Artists Palette
View this colorful rock formation, where volcanic activity caused color changes in the sedimentary hills.
Plan Around Artists Palette
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Artists Palette Details
Follow the nine-mile Artists Palette Drive loop road (one-way) in Death Valley National Park to view this colorful rock formation, where volcanic activity caused color changes in the sedimentary hills. Somewhat ironically located in the Black Mountains, the Artists Palette was created by oxidation of various metals in the soil: the green comes from mica, purple is from manganese, and pink, red and yellow come from iron salts. Note that Artists Palette Drive, while paved, is a narrow, twisting road that may only be driven by vehicles less than 25 feet in length. You can see the multicolored rocks from the road or the parking lot near the formation, but there are also are hiking paths that allow for an up-close examination.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
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Estimated time
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Nearby Parks Around Artists Palette
Compare nearby parks around Artists Palette when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Artists Palette
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Artists Palette while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Artists Palette
Follow the nine-mile Artists Palette Drive loop road (one-way) to view this colorful rock formation.
2.8 mi away
Hole in the Wall Road
Hole in the Wall Road is a gravel track that runs for six miles along a dry wash and thru a narrow gap in a ridge.
2.8 mi away
Hole in the Wall Trail
The Hole-in-the-Wall trail takes backpackers into a natural amphitheater in the Funeral Mountains.
3.0 mi away
Artist's Drive
Artist's Drive is a one-way, 9-mile scenic loop drive off Badwater Road in the Furnace Creek area.
3.1 mi away
Desolation Canyon Trail
Hikers will follow an old road into narrow Desolation Canyon which, despite its name, passes through some colorful badlands.
