Artist's Drive & Artist's Palette Death Valley
Experience the vibrant, mineral-rich hillsides of Artist's Palette on a scenic drive through Death Valley's colorful desert landscape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Colors pop, light is magical
Artist's Drive & Artist's Palette Death Valley
Best Time
Colors pop, light is magical
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the vibrant, mineral-rich hillsides of Artist's Palette on a scenic drive through Death Valley's colorful desert landscape.
"The colors at Artist's Palette are absolutely breathtaking, especially during golden hour!"
🌅 Chase the Golden Hour
Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic colors at Artist's Palette.
🚗 Drive Safely on the Loop
Artist's Drive is a one-way road; take your time and be aware of other vehicles.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Artist's Palette
Along Artist's Drive
Witness a breathtaking display of mineral-rich hillsides painted with vibrant streaks of red, yellow, and purple.
Artist's Drive Scenic Loop
South of Furnace Creek
A 9-mile one-way road offering stunning desert vistas and access to unique geological formations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Colors
Prepare for a Scenic, Unpaved Drive
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Chase the Golden Hour
Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic colors at Artist's Palette.
🚗 Drive Safely on the Loop
Artist's Drive is a one-way road; take your time and be aware of other vehicles.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Death Valley is extremely hot and dry. Carry plenty of water, even for short stops.
📸 Capture the Hues
The mineral deposits create a natural masterpiece; bring your camera for stunning photos.
I need assistance with an itinerary for a quick trip to Death Valley--are we trying to do too much?
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Chase the Golden Hour
Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic colors at Artist's Palette.
🚗 Drive Safely on the Loop
Artist's Drive is a one-way road; take your time and be aware of other vehicles.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Death Valley is extremely hot and dry. Carry plenty of water, even for short stops.
📸 Capture the Hues
The mineral deposits create a natural masterpiece; bring your camera for stunning photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning, otherworldly colors of Artist's Palette, calling it a must-see in Death Valley. The scenic drive offers breathtaking desert vistas. Some note that the colors are best appreciated during sunrise or sunset and that the road can be rough in places.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Artist's Drive is located off Badwater Road, south of Furnace Creek. It's a 9-mile one-way scenic loop. Artist's Palette is a viewpoint about 5 miles into the drive.
The best way is to drive Artist's Drive, a paved but sometimes rough one-way road. Artist's Palette is a designated viewpoint along this route.
Artist's Drive is generally accessible for most vehicles, but it can have unpaved sections. It's advisable to check current road conditions with the National Park Service before your visit.
Artist's Drive is a one-way road, so you can only drive it in the designated direction. It's open year-round, but always check for any temporary closures.
The drive itself is about 9 miles and can take 30-60 minutes without stops. However, you'll want to stop frequently to admire the views, so budget at least 1-2 hours for the entire experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Artist's Drive and Artist's Palette are located within Death Valley National Park, which requires an entrance fee. You can purchase passes at the park entrance stations or online.
Artist's Drive is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, the best time to visit for photography and viewing the colors is during daylight hours, especially sunrise and sunset.
No, Artist's Palette is a viewpoint along Artist's Drive, and there is no separate fee beyond the Death Valley National Park entrance fee.
You can purchase your Death Valley National Park entrance pass in advance online to save time at the entrance station.
The main restriction is that it's a one-way road. Always be mindful of the extreme desert environment and follow Leave No Trace principles.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most dramatic and vibrant colors due to the low-angle light.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive desert landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating specific colorful formations. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions.
Yes, there are pull-offs and designated viewpoints along Artist's Drive that offer excellent perspectives of Artist's Palette.
Use your camera's white balance settings to match the lighting conditions. Shooting in RAW format will give you more flexibility in post-processing to enhance the natural colors.
Besides Artist's Palette, look for unique rock formations, sweeping desert vistas, and the winding road itself. The light changes throughout the day, offering new photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late afternoon, to make the experience more comfortable for younger ones. The drive itself is an adventure, and the unique landscape provides a great opportunity for kids to learn about geology and desert environments in a fun, engaging way.
📸 Photographers
Don't just focus on Artist's Palette; explore the other viewpoints along the drive. The winding road itself can make for compelling leading lines in your photos. Be prepared for the desert elements – dust and heat can be challenging, so protect your gear and yourself. Shooting in RAW format will give you the most flexibility in post-processing to bring out the incredible natural hues.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of Artist's Palette
The visual spectacle is particularly striking during the golden hours, when the low-angled sunlight accentuates the textures and colors, making the landscape appear almost painted. It’s a prime example of how geological forces can create breathtaking natural art.
When visiting, remember that these are delicate formations. Stick to designated paths and pull-offs to avoid disturbing the fragile desert ecosystem and to preserve the beauty for future visitors.
Navigating Artist's Drive
The drive is designed for slow, leisurely exploration. There are numerous pull-offs and viewpoints where you can safely stop your car, get out, and take in the scenery. The most famous stop is Artist's Palette itself, but don't rush past the other overlooks. Each offers a unique perspective of the surrounding desert landscape and colorful hills.
Allow at least 1 to 2 hours to fully experience Artist's Drive, including time for stops and short walks. Be mindful of other drivers, as the road can be narrow in places. The one-way nature ensures a continuous flow of traffic, but patience is key, especially during busy times.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit