Death Valley in late May

Question

My brother and I are taking a road trip in late May, including traveling through Death Valley from Las Vegas, staying one night at Panamint Springs, and then leaving the next morning for Los Angeles (we need to be there by ~2 pm). We would like to do a few things, such as Artist's Drive, Badwater Basin, and potentially hiking Golden Canyon to Red Cathedral.

I'm mostly looking for recommendations on when it would be best to do these things: on our first day going West but probably during the heat of the day, OR early the next morning, backtracking back East to do these attractions before going back west to LA. Or a mix of the two. We hail from south TX, so very used to heat, and relatively active people.

Answer

Late May in Death Valley is already extremely hot, with daytime highs often exceeding 110°F (43°C). Even if you’re used to heat, it’s important to plan carefully to avoid the most dangerous parts of the day. Staying at Panamint Springs is a good choice since it allows early starts.

Given your itinerary—coming from Las Vegas and needing to reach Los Angeles by ~2 pm the next day—you’ll need to balance sightseeing with safety and travel time. Here’s a suggested approach:

Artist's Drive: This is best done in the cooler parts of the day. Since it’s a short scenic drive, you could do it on your way into the park from Las Vegas. If arriving mid-afternoon, the colors are still beautiful and the road can be comfortably driven even in warmer temperatures, but avoid hiking around the area during peak heat.
Badwater Basin: Extremely hot and exposed in late May. Best done early in the morning (sunrise if possible) to avoid the heat and harsh sun. The salt flats reflect sunlight and can be brutal during the day. A short walk out onto the flats early morning is ideal.
Golden Canyon to Red Cathedral: This is a moderately strenuous hike with very little shade. Ideally, start at sunrise to beat the heat. If sunrise isn’t feasible, aim for early morning and carry plenty of water, sunscreen, and hats. Avoid mid- to late-morning when temperatures rise rapidly.

Suggested plan:

Day 1 (entering from Las Vegas): If arriving mid-morning, drive Artist's Drive on the way in to enjoy the scenic colors and stop briefly at viewpoints.
Arrive at Panamint Springs early afternoon. Use the hotter part of the day to rest, hydrate, and enjoy the lodge area or short walks in shaded areas.
Day 2 (leaving for LA): Start very early, ideally before sunrise, to hike Golden Canyon to Red Cathedral and visit Badwater Basin. This allows you to complete the main sights while temperatures are still manageable. You’ll then have time to drive out to LA without the heat being a factor.

Other tips:

Carry at least 1 gallon (4 liters) of water per person per day.
Wear light, breathable clothing and sunscreen.
Let someone know your route, as cell service is limited in many areas.
Check road conditions and closures before traveling, especially for Artist’s Drive, which may be closed seasonally.

With this approach, you get a mix: enjoy Artist’s Drive while entering the park, rest during the hottest part of Day 1, and do Badwater Basin and Golden Canyon early morning on Day 2, maximizing comfort and safety.

Death Valley in late May

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