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| Home > Landmarks > National Parks > Death Valley > |
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 Death Valley National Park located in California and Nevada is considered a land of extremes. An unsurpassed desert with meandering sand dunes, mountain tops covered with snow, water filled canyons, colorful stone formations and three million acres of wilderness. It is home to many plants and wildlife that only live in the most extreme deserts.Climate D  eath Valley National Park is generally speaking sunny, dry, and clear all through the year. The winters, November through March, are mellow with intermittent storms. Summers are extraordinarily hot and dry with temperatures typically rising to over 120 degrees F. In the summer months it is recommended to wear light clothes with sun protection and a wide-rimmed hat. In winter warmer clothing and a light to medium jacket is suggested. Sturdy walking shoes are important year round.Travel and Traffic Tips Getting Around 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 785 miles of paved, unpaved and 4-wheel drive roads provide access to wilderness hiking, camping, and historical sites. All vehicles must be licensed and "street legal". There are a few hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulties, but most backcountry areas are accessible only by 4-wheel drive vehicle and crosscountry hiking. Do not attempt to cross a flash flood. Warnings  Many of Death Valley's roads were built in the 1930s. They are narrow and serpentine and cannot be driven at high speed. The most dangerous thing in Death Valley is not the heat. It is the "single car rollover." Travel on the park's hundreds of miles of backcountry roads requires the correct type of vehicle for the road conditions, a vehicle in good repair with all necessary tools and replacement parts, and some knowledge of driving on rough dirt, gravel and 4-wheel drive roads. Backcountry travel in the summer months, April through the middle of October, can be dangerous and also requires plenty of water and supplies stored in the vehicle and knowledge of how to survive a failed vehicle in desert summer conditions! Ask the Rangers. Cell phones do not work in Death Valley! Do not depend on them. In some cases there is spotty reception, but dependence on a cell phone in an emergency situation can be fatal. Check with the Rangers for specific recommendations on travel safety. Death Valley Area Maps Death Valley Map (1.25mb PDF) Backcountry Roads Map (7.52mb PDF) Routes from Las Vegas to Death Valley (1.89k PDF) California State Map Operating Hours & Seasons VISITOR CENTERS AND MUSEUMS Furnace Creek Visitor Center & Museum Open Daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time Phone (760) 786-3200 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 and 24 miles from Stovepipe Wells Village. Special Programs A 15 minute long introductory slide program is shown throughout the day. During the winter season, November through March, rangers present a wide variety of walks, talks, and slide presentations about Death Valley's 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. Scotty's Castle Visitor Center & Museum Open Daily Winter 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Summer 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Phone (760) 786-2392 Location Scotty's Castle and the Scotty's Castle Visitor Center are located in the north part 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. Tickets are available at the Castle Ticket Office during the winter months and at the Visitor Center during the summer. A self-guiding tour of the Castle grounds is available. Check at the Castle Ticket Office for information and guide booklet. Exhibits The Scotty's Castle Visitor Center contains exhibits and interactive displays from the Castle Museum Collection. Exhibits cover the fascinating history of the Castle with special emphasis on the two personalities Death Valley Scotty and Albert M. Johnson. Available Facilities During the summer season, from April through October, the Visitor Center serves as the ticket office for guided tours of Scotty's Castle. The Death Valley Natural History Association operates a book sales outlet in the Visitor Center. The Association makes available books and information on the story of Scotty's Castle and general information on Death Valley. Xanterra Parks & Resorts operates a sandwich shop and gift shop on the Castle grounds. |
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