Dante's View Death Valley
Perched high above Death Valley, Dante's View offers breathtaking, cinematic panoramas of the surreal desert landscape and is a Star Wars filming site...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, clear skies
Dante's View Death Valley
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, clear skies
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Perched high above Death Valley, Dante's View offers breathtaking, cinematic panoramas of the surreal desert landscape and is a Star Wars filming site.
"The view is ridiculous. You look down at Death Valley and the entire salt flat looks like a giant spilled a vanilla milkshake."
🧥 Pack Layers for Chilly Air
Despite Death Valley's heat, Dante's View is often surprisingly cold. Bring a jacket!
🚗 Drive Carefully Up the Steep Road
The final 10 minutes are steep. Avoid driving in the dark, especially for sunrise/sunset.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Valley Views
Main viewpoint
Gaze down at the vast, surreal landscape of Death Valley, resembling a spilled milkshake. Truly cinematic and awe-inspiring.
Star Wars Filming Location
Main viewpoint
Stand where the iconic Mos Eisley Spaceport was filmed. A must-see for any Star Wars fan!
Sunset Spectacle
Main viewpoint
Witness one of the most unforgettable sunsets, painting the desert in vibrant hues.
Night Sky Photography
Main viewpoint
Capture stunning star trails and the Milky Way over the dramatic desert landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
Your Gateway to the Stars
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Pack Layers for Chilly Air
Despite Death Valley's heat, Dante's View is often surprisingly cold. Bring a jacket!
🚗 Drive Carefully Up the Steep Road
The final 10 minutes are steep. Avoid driving in the dark, especially for sunrise/sunset.
✨ Perfect for Astrophotography
The dark skies here are incredible for capturing stars and the Milky Way.
📸 Multiple Viewpoints Available
Explore various spots for unique perspectives of the valley floor.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Pack Layers for Chilly Air
Despite Death Valley's heat, Dante's View is often surprisingly cold. Bring a jacket!
🚗 Drive Carefully Up the Steep Road
The final 10 minutes are steep. Avoid driving in the dark, especially for sunrise/sunset.
✨ Perfect for Astrophotography
The dark skies here are incredible for capturing stars and the Milky Way.
📸 Multiple Viewpoints Available
Explore various spots for unique perspectives of the valley floor.
🅿️ Ample Parking
You won't have trouble finding a spot to park and soak in the views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking, cinematic views from Dante's View, often comparing the salt flats to a surreal work of art. The cooler temperatures at this elevation are a welcome surprise, and the drive, though steep, is considered absolutely worth it for the unforgettable panoramas and sunset experiences. It's a must-visit for its sheer beauty and unique perspective on Death Valley.
"Dante’s View is one of those places that makes you forget you are in the hottest place on Earth, mostly because it tries to freeze your face off the moment you step out of the car. When I was there it was genuinely chilly. The kind of cold that whispers “you packed wrong”.
The view is ridiculous. You look down at Death Valley and the entire salt flat looks like a giant spilled a vanilla milkshake and just walked away. All those white swirls and streaks stretching across the valley make the whole place look like the desert tried modern art.
It feels endless. Cinematic. A little bit apocalyptic in the best possible way.
Parking is big. Easy. No fighting other tourists for a spot. You step out, the wind punches you, and then the view finishes the job.
Absolutely worth the drive. Absolutely worth the cold."
Wade Wilson
"If you want a great viewpoint or sunset spot in Death Valley this is where you should go. I was shocked by not hearing more about this prior to my trip it was probably my favorite spot in the park. It’s beautiful and has many different view points. I HIGHLY recommend checking this out!! Went at the end of April for reference, it was chilly so would at least bring a jacket depending on time of year."
Vickie Parry
"Just a little over 2 hrs to get here from Las Vegas, but the views are amazing! You don't need any entry ticket or pass to get in, as you just drive up to a parking lot for this vista viewpoint. The last 10 or so minutes of driving up to this point is quite steep, so would recommend not driving in the dark if you plan on coming here for sunrise or after sunset. We didn't do any hiking trails here, but we did see a few walking paths. Make a stop here if you can!"
Karoline L
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dante's View is accessible by car via Furnace Creek Wash Road and Dante's View Road from Highway 190. It's about a 40-minute drive from the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. The final 10 minutes of the drive are quite steep.
The drive is generally straightforward, but the last section is steep and winding. It's recommended to avoid driving in the dark, especially if you're aiming for sunrise or sunset.
Yes, Dante's View is about a 2-hour drive from Las Vegas, making it a feasible day trip or stop on your way to or from the city.
Furnace Creek is the main hub in Death Valley National Park and the closest area to access major attractions like Dante's View if you're coming from Las Vegas.
A standard vehicle is sufficient for the drive to Dante's View. However, be mindful of the steep incline and curves, especially if you have a larger vehicle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No entry ticket or pass is required specifically for Dante's View itself, as it's a viewpoint with a parking lot. However, a National Park Pass is recommended for accessing other areas within Death Valley National Park.
Dante's View is accessible 24/7, as it's an outdoor viewpoint. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and the best views.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Death Valley National Park. An annual pass covers multiple parks and is a good option if you plan to visit several national parks.
Dante's View is open year-round. However, spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures for visiting.
The main consideration is the steep drive. Be cautious, especially in adverse weather conditions. Otherwise, it's an open viewpoint.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
Sunset offers spectacular colors, while sunrise provides a softer light. Nighttime is ideal for astrophotography with minimal light pollution.
You'll get breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Death Valley, including Badwater Basin, salt flats, and surrounding mountain ranges. It's often described as cinematic and surreal.
Absolutely! Dante's View is a premier location for night sky photography due to its high elevation and lack of light pollution, offering stunning views of stars and the Milky Way.
Yes, Dante's View was famously used as the filming location for Mos Eisley Spaceport in Star Wars: A New Hope.
While the main attraction is the viewpoint, there are some walking paths and short trails around the area for exploring different perspectives.
🎫 🌡️ Weather & What to Wear
Despite Death Valley's reputation, Dante's View is often surprisingly chilly due to its high elevation (over 5,400 feet). Temperatures can be significantly lower than the valley floor.
It's crucial to wear layers. Even in warmer months, bring a jacket or sweater as the wind can be strong and the temperature cool.
While the valley floor can be extreme, Dante's View is generally more bearable due to the elevation. However, it's still advisable to stay hydrated and wear sun protection.
Spring and Fall are considered the best seasons, offering mild temperatures and clear skies. Winter can also be pleasant, though colder.
While the valley floor is known for extreme heat, Dante's View's elevation provides some relief. However, always check the forecast and be prepared for desert conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🌌 Stargazers & Astrophotographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Cinematic Landscape of Dante's View
The visual impact is immense, offering a sense of scale that is hard to comprehend from the valley floor. The rugged mountain ranges surrounding the valley create a dramatic backdrop, enhancing the feeling of being on the edge of the world. This dramatic scenery is precisely what drew the Star Wars filmmakers to the location, using it as the iconic backdrop for Mos Eisley Spaceport in 'A New Hope.' Standing here, you can almost feel the cinematic history embedded in the landscape.
Beyond its visual grandeur, Dante's View is also a prime location for experiencing the raw power of nature. The wind can be a significant factor, often described as punching you the moment you step out of your car, adding to the wild, untamed feel of the place. This raw, exposed environment makes it a powerful reminder of the forces that shape our planet.
Capturing the Night Sky at Dante's View
Many visitors recommend staying after dark to witness the full spectacle of the night sky. The contrast between the dark desert landscape and the brilliant expanse of stars is truly mesmerizing. It's a chance to connect with the cosmos in a way that's rarely possible in more populated areas.
When planning your night visit, remember the advice about the steep drive; it's best to arrive before dusk to familiarize yourself with the road. Bringing a tripod and appropriate camera gear will allow you to capture the magic of the night sky effectively. The experience of seeing the stars emerge over the silent, vast desert is often cited as a highlight of any Death Valley trip.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips
The drive to Dante's View is part of the experience. While accessible by standard vehicles, the final 10 minutes are steep and winding. Visitors are advised to drive carefully and avoid this section in the dark, particularly if you're aiming for sunrise or sunset. This caution is crucial for safety, especially if you're unfamiliar with the road.
While Dante's View itself doesn't require a park pass, it's part of Death Valley National Park, which does have an entrance fee. If you plan to explore other areas of the park, such as Zabriskie Point or Badwater Basin, a National Park Pass or the park's entrance fee will be necessary. Ample parking is available at the viewpoint, making it easy to access once you arrive.
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