Artists Palette
View this colorful rock formation, where volcanic activity caused color changes in the sedimentary hills.
Guide Sections
Use Artists Palette's guide sections to understand how this stop fits into the larger park plan.
Artists Palette Details
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
N/A
Region
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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.