While no maintained trails exist along this loop, several pull outs provide safe parking areas from which to explore this unique landscape on foot.  

Tucked behind an unassuming yellow landscape, the rainbow of Artists Palette is the highlight along the Artists Drive Scenic Loop. Here, visitors marvel at an array of colors (red, orange, yellow, blue, pink, and green), splashed across the hills. These colors are from volcanic deposits rich in compounds such as iron oxides and chlorite, which creates a rainbow effect. Artists Palette's Painted Hills provides evidence of one of the Death Valley’s most violent volcanic activity.

Stunning not only at Artists Palette, the Artists Drive loop winds through hills carved by the erosive power of water, and gives vistas of both the rugged Black Mountains and swirling white salt flats.

Although Artists Drive and Artists Palette are beautiful any time of day, sunrise and sunset provide additional shadows and changing light, further enhancing the allure of this incredible place, the colors seem to be more intense during these hours as well. The rest of the day, the colors are more muted and appear more pastel and can be overly exposed to midday sunlight which can wash out the colors. Cloudy days are wonderful for seeing this location any time of day.

When visiting Artists Palette, allow approximately 30 minutes to detour from Badwater Road along the one-way Artists Drive Scenic Loop. The drive begins 8.5 miles (13.7 km) south of the Hwy 190/Badwater Rd. junction and has a length restriction of 25 ft. (7.6 m) due to sharp bends and large dips. Death Valley has zero cell service until you get to Furnace Creek, so this is a great place to really “unplug“.

For accommodation, if you're camping the most amazing free camp spot right outside of the park is called "The Pads" (36.33799, -116.59961) An old trailer park for a mining operation with concrete slabs and lots of space. It is situated between Death Valley Junction and Death Valley and good for park access. No cell coverage. Does not require 4x4, and the place is so big theres usually plenty of spots. This is a little higher in elevation, so when sleeping here at night it helps with the temps in the warmer months. If you need to load up on food and supplies, there is a gas station, market and a few restaurants in Furnace Creek, but be prepared as they are all VERY expensive. Make sure to load up on essentials before hand if you don't want to spend an arm and a leg on food and firewood. The Ranch at Death Valley is fairly reasonable price wise, but usually pretty popular. If you're camping and need a shower, you can pay $14 at the Ranch to use the Pool and shower facilities (this was like finding an oasis in the summer months).

Practice Leave No Trace when camping, ensuring minimal impact on the environment. Pack out all waste, stick to established trails, and leave nature as you found it, preserving the wilderness for others to enjoy. 

Pets are NOT allowed on the trail, but the trail is short, and only if visiting in winter months you can leave them in your car. They are allowed in the parking lot. I do not advise visiting Death Valley in warmer months with a pet because it is VERY HOT.