The Artist’s Drive Scenic Loop in Death Valley National Park is a one way 9 mile loop.
Artist’s Drive Scenic Loop
The road takes you through the Black Mountains with several places to pull over along the way, including the most popular at Artist’s Palette Viewpoint.
Artist’s Drive Scenic Loop
The Artist’s Palette will be about 4 miles into the drive. A road to the right will lead you to the parking lot.
Artist’s Drive Scenic Loop
The colors you see are from ancient volcanic deposits, rich in iron oxides and chlorite. They are best seen early or late in the day.
Artist’s Drive Scenic Loop
The area is vast and although there are no marked trails, you are allowed to explore the area on foot.
Artist’s Drive Scenic Loop
There is plenty to see from the car, if it’s too hot for much exploration on foot. The walk to the viewing area of the Artist’s Palette is .4 mile RT. That was all we were able to manage, as our visit was mid-summer and the heat was a definite limiting factor.
Things to Know Before You Go:
- The entrance fee for the park is currently $30/car; the America the Beautiful Pass is accepted here, as well. Check here for the most current price.
- The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is open from 8 am – 5pm daily, 365 days a year. They have water, snacks, souvenirs, park rangers and bathrooms.
- There are three gas stations inside Death Valley National Park: The Oasis at Death Valley, Panamint Springs, and Stovepipe Wells Resort. It will be very expensive, try to fill up before you enter the park. We did a lot of driving in the park and needed to top off, as running out of gas, in the summer, in Death Valley, was not an experience we wanted to have. The price was over $9/gallon (in 2022).
- There are campgrounds and 4 hotels located in the park
- Due to the curves in the road, RV’s are limited to under 25 feet.
Our next stop in the park was at The Last Kind Words Saloon for dinner and then on to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes before returning to our room at The Inn at Death Valley. As always, wishing you happy travels and fantastic adventures in this thing called life.
(All pictures are available as Fine Art Prints or Digital Downloads for purchase through Alamy. If you see something you like, click on the link. If you are unable to find it, use the Contact Me page and I will make sure the image is available.)
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Artist’s Drive Scenic Loop
