5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Death Valley, CA

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration

Furnace Creek, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at the 1849 Buffet

Enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast featuring pancakes, eggs, and fresh fruit, right at Furnace Creek.
Located at the Furnace Creek Ranch; accessible on foot from most lodging options.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Furnace Creek Visitor Center

Start your adventure with a stop at the visitor center to learn about the park's unique geology and history.
Just a short walk from the breakfast venue.
USD0, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Golden Canyon

Hike the scenic trail where colorful rock formations meet spectacular views.
Drive 30 minutes from Furnace Creek; parking available.
USD0, 2 hours

1:30PM

Picnic Lunch

Pack your own lunch or grab some snacks from the visitor center for a scenic picnic in the canyon.
Find a perfect spot in Golden Canyon.
USD10, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Artists Palette

Discover vibrant colors and striking landscapes at this unique geological formation.
Drive from Golden Canyon for 25 minutes.
USD0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at the Toll Road Restaurant

Indulge in a hearty dinner with local favorites like burgers and fried chicken.
Back to Furnace Creek for a quick 30-minute drive.
USD20, 1 hour
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Day 2: Badwater Basin

Badwater Basin, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Ranch

Fuel up with a simple breakfast sandwich and coffee at the Ranch's snack shop.
Walking distance from accommodations within Furnace Creek.
USD10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Badwater Basin

Experience the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level.
Drive 30 minutes south from Furnace Creek.
USD0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Sand Dunes Exploration

Relax or hike at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes enjoying the unique desert landscape.
15-minute drive from Badwater Basin.
USD0, 2 hours

1:30PM

Beach Lunch at the Dunes

Pack up your own sandwiches to enjoy while watching the sandboarders.
At the Dunes location.
USD10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Sunset at Zabriskie Point

Witness the breathtaking sunset over the badlands' ridges and valleys.
Another 45-minute drive from the Dunes.
USD0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Stovepipe Wells Village

Savor BBQ ribs or veggie chili as you reflect on the day's adventures.
40 minutes back towards Stovepipe Wells.
USD20, 1 hour
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Day 3: Dante's View & Nearby Attractions

Dante's View, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Stovepipe Wells

Fill your plate with an energizing breakfast of eggs and toast, ample fuel for a day of exploring.
Within the village where you spent the night.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Dante's View

Make your way to one of the highest points in Death Valley for spectacular panoramic views.
30-minute drive uphill.
USD0, 1 hour

10:30AM

Photography and Hiking

Capture breathtaking photos and explore short hiking trails around the viewpoint.
Directly at Dante's View.
USD0, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at the Picnic Area

Enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by stunning desert landscapes.
Find a picnic table at Dante's View.
USD10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Natural Bridge

Hike the easy trail to see an impressive rock formation carved by nature.
Drive 30 minutes from Dante's View.
USD0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Stovepipe Wells

Wind down as you head back to Stovepipe Wells for some afternoon relaxation.
30-minute drive back.
USD0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at the Stovepipe Wells General Store

Choose from quick bites or a hearty bowl of chili before a starry night.
Located within the village.
USD15, 1 hour
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Day 4: Hiking & Sightseeing

Golden Canyon, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at the General Store

Start your day with a quick coffee and muffin to jump-start your adventure.
In Stovepipe Wells.
USD5, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Return to Golden Canyon for Hike

Tackle the popular Golden Canyon/Red Cathedral hike to enjoy splendid rock formations.
Driving back for 30 minutes.
USD0, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Picnic Area

Savor a packed lunch amidst the vibrant canyons.
Find a spot in Golden Canyon.
USD10, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit to Badlands Loop

Drive along the Badlands Loop for some more stunning desert views.
Drive 30 minutes around the loop.
USD0, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore the Devil's Golf Course

Visit the incredibly rugged landscape of sharp salt formations—a unique sight in the park.
A 20-minute drive from the Badlands Loop.
USD0, 1 hour

4:00PM

Get Local Insights at Furnace Creek

Stop by Furnace Creek and chat with park rangers for recommendations and tips.
Drive back 30 minutes.
USD0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at the Furnace Creek Ranch

Enjoy a casual dinner with comfort food like mac & cheese or fried chicken.
Only a short walk away.
USD20, 1 hour
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Day 5: Last Day Explorations

Zabriskie Point, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Ranch

Wrap up your trip with a traditional breakfast served in a cozy atmosphere.
Located in Furnace Creek.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Early Morning at Zabriskie Point

Witness the stunning sunrise and the unique rock formations of Zabriskie Point.
A short drive of 15 minutes.
USD0, 1 hour

11:00AM

Short Hike around Zabriskie Point

Take some time to explore the trails around this iconic viewpoint.
At Zabriskie Point.
USD0, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a Local Diner

Grab a local diner’s special for a satisfying lunch before your trip back.
Drive back for 30 minutes.
USD15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Harmony Borax Works

Explore the historic site that showcases borax mining history in Death Valley.
A 25-minute drive from lunch.
USD0, 1 hour

3:30PM

Head Back to Furnace Creek

Take the time to celebrate your trip while heading back to Furnace Creek.
20-minute drive back.
USD0, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Departure

Pack up your adventure memories and bid farewell to Death Valley.
Travel back home or to your next destination.
USD0, Varies
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