Dante's View

Dante's View is an overlook of Death Valley not far from Death Valley National Park. The vantage point sits about 5,500 feet above the valley floor, offering an unparalleled panorama.

From this height you can see both the lowest and highest points in the contiguous 48 states. Badwater Basin, directly below, lies at -282 feet, and Mount Whitney, to the northwest, towers to 14,505 feet. Visibility is not often good enough to see Whitney, unfortunately, so come in the early morning before haze worsens.

Numerous other landmarks are nearly always visible. Directly across the valley is the proud Panamint Range highlighted by Telescope Peak at 11,403 feet. The peaks are snowy for much of the year. You can clearly see the salt flats around Badwater and Devil's Golf Course. Furnance Creek is visible to the north with the Funeral Mountains beyond. Turning around and looking east reveals more mountain ranges, including Charleston Peak (11,916 feet) near Las Vegas.

Dante's View sits on a ridge within the Black Mountains, which form the eastern rim of Death Valley. Accessed by a paved road, this is a reasonable detour from the Furnace Creek entrance to the national park, and it is well worth the extra drive. Visitors will find a large parking lot, picnic tables, and pit toilets. Short trails lead to even better views on rocky outcrops.

The spot is accessible year round and any time of day. Nighttime is great for stargazing. Keep in mind that this high elevation is subject to temperature extremes, so bring warm layers.