From Las Vegas: Death Valley Sunset and Starry Night Tour

Planning a trip from Las Vegas to Death Valley? If you’re craving an experience that combines breathtaking landscapes with the serenity of a night under the stars, this guided tour deserves your consideration. It’s a 12-hour journey that offers a rare chance to enjoy both the spectacular sunset and the magnetic night sky of North America’s hottest and most dramatic national park.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it’s the only guided excursion in Death Valley that takes you through the daylight highlights AND the starry night, making it a truly comprehensive experience. Second, the small-group format (limited to 14 people) ensures a more personal, relaxed atmosphere—perfect for those who dislike crowded bus tours. That said, beware of the long day and be prepared for variable weather and temperatures. This is ideal for travelers who love natural beauty, photography, and authentic outdoor adventures, and who don’t mind a bit of a travel day to see some of the most iconic spots in Death Valley.

Key Points

• Unique Day & Night Experience: The only guided tour combining both sunset views and starry sky observation.
• Small Group Comfort: Limited to 14 participants, fostering personalized attention.
• Iconic Stops: Badwater Basin, Dante’s View, Artists Drive & Palette, and Zabriskie Point.
• Value for Money: $249 includes transportation, park fees, a guide, and unlimited bottled water.
• Timing & Flexibility: Tours start between 8 AM and 1 PM, depending on sunset.
• Weather & Preparation: Expect extreme heat in summer and cooler evenings; bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and clothes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Route: What You Can Expect

Pickup & Introduction

The tour kicks off with a hotel pickup on the Las Vegas Strip, a service that simplifies logistics and saves you from navigating the sprawling city. The small-group format makes for a more intimate experience, and the guide will reach out the day before to confirm your pick-up time—so keep an eye on your messages. From the outset, the focus is on comfort and convenience, with a modern vehicle accommodating the group.

Heading Into Death Valley

The drive itself is part of the adventure. Once inside the park, your first stop is at the entrance sign—perfect for that classic photo. The landscape begins to reveal itself: vast salt flats, rugged mountains, and an expansive desert that immediately makes clear why Death Valley is a place of superlatives.

Dante’s View: Panoramic Desert Vistas

Your guide will take you to Dante’s View, perched high above the salt flats. From there, the entire valley unfurls below, a patchwork of shimmering salt, rugged terrain, and distant mountain ranges. This spot offers sweeping views that are worth lingering over, especially for photographers eager to capture the vastness of the landscape.

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Badwater Basin: The Lowest Point in North America

Next, it’s time for one of the park’s most famous sights—Badwater Basin, where the ground is a cracked, white salt crust stretching for miles. Standing at 86 meters below sea level, this surreal landscape impresses with its stark beauty and sense of being at the very bottom of the continent. Multiple reviewers highlight how much they appreciated the time taken here, with one noting, “The locations taken to were amazing. He knew the places well and allowed us enough time to take pictures and see the places.”

Furnace Creek Visitor Center & Artists Drive

A break at Furnace Creek provides a chance to cool off and gather park information. Then, you’ll drive along Artists Drive, stopping at Artists Palette, where the hills are painted in swirling reds, pinks, and gold—an artist’s palette come to life. The contrast of colors against the surrounding desert creates stunning photo opportunities.

Sunset at Zabriskie Point

As the afternoon turns to evening, your guide will take you to Zabriskie Point for sunset—a highlight of many trips here. The setting sun makes the multi-colored badlands glow, transforming the landscape into a fiery canvas. Expect plenty of time to soak in the views, take photos, and enjoy the moment.

The Night Sky: A Starry Spectacle

After sunset, the tour transitions to the best part—observing the stars. The guide will select a location away from light pollution, where the night sky unfurls with countless stars. One and a half hours after sunset, the stargazing begins. Reviews often mention how breathtaking the experience is, especially when the sky is clear. However, be aware that on nights of a full moon, fewer stars are visible. Many travelers praised guides for helping them find planets, constellations, and capturing star photos.

Return to Vegas

The journey back is relaxed, with the guide sharing stories or answering questions. Expect to arrive back at your hotel late in the evening, having experienced an entire day of natural wonder.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $249 per person, this tour packs a lot into a single day. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, admission fees, park taxes, and unlimited bottled water, which is a thoughtful touch on a long day in the desert. Transport is in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle—important considering the high summer temperatures that can reach 120°F (49°C). The small-group size adds to the overall value, allowing for a more tailored experience and better photographs without the crowds.

Many reviews emphasize the guide’s knowledge and friendliness. As one reviewer states, “Justin did a great job taking us around Death Valley! Plus, his photography insight was great for taking pictures of the stars.” The guides are praised for being well-informed, patient, and attentive to personal needs—whether explaining the significance of each site or helping with photos.

Highlights & Key Details

Iconic Sights: Badwater Basin, Dante’s View, Artists Palette, Zabriskie Point—all carefully chosen to represent the most photogenic and interesting features of Death Valley. These stops are spaced out evenly, giving ample time for exploration and photography.

Timing & Flexibility: The start time varies based on sunset, which affects the entire day’s flow. You might begin as early as 8 AM or as late as 1 PM. This flexibility helps align the sunset and star gazing perfectly, although it requires some planning.

Small Group Experience: Limiting the tour to 14 participants creates an intimate atmosphere that many travelers find more enjoyable than large bus tours. It also means more personalized attention from your guide and more flexibility in stops.

Weather & Preparation: Expect extreme heat in summer, so bringing comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and hats is essential. Evenings can cool down quickly, especially after sunset, so packing layers is wise. Since the tour involves walking at some stops, good footwear is a must.

Authentic Experiences: What Travelers Love

Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ knowledge, describing them as friendly, informative, and helpful. Several mention how much they appreciated the time given at each site for photos and reflection. For instance, one traveler noted: “Justin was a really good photographer and we got good photos to cherish,” highlighting the added value of personalized photography tips.

The natural beauty of Death Valley also receives rave reviews, with many describing it as “unbelievable” and “breathtaking.” The sunset at Zabriskie Point and the starry night sky are frequently highlighted as unforgettable moments—”breathtaking and stunning what you can see once you leave shimmering Vegas behind,” says a visitor.

Practical Tips Based on Reviews

• Pack snacks and water since food isn’t included, and the gift shop is the only food source.
• Be punctual; late arrivals are not accommodated.
• Consider bringing a camera with a tripod for star photos.
• Prepare for the heat—wear sunscreen and light, breathable clothing.
• Bring a jacket or layers for the cooler night.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and those curious about the desert landscape. It suits travelers who value small-group intimacy and are comfortable with a long day of sightseeing and some walking. Since the tour involves late-night stargazing, it’s best for those who can stay up past sunset and are interested in experiencing the night sky in a park renowned for its clear, star-filled nights.

However, it’s not suitable for very young children, pregnant women, or those with mobility or health issues, given the physical aspects and the remote park environment. If you’re after a quick visit or prefer a less active day, this might be too demanding.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This Death Valley tour offers a rare chance to see some of the most iconic desert landscapes under both the sun and stars. The combination of well-selected stops, expert guides, and the small-group approach creates a memorable experience that’s both visually stunning and educational. It’s not just about ticking off sights but about appreciating the vastness and beauty of this extraordinary landscape.

The value is high considering the inclusions—park fees, transportation, bottles of water, and expert guidance—and reviews consistently highlight how guides go above and beyond, especially with photography tips and storytelling. For anyone interested in landscape photography, star gazing, or simply soaking in dramatic scenery, this tour is a solid choice.

While the long duration and possible weather extremes require some planning and resilience, the payoff—especially the starry night—is well worth the effort. It’s best suited for travelers eager to experience Death Valley’s most photogenic spots in a comfortable, intimate setting, and who want to create memories under some of the clearest night skies in the country.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, starting around 8 AM to 1 PM depending on sunset time, with late return expected.

What is included in the price?
The $249 fee covers hotel pickup and drop-off, park admission fees and taxes, a professional guide, and unlimited bottled water. Food and drinks are not included.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 3 years old, pregnant women, or individuals with certain health issues. The long hours and outdoor environment require good mobility and stamina.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hats, layered clothing for temperature changes, and possibly a camera with a tripod for star photos. Pack snacks as there are no food options during the tour besides the gift shop.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour offers flexible booking so you can reserve now and pay later.

What if the weather isn’t ideal for star gazing?
The guide will choose the best possible location, but on nights with a full moon or cloudy skies, stars might be less visible. The tour schedule may also change due to weather or road closures.

In essence, this Death Valley Sunset and Starry Night Tour combines the best of natural scenery, expert guidance, and a personal touch. It’s perfect for those wanting to see iconic desert sights and enjoy a truly mesmerizing night sky—all in one memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby