There is a reason Dante’s View is the primary overlook in Death Valley. The spot offers premier panoramic views. Below Dante’s View is Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America. Across the valley rises Telescope Peak, the highest in the park. Under the morning light, the views are breathtaking in every direction, and it feels like cheating to be able to drive right up to such amazing views.

Perched atop the Black Mountains at 5,475 feet, Dante’s view is tall and wide. Both of Death Valley’s elevation extremes, 282 feet below sea level and 11,049 feet above, can be seen in a single glance.

Those who have already walked out on Badwater Basin and looked up at the Black Mountains, can now look down on the little dark specks moving across the salt flat. Understanding that those little specks are people provides a real perspective on the vastness of Death Valley.

Dante’s View

From the parking lot, trails extend along the ridges to the north and south allowing visitors to look further up and down the valley. Neither path is more than a mile long and each is worthy of exploring if time permits.

Wardrobe note: Pack a sweatshirt or a windbreaker. The elevation and wind make Dante’s View noticeably chillier than the valley below.

To get to Dante’s View: From Furnace Creek, drive southeast for 11 miles (passing Zabriskie Point). Turn right on Dante’s View Road and drive 13 miles up to the road’s end at Dante’s View.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

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Photos

 

       
       

These photos were taken in November of 2009. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails & Attractions

 

	Badwater Basin This is the lowest place in North America — a required stop for first time visitors to Death Valley.
	Zabriskie Point Zabriskie Point offers a stunning panorama of the badlands near Furnace Creek.
	Twenty Mule Team Canyon This 2.8-mile one way road is just up the road from Zabriskie Point. The fine canyon that can be experienced right from the driver’s seat.
	Wildrose Peak This 8.4-mile hike summits a 9,064-foot peak in the Panamint Mountains north of Telescope Peak.
	Death Valley Explore more destinations in Death Valley National Park

Camping

 

Death Valley Campgrounds There are nine campgrounds spread throughout this large park to facilitate your visit.

More Info

 

USGS geology field trip of Dante’s View

Dante’s View on wikipedia

A virtual tour of locations where STAR WARS EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE was filmed in Death Valley

The official website for Death Valley