The first time I saw a picture of the Artists Palette located on the Artists Drive in Death Valley I thought, no way can that be real! On one of my favorite explorations to date, I made it a point to get to Death Valley just to see it for myself. A 9 mile journey along the Artists Drive with a short stop in Artists Palette is all you need to see why Death Valley is one of the coolest National Parks.
Where is Artists Drive?
Located in an easily-accessible area of Death Valley National Park is Artists Drive, a 9 mile road that will wind you through cotton candy colored mountains.
From Highway 190 at Furnace Creek, head south on Badwater Road for about 8.5 miles south to the entrance to Artists Drive. It’s a one-way road that will empty out at Badwater Basin Road. Artists Palette is located at about the halfway point.
Looking for other things to do in Death Valley? Check out my archives here
Tips for Exploring Artists Drive
- Since it’s easily accessible, the Artists Drive road is very busy.
- The drive is a one-way road, only open to vehicles less than 25 feet in length.
- Only pull over in designated spots to not damage the landscape.
- Visit in early morning to avoid most of the crowds.
- The vividness of the Artists Palette colors can change with a number of factors like time of day, brightness of sun, shadows and weather.
- Most times, the colors of Artists Palette are stronger during the afternoon light.
- Most cameras will capture the colors of Artists Palette more than our eyes. Don’t be disappointed if you can’t see as vivid of colors on your visit!
Be sure to check current road conditions for Death Valley here
What Causes the Cotton Candy Mountains of Artists Palette?
Oxidation of natural metal deposits are responsible for the stunning colors of Artists Palette. A range of those deposits include red hematite, green chlorite, iron, aluminum, magnesium & titanium. The minerals responsible for the vivid hues were spewed from repeated volcanic eruptions more than 5 million years ago. Those eruptions deposited ash and minerals onto the landscape with heat and water altering them over time, transforming into what you see today.
Seeing the colors of Artists Palette is a one of a kind experience. I’ve always heard of the Rainbow Mountain in Peru but this one is closer to home and actually has fun carnival-like colors.
Driving the Artists Drive to Artists Palette
Artists Drive is a scenic excursion for the books. The multicolored eroded hills of Artists Palette display a geologic rainbow as you make your way through the 9 mile drive.
The route begins through level land heading straight in to the mountains. After 4 small bends in the road, the span of the eroded hills come into view. Within 1.5 miles, the first designated pull out exists.
Take some time to wander up on the hillside to get a better panoramic view of the cotton candy mountains. Within 2 more miles, a less-popular pullout on the right side of the road will bring you up close and personal with the beginning of Artists Palette.
Walk through the dried-up river beds to get that first peek of the colors. Remnants of million year old dried up waterfalls with empty canyons flowing miles into Badwater Basin steal the show here.
One mile later you’ll reach the incredibly stunning Artists Palette. Soak in the views from the parking lot area or take off on foot to explore deeper in.
A small stairwell leading downwards acts as a portal into the colorful mountains. Take a right and head up the purple mound to see the network of dried up creek beds flowing through the hills.
The teals, pinks and Crayola-hues are beyond fascinating!
Are you a Star Wars fan? This area was filmed in the movie “A New Hope” before the park became protected. You may even recognize some familiar scenes!
Read More National Park Posts HereBefore heading into the backcountry, it’s imperative that you’re familiar with the “Leave No Trace” principles.
Read More: Leave No Trace: The 7 Rules of the Backcountry
Learn more about Leave No Trace on their website here.
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