Artist's Drive
A 9-mile scenic drive in Death Valley National Park, famous for the vibrant, multicolored hills of Artist's Palette.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Colors pop at golden hour
Artist's Drive
Best Time
Colors pop at golden hour
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 9-mile scenic drive in Death Valley National Park, famous for the vibrant, multicolored hills of Artist's Palette.
"The colors at Artist's Palette are unreal, like driving through a natural rainbow!"
🎯 Golden Hour is Key
Visit Artist's Palette an hour before sunset for the most vibrant colors. The light truly brings the landscape to life!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Death Valley is extremely dry. Carry more water than you think you'll need, especially if you plan to stop and take photos.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Artist's Palette
Along Artist's Drive
Witness a breathtaking natural canvas of multicolored hills, painted by volcanic deposits. A must-see for photographers and nature lovers.
Scenic Drive Views
Entire Artist's Drive
A 9-mile paved loop offering stunning vistas of eroded canyons and vibrant desert landscapes. Perfect for a leisurely road trip.
Golden Hour Magic
Artist's Palette
Experience the most dramatic colors as the sun casts its warm glow, transforming the landscape into a photographer's dream.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Color
Prepare for the Desert
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Golden Hour is Key
Visit Artist's Palette an hour before sunset for the most vibrant colors. The light truly brings the landscape to life!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Death Valley is extremely dry. Carry more water than you think you'll need, especially if you plan to stop and take photos.
🚗 Drive Cautiously
Artist's Drive is a one-way, 9-mile paved road with curves. Take your time and enjoy the scenery.
📸 Camera Ready!
The multicolored hills are incredibly photogenic. Don't forget your camera to capture the unique beauty of Artist's Palette.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Golden Hour is Key
Visit Artist's Palette an hour before sunset for the most vibrant colors. The light truly brings the landscape to life!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Death Valley is extremely dry. Carry more water than you think you'll need, especially if you plan to stop and take photos.
🚗 Drive Cautiously
Artist's Drive is a one-way, 9-mile paved road with curves. Take your time and enjoy the scenery.
📸 Camera Ready!
The multicolored hills are incredibly photogenic. Don't forget your camera to capture the unique beauty of Artist's Palette.
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell service is spotty to non-existent. Ensure you have offline maps downloaded before you enter the park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning, otherworldly colors of Artist's Palette, calling it a must-see for its unique geological beauty. The scenic drive itself is praised for its accessibility and dramatic desert vistas. Some note that the colors are most vibrant during sunrise and sunset, and advise bringing plenty of water due to the extreme desert heat.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Artist's Drive is located off Badwater Road, south of Furnace Creek in Death Valley National Park. It's a 9-mile paved, one-way loop.
Yes, Artist's Drive is a popular day trip from Las Vegas, approximately a 2-hour drive one way.
The best way is by car, allowing you to stop at various viewpoints. Many visitors recommend driving it during golden hour for the best colors.
Artist's Drive is primarily a scenic drive. While you can pull over and explore short distances, it's not a destination for extensive hiking.
The road is paved but can be narrow and winding. While larger vehicles can navigate it, caution is advised. Check park advisories for any restrictions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Artist's Drive is 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 colors is during daylight hours, especially sunrise and sunset.
No, Artist's Drive is included with your Death Valley National Park entrance fee.
While the road is technically open, visiting at night is not recommended for appreciating the colors. However, Death Valley is an excellent stargazing location.
The road is one-way. Always check the official Death Valley National Park website for any temporary closures or advisories before your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The most dramatic colors appear during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The afternoon light also enhances the multicolored hills.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions during sunrise/sunset.
Artist's Palette is the most famous spot for colorful photos. There are numerous pull-offs along the drive offering unique perspectives.
Drone usage is restricted in Death Valley National Park. Always check the latest NPS regulations regarding drones before flying.
The vibrant colors are due to volcanic deposits of varying mineral compositions, creating a natural rainbow effect.
🎫 🚗 Onsite Experience
The drive itself is about 9 miles and can take 30-60 minutes, depending on how often you stop for photos and to admire the views.
Restroom facilities are limited within the immediate Artist's Drive area. It's best to use facilities at Furnace Creek or other main visitor areas before starting the drive.
Wear comfortable clothing suitable for desert weather. Layers are recommended as temperatures can fluctuate. Sun hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential.
Yes, you can pull over at designated spots and get out to explore. Be mindful of the desert environment and stay on marked paths where available.
Absolutely! It's a relatively short and accessible drive that offers iconic Death Valley scenery, making it perfect for a quick stop.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, as amenities are scarce. Make it a game to spot different colors or shapes in the rocks. The drive is short enough to keep younger children engaged, and the numerous pull-offs provide opportunities for quick breaks and photo ops. Ensure everyone wears sun protection and stays hydrated.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Bring your wide-angle lenses and a tripod for those stunning landscape shots. The unique geological formations and vibrant hues offer endless creative possibilities. Beyond Artist's Palette, the entire 9-mile loop provides diverse photographic opportunities. Experiment with different angles and compositions to capture the vastness of the desert and the intricate details of the eroded hills. Remember to check park regulations regarding drone usage if you plan to capture aerial footage.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Plan to spend at least an hour to fully enjoy the drive and stop for photos, especially at Artist's Palette. It’s a great way to see iconic scenery without strenuous hiking, making it ideal for those with limited time or mobility. Remember to fill up your gas tank and bring plenty of water before you start the drive.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of Artist's Palette
The erosion process has sculpted these hills into unique shapes, further enhancing their visual appeal. When the light hits these formations, especially during sunrise and sunset, the colors become incredibly vivid and dynamic. It’s a truly unforgettable sight that draws photographers and nature enthusiasts from around the world.
For the best experience, take your time driving the 9-mile loop and stop at the designated pull-offs. Each viewpoint offers a slightly different perspective on this natural masterpiece. Remember to respect the fragile desert environment and stay on marked paths to preserve its beauty for future visitors.
Capturing the Colors: Photography Tips
When planning your visit, aim to be at Artist's Palette about an hour before sunset. This allows you to witness the changing light and capture the landscape in its most vibrant state. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to encompass the vastness of the scenery. If you plan to shoot during low light, a tripod will be essential for sharp, clear images.
Beyond Artist's Palette, the entire 9-mile scenic drive offers numerous opportunities for stunning landscape photography. Look for interesting rock formations, vast desert vistas, and the interplay of light and shadow. Remember to bring plenty of water and sun protection, as you'll likely be spending a good amount of time outdoors.
Navigating Artist's Drive Safely
Essential preparation for visiting Artist's Drive includes bringing ample water. Death Valley is one of the hottest and driest places on Earth, and dehydration is a serious risk. Carry more water than you think you'll need, and consider bringing snacks. Cell service is unreliable, so download offline maps of the area before you arrive.
When you stop to explore, be mindful of the desert environment. Stick to marked paths where available to avoid disturbing fragile vegetation and wildlife. The desert can be deceptively hot, even in cooler months, so wear appropriate sun protection, including a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit