Dante’s View at a Glance
| Location | Death Valley National Park, Dantes View Rd, California 92328 |
| Cost | $30 for a 7-day pass to the entire Death Valley National Park or the America the Beautiful Pass is accepted. (Pricing as of 2023 and subject to change). More information here. |
| Amenities | Parking area, information sign boards, walking trail up Mt. Perry |
| Average Visit Time | <30 minutes |
| Elevation | 5,575 feet |
| Rating | 4.5 Mooses |
What to expect at Dante’s View
We’ve been to Dante’s View twice, it’s that popular. You’ll find it near the eastern entrance of Death Valley when arriving from Las Vegas.
To reach the location, you’ll have to traverse a steep winding road that is unsuitable for large vehicles. In fact, there are warning signs that restrict larger vehicles from attempting to reach the summit.
Our first visit
We arrived early, around 9:30 a.m. and found the parking lot near empty. When we got out of the car, it was no surprise why no one was there. The wind was blowing and the area was freezing. We quickly put on the only jacket we had (thin sweatshirts), and attempted to enjoy the view.
Our visit didn’t last long. We snapped a few photos and hightailed it out of there.
While beautiful, our mistake was to hit the viewpoint so early. At 5,575 feet in elevation, the temperatures are vastly different than Badwater Basin (the lowest point in North America and 282 feet below sea-level).
If you plan to visit the viewpoint in the winter months, we recommend checking it out later in the day when air has warmed up.
Our second visit
We decided to visit again when taking our family on a day trip to visit Death Valley. It’s such a popular spot and we were itching to go back since our first visit was cut short.
During our next visit, the sun was shining and temperatures were much warmer. This also meant more visitors in the area, despite it being only 10 a.m. on a week day.
We were able to learn about the history of the area with the multiple sign boards at the vantage, and watch some hikers marching up Mt. Perry that leaves from the parking area.
Is visiting Dante’s view worth it?
What we liked:
- You can’t beat the views; they are quite stunning.
- On our second visit, the temperature was pleasant and we enjoyed learning about the history of the area.
What we didn’t like:
- The road leading up to the vantage is extremely narrow with some blind and tight corners.
- It’s quite a distance off the main road to reach the vista.
Verdict: Once is enough for this activity (assuming the temperatures aren’t too cold to enjoy your visit). Frankly, the views won’t change, and it takes a long time to drive there. We feel like there are more spectacular places to visit such as Zabriskie Point, or the drive to Artistes Palette.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the road to Dante’s View difficult to drive?
We wouldn’t consider it difficult, mostly long and a bit demanding the last few miles. The last few miles of the road are extremely narrow and winding. Vehicles longer than 25 fee should not use the road to the viewpoint.
What type of amenities are at Dante’s View?
There isn’t much at Dante’s View. You won’t find any restrooms or running water. There are some information sign boards in the area. The biggest amenity is the view itself!
What is the best time to visit Dante’s View?
The best time to visit Dante’s View is to watch the sunrise or sunset. If you visit at mid-day, you will find the area most crowded.
The higher elevation also leads to much cooler temperatures which is a benefit during the hot summer months.
Are there are any hiking trails?
Yes! You will find a trailhead that leads up the nearby Mt. Perry. We did see a few people hiking up there on our second visit, but it doesn’t look like the view changes much.
More information for your trip to Death Valley
