Artists Drive Overlook – Death Valley National Park
Follow a short trail up to an excellent overlook of Badwater Flats and the Black Mountains along Artists Drive.
| Total Distance: 0.4 miles out & back | Elevation Gain: 131ft. (321ft. to 446ft.) |
| Difficulty: Easy | 0-5 Mile Difficulty: Easy |
| View Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars | Author’s Rating: 3.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Visitor Rating: (Click to rate) [Total: 0 Average: 0] | Visitor Difficulty Rating: (Click to rate) [Total: 0 Average: 0] |
| Pets: No | Horses: No |
| Best Seasons: November-April | Special Permits: None |
| Water Availability: None | Overnight Options: None |
| Trailhead Amenities: None | Crowd Factor: Moderate |
| Trailhead Access: 0.8 | |
Uses:    | Trail Surface:   |
Features:    | Hazards:   |
Mile-by-Mile: Artists Drive Overlook
0.0 Large pulloff along Artist Drive (323ft.). Walk southeast, following the trail as it winds up the hillside. (Actually, a few trails start up the hillside, but most of them converge sooner or later as long as they’re well-trodden.) You’ll pass a few smaller viewpoints along the way, but press on for the highest one. As you hike, views improve of Badwater Flats (and the Panamint Mountains beyond) and to the colorful sides of the Black Mountains. (36.332606°, -116.805924°)
0.2 Viewpoint (446ft.). Enjoy spectacular views west across Badwater Flats to the Panamint Mountains (including Telescope Peak), south down Death Valley, and east to the Black Mountains (most of the nearby peaks aren’t named, though you might be able to see Mt. Perry to the southeast). Views north are limited by a large, brown hill. Retrace your steps to the parking area. (36.332691°, -116.802883°)
History & More
This is not an official trail, but it is fairly popular. Several trails lead up from the parking area to the main trail up to the viewpoint.
The colors in the badlands and rocks of Death Valley are formed from a mix of minerals, most of which are different forms of iron that have oxidized when exposed to the air. In general, Yellow Rock = Limonite, Purple Rock = Hematite, Red/Orange Rock = Hematite, and Green/Blue Rock = Chlorite or Nontronite.
Download Route Map
Driving Directions
The pulloff is 1.5 miles from the beginning of Artists Palette Road along the Badwater Road.
Leave No Trace Principles are enforced
Drones and model aircrafts are prohibited
Camping is permitted only in designated sites or in areas open to dispersed backcountry camping
Click here for all park rules and regulations
12 Month Pass: $55/Death Valley Annual Pass (valid at Death Valley National Park). $80/America the Beautiful Annual Pass (valid at all national park and federal fee areas). $20/Annual Senior Pass (62 years or older US citizens; valid at all national park and federal fee areas). Free/4th Grade Pass (Valid Sept. 1-August 31 of the child’s 4th Grade school year). Free/Military Pass (valid for all active military personel and their dependents with a CAC Card or DD Form 1173).
Lifetime Pass: $80/Lifetime Senior Pass (62 years or older US citizens; valid at all national park and federal fee areas). Free/Access Pass (available to all US citizens with perminent disabilities). Free/Access for Veterans and Gold Star Families Pass (valid for all military and veterans with a CAC card, Veteran HJealth Identification Card, Veteran ID Card, or veteran’s designation on state-issued drivers license or identification card.)