Itinerary help?

Question

Hi,

Please advise if this plan is ok.. or any modifications.

Family of 4 with kids 10 and 13

Day 1 (supposed to reach a high of mid 90's)

Planning to leave Las Vegas after breakfast and driving to Furnace Creek via Pahrump.

Drive straight to Dante's view

Zabriskie point

Furnace creek visitor center

and check into the Ranch

Stargazing from hotel premises

Day 2 (also reaching mid 90s)

Early start to Badwater basin

Artists palette

Lumch

Hotel to relax in the afternoon

Evening trip to Mesquite Flat sand dunes

Dinner at Toll Road

Day 3

Golden Canyon hike

and leave for Los angeles (have to be there by 5pm)

Brunch on the way to LA

thanks

Answer

Your planned itinerary for Death Valley with kids aged 10 and 13 is quite well-structured, with a good mix of scenic viewpoints, light hiking, and downtime. Here’s a detailed review and some suggested tweaks for comfort and enjoyment, especially given mid-90s temperatures in May/early summer.

Day 1: Las Vegas → Furnace Creek

Leaving Las Vegas after breakfast and driving through Pahrump is a reasonable approach. Ensure you carry plenty of water, sunscreen, hats, and snacks for the drive.
Dante’s View is a great first stop and is early enough in the day to avoid peak heat. The viewpoints are easily accessible and kid-friendly.
Zabriskie Point is perfect for photography and short walks; plan a quick stop here since midday temperatures can make extended walks uncomfortable.
Visiting the Furnace Creek Visitor Center is excellent for orientation, picking up maps, and checking real-time road conditions.
Checking into The Ranch and planning stargazing from the hotel is ideal. The clear desert skies make for phenomenal night-time photography and casual viewing.

Day 2: Badwater Basin → Artists Palette → Mesquite Flat Dunes

Starting early to visit Badwater Basin is very smart. The flat salt flats are scenic but get extremely hot later in the day, so morning is best for comfort and photos.
Artists Palette along Artist’s Drive is another scenic highlight. It’s best enjoyed in the morning/early afternoon before the sun intensifies the heat.
Lunch mid-day followed by hotel relaxation is perfect. Consider pool time or shaded areas—kids will appreciate this downtime in the heat.
Evening at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes is ideal; late afternoon/early evening is cooler, and you’ll get dramatic lighting for photos.
Dinner at Toll Road is convenient. Make reservations if possible, as it can be busy on weekends.

Day 3: Golden Canyon hike → Drive to Los Angeles

Golden Canyon is a manageable hike for kids, and starting early is critical to avoid high temperatures. The shorter “Golden Canyon Loop” or “Gower Gulch Loop” is ideal.
Pack water, snacks, hats, and sunscreen for the hike. The terrain is exposed and can get very hot quickly.
Brunch on the way to LA is reasonable. Consider leaving early from Furnace Creek to allow extra time in case of traffic, aiming to reach LA by 5pm.

Additional tips:

Always keep extra water in the car—minimum one gallon per person per day in desert heat.
Use sun protection liberally (sunscreen, hats, lightweight long sleeves) for kids and adults.
Plan hikes and outdoor activities in the cooler morning hours; reserve mid-day for indoor or shaded breaks.
Check for any park alerts or road closures on the NPS Death Valley website before traveling.
Carry a spare tire, as desert roads can be tough on vehicles, and cell coverage is limited in some areas.

Overall, your itinerary balances sightseeing, light hiking, and relaxation. By starting early and planning breaks during peak heat, the trip should be enjoyable and safe for the whole family.

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