Hiking the Artists Palette Trail in Death Valley National Park
Distance: 0.3 - 1.0 miles / 0.5 - 1.6 km
Artists Palette in Death Valley National Park is arguably the most beautiful and unique landscape of any destination in Death Valley, and it’s one of my personal favorite spots to hike around and shoot photos at sunset!
That being said, the reason the distance above is so variable is that you can do as much or as little exploring as you want. Personally, I’ve explored as much as 1.0 miles (1.6 km) by hiking up all the different washes off the main two trails, but for most visitors, the hike is often much shorter by sticking to one the two main loop trails.
How to Get the Best Photos at Artists Palette?
Artists Palette is best shot at sunrise and sunset, as the harsh midday sun can wash out the best of the colors that come to life when the light is much softer.
For example, the photo below was taken shortly after sunset, when the light and colors are at their softest, but, keep in mind that sunset will always be much busier than sunrise, meaning that you are more likely to encounter people in your photos compared to visiting early in the morning.
Artists Palette
U.S. National Park Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
Artists Palette Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Artists Palette Overlook is located in a large paved parking lot.
The overlook/ trail is the most popular stopping point on the 9.0-mile (14.5 km) Artists Drive, meaning that this spot can get very busy.
Google Maps Directions: Artists Palette Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Death Valley
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Death Valley National Park.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Sun Shirt w/ Hood - A quality sun shirt can be your best friend on a trail with minimal shade, which can be found in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Artists Palette Trail
The Artists Palette Trail is really a collection of two small loops and side trails around the greater Artists Palette Overlook.
The trails consist of both an inner and outer loop, with several other routes branching off from them, most of which end in dead ends.
This is where both the inner and outer Artists Palette loops split.
Go left for the outer loop, or go right for the inner loop.
The Outer Loop
Distance: 0.4 miles / 0.6 km
The outer Artists Palette Loop Trail is a beautiful option because you get higher views of the surrounding area compared to the inner loop.
These next two photos are looking down on the inner loop.
Toward the back of the initial ridge, the trail drops down, as shown below.
Go right to stay on the main path. The path to the left goes up a little bit before ending in a dead end.
This area in the photo below is both the back inner and outer loop.
Go left to continue on the outer loop.
At this split, go right. The path to the left ends in a dead end.
Artists Palette Trail - Outer Loop
At this split, go right to return back to the beginning.
The Inner Loop
Distance: 0.3 miles / 0.5 km
As if you had gone right at the initial split in the photo above, you would end up here at the split for the inner Artists Palette Loop Trail.
In these photos, I went around the left side of inner loop first.
At this split, go right to continue on the inner loop.
Toward the back of the inner loop, the trail goes up and over this small ridge to continue around the other side.
Overall, Artists Palette is one of the best places to explore in Death Valley National Park.
More Death Valley Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing adventures within Death Valley National Park, check out my separate posts below!
Best Way to Find Places to Stay!
Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.
Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!
Washington
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Discover Cars!
Safety
For obvious reasons, Death Valley National Park is widely known for its extreme temperatures and extreme temperature swings, as the park spans from -282 ft. (-86 m) at Badwater Basin to just over 11,000 ft. (3,353 m) atop Telescope Peak.
That being said, the National Park Service recommends visiting in October - April, but even then, exposed hiking during October and April can be pushing it. However, November - February are easily the most desirable months to hike in Death Valley, with the best spring flowers peaking from late March to early April.
Additionally, there are three venomous snakes in Death Valley, as well as scorpions and black widow spiders, meaning it’s important to be mindful where you place your hands and feet—especially when scrambing in the canyons.
In all, always hike with 2-3L of water per person and never take the extreme weather conditions lightly, as the heat has claimed many lives over the years!
As always, find the most up-to-date information and conditions on the official National Park website.
National Park Service: Death Valley National Park
U.S. National Parks Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
More U.S. National Parks
If you’d like to read more about some of my best recommendations when visiting other U.S. National Parks, check out some of my other posts below!
Disclaimer
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