Death Valley National Park
Activities & Programs
Regardless of the season, there's always a lot to do at Death Valley—not surprising when you consider the park includes a 156-mile stretch between two mountain ranges, numerous archeological and historical treasures, and the single lowest point in North America! Here are just some of the most popular activity options.
Auto Touring
If you like to drive—and if you enjoy desert landscapes and unusual geology—then pack up the car! Before venturing out into the park, stop at the visitor center or a ranger station to inquire about current road conditions, as well as any necessary directions. And always remember to bring lots of water in case your car breaks down.
Backcountry Roads
More than 600 miles of unpaved, backcountry roads provide access to wilderness hiking, camping and historical sites. You'll need a licensed, street legal vehicle with high-clearance for all backcountry roads, some of which may also require 4-wheel drive to traverse. Travelers should possess a detailed backcountry road map since many of these roads are neither marked nor featured on the official park map. Inquire at the visitor center about availability of maps. Backcountry roads are susceptible to washouts after storms and may close or require chains in the winter. Always check for current road conditions at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center or other ranger stations, or on the daily Death Valley National Park Morning Report. Backcountry camping is restricted to certain areas, please check in at a visitor center before planning an overnight trip and fill out a voluntary backcountry camping permit. Remember to carry plenty of water; never rely on backcountry water sources.
Biking
Biking is permitted at Death Valley, and many seasoned riders enjoy the challenge of the park's rugged terrain and sizzling temperatures. When cycling, remember to always keep bikes on roads used by autos—never take them onto hiking trails or cross- country. In the warm-weather months from May through October, avoid biking in the lower levels of Death Valley during any hours other than early morning; the heat can be dangerously oppressive. Keep in mind that Death Valley National Park is extremely remote, so it is necessary to bring any bike supplies. Bike rentals are not available inside the park.
Camping
The park has nine campgrounds that vary in their size, price and specific features and there is virtually unlimited backcountry camping. Only Furnace Creek campground accepts reservations. See pages 52—53 for more information.
Hiking
There are a variety of different hiking options in Death Valley National Park. You can hike a trail through flat salt pans, up rugged mountains or across a massive crater. See pages 54—56 for more information.
Horseback Riding
Many visitors enjoy the beauty of Death Valley from a saddle. Both one- and two-hour horseback rides are available. For those who savor a truly romantic treat, you can even ride in a horse-drawn carriage while sipping champagne! For more information, call (760) 786-2345, ext. 339.
Ranger Programs
Beginning in late October, park rangers offer a number of programs. Visitors can go stargazing, experience the desert environment, learn about the region's early railroads, or discover geology. Programs are presented at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center; some tours take visitors into the canyons in the park. Be advised that Furnace Creek ranger programs are not scheduled during the summer season. Ask for current information about programs at the visitor center, or visit the website at www.nps.gov/deva.
Scotty's Castle
Take a tour of this remarkable, exotic castle that rises from the dust like a desert mirage! Death Valley's only mansion not only provides respite on a hot day, but also offers guests a glimpse of its own unique and colorful heritage. Living history tours of the castle are presented hourly from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For those interested in technology, tours of the castle basement are available by special request during the summer and fall. Tours are $11 for adults and $6 for children (prices are subject to change). Be advised there are often lines due to the popularity of the attraction. See pages 34—35 for more information.
Sunrise and Sunset
For many, the most extraordinary time to experience the desert landscape is when the sun is close to the horizon. Bring a camera and plan to arrive approximately one hour before sunset or sunrise so you'll have plenty of time to find a good vantage point. Use high-speed film for best results. Some of the best places to enjoy the sunrise are Dante's View, Zabriskie Point and Badwater. Some prime spots to enjoy the sunset are Artist's Drive, Zabriskie Point and Ubehebe Crater. Sand dunes are also very good vantage points at both times of day.
Death Valley In Depth
News from the Parks
Trailmix.Net Launches the Yosemite National Park Scavenger Hunt
August 27, 2008 - 11:39am
Trailmix.Net is proud to introduce its first product, the Yosemite National Park Scavenger Hunt. As of Wednesday, August 27th, families with children that are planning to visit Yosemite National Park can get a copy of The Yosemite National Park Scavenger Hunt in the Trailmix.Net store.
August 27, 2008 - 11:39am
Trailmix.Net is proud to introduce its first product, the Yosemite National Park Scavenger Hunt. As of Wednesday, August 27th, families with children that are planning to visit Yosemite National Park can get a copy of The Yosemite National Park Scavenger Hunt in the Trailmix.Net store.
New Superintendent Spearheads National Park Service Move To Yankton
August 27, 2008 - 11:38am
Mike Madell has been superintendent of the Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR) for only a month, and already his office is going to the dogs. Madell is working out of his Yankton home until the MNRR moves its permanent headquarters from O’Neill to Yankton, likely within a year, he said.
August 27, 2008 - 11:38am
Mike Madell has been superintendent of the Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR) for only a month, and already his office is going to the dogs. Madell is working out of his Yankton home until the MNRR moves its permanent headquarters from O’Neill to Yankton, likely within a year, he said.
Guardians of the Wilderness
August 27, 2008 - 11:37am
The rain begins to fall as Voyageurs National Park Ranger Brad Farlinger walked into a campsite on Mukooda Lake. Farlinger asks the campers about their luck in catching fish, before checking to see if their food is stored in a food locker at the campsite. One of the adults staying at the campsite jokes that their little girl is afraid of bears and she puts the food away every day. Farlinger talks to the campers about camping permits before moving on to the next camp site.
August 27, 2008 - 11:37am
The rain begins to fall as Voyageurs National Park Ranger Brad Farlinger walked into a campsite on Mukooda Lake. Farlinger asks the campers about their luck in catching fish, before checking to see if their food is stored in a food locker at the campsite. One of the adults staying at the campsite jokes that their little girl is afraid of bears and she puts the food away every day. Farlinger talks to the campers about camping permits before moving on to the next camp site.
Yellowstone Visitor Diagnosed with Bubonic Plague
August 26, 2008 - 5:25pm
An out-of-state resident has been diagnosed with bubonic plague after recently visiting Teton County and Yellowstone National Park, the Wyoming Department of Health said Monday. State epidemiologist Tracy Murphy says the victim traveled to several sites within the park with a Boy Scout troop between July 26 and August 3.
August 26, 2008 - 5:25pm
An out-of-state resident has been diagnosed with bubonic plague after recently visiting Teton County and Yellowstone National Park, the Wyoming Department of Health said Monday. State epidemiologist Tracy Murphy says the victim traveled to several sites within the park with a Boy Scout troop between July 26 and August 3.
Bear Viewing Just One Attraction at Katmai Park
August 26, 2008 - 5:21pm
Katmai National Park in general, and Brooks Falls in particular, is well-known as a premier bear viewing area. In the summer, dozens of grizzlies gather at the falls to take their pick of millions of migrating red salmon. But that’s not the reason the park was formed.
August 26, 2008 - 5:21pm
Katmai National Park in general, and Brooks Falls in particular, is well-known as a premier bear viewing area. In the summer, dozens of grizzlies gather at the falls to take their pick of millions of migrating red salmon. But that’s not the reason the park was formed.
