Death Valley in late May

Question

My brother and I are taking a road trip in late May, including traveling through Death Valley from Las Vegas, staying one night at Panamint Springs, and then leaving the next morning for Los Angeles (we need to be there by ~2 pm). We would like to do a few things, such as Artist's Drive, Badwater Basin, and potentially hiking Golden Canyon to Red Cathedral.

I'm mostly looking for recommendations on when it would be best to do these things: on our first day going West but probably during the heat of the day, OR early the next morning, backtracking back East to do these attractions before going back west to LA. Or a mix of the two. We hail from south TX, so very used to heat, and relatively active people.

Answer

Late May in Death Valley can already be extremely hot, with daytime highs often reaching 110°F (43°C) or more, even for people accustomed to heat. While you and your brother may handle the heat better than most, it’s still safest to plan physically demanding activities for early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are lower, and the sun is less intense.

Given your itinerary—coming from Las Vegas, staying at Panamint Springs, and leaving early for Los Angeles—here’s a suggested approach for visiting your desired sites:

Artist’s Drive: This scenic loop is best done early in the morning to avoid heat and crowds. You can enjoy the colorful formations without being baked by the sun, and photography is also best in the softer morning light. It’s a relatively short drive, so you could do it either the first morning after entering the park or early on your second day before leaving.
Badwater Basin: The salt flats can get dangerously hot by mid-day. Walking out onto the flats is fine in early morning, but avoid mid-afternoon. If you’re okay with a brief visit to the viewpoint, you could do a quick stop on the first day, but for a longer walk, aim for early morning on the second day.
Golden Canyon to Red Cathedral hike: This is a moderate 2–3 hour hike. The trail is exposed with minimal shade, so early morning is strongly recommended. Starting around sunrise will keep you cooler, and the lighting is excellent for views and photography. Mid-day hiking is not advised due to heat.

Suggested itinerary:

First day (entering from Las Vegas): Drive through the park, make quick stops at viewpoints like Zabriskie Point or Dante’s View if timing permits. Check in at Panamint Springs and relax, perhaps taking a short stroll near the hotel, but avoid strenuous activities during the afternoon heat.
Second day (leaving for Los Angeles): Start very early (before sunrise if possible) to do the Golden Canyon hike, then drive Artist’s Drive loop and finally stop at Badwater Basin. This allows you to enjoy the park’s highlights safely and still be on your way to Los Angeles by early afternoon.

Additional tips:

Carry plenty of water—at least 1 gallon per person for the day—and snacks. Dehydration is a serious risk.
Wear sun protection: wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen, and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing.
Fill your gas tank in Panamint Springs; services are limited in the park.
Start hikes early enough to avoid being on exposed trails during peak heat, even if you are used to warm weather.

Overall, the safest and most enjoyable way to experience Death Valley in late May is to do the majority of hikes and outdoor activities early in the morning on your second day, after a relaxed first day in the park. This strategy maximizes comfort, safety, and photography opportunities while ensuring you can leave for Los Angeles on time.

Death Valley in late May

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