US Park Info.com: Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park has more than 3.3 million acres of spectacular desert scenery, Death Valley National Park
interesting and rare desert wildlife, complex geology, undisturbed wilderness, and sites of historical and cultural interest. Bounded on the west by 11,049 foot Telescope Peak and on the east by 5,475 foot Dante's View, Badwater is the lowest point (-282 feet) in the western hemisphere.

 

 

 

 


Basic Information on Death Valley National Park

Operating Hours for Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is open year round.

How to Get to Death Valley National Park

What is the closest airport to Death Valley National Park - Las Vegas or Los Angeles Airports

What are the directions to drive to Death Valley National Park
- California Highway 190, the Badwater Road, The Scotty's Castle Road, and paved roads to Dante's View and Wildrose provide access to the major scenic viewpoints and historic points of interest.- More than 350 miles of unpaved and 4-wheel drive roads provide access to wilderness hiking, camping, and historical sites. There are hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulties, but most backcountry areas are accessible only by crosscountry hiking. There are literally thousands of hiking possibilities.

Weather & Climate at Death Valley National Park

Death Valley is generally sunny, dry, and clear throughout the year. The winters are mild with occasional winter storms, but summers are extrenely hot and dry. Summer high temperatures commonly run above 120 degrees fahrenheit. Comfortable clothing providing sun protection and a broad brimmed hat are recommended in summer. Winter requires warmer clothing and light to medium jackets. Sturdy walking shoes are important year round.

*PLEASE REMEMBER... TEMPS WILL REACH THE 120's IN THE SUMMER. OUTDOOR ACTIVITY DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS ARE NOT SUGGESTED. IF YOU MUST BE OUT IN THE HEAT, HAVE ATLEAST 2 GALLONS OF WATER PER DAY PER PERSON.*

Accessibility
All of Death Valley's visitor centers, contact stations, and museums are accessible to all visitors.
- The campgrounds with the exceptions of Texas Spring and the outlying campgrounds at Wildrose, Thorndike, and Mahogany Flat all have accessible sites.
- The grounds at Scotty's Castle are accessible to all visitors and the guided tour of the main house has provisions for a wheel chair lift to the upper floors.


Where to Stay at Death Valley National Park

Where to Camp at Death Valley National Park

Craters of the Moon Campground
52-sites are available on a first come first serve basis; no reservations are accepted. Water, restrooms, charcoal grills, and picnic tables are provided. There are no hookups or showers, and no wood fires are permitted. Quiet hours are from 9 PM to 6 AM (no generators running, loud music, etc.). From October through May, water and other services are limited or unavailable. Campground is not plowed of snow in winter and the loop drive is closed at the visitor center and groomed for skiing. Skiers and snowshoers may winter camp at the campground (1/4 mile ski or snowshoe from the visitor center) or at Devil's Orchard (2 1/4 mile ski or snowshoe from the visitor center); shovel is required.


What to do at Death Valley National Park


Scotty's Castle & The Gas House Museum
Open All Year 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Phone - (760) 786-2392

Location - Scotty's Castle and the Gas House Museum are located at the north end of Death Valley National Park 53 miles from Furnace Creek and approximately 45 miles from Stovepipe Wells Village. From U.S. Route 95, 154 miles north of Las Vegas, it is 26 miles to Scotty's Castle on Nevada State Route 267.
Special Programs - The highlight of a visit to Scotty's Castle is the 50 minute long guided living history tour of the interior of the main house. The tours are first come first served on the day of the tour and the first tour starts at 9:00 a.m. Tickets are available at the Castle Ticket Office during the winter months and at the Gas House Museum during the summer. The last tour for the day starts at 5:00 p.m. and the grounds close for the day at 6:00 p.m. During the winter season, November through April, rangers present daily "grounds talks" on a variety of historical topics. Check at the Castle Ticket Office for titles and times. A self-guiding tour of the Castle grounds, including the Gas House, is available. Check at the Castle Ticket Office for information and guide booklet.
Exhibits - The Gas House Museum contains a new exhibit of artifacts from the Castle Collection. Exhibits cover the facinating history of the Castle with special emphasis on the two personalities Death Valley Scotty and Albert Mussey Johnson.
Available Facilities - During the summer season, from April through October, the Gas House Museum is the ticket office for guided tours of Scotty's Castle. The Death Valley Natural History Association operates a book sales outlet in the Gas House Museum. The Association makes available books and information on the story of Scotty's Castle and general information on Death Valley. Amfac Parks & Resorts operates a sandwich shop and curio shop on the Castle grounds, and also operates a gasoline station during the day.

Beatty Information Center
Open All Year
Phone - (775) 553-2200
Location - Beatty Information Center is located in the town of Beatty, Nevada on the U.S. Route 95 approximately 120 miles north of Las Vegas. Beatty is one of the eastern portals to Death Valley National Park.
Exhibits - The Beatty Information Center has exhibits about Death Valley natural history, cultural history, and scenic highlights.
Available Facilities - The Beatty Information Center has general information on all aspects of Death Valley and visiting Death Valley. There is an outlet of the Death Valley Natural History Association providing a wide range of materials on park history, wildlife, and scenic highlights.

Furnace Creek Visitor Center & Museum
Open All Year 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Pacific Time
Phone - (760) 786-2331
Location - The visitor center is located in the Furnace Creek resort area on California highway 190. Furnace Creek is 30 miles from Death Valley Junction to the east, and 24 miles from Stovepipe Wells Village to the north and west.
Special Programs - A 12 minute long introductory slide program is shown every 30 minutes. During the winter season, November through April, rangers present a wide variety of walks, talks, and slide presentations about Death Valley cultural and natural history.
Exhibits - The visitor center has displays dealing with the geology, climate, wildlife and natural history of the park. There are also specific sections dealing with the human history and pioneer experience.
Available Facilities - The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is the main visitor information source for the park. There is a fully staffed information desk with information on all aspects of the park and it's operation. The Death Valley Natural History Association maintains a well stocked book sales outlet specifically geared towards the natural and cultural history of the park.

Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station
Open All Year
Phone - (760) 786-2342
Location - Stovepipe Wells is located in the center of Death Valley 24 miles from the Furnace Creek resort area to the south and 80 miles from the town of Lone Pine on Highway 395 to the west.
Available Facilities - Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station provides general information and backcountry camping/hiking information and permits. Park entrance fees are collected here and there is a branch outlet of the Death Valley Natural History Association that provides useful informational books and maps.





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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