Death Valley earned its moniker in the mid-1800s when a group of pioneers got lost in the region and believed they’d never make it out the other side. The forbidding name has stuck ever since, and the site was officially inscribed as a national park in 1994. Today, millions of visitors from across the country and beyond venture to the desert, following their spirit of adventure in pursuit of new discoveries. 

Open 24 hours, Death Valley is seemingly the park that never sleeps. ‘Death Valley by night’ might sound like the subtitle to a horror movie, but there’s nothing creepy about this magical place. In fact, as the sun goes down and the mercury starts to fall, the park springs to life all around you. In this quick guide, we explore three things you have to experience in Death Valley at nighttime. 

Savour the sunset

Golden hour in Death Valley is a special time of day. As the sun’s sweltering heat starts to subside, find a comfortable spot and savour the colourful scene projected across the rocky and rugged landscape. One of the most spectacular places to enjoy the natural beauty of California’s setting sun is at Artists Palette. This awe-inspiring arrangement of volcanic rocks adds a welcome splash of colour to the park. Beautiful at any time of day, Artists Palette becomes all the more beautiful when the colours from the sun’s rays blend seamlessly into the geology. Or, for a bird’s-eye perspective of the desert, pack up your camera and head to Dante’s View – one of the park’s best viewpoints. 

Gaze into the universe

Once the sun has disappeared for the night, keep your eyes transfixed on the dark skies above. Death Valley is a certified “Gold Tier” destination according to the International Dark-Sky Association, meaning it’s in the top classification for stargazing destinations in the country. Follow local advice to get the most out of your experience: head to parts of the park less impacted by light pollution like Badwater Basin and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, allow at least 30 minutes to let your eyes adjust to the conditions and check the latest information to find out what might be visible where. 

For any amateur astronomers among you, time your visit to Death Valley to coincide with the Dark Sky Festival which takes place every spring. This multi-day event gives visitors the chance to learn more about outer space, with plenty of guest speakers and activities to engage the entire party. 

Set up camp 

If you’re looking for a truly wild experience, what better way to end your day in Death Valley than by camping in the great outdoors? As enjoyable as a spontaneous camping trip can be, in the spirit of health and safety, it’s always worth planning ahead when staying here. In the summer months, temperatures can still exceed 100ºF during the night, making it too uncomfortable for many. 

For this reason, if camping is on the itinerary, you might be better served booking a slot in the winter/spring seasons. Make sure you stay in designated campgrounds for your safety, and try to book your slot in advance to guarantee your space; between October – April, the sites can fill up really quickly. Once you’re there, you can enjoy a relaxing night under the stars, making sure you respect the local area and properly dispose of your waste before leaving.