Hiking Dante’s View Trail
Quick Facts:
Location: Death Valley, California
Coordinates: 36.2205704122278, -116.72642982399975
Length: 1 Mile
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: Less than 100’
Dog Friendly: No
Introduction:
If you want the best panoramic view in Death Valley, Dante’s View is where you need to be. Sitting at 5,475 feet, this overlook gives you a jaw-dropping perspective of the valley below. On a clear day, you can see both the highest and lowest points in the continental U.S. Mount Whitney and Badwater Basin in one sweeping view. The air is cooler up here, the crowds are smaller, and the scenery is unbeatable. Whether you’re here for a short walk or a longer hike, this spot is pure magic.
Getting to Dante’s View:
Dante’s View is located about 25 miles southeast of Furnace Creek. To get there, take CA-190 east, then turn onto Dante’s View Road. Follow the winding road up for about 13 miles until you reach the viewpoint. The drive is paved, but it gets steep near the end. Larger RVs and trailers aren’t allowed past the last section due to tight curves and steep grades. 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 parking lot right at the viewpoint with plenty of space. Since this isn’t one of the busiest spots in the park, you usually won’t have trouble finding a spot. There are water stations or restrooms at the top.
Landscape Description:
Most visitors come to Dante’s View just for the overlook, but if you want to stretch your legs, there’s a scenic ridgeline trail that extends from the parking area. The trail runs along the crest of the Black Mountains, offering even more dramatic views of the valley. The farther you go, the fewer people you’ll see, and the more rugged the terrain gets. It’s a fantastic way to escape the crowds and soak in the solitude of the desert.
The landscape here is a stunning contrast to the valley below. While Badwater Basin looks like a flat, endless salt pan from above, the ridgeline at Dante’s View is rocky, windswept, and dotted with hardy desert plants. The elevation keeps temperatures cooler than the valley floor, making this one of the most pleasant places to hike in Death Valley.
Trail Difficulty and Length:
The main ridgeline hike from Dante’s View is about 1 mile round trip with a few short climbs. If you want a longer adventure, continue further along the ridge toward Mount Perry, a 9-mile round-trip trek with moderate elevation gain. The main overlook area is flat and accessible, but the ridge trail has uneven footing and some steep drop-offs, so sturdy shoes are recommended.
Dog-Friendly?
Nope. Like most trails in Death Valley, dogs are not allowed at Dante’s View. It’s best to leave your pup somewhere cool and safe while you explore.
Park Rules and Regulations:
As always in Death Valley, leave no trace. Stay on established trails to protect the fragile desert ecosystem. Don’t disturb plants or wildlife, and be mindful of the steep cliffs along the ridgeline. There’s no shade up here, so sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water are essential.
Other Hikes Nearby:
If you’re looking for another great view, head to Zabriskie Point, which offers a stunning overlook of golden badlands. For a more challenging hike, try Golden Canyon to Red Cathedral, a winding canyon trek with towering rock walls. If you want to experience Death Valley’s famous salt flats up close, visit Badwater Basin, just a short drive from Dante’s View.
Non-Hiking Attractions Nearby:
After soaking in the view, take a scenic drive along Artists Drive, a colorful road through volcanic hills. Stop by Devil’s Golf Course, where jagged salt formations create an otherworldly landscape. If you’re into history, check out Harmony Borax Works to learn about Death Valley’s mining past.
Best Time to Visit:
Dante’s View is one of the few places in Death Valley where you won’t melt in summer, thanks to its high elevation. That said, the best time to visit is from fall to spring (October to April), when temperatures are mild. Sunrise and sunset are particularly stunning, as the low light brings out the deep shadows and glowing colors of the valley below. If you’re here at night, you’re in for a treat, Dante’s View is one of the best stargazing spots in the park, with minimal light pollution and crystal-clear skies.
