Park Regulations

Safety Tips

Water: During the heat of summer, drink at least one gallon of water per day to replace loss from perspiration. Carry plenty of extra drinking water in your car and while hiking.

Heat and Dehydration: If you feel dizzy, nauseous or a headache, get out of the sun immediately and drink plenty of water. Dampen clothing to lower your body temperature. Heat and dehydration can kill.

Hiking: Do not hike in the low elevations when temperatures are hot. The mountains are cooler in summer, but can have snow and ice in winter.

Summer Driving: Stay on paved roads in summer. If your car breaks down, stay with it until help comes. Be prepared and carry plenty of extra water.

Flash Floods: Avoid canyons during rain storms and be prepared to move to higher ground if necessary. While driving, be alert for water running in washes and across road dips.

Mine Hazards: Do not enter mine tunnels or shafts. Mines may be unstable, have hidden shafts, pockets of bad air and poisonous gas.

In Case of Emergency: Dial 911 from any telephone or cell phone. Note: Cell phones may not work in many parts of the park, so do not depend on them.

Dangerous Animals: Never place your hands or feet where you cannot see first. Rattlesnakes, scorpions or black widow spiders may be sheltered in hidden spots. See the Flora & Fauna section for more information.

Park Rules and Regulations

Overnight Camping: Camping is permitted in developed campgrounds and some backcountry areas. For details on backcountry camping and to obtain a permit, stop at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center or any ranger station.

Driving off roads: Off-road driving is strictly forbidden to protect the extremely fragile desert ecosystems. Please help keep the park's wilderness free of vehicle tracks. 

Fires: Campfires are allowed in firepits provided in developed campgrounds. Backcountry fires are prohibited. Gathering wood is against the law; as is the burning of natural wood, even if you packed it in. Remember that anything you pack in you must pack out. 

Pets: Pets must be leashed and restrained at all times. They are not permitted on trails and pet feces must be removed. 

Weapons: Firearms, air guns, bows and arrows, slingshots and other similar weapons are strictly prohibited. 

Horses: Horses are not permitted in developed campgrounds or on many of the trails, and travel by horseback is not recommended in mountainous areas where steep terrain provides poor footing for horses. Water and forage is scarce, so travelers are impelled to carry feed. 

Metal Detectors: Metal detectors may not be used in the park. Remember that Death Valley National Park is an "outdoor museum" so the collection of historic objects is prohibited. 

Private Property: Please respect all private property in the park. 

Wildlife: Do not feed or disturb wildlife including coyotes, road- runners and ravens. When wild animals are fed by humans, they tend to depend on this unnatural food source, rather than forage for their natural diet.