Death Valley National Park has more than 3.3 million acres
of spectacular desert scenery,
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.
Operating Hours for Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is open year round.
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.
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.
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.
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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