The history and mystique of Death Valley are well documented and though the extreme heat still causes unwary tourists difficulty and even death, the precautions need not be repeated here.

Many guides are available to describe Zabriske Point, Badwater, Artist's Drive, Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, Titus Canyon, Ubehebe Crater and Scotty's Castle.  You will want to read up on these before planning your trip.

There are several entry points from Las Vegas into Death Valley and each has its merits.  The visitor would do well to study a map and select the entry point best for the intended expectations of your visit.

If you like hot springs, you may want to come in from the South using Highway 160 from Las Vegas towards Pahrump.  Turn off at the Tecopa sign and enter through Tecopa Hot Springs and Shoshone California.  You will be on the old Spanish Trail for much of this path.  This entry is great for those looking for a brief trip to maybe Badwater, Artist's Drive and Furnace Creek.

If you want to stay in Nevada, lunch in Beatty and visit the Rhyolite Ghost Town, leave Vegas on US 95/I-515 North towards Reno to Beatty.  You will go over the mountain into the center of Death Valley and some attractions will be to your north, others to your south.  Plan your time to determine when you want to return to Vegas and see as much as you can.  This option is good to see the north (Ubehebe Crater and Scotty's Castle).

Those wishing overnight lodging would do well to reserve at the Longhorn Hotel & Casino.  The nice hotel is in a good setting and priced right.  Take US 95 to Amargosa Valley and head towards Death Valley Junction on Highway 373.  The hotel is in Nevada at the California border.  This is a good base to spend a day or two exploring Death Valley.