Heading up to the park August 12-13 for the Perseid meteor shower, wondering what campsites are recommended for the darkest sky.
Currently looking at Wildrose or Mesquite Spring.
Also open to camping spots that might not have the darkest sky but are in close proximity to good viewpoints.
My wife and I just got back from the Racetrack Playa.
We drove out at 10 pm on 29 June 2026. We got to the Playa at 2 am. The road conditions do not require 4x4 but a vehicle needs high clearance which normally comes with true 4x4 and not All Wheel Drive crossovers; which are sometimes called SUVs.
We only came across one other person. He was driving out from the Playa and we passed each other about 4 miles from the start of the road at Ubehebe Crater.
The Playa was amazing. I’d suggest walking out to the mountain where the rocks roll off the mountain.
Due to work schedules we’ll be visiting during a major holiday (and an NPS fee-free day), which I’ve never been present at a park for. I usually try to arrange things so we get as many weekdays as possible and go to less busy places on weekends.
Fortunately DV has some lovely remote areas to get away from the crowds, so my current plan is either Rhyolite, Ubehebe, & Titus Canyon/Fall Canyon, or Racetrack Playa if we have a sturdy enough rental and are willing to commit the full day to just that.
I guess I’m just wondering HOW much worse the crowds’ll be on that day specifically, and if I should make any plans/arrangements other than what I’ve already stated. Any help is appreciated; thanks!
Mid-afternoon, so not the fully saturated and softer colors of evening.
We are planning to fly in to Vegas from Eastern time, so we are gaining 3hrs.
We plan to fly in Thursday, drove to DVNP, see the sunrise Friday and do a hike or two in DVNP, then head back to Vegas for Friday Night/Saturday Night in Las Vegas.
Any recommendations on where we should watch the sunrise and what hikes we should do? I'm debating on 2 hikes or 1 hike and driving tour. Open for suggestions.
The Park Service is now under orders to be Sgt. Schultz or whatever and "say nothing," at least beyond generic information.