Quick Facts:
Location: Death Valley, California
Coordinates: 36.36349901648018, -116.8027869848462
Length: .4 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Dog Friendly: No
Introduction:
Death Valley has no shortage of jaw-dropping landscapes, but Artists Palette might be the most surreal of them all. Tucked away in the badlands along Artists Drive, this spot looks like nature decided to throw a paint party. Splashes of pink, green, yellow, and purple streak across the hills, creating a landscape so vibrant it’s hard to believe it’s real. If you’re looking for one of the most photogenic places in the park, this is it.
Getting to Artists Palette:
Artists Palette is located along Artists Drive, a scenic 9-mile one-way road that loops off Badwater Road. If you’re coming from Furnace Creek, head south on Badwater Road for about 10 miles, then turn onto Artists Drive. The road is paved but narrow and winding, with a few tight curves. Larger RVs aren’t recommended, but any standard vehicle will have no problem getting there. Death Valley National Park charges a $15-$30 fee or you can use the America the Beautiful Pass to enter.
Parking Information:
There’s a designated parking area at Artists Palette, and it usually has plenty of space. This is a popular stop, so it can get busy, especially around sunrise and sunset. From the parking lot, a short trail leads down into the colorful hills, letting you explore up close.
Landscape Description:
The first thing that hits you when you arrive is the explosion of colors. The hills get their wild hues from minerals left behind by ancient volcanic activity, iron creates the reds and yellows, manganese gives off purples, and greenish tones come from decomposed mica. The result is a landscape that looks more like an abstract painting than a natural rock formation.
You don’t need to hike far to get an amazing view. From the parking lot, a short walk down into the hills lets you stand among the colors. The terrain is soft and uneven, but there’s no set trail, you can explore at your own pace. The hills are small, and while some paths require light scrambling, most visitors find it easy to wander through the area.
Trail Difficulty and Length:
There isn’t an official trail at Artists Palette, so you can make your walk as short or as long as you want. Most people spend 15 to 30 minutes exploring, with some venturing further into the hills. The terrain is uneven but manageable, making this more of a sightseeing stop than a true hike. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can roam deeper into the hills.
Dog-Friendly?
Unfortunately, no. Like most of Death Valley’s trails and scenic areas, pets are not allowed at Artists Palette. The desert heat and rough terrain make it a tough place for dogs anyway.
Park Rules and Regulations:
Stick to existing paths as much as possible to protect the fragile landscape. Don’t take rocks or disturb the formations. These colors have taken thousands of years to develop, and keeping them intact is important. As always, pack out any trash and bring plenty of water, even if you’re only stopping for a short visit.
Other Hikes Nearby:
If Artists Palette makes you want to explore more colorful badlands, check out the Badlands Loop near Zabriskie Point. Golden Canyon is another great hike nearby, leading through dramatic, twisting canyons to the stunning Red Cathedral formation. If you’re looking for something quick, the Natural Bridge Trail is an easy walk to a towering rock arch.
Non-Hiking Attractions Nearby:
Artists Palette is just a short drive from Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America. If you want a high-elevation view, head up to Dante’s View, which gives you a sweeping panorama of the valley. For a touch of history, check out Harmony Borax Works, where you can learn about the area’s mining past.
Best Time to Visit:
Death Valley is brutally hot in summer, so the best time to visit is from November to March. The cooler months make exploring much more enjoyable. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to see Artists Palette, the low light makes the colors even more intense. If you visit during midday, the colors can look washed out under the harsh sun, so timing is everything.
