In A Nutshell

Here's a quick rundown of the basics you need to know when planning a visit to Death Valley National Park:

Entrance Fees

Death Valley National Park is open every day of the year. Entrance fees vary. For $20, passengers in noncommercial vehicles (cars, trucks and vans) can leave and re-enter the park as many times as they wish for a seven-day period. For $10, an individual traveling on foot, motorcycle or bicycle can do the same. If the motorcycle or bicycle has more than one rider, each rider is charged the $10 fee. For $40, frequent visitors may purchase the Death Valley Annual Pass and enjoy unlimited entry of a noncommercial vehicle to the park for one year. The fee for a guided living-history tour of Scotty's Castle is $11 for adults and $6 for children.

National Park Pass

Frequent visitors to the National Parks can purchase an $80 Interagency Annual Pass, part of the America The Beautiful—The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program. The passes permit admission to all of the nation's national parks for a period of one year. Eighty percent of the fee goes directly to park programs. Interagency Annual Passes are sold at any park where fees are collected or they can be purchased online at www.store.usgs.gov/pass. The Interagency Senior Pass is $10 and is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 and over.

Permits 

Permits for commercial filming and other special uses are available at Death Valley National Park. There is a one-time application fee of $210 and other fees may apply. For more information, call (760) 786-3241 

TRANSPORTATION

Getting to Death Valley

Car: Death Valley National Park is transected from east to west by California Highway 190. On the east in Nevada, U.S. Route 95 parallels the park from north to south with connecting highways at Scotty's Junction (State Route 267), Beatty (State Route 374) and Lathrop Wells (State Route 373). South of the park, Interstate 15 passes through Baker, California on its way from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. State Route 127 travels north from Baker to Shoshone and Death Valley Junction with connections to the park on State Route 178 from Shoshone and connection with California Highway 190 at Death Valley Junction.

Air: The closest major airport is Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, which is 120 miles southeast of the park. Call (702) 261-5733 for flight and rental car information. There is also a small public airport at Furnace Creek. Call (760) 786-2343 for more information. 

Public Transportation: Although there is no public transportation in the park, commercial airlines, Amtrak and interstate buses serve Las Vegas. Amtrak passenger trains as well as interstate buses stop at Barstow, California. Cars may be rented in both cities, but advance reservations are advised. Bus tours are available from Las Vegas. For information on bus tours, call (702) 369-1000.

Transportation Inside the Park

The massive size of Death Valley National Park (it is about twice the size of the state of Delaware!) and the vast distances between its major features make the use of a motor vehicle essential. Be sure your car is in good mechanical condition and that the fuel tank is full before each day's tour. Radiator water (not drinking water) is available at critical points on Route 178 and 190 and Nevada Route 374. More than 600 miles of unpaved and 4-wheel-drive roads provide access to wilderness hiking, camping and historical sites. Within the park, gasoline is sold only at Furnace Creek, Scotty's Castle, Panamint Springs Resort and Stovepipe Wells Village, so plan carefully. Carry extra drinking water, especially if you plan to hike. Note: There are very few designated trails in the park, but unlimited hiking. 

Visitor Centers

Furnace Creek Visitor Center & Museum: The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is the main visitor information source for Death Valley. It provides general information and backcountry camping/hiking information and permits. Park entrance fees are collected here. The Death Valley Natural History Association maintains a well-stocked bookstore geared toward the natural and cultural history of the locale. 

The visitor center has interpretive displays about the park's geology, climate, wildlife and natural history. There are also specific sections that address the human aspect of Death Valley, with specific focus on the pioneer experience. 

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. 

A 12-minute 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's cultural and natural history. This visitor center is open all year from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (760) 786-3200.

Beatty Information Center: The Beatty Information Center has general information on all aspects of Death Valley and visiting the national park. There is an outlet of the Death Valley Natural History Association that offers a wide range of materials concerning park history, wildlife and scenic highlights. 

Exhibits about the natural history, cultural history and scenic highlights of Death Valley are on display. 

The town of Beatty, Nevada, on U.S. Route 95, is approximately 120 miles north of Las Vegas. Beatty is one of the eastern portals to Death Valley National Park. This visitor center is open all year from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., five days a week. For more information, call (775) 553-2200.

Weather

Death Valley is generally sunny, dry and clear throughout the year. The winters are mild with occasional winter storms, but summers are extremely hot and dry. Summer high temperatures commonly run above 120°F. Comfortable clothing that provides ample sun protection—along with a broad-brimmed hat to shield the face—are recommended in the summer months. Winter requires warmer clothing and light- to medium-weight jackets. Sturdy walking shoes are important year-round.

Museums

Scotty's Castle Museum: 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 a.m. Tickets are available at the Castle Ticket Office during the winter months and at the museum during the summer. 

The museum contains a new exhibit of artifacts from the Castle Collection. Exhibits cover the history of the castle with a special emphasis on Scotty, and Albert and Bessy Johnson.

Xanterra Parks & Resorts^® operates a sandwich shop and souvenir shop on the castle grounds, and a gasoline station during the day. The Museum is open all year from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Scotty's Castle and the museum are located at the north end of Death Valley National Park, 53 miles from Furnace Creek and about 45 miles from Stovepipe Wells Village. For more information, call (760) 786-2392.

Ranger Stations

Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station: Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station provides general information and backcountry camping/hiking information and permits. Park entrance fees are collected here; there is also a branch outlet of the Death Valley Natural History Association that provides useful informational books and maps. 

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. For more information, call (760) 786-2342.

Size and Visitation

Death Valley National Park is comprised of 3.3 million acres of land. Visitation is highest from February through mid-April and during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Visitation is lowest in December and January. The park regularly receives over a million visitors per year.

If You Only Have a Day

For suggestions on planning a short visit, please see page 32.

Park Newspaper

The park newspaper, Visitor's Guide to Death Valley National Park, offers current seasonal information on camping, hiking, backpacking, events, safety and other park news. Get your free copy at the visitor center.

Kids

The Junior Ranger program is available at Death Valley National Park. For more information, see "Just for Kids" on page 57.