Max Tours Stargazing in Death Valley: My Full Experience from Las Vegas

The Death Valley Day Tour with Sunset and Stargazing covers several of the park’s most dramatic locations. These aren’t quick roadside glances. We had time to walk, photograph, and actually feel the scale of the desert. If you’re self-driving, I’d still prioritize these same stops and plan at least 30–45 minutes at each major viewpoint.

Here are some of the stops along the way!

• Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park is roughly 120–140 miles one way depending on the entrance you use. Expect about 2 to 2.5 hours without long stops.
• If you rent a car in Las Vegas, daily rental rates typically range from about $40–$90, plus fuel. In summer, check your rental agreement to ensure driving into Death Valley is allowed.
• Park entry for a private vehicle is usually around $30 per car (valid for 7 days), which you won’t pay separately if you’re on a guided tour.
• The Death Valley Day Tour with Sunset and Stargazing starts from about $189.99 and includes transport, park stops like Dante’s View, Artists Palette, Devil's Golf Course and Badwater Basin - the lowest point in North America.
• If you’re flying in, Las Vegas (Harry Reid International Airport) is the most practical gateway. From there, it’s about 15–20 minutes to most Strip hotels.

I personally preferred the guided option because desert driving after dark can be tiring, and cell service inside the park is limited. If you’re comfortable with long desert drives and want full flexibility, self-driving works well. Otherwise, the tour removes all the hassle. Plus when your travelling with a small group, its a more personalized experience!

With Max Tour your fee includes:

• Your own personal guide
• Direct Las Vegas Hotel Pickup
• Death Valley National Park Entrance Fee
• Bonus Stops
• Unlimited Snacks
• Unlimited Drinks

Death Valley Day Tour with Sunset and Stargazing

• Hotel Pickup and Departure from Las Vegas. The tour departs between 8 AM and 11 AM depending on the season.
• Restroom Break at Amargosa Valley. A quick 10-15 minute restroom and snack stop to stretch before continuing the drive.
• Dante’s View. Head up to Dante’s View and enjoy this stunning, elevated setting with panoramic views of the valley.
• Furnace Creek Visitor Center. Stop at the visitor center for a restroom break and a brief overview of Death Valley’s geology and history.
• Enjoy a quick lunch at The Ranch at Death Valley or grab something to go from the General Store (Own Expense).
• Devil’s Golf Course. Visit this surreal salt flat filled with jagged, crystallized salt formations.
• Artists Palette. Enjoy the scenic Artists Drive and stop at Artists Palette to view the vibrant colors of the hills.
• Badwater Basin. Visit the lowest point in North America, 282 feet below sea level. Walk onto the salt flats and capture stunning photos. Experience a stunning sunset over the vast, rugged salt flats.
• Zabriskie Point Stargazing. Arrive at Zabriskie Point to witness stargazing in Death Valley’s renowned International Dark Sky Park.
• Return to Las Vegas. Drop off at your Las Vegas hotel, concluding the tour.

After sunset, the temperature dropped quickly, especially compared to the daytime heat. I was glad I had a light jacket in my backpack. The guide positioned us away from headlights and passing cars, and within about 20–30 minutes, the sky fully adjusted. You don’t just see more stars here, you see depth.

If you’re into photography, bring a tripod and a wide lens. Even smartphones can capture impressive shots in night mode, but you’ll want steady hands. For families, this is surprisingly engaging because the guides usually point out constellations and planets. Plan for a long day overall (often 9–11 hours total), but the stargazing is what makes it feel special rather than just another desert drive.

If you’re basing yourself in Las Vegas for several days, there are other strong desert and canyon tours worth considering. I’ve either taken these or researched them while planning extended stays. They’re very different experiences, so choose based on landscape preference and how much time you have.

• Bring more water than you think you need, even on a guided tour. The desert air is extremely dry.
• Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Shade is limited at stops like Badwater Basin.
• Add a light jacket or hoodie for stargazing. Temperatures can drop quickly after sunset.
• Charge your camera and bring spare batteries. Long days drain gear fast.
• Don’t rely on mobile data inside Death Valley National Park. Download maps offline before leaving Las Vegas.

If I were doing it again, I wouldn’t change much. The key decision is whether you want to self-drive or let someone else handle the logistics. For me, having a guide and focusing purely on the landscape made the entire day feel easier and more immersive.