Artists Palette

★5.0

Rick Cooper, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted

Vibrant geological formation featuring multicolored hills created by the oxidation of volcanic minerals.

General Information

Hours:
Open daily, accessible via Artists Drive Scenic Loop
Best visited during sunrise or sunset for optimal color viewing
Fees:
Private Vehicle (7-day pass): $30
Motorcycle (7-day pass): $25
Individual (on foot or bicycle, 7-day pass): $15
Annual Death Valley Pass: $55
America the Beautiful Pass: $80
Pet Policy:
Pets are not allowed on trails or at the overlook
May be walked on dirt roads but must not be left in vehicles
Closest cities with hotels:
Furnace Creek (11 mi)
Beatty, NV (~45 min)
Pahrump, NV (~1.5 hrs)
Seasons:
Fall, Winter, and Early Spring: Ideal for mild temperatures
Summer: Not recommended due to extreme heat
Location:
Artists Palette, Death Valley National Park, CA
Website:
nps.gov/places/artists-palette

How to Get There

From Furnace Creek (11 mi): Head south on Badwater Road for approximately 8.5 miles, then turn onto the one-way Artists Drive Scenic Loop and follow signs to the overlook.

Overview

The Artists Palette is one of Death Valley’s most visually stunning natural features, showcasing a kaleidoscope of colors splashed across the hillsides. These hues—ranging from pinks and purples to greens and yellows—are the result of volcanic deposits rich in iron oxides and chlorite, oxidized over millennia. Located along the 9-mile one-way Artists Drive, the overlook offers a short trail into the painted landscape, making it a favorite among photographers and geology enthusiasts alike.

This geological marvel is part of the Black Mountains and formed during a period of intense volcanic activity. The area is best explored during the cooler months, with sunrise and sunset providing the most dramatic lighting. While there are no official trails, visitors can wander among the colorful formations.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Death Valley, which are released under the https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.

Brocken Inaglory, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons ; Image Size Adjusted
Brocken Inaglory, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons ; Image Size Adjusted
Brocken Inaglory, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons ; Image Size Adjusted