Your Guide to Dantes View Death Valley
Dante’s View Death Valley Introduction
Dantes View in Death Valley, California is one of the most spectacular vistas in America. Located 5,575 feet above Badwater Basin, Dantes View provides a breathtaking panorama of Death Valley’s barren salt flats and rugged canyons. From this high vantage point, visitors often marvel at the sheer beauty and power of the desert below.
For an experience that genuinely encapsulates Death Valley’s terrain and beauty, nothing can beat visiting Dantes View. From the top of this mountain lookout, visitors can witness sweeping views of the desert valley below. On a clear day, you may even see Telescope Peak and Mount Whitney, two of Death Valley’s highest peaks.
This high vantage point provides a perspective you can’t find anywhere else in Death Valley, allowing visitors to take in the beauty of this unique and majestic landscape from an entirely different angle. Whether you want to take in the views or explore the terrain, a trip to Dantes View will surely leave you with unforgettable memories.
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What’s So Special About Dante’s View?
Dante’s View in Death Valley is unique for a variety of reasons.
First, it offers an unparalleled view of the desert valley below. From 5,475 feet above sea level, visitors can witness sweeping views of the barren salt flats and rugged canyons that make up this unique landscape. Additionally, on a clear day, you may see Telescope Peak and Mount Whitney, two of Death Valley’s highest peaks. Telescope Peak is the highest point of the Panamint Range, approximately 20 miles from Dante’s Viewpoint.
The location is terrific for experiencing sunrise and sunset. Compared to other sites in Death Valley, you’ll likely experience more solitude here as getting to Dante’s View is a bit off the main road traveled in the park.
Photographers who enjoy taking panoramic landscape photos will find a beautiful palette provided by nature for some epic images.
Hikers can enjoy an experience of Death Valley that provides perhaps the best view you’ll see in the entire park.
Of course, the most extraordinary thing about Dante’s View is its sheer beauty. Whether you plan on taking in the views or climbing down into the valley for a closer look, this lookout will surely leave you with unforgettable memories.
The Location of Dante’s View
Dante’s View is located in Death Valley National Park, California. It is 5,475 feet above sea level on the edge of the Black Mountains and offers breathtaking views of the desert valley below. The Black Mountains are part of the Basin and Range Geological Province. This province stretches from Utah to California and from Idaho to Mexico.
The Dantes View area is located in Inyo County, California.
Getting to Dante’s View
If you want to get to Dantes View in Death Valley, the best way is by car. Perhaps because it isn’t near many other Death Valley attractions, visitors often overlook this place.
From Las Vegas, take Interstate 15 South until Baker; then take Highway 127 South and follow it into Death Valley National Park. Once you’ve entered the park, watch for signs directing you to Dante’s View Road. Finally, take this road until you reach the top of the mountain and enjoy it!
Alternatively, if you’re already in Death Valley National Park and looking to get to Dantes View, it is easy to reach by car. Just follow Highway 190 northwest into the mountains and watch for signs directing you to Dante’s View Road. Follow this road until you reach the top of the mountain and take in all that Dantes View has to offer!
Dantes View is about a 45-minute drive from Furnace Creek. Dantes View Road is paved and has steep sections, reaching a 13% grade at the final kilometer. You’ll have some hairpin turns to navigate during this drive.
The road towards the final ascent to Dante’s View is closed to larger RVs. There is a parking lot at the top of the destination.
The Epic Vista at Dante’s View
The epic vista at Dantes View in Death Valley, California is an unforgettable experience. From the top of this mountain lookout, visitors can witness sweeping views of the desert valley below.
When the skies are clear, you can see two of the highest visible peaks in the distance – Telescope Peak and Mount Whitney.
The good news is that you don’t have to invest in a hike to witness the magnificent views. Upon arrival in the parking lot, step out of your car and see the spectacular panoramic view.
You can read about this area at the parking lot on several informational plaques.
We recommend that if you do make the trip to this viewpoint, you also make a trip to Badwater Basin. Once you arrive there, the lowest elevation in North America, you can look up to see where you are standing way up on top of the mountain ridge above.
Hiking at Dante’s View
Hiking at Dante’s View in Death Valley National Park is one of the most unique and memorable experiences in the entire park. As you make your way up to the top of the mountain, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views that only improve as you ascend. At the trail’s 5,400 feet above sea level, prepare to take in sweeping views of the barren salt flats and rugged canyons that make up this unique landscape.
Upon arriving in the parking lot, the trailhead is found at the end of the lot that approaches the mountain ridge. It’s a reasonably short trail. The path leads you to the mountain’s ridgeline and rewards you with incredible vistas on your hike.
The trail is family-friendly. We hiked it in our 50s easily and had a teenager with us who did well on the trail. You can walk the entire trail length or just a portion –you’ll see fantastic views. If you are feeling adventurous, you can continue on the ridge to Mt. Perry for an 8-mile round-trip journey.
Lookout points along the way beg for photos, so be sure to bring your camera. Though be mindful of your steps when you are taking pictures or videos. The trail has sheer cliff faces, and a misstep can be disastrous.
From the top of the trail, look down, and you’ll see the iconic Badwater Basin Salt Flats below.
We've been hiking with these poles for over 10 years!
At this elevation, temperatures can be cooler than on the valley floor below, so pack your clothing accordingly. The temperature variation between the summit and the valley floor below can be around a 25-degree temperature difference. Wearing layers may be advised. We hiked here in January, and it was chilly for sure.
Dante’s View Trail Facts
Length: 1 mile (unless you continue to Mt. Perry – making an 8-mile journey – or a length you choose in between).
Elevation gain: 223 feet
Traill type: Out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Dante’s View at Night
Most people visit Dante’s View during daylight hours. But it is also a wonderful place to visit at night. As Death Valley is an International Dark Sky Park, you can bring your telescope or binoculars up here to see stunning sights in the night sky. It’s a fantastic place for stargazing.
Watch our video of hiking Dante’s View Trail
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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
When is the best time to hike Dante’s View Trail?
Death Valley is known for its extreme temperatures, so we recommend this hike between October and March.
Are pets allowed on Dante’s View Trail?
The short answer is no – pets are not allowed on this trail.
Why is it called Dantes View?
Dante’s View was named after the Italian poet Dante Alighieri, who wrote The Divine Comedy. This epic poem describes a journey through Hell and Purgatory to Paradise. Similarly, visitors to Dante’s View can view Death Valley below and imagine it as an earthly version of the poet’s Inferno. From this vantage point, it’s easy to imagine the valley as a place of bleak desolation, with the barren salt flats and rugged canyons looking like something straight out of Dante’s epic poem.
Is it worth going to Dantes View?
Absolutely! Whether you’re looking for a unique hiking experience or want to take in breathtaking views, Dante’s View is worth the visit.
From the top of this mountain lookout, visitors can witness sweeping views of the desert valley below. On a clear day, you may even see Telescope Peak and Mount Whitney, two of the highest peaks visible from this location.
Where else in the world can you walk on the lowest elevation in North America (282 feet below sea level) and, within about an hour, be at a height over 5,400 above sea level, taking in views of the highest peak in the continental United States (Mt. Whitney 14 14,496 feet).
A trip to Dante’s View will surely be a memorable experience that you won’t soon forget!
Is the road to Dantes View paved?
The road to Dante’s View combines paved and unpaved roads. From Interstate 15 South, you will take Highway 127 South into Death Valley National Park; however, the road becomes unpaved once you enter the park. The last four miles leading up to Dante’s View are often washed out due to flooding, so it’s essential to take caution when driving this road. Be sure to check the condition of the road before making your trip, and bring a vehicle suitable for off-roading. Dante’s View is worth the trek with its breathtaking views and unique hiking opportunities!
How high is Dante’s View in Death Valley?
Dante’s View is located 5,475 feet above sea level. To get to the top, drive up Highw190 northwest into the mountains and follow Dante’s View Road. From there, a short hike will take you to the top of this mountain lookout, where visitors can witness sweeping views of Death Valley below.
Is Camping Allowed on Dante’s View Trail?
Unfortunately, camping is prohibited on Dante’s View Trail. However, there are plenty of other campgrounds in Death Valley National Park where you can stay and explore the area. Some of these include Furnace Creek Campground and Stovepipe Wells Campground. Both offer great sites with various amenities to make your camping experience comfortable and enjoyable.
Read Our Guide – Where To Stay in Death Valley
Can I Drive My RV to Dante’s View?
Most RVs are not able to navigate the road into Dante’s View. Signs on the road warn drivers about this limitation. Don’t get stuck in a situation where you may have difficulty getting your RV turned around.
You’ll want to drive in a standard private passenger automobile and leave the RV at the campground.
What is the connection of Star Wars to Dante’s View?
If you are a Star Wars fan, the view of Mos Eisley Space Port that Obi-Wan, Luke, and the droids look down on will be familiar. This scene was filmed in the area of Dantes View, and it has become an iconic moment in the movie. So take a moment to remember this classic scene and enjoy its beauty.
Death Valley National Park – Know before you go
✈️ Closest Airport: Las Vegas McCarren (LAS)
⏰ Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (GMT-8)
Gas Stations: Refer to our Death Valley Gas Stations Guide
Final Thoughts – Dantes View Death Valley
A visit to Dantes View in Death Valley is an incredible experience. Be sure to include a trip to Badwater Basin during your stay so you can see the landscape from two highly different viewpoints.
The hike provides stunning views, isn’t difficult, and is extremely rewarding.
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