Upcoming DV trip (April 18-21)

Question

Hi All,

We are heading to DV from Fremont, leaving around 7am on 18th. Below is the planned itinerary, any thoughts would be appreciated. The weather shows partly sunny with few showers on April 18th (Friday) at Furnace creek location, with that any changes you recommend to the itinerary. We are staying at the Ranch for 3nights. Any stopovers in between that you can recommend enroute. Thanks in advance.

April 18th

Fremont

Lone Pine Market

Father Crowley Vista Point

Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel

The Ranch at Death Valley

Dante’s View Peak Lookout (Sunset)

April 19th

Zabriskie Point Parking Lot (Sunrise)

Twenty Mule Team Canyon

Golden Canyon Trailhead

Artists Drive

Devils Golf Course

Badwater Basin Trailhead (Sunset)

April 20

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes (Sunrise)

Mosaic Canyon Trailhead 3.5 miles

Ubehebe Crater parking

Scotty's Castle

Harmony Borax Works (Star gazing)

April 21

Dante’s View Peak Lookout (Sunrise)

Answer

Your planned itinerary for Death Valley from April 18-21 is quite ambitious but very doable if you pace yourselves and account for travel times. April is generally a great time to visit as temperatures are moderate compared to the summer extremes, though the partly sunny and occasional showers on April 18th may slightly affect visibility at scenic viewpoints.

April 18 – Fremont to Death Valley

The drive from Fremont to Death Valley is long, roughly 6-7 hours, so leaving at 7am is a good choice. Lone Pine Market is a perfect stop for snacks and gas. Father Crowley Vista Point offers stunning desert vistas; plan 15-20 minutes there. Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel can be a quick refresh stop if needed.

The Ranch at Death Valley will be your main base. Check-in may be after 3 PM, so plan shorter stops before arrival.
Dante’s View at sunset is an excellent choice. If the weather is partly cloudy, you may get dramatic skies for photos.
Given potential showers, have a flexible schedule for outdoor stops.

April 19 – Main Valley Highlights

Starting with Zabriskie Point at sunrise is ideal for light and photography. Twenty Mule Team Canyon is a short drive and requires minimal hiking. Golden Canyon trail can take 1-2 hours depending on how far you go.

Artists Drive is best during daylight, so mid-morning to noon is perfect.
Devils Golf Course offers unique salt formations; plan 20-30 minutes.
Sunset at Badwater Basin is excellent; keep in mind it can be crowded but late afternoon is quieter than midday.

April 20 – Northern and Western Areas

Sunrise at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes is serene and less crowded early. Mosaic Canyon hike is moderate; 3.5 miles round-trip can take 2-3 hours.

Ubehebe Crater offers a unique volcanic landscape; a quick walk around the rim takes about 30-45 minutes.
Scotty’s Castle is currently closed for renovations, so you may skip or check ahead for access.
Harmony Borax Works is excellent for history and sunset/star gazing photography.

April 21 – Departure

Dante’s View at sunrise is a nice way to end your trip if you haven’t visited it at sunset or want a different perspective. After sunrise, prepare for your journey out.

Additional Tips & Recommendations:

Consider packing layers: April mornings/evenings can be chilly, while afternoons can be warm (70s-80s °F).
Carry plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks; some areas have no services nearby.
If time allows, a short stop at Darwin Falls or the small ghost town of Rhyolite can be interesting en route.
Plan for limited cell service; download maps or use offline navigation.
For your first day, focus on fewer stops before The Ranch to avoid fatigue after the long drive.

Overall, your itinerary covers most of the iconic spots in Death Valley, balancing sunrise/sunset photography, hiking, and scenic drives. Minor adjustments may be needed depending on road/weather conditions.

Upcoming DV trip (April 18-21)

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