but dogs are not allowed on the actual salt flats.
To get a good look at the mesmerizing salt flats you see all over social media, you will need to walk about 30 minutes out onto the flats. Our way of both being able to witness the salt flats was by taking turns.
One of us sat with the dog in the car while the other explored the salt flats. Not the most ideal situation, but we were both able to experience Death Valley’s spectacular salt flats. It was one of my favorite sites, so I thought it was worth it!
9. Rhyolite Ghost Town
Rhyolite Ghost Town is technically outside of the gates of Death Valley in Beatty, NV. However, if you have time, Rhyolite is a fascinating town and was the highlight of our Beatty, NV visit.
Established in 1904 during a gold rush in the nearby Bullfrog Mountains, Rhyolite quickly grew, boasting banks, railroads, newspapers, a school, and numerous saloons. However, as gold production waned, the town declined and was deserted by 1919.
Today, it’s a popular attraction just a short drive from Beatty, where you can get an up-close view of the remains of this once-bustling mining town. Rhyolite is easily accessible by a paved road and is dog friendly!
Top Death Valley Spots That are NOT Dog Friendly
To ensure you make the most of your time and don’t miss out on some of Death Valley’s prime attractions, consider our approach when I visited with my husband. Since there are a few top sites that aren’t dog-friendly, we took turns staying with our dog while the other explored.
This strategy might not suit everyone, but it was our solution to experiencing places like Badwater Basin and Mesquite Sand Dunes. It’s a practical way to enjoy these must-see locations without leaving your furry friend behind.
1. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Dogs are not allowed on the Mesquite Sand Dunes in Death Valley to protect both your pet and the local wildlife. To visit these massive dunes, it’s best to go with another person. This way, one can explore the dunes while the other stays with the dog.
Tip, to save some time, instead of heading towards the popular large dunes, consider a less traveled path. We found this route offered a more private experience and was quicker to access.
2. Zabriskie Point
Dogs are not allowed at Zabriskie Point, even though it is a short paved trail. Our way around this was going to see Zabriskie Point at sunrise. Seeing the moon set here at the same time as sunrise was just as breathtaking!
It was a very chilly and windy morning, so we were able to leave our dog in the car for a short period of time to see the sunrise.
As soon as the sun came up, we booked it back to the car. Tip: You do not need to arrive extra early to grab a spot. There is plenty of space at Zabriskie Point to watch the beautiful sunrise.
3. Badwater Basin
I mentioned Badwater Basin above, you can bring your dog to the main entrance but dogs are not allowed on the salt flats. From the entrance, you will not be able to see the infamous unique polygonal patterns.
Dog Friendly Death Valley Lodging Options
Choosing where to stay at Death Valley is a big decision when planning your visit to the national park. There are only 4 hotels inside Death Valley National Park. Two of those hotels are dog-friendly. Lodging inside Death Valley National Park books up quickly, so be sure to make your reservations as soon as possible.
Your other option is to book your stay outside of Death Valley in a nearby city. I have found that the majority of the accommodations outside of the national park are dog friendly and will be at a cheaper price.
Panamint Springs Resort
Panamint Springs Resort is one of the two dog-friendly lodgings inside of Death Valley National Park. The other popular hotels in Death Valley, such as the Inn and the Ranch at the Oasis, are not dog friendly.
Panamint Springs is a budget-friendly motel that offers lodging in one of their cabin-style rooms or you can book your stay at their campsite and RV site. They also have a restaurant on-site.
✅ Check rates & availability for Panamint Springs Resorts in Death Valley here
Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel
Stovepipe Wells Hotel is the second dog friendly hotel in Death Valley. It’s a cozy hotel surrounded by views of the Mesquite Sand Dunes.
The hotel has an Old Western theme with a rustic saloon and restaurant. Other amenities include a heated outdoor pool, general store, RV park, and a campsite are also available.
✅ Check rates & availability at Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel in Death Valley here
Camping With Your Dog Death Valley
As I mentioned above, you are allowed to camp in Death Valley with your dogs. If you are looking for a dog-friendly tent perfect for Death Valley and other outdoor adventures visit my post 13 Best Tents For Dogs: Ultimate Guide & Review
But be aware, even in the spring, the temperatures at night drop, and during the day, the heat can be unbearable. However, if you do not mind these temperature swings, you can find more information on camping in Death Valley National Park here.
Dog-Friendly Hotels Near Death Valley
We visited on a busy weekend and were unable to stay inside Death Valley, but we found lodging in Beatty, Nevada.
Beatty is the town right outside of Death Valley. It will take you about 45 minutes to 1 hour to get to the locations inside Death Valley. Beatty is a little bit of an extra drive, but we did enjoy our time exploring this small town.
You will not be disappointed with your visit, there are so many unique and interesting things to do in Beatty, NV, including a ghost town! There are plenty of great restaurants to grab a bite after a long day in Death Valley and other touristy locations in the area for you to explore.
Amargosa Opera House
Another option, especially if you are traveling from Las Vegas, is staying in Death Valley Junction. Amargosa Opera House is a café, opera house, and dog-friendly hotel in Death Valley Junction.
Amargosa is a little closer to the entrance of the national park and must-see locations than Beatty, NV.
✅ Check rates & availability at the Amargosa Opera House in Death Valley Junction here
Stagecoach Hotel & Casino
For a little bit of everything, including a 24-hour casino, Stagecoach Hotel is a great budget-friendly option.
They also offer amenities like a pool, spa, and a Denny’s Restaurant. The Stagecoach Hotel & Casino is also located on Highway 95, which is the main street that runs through Beatty, NV.
When to Visit Death Valley With Your Dog
The time of year is vital when deciding on taking your dogs to Death Valley National Park. You can visit Death Valley year-round, but the best months to visit are between mid-October to April.
Spring is the most popular time of year to visit because of the warm days and wildflowers that grow in the valley. I suggest booking your accommodations ASAP because they always fill up this time of year.
Anything after April, I strongly do not advise bringing your dogs. The summer months can reach extreme highs and exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
What to Pack for Your Dog for Death Valley
When are visiting Death Valley, there are a couple of must-have essentials you will need for your road trip.
- Collapsible water bowl: Keeping your dog hydrated is so important when you are traveling to Death Valley. We brought jugs of water and a cooler of ice for us and our dog Cash. We love this Ruffwear collapsable water bowl because it’s lightweight, waterproof, and big enough to be a food bowl. Also, it’s a lot more durable than the silicone bowls, our dogs chew those up after a couple of uses.
- Paw Wax: I can only imagine the judgemental look I would get from one of my Golden’s if I put them in dog shoes, so paw wax is a great alternative. It helps keep their paws protected against hot pavement, sand, rough terrain, and other extreme conditions. Musher’s Secret is a safe and natural dog paw wax you can use to protect your dog when visiting Death Valley.
Pros & Cons of Taking Your Dogs to Death Valley National Park
Pros:
- You get to take your dog on a fun and exciting road trip
- Save on boarding your dog for the weekend
- There are multiple drives and must-see locations where you can take your dog.
- Many workarounds to allow you to visit all of the top locations to see in Death Valley
Cons:
- The options for dog-friendly lodging is limited
- You cannot go hiking in Death Valley with your dog.
- Dogs are not allowed at some of the top sites in Death Valley
- I do not recommend visiting with dogs during the summer months
- You may have to do some solo hiking if someone has to stay with the dog.
In Conclusion: Is Taking Your Dogs to Death Valley National Park Worth It?
My answer is yes, taking your dogs to Death Valley is worth it! With these few workarounds and a little patience, we could see everything we had on our bucket list in Death Valley.
I would say the only reason I would not bring a dog again is if we wanted to go hiking next time or if you are making a solo trip to the national park.
If you are coming to Death Valley to admire all of its beautiful anomalies, and you are also debating about taking your dog with you, I say go for it!!
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