Artist's Drive Guide
A Palette of Colors in Death Valley Guide
Artist's Drive is a scenic, one-way loop road in Death Valley National Park, renowned for its vibrant and colorful hills. The drive winds through eroded canyons and past formations painted with a spectrum of hues, created by the oxidation of different metals in the soil. It's a photographer's dream and a must-see for anyone visiting Death Valley. The colors of Artist's Drive are the result of volcanic activity and hydrothermal alteration that occurred millions of years ago. Minerals such as iron, manganese, and copper reacted with oxygen and water, creating the various shades of red, pink, green, purple, and yellow that adorn the landscape. Artist's Palette, a particularly striking section of the drive, is where the colors are most concentrated and vibrant. The main activity along Artist's Drive is simply enjoying the breathtaking scenery. There are several pullouts and viewpoints where you can stop to take photos and admire the colorful hills. The drive is relatively short, taking about 20-30 minutes to complete, but allow more time to fully appreciate the views. There are no specific culinary traditions associated with Artist's Drive itself, but the Furnace Creek area within Death Valley offers dining options.
Transportation
Artist's Drive is located off Badwater Road, south of Furnace Creek in Death Valley National Park. It is a one-way road, so be sure to enter from the designated entrance. The road is paved and generally accessible to most vehicles, but check current road conditions before your visit. There is no public transportation to Artist's Drive.
Ticket Price
Entrance fee to Death Valley National Park is required.