Death Valley California / Nevada Visitor Guide 2008 / 2009

National Park Death Valley California / Nevada Visitor Guide 2008 / 2009

Dante’s View Safety Hazards in Keane Wonder Mine Area

Death Valley has more abandoned So much rock was mined that the Collapsing Structures mines than any other national park. entire area became unstable and start- The historic structures of Keane Out of the 6000 to 10,000 abandoned ed to collapse. Besides the obvious Wonder Mill and tramway suffer from mines, approximately 3000 need danger of entering a crumbling mine, rot, rust, and decay. These structures some safety mitigation. All mines are just being on the surface above or near are in danger of collapse and need to inherently dangerous, but those in the the mine has become hazardous. be stabilized. Keane Wonder area pose the most im- mediate safety hazard. Toxic Waste Closed Area Unstable ground Cyanide and other toxic chemicals Until the site can be made safer, the were used to extract the gold from the The Keane Wonder Mine was one National Park Service has closed the ore at the Keane Wonder Mill. Near of the most successful gold mines in Keane Wonder Mine and surrounding the parking area are the remains of Death Valley. Miners followed rich area to public access. The closed area tanks used for the cyanide process veins of ore deposited in fractures in is from the junction of Beatty Cut-off and fine-grained tailings. Testing has the metamorphic rock. Tunnels were Road and Keane Wonder Road east to shown elevated levels of lead and dug, side tunnels were added, always Chloride Cliff. This includes the Ke- mercury in these tailings. Erosion removing as much ore as possible. ane Wonder Mine and Mill, Big Bell constantly exposes this material and Eventually the mine became a series Mine, King Midas Mine, Cyty’s Mill wind blows the dust around. This is of chambers supported by pillars... and Keane Wonder Spring. not something you want to breathe! Stay Out–Stay Alive! then even the pillars were removed! What’s Inside? Junior Rangers

Park Information...... page 2 Want to have fun while exploring the Junior Ranger pledge, you will Death Valley? You can become a Ju- receive your Junior Ranger Badge. Desert Survival ...... page 3 nior Ranger with the Junior Ranger Why not join a Park Ranger for a What To See ...... page 4 booklet that can be picked up at Junior Ranger Program and receive any Death Valley National Park a certificate? During the fall, winter Walks & Hikes ...... page 5 Visitor Center. Just complete the or spring, stop by a Visitor Center at right number of activities for your Furnace Creek or Scotty’s Castle to Park Map ...... page 6/7 age and get your booklet signed check on times, and locations. by a Park Ranger. Upon completion Research & Education...... page 8 Present your Junior Ranger certifi- of your booklet and after reciting cate or completed Junior Ranger Natural Resources...... page 9 booklet at any Visitor Center book- Scotty’s Castle ...... page 10 store and you can purchase a special Junior Ranger Patch for a small fee. Plan Your Trip ...... page 11 What a great way to explore Death Valley! Visitor Services...... page 12 Park Information

Help Protect America’s Treasures

While visiting the White House, These parks were created because they would leave behind empty landscapes • Do not feed or disturb wildlife, would you take a piece of silverware have special meaning to all Ameri- that nobody would enjoy. including coyotes, roadrunners & ra- home for a keepsake? How about tear- cans. The laws that created these Help protect America’s National vens. When wild animals are fed by ing off a piece of the Declaration of special places for us to own and enjoy Park sites by leaving everything in humans they tend to depend upon Independence? Or spray painting your also mandate they be protected for the its place and not defacing the natural this unhealthy food source rather name on the Statue of Liberty? enjoyment of future generations of resources. Other park visitors and than forage for their natural diet. Americans as well. Similar actions sometimes take future generations of Americans will • Hunting and use of firearms in place in our National Parks. Pick- Visiting any of our national parks thank you. the park is illegal. Firearms may be ing wildflowers, taking is similar to visiting museums transported through the park only if home stones or arrowheads or art galleries. You certainly they are unloaded and cased. How to Help as keepsakes, and defac- wouldn’t think of taking an • Keep pets confined or leashed. ing canyon walls artifact or painting home Please remember and obey the fol- Pets are allowed only in developed with graffiti are all from such places. Re- areas and along paved or dirt roads. actions that degrade moving anything from lowing regulations during your stay: the parks for other visitors. our National Parks means that • Collecting or disturbing any • Camping is limited to developed campgrounds and some backcoun- In addition, it’s against the other visitors will not be able animal, plant, rock or any other try areas. For details on backcoun- law. to enjoy it. If each of the natural, historical or archeological try camping and to obtain a free 275 million visi- feature is prohibited. When you visit any permit, stop at the Furnace Creek tors took away All vehicles must remain on of the sites run • Visitor Center or any ranger station. by the Na- a flower or a established roads. This includes mo- Campfires are allowedin firep- tional Park stone or any- torcycles, bicycles, and four-wheel • its provided in developed camp- Service, you thing from drive vehicles. All motorized vehicles grounds. They are prohibited else- are viewing the parks and their drivers must be properly where in the park. Gathering wood America’s they visit, licensed. Vehicles with off-road reg- is unlawful. treasures. they istration “green stickers” may not be operated in the park. • Please do not litter.

Park Superintendent J.T. Reynolds

CAMPGROUND Season Elevation Fee Sites Water Tables Firepits Toilets Dump Station

Furnace Creek all year -196´ $18** 136 yes yes yes flush yes

Sunset Oct-Apr -196´ $12 270 yes no no flush yes

Texas Spring Oct-Apr sea level $14 92 yes yes yes flush yes

Stovepipe Wells Oct-Apr sea level $12 190 yes some some flush yes

Mesquite Spring all year 1800´ $12 30 yes yes yes flush yes

Emigrant (tent only) all year 2100´ free 10 yes yes no flush no

Wildrose all year 4100´ free 23 yes yes yes pit no

Thorndike* Mar-Nov 7400´ free 6 no yes yes pit no

Mahogany Flat* Mar-Nov 8200´ free 10 no yes yes pit no

*Accessible to high-clearance vehicles only. 4-wheel drive may be necessary. **Furnace Creek Campground fee changes to $12 per night from mid-April to mid-October

Campground Rules & Information

• Camping reservations are to camp together can reserve the • Texas Springs Campground (Up- available only for Furnace Creek group sites at Furnace Creek Camp- per Loop) Limits on RV site use may Campground and group campsites ground. apply in springtime to accomodate through National Recreation Reser- increased demand for tent camp- • Generator hours are from 7 am to vation Service. Reservations can be ing space. 7 pm, unless otherwise posted. These made for the camping season of Oc- hours are chosen to accommodate • Pets must be kept on a leash tober 15 thorough April 15. Furnace the needs of the wide variety of no longer than 6 feet at all Creek Campground reservations people who use Death Valley’s times. Keeping your pet can be made six months in advance. campgrounds. Generators are not leashed protects other Group campsites reservations can allowed at Texas Springs Camp- campers and wildlife as be made 11 months in advance. For ground. well as your pet. Pet reservations call toll-free at: 1-877- • RV Hookups are available owners are respon- 444-6777 or visit the website at sible for cleaning recreation.gov only at the concession-run Stovepipe Wells RV Park up after their pets. • Group size of no larger than 8 and the privately-owned people and 2 vehicles is allowed Furnace Creek Ranch Resort and per campsite. Only one RV allowed Panamint Springs Resort. per site. Larger groups that want

2 Death Valley Visitor Guide Desert Survival

Staying Safe & Sound Survive the Drive

Water: Drink at least one gallon • Flash Floods: Avoid canyons dur- • Mine Hazards: Do not enter mine The main cause of death in Death (4 liters) of water per day to replace ing rain storms and be prepared to tunnels or shafts. Mines may be un- Valley is single-car accidents. loss from perspiration. Carry plenty move to higher ground. While driv- stable, have hidden shafts, pockets • Follow the speed limit to help of extra drinking water in your car. ing, be alert for water running in of bad air and poisonous gas. negotiate the narrow roads, sharp • Heat & Dehydration: If you feel washes and across road dips. • In Case of Emergency: Dial 911 curves and unexpected dips. dizzy, nauseous or a headache, get • Dangerous Animals: Never place from any telephone or cell phone. • Avoid speeding out of control out of the sun immediately and your hands or feet where you can- Cell phones may not work in many on steep downhill grades by shift- drink plenty of water. Dampen not see first. Rattlesnakes, scorpi- parts of the park, do not depend on ing to a lower gear and gently clothing to lower your body tem- ons or black widow spiders may be them. pressing on the brakes. perature. Heat and dehydration can sheltered there. Don’t block traffic.Pull off the kill. • pavement if you want to stop to • Hiking: Do not hike in the low enjoy the scenery. elevations when temperatures are Wear a seatbelt and make sure hot. The mountains are cooler in • it is adjusted to fit snugly. summer, but can have snow and ice in winter. • Unpaved roads are subject to washouts. Check for conditions Summer Driving: Stay on paved • before traveling these routes. roads in summer. If your car breaks down, stay with it until help comes. Be prepared; carry plenty of extra water.

Panamint Speckled Rattlesnake Deadly Summer Heat

Ingrid and Gerhard Jonas were only the viewpoint she could watch for tors a year. In recent years, the big- the comfort of air conditioned cars. a few days into their summer vacation Gerhard to cross over the colorful gest increase in visitation has been in With that ease of travel, visitors often in the United States when they arrived landscape. Three hours after their ar- summer months. People from around underestimate the dangers of being in in Death Valley. A guidebook they ranged rendezvous time there was still the globe are able to travel through one the hottest places in the world. had brought from home described the no sign of him; she became worried the sweltering heat of the valley in hike from Golden Canyon to Zabriskie enough to seek help. She told rangers Point, which proved irresistible to at the visitor center about her overdue Gerhard. The trail was only a few husband and a search was begun in miles from developed Furnace Creek 112° F (45° C) heat. A quick over- so it seemed safe. Although he would flight in the park airplane revealed a be getting a late start at noon and the figure fitting his description in lower temperature was already more than Gower Gulch, the next drainage south 100° F (38° C) in the shade, Gerhard of Golden Canyon. Although rangers believed the hike would take only half reached Gerhard only 1½ hours after an hour to complete. He was mistaken. he was first reported missing and only Even on a mild winter day the nearly 5 hours after he had started his hike, three mile hike over highly eroded he was dead. Heat stroke proved to be badlands takes 1½ to 2 hours. He was the culprit. also mistaken to think he would need Could this death have been pre- less than a liter of water to complete vented? With better planning, better the hike on that hot June day, which timing, and enough water this story was becoming hotter by the minute. may have ended differently. Ingrid agreed to drive around and Death Valley National Park now meet him at Zabriskie Point. From receives more than one million visi- Manly Beacon

Kit Fox hunting Kangaroo Rat Desert Wildlife: Masters of Survival

The extremes of summer in Death plug the burrow’s entrance with dirt to ronment. Deserts have a lot of heat, Valley pose the ultimate test of sur- keep out heat and intruders. but little food, so reptiles are excellent vival for wildlife. Animals must have Sidewinders are the type of unwel- desert dwellers. special adaptations of bodies and hab- come guests the kangaroo rat is trying The tiny pupfish of Salt Creek its to survive the severe climate. to keep out. These small rattlesnakes are also ectothermic, yet they cannot Kangaroo rats can live their entire also spends the hot days in under- escape the high temperatures of solar- lives without drinking a drop of liquid, ground dens. Rather than digging heated pools. Pupfish are among the a very handy ability when living in their own burrows, they simply move most heat tolerant of all fishes. Some a place famous for its aridity. All of into one previously occupied by the species even live in warm springs. the water they need to survive can unlucky rodent eaten for dinner. They have been known to survive in be metabolized within their bodies Although best known for their odd water temperatures of 112° F. from the dry seeds they eat. They also looping motion of travel, sidewind- Another obstacle these fish face is conserve moisture; their kidneys can ers are well adapted to the extremes high salinity. Pupfish can survive in concentrate urine to five times that of of Death Valley. Like kangaroo rats, water three times saltier than sea wa- humans. sidewinders do not need to drink water. Excess salts are excreted through Kangaroo rats avoid the intense ter. All the moisture they need comes their kidneys and gills. heat of the day in underground bur- from the juicy animals they eat. During your visit, keep in mind that rows that are both cooler and higher in Endothermic (warm-blooded) only the ability to carry water and to humidity than outside. Water vapor in animals such as kangaroo rats and create artificial shelter allows you to be the humid air is reclaimed by special humans use food as fuel to produce here in relative comfort. You are not as membranes in their nasal passages, body heat internally, but ectothermic physically adapted to survive in Death and is also absorbed by the food (cold-blooded) reptiles like sidewind- Valley’s heat as its wildlife residents. stored within the den. They may even ers must absorb heat from their envi-

Death Valley Visitor Guide 3 What to See

Furnace Creek Area

• Golden Canyon: Hikers enter- • Natural Bridge: Massive rock ing the narrows of this canyon are span across interesting desert greeted by golden badlands within. canyon. The spur road is gravel and An interpretive pamphlet is avail- often rough. From the trailhead, the able. Two-mile round-trip walk. natural bridge is a ½ mile walk. • Artist’s Drive: Scenic loop drive • Badwater: Lowest point in North through multi-hued volcanic and America, Badwater Basin is a surreal sedimentary hills. Artist’s Palette is landscape of vast salt flats. A tempo- especially photogenic in late after- rary lake may form here after heavy noon light. The 9-mile paved road rainstorms. Do not walk on the salt is one-way and is only drivable with flats in hot weather. Guided tour in the late 1920s. vehicles less than 25 feet in length. • Zabriskie Point: Surrounded by a • Devil’s Golf Course: Immense area maze of wildly eroded and vibrantly of rock salt eroded by wind and colored badlands, this spectacu- • Dante’s View: The most breath- rain into jagged spires. So incredibly lar view is one of the park’s most • Twenty Mule Team Canyon: taking viewpoint in the park, this serrated that “only the devil could famous. Zabriskie Point is a popular Winding through otherworldly bad- mountain-top overlook is more play golf on such rough links.”The sunrise and sunset viewing location. lands, this 2.7 mile, one-way loop than 5000 feet above the inferno of unpaved road leading to it is often The viewpoint is a short walk uphill drive is unpaved, but accessable to Death Valley. The paved access road closed after rain. from the parking area. all standard vehicles other than bus- is open to all vehicles less than 25 ses, Rvs, and trailers. feet in length.

Stovepipe Wells Area

• Sand Dunes: Tawny dunes • Salt Creek: This stream of salty smoothly rising nearly 100 feet from water is the only home to a rare Mesquite Flat. Late afternoon light pupfish,Cyprinodon salinus. Spring- accentuates the ripples and pat- time is best for viewing pupfish; in terns while morning is a good time summer the lower stream dries up to view tracks of nocturnal wildlife. and in winter the fish are dormant. Moonlight on the dunes can be The wooden boardwalk loops ½ magical, yet night explorers should mile through stands of pickleweed be alert for sidewinder rattlesnakes and past pools reflecting badland during the warm season. hills. Wheelchair accessible. • Mosaic Canyon: Polished marble • Titus Canyon: One of the largest walls and odd mosaic patterns of and most scenically diverse canyons breccia make this small canyon a fa- in the park. Within its lofty walls vorite. The twisting lower canyon is visitors can find multi-colored vol- so narrow hikers must walk through canic deposits, a ghost town, Indian it single-file. Some rock scrambling petroglyphs, bighorn sheep, and is required. The canyon opens up deep, winding narrows. after ½ mile to reveal the heights Titus Canyon is accessible to high- Badwater Salt Flats of Tucki Mountain, but hikers can clearance vehicles via a 26-mile, one- continue another 1½ miles. way dirt road beginning outside the Panamint Springs Area park. Standard vehicles may reach the canyon’s mouth from the west via a two-way section of road. • Father Crowley Vista: A landscape • Lee Flat Joshua Trees: The finest of dark lava flows and volcanic cin- stands of tree-sized yuccas in the ders abruptly gives way to the gash park grow in this mountain-rimmed of Rainbow Canyon below this view- valley. Take the paved but rough point. Walk the dirt track east of the Saline Valley Road to a junction in parking lot for a grand overlook of Lee Flat. The gravel roads in either northern Panamint Valley. direction will provide good views of • Wildrose Charcoal Kilns: These Joshua trees. ten beehive-shaped structures are • Aguereberry Point: 1000 feet among the best preserved in the higher than Dante’s View, this view- west. Built in 1876 to provide fuel point gives a perspective over Death to process silver/lead ore, they still Valley from the west. Along the smell of smoke today. The last 2 gravel road is the remains of Pete miles of gravel road to the kilns are Aguereberry’s camp and his Eureka passable to most vehicles. MIne. The last climb to the point may require a high-clearance vehicle

Scotty’s Castle Area Wildrose Charcoal Kilns

• Scotty’s Castle: Prospector “Death • Ubehebe Crater: More than 300 • Eureka Dunes: Rising majesti- • The Racetrack: Rocks mysteri- Valley Scotty” claimed this elabo- years ago the desert silence was cally nearly 700 feet, these are the ously slide across the dry lakebed rate Spanish-style mansion was built shattered by a massive volcanic ex- highest dunes in California. Isolated of the Racetrack, leaving behind by gold from his fictitious mine. In plosion caused by the violent release from other dunes, they are an evo- long tracks for visitors to ponder. A reality, it was the 1920s vacation of underground steam pressure. lutionary island, home to rare and high-clearance vehicle is needed to home of his wealthy friends. Today, When the cinders and dust settled, endangered species of plants and traverse the 27 miles of rough dirt living history tours of the castle’s this 600 feet deep crater remained. animals. To give them extra pro- road, but ask at a ranger station for richly furnished interior are given by Although easily visible from the tection, the dunes are off limits to current road conditions. costumed park rangers. paved road, hikers may want to sandboarding and horseback riding. circle the crater rim to see smaller craters. 4 Death Valley Visitor Guide Walks and Hikes

Things to Know Before You Go

Before starting a hike, learn the cur- Constructed trails are rare in this Hiking in low elevations can be rent conditions, water availability, park. Trails are provided in places dangerous when it is hot. The high and weather forecasts. Backpackers that are heavily used and sensitive peaks can be covered with snow in should obtain a free permit. to damage. If a trail is there, please winter and spring. The best time to Always carry water. Two liters for use it. Most hiking routes in the hike in the park is October to April. a short winter dayhike; 4 liters or park are cross-country, up canyons, Dogs and bicycles are not allowed more in the summer or for long or along ridges. Footing can be on trails or in the wilderness. hikes. rough & rocky. Trails & Routes

Golden Canyon Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Titus Canyon Narrows Length: 1 mile, one-way. Length: 2 miles to highest dune. Length: 1.5 miles, one-way. Difficulty:easy Difficulty: easy to moderate Difficulty: easy Start: Golden Canyon parking area, Start: 2.2 miles east of Stovepipe Start: Titus Canyon Mouth parking 2 miles south of Hwy 190 on Badwa- Wells on Hwy 190. area, 3 miles off Scotty’s Castle Road ter Road. Description: Graceful desert dunes, on graded gravel road. Description: Easy trail through color- numerous animal tracks. Walk cross- Description: Easy access to lower ful canyon. Red Cathedral located ¼ country to 100 ft. high dunes. Best Titus Canyon. Follow gravel road up mile up canyon from last numbered in morning or afternoon for dra- wash 1.5 miles through narrows or marker. Interpretive trail guides are matic light. Also good for moon-lit continue to Klare Springs and petro- available. hikes. No trail. glyphs at 6.5 miles.

Gower Gulch Loop Mosaic Canyon Fall Canyon Length: 4 miles round-trip. Length: ½ to 2 miles, one-way. Length: 3 miles, one-way. Difficulty: moderate Difficulty: moderate Difficulty: moderately strenuous Start: Golden Canyon parking area, Start: Mosaic Canyon parking area, Start: Titus Canyon Mouth parking 2 miles south of Hwy 190 on Badwa- 2 miles from Stovepipe Wells Village area, 3 miles off Scotty’s Castle Road ter Road. on graded gravel road. on graded gravel road. Description: Colorful badlands, can- Description: Popular walk up a Description: Spectacular wilderness Narrows of Fall Canyon yon narrows, old borax mines. Hike narrow, polished marble-walled canyon near Titus Canyon. Follow up Golden Canyon to marker #10, canyon. First ½ mile is narrowest informal path ½ mile north along then follow trail over badlands and section. Some slickrock scrambling base of mountains, drop into large down Gower Gulch to finish loop. necessary. “Mosaics” of fragments wash at canyon’s mouth, then hike Summer Hikes Two easy dryfalls must be scrambled of rocks cemented together can be 2½ miles up canyon to 35’ dryfall. down. Ask for Gower Gulch hand- seen in canyon walls. Bighorn sheep You can climb around the dryfall Dante’s Ridge out at Visitor Center. sighted occasionally. 300’ back down canyon on south Length: ½ miles to first summit, side for access to best narrows. 4 miles one-way to Mt. Perry Badwater Salt Flats Darwin Falls Canyon continues another 3 miles Difficulty: moderate Length: as long or short as you like Length: 1 mile, one-way before second dryfall blocks pas- sage. No trail in canyon. Start: Dantes View parking area (the salt flats are 5 miles across) Difficulty: moderate Description: Follow ridge north of Difficulty: easy to moderate; Start: Darwin Falls parking area, 2.4 Little Hebe Crater Dantes View for spectacular vistas sections may be muddy or rough. miles up gravel road toward Dar- Length: ½ mile, one-way. and a cool place to escape summer Start: Badwater parking area win, turn one mile west of Panamint heat. No trail for last 3.5 miles Difficulty: moderate Description: Follow the path out Springs Resort on Hwy 190. from Badwater Pool into the purity Description: Year-round waterfalls Start: Ubehebe Crater parking area, Wildrose Peak 8 miles west of Scotty’s Castle. of white salt and the nation’s low- and lush vegetation tucked into a Length: 4.2 miles, one-way. est elevation at 282 feet below sea rugged canyon. Can be overgrown Description: Volcanic craters and Difficulty: moderately strenuous level. Avoid hiking here in the hot and has some rough spots. There is a elaborate erosion. Hike along west months due to the lack of shade and trail to first waterfall but dangerous rim of Ubehebe Crater to Little Start: Charcoal Kilns parking area extreme temperatures. cliffs beyond. Hebe and several other craters. Con- on upper Wildrose Canyon Road. tinue around Ubehebe’s rim for 1.5 Description: A good high peak to Natural Bridge Canyon mile loop hike. climb (9,064 ft.). Trail begins at Length: ½ mile to natural bridge, north end of kilns with an elevation 1 mile to end of canyon. gain of 2,200 ft. Spectacular views beyond 2 mile point. Steep grade Difficulty: easy Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes for last mile. Start: Natural Bridge parking area, 1.5 miles off Badwater Rd. on gravel Telescope Peak road, 13 miles south of Hwy 190. Length: 7 miles, one-way. Description: Uphill walk through Difficulty: strenuous narrow canyon. Large natural bridge at ½ mile. Trail ends at dry Start: Mahogany Flat Campground waterfall. at end of upper Wildrose Canyon Road. Rough, steep road after the Salt Creek Charcoal Kilns. Length: ½ mile round-trip. Description: Trail to highest peak in the park (11,049 ft.) with a 3,000 Difficulty: easy ft. elevation gain. Climbing this Start: Salt Creek parking area, 1 mile peak in the winter requires ice axe off Hwy 190 on graded gravel road, and crampons, and only advised for 13.5 miles north of Furnace Ck. experienced winter climbers. Trail is Description: Boardwalk along small usually snow-free by June. stream. Good for viewing rare pupfish and other wildlife. Best in late winter/early spring.

Death Valley Visitor Guide 5 6 Death Valley Visitor Guide Death Valley National Park

Co Lida Junction tt To To Tonopah on and Reno w Dyer F E o I G od S RID Creek H Mount Jackson N SO L Palmetto Mountain 45mi 6411ft CK A Lida JA 266 K 1954m 266 8960ft 72km MT E 2731m Furnace Creek Area V Pa A lm L To L et E to Y LLEY Stovepipe Wells Wash VA 95 Wyman C ree LIDA Furnace k Chocolate Magruder Mountain Mountain Airport Creek 7703ft 9046ft 168 2348m SYLVANIA MOUNTAINS 2757m Sunset

Y E L L 16mi T A U Gold Point 26km Furnace Creek V Cree L k E Visitor Center N Mount Dundee S CU O C

C o G OM Y E Picnic area N UN N t I GO A L t G Texas R w C A o P o S ll T n D S i C W w I Spring C A H o N R P A o N Y To E Furnace Creek Ranch C O Big Pine E E D N A T E Scottys Junction Borax Museum C S L A N Deep Springs Last Chance Y Mountain O To Lake N Deep B 8465ft sand Death ig 2577m Valley C P r Gold Mountain i Crankshaft e Junction ne e Junction k Furnace E Ro U a s d Timbisha Shoshone 190 Creek Inn t a R l R Village (private; no F GING O E HAN C a K u K Mine visitor services) h s A S C o J A A y N R e l Y 0 0.5 Kilometer To l 267 C a O N T Artists Drive V O A n L B and Badwater r F 0 0.5 Mile o A h L E T w V R o I U C A A A S L L C S 26mi L E E I 42km F T N L To Y N A O Big Pine N T B O Y N C CA

MARBLE H Eureka 35mi NELLIS AIR FORCE BOMBING Dunes 56km A J a AND GUNNERY RANGE c k S Deep N In winter carry a Scottys Castle s A sand chains. Road s Museum Y C E F L may be closed. la L 3000ft L TIMBER t A s I 914m MOUNTAIN E V N Road conditions E require experienced INYO IS 4-wheel drivers. R S ANYON A Waucoba 3mi C O A Mountain 5mi 5km E 11123ft IN 8km V 3390m N Ubehebe E P A Crater R N NATIONAL G G C E Steel Pass Grapevine A V L A E I F D YON O A Grapevine Peak AN R 8738ft C Y N 2663m E IA N L S IN I L FOREST R H H Y Mesquite Spring P U A C B U L L F R O G C

N A G G Wahguyhe Peak R E A Rhyolite Dry Mountain P D (ghost town) Beatty 8674ft e E Mount Palmer a N t 6710ft 2644m O h V Mine N Y 2045m

I O N M Tin Mountain E Y 8953ft G N N A R C A O 2729m O E C G L L U A A 20mi W B V N ay A a ne w N 32km D O o R N ll RE E S R e Y Leadfield y ALL T I O F N A H CA (ghost town) IG 374 A L B Red Pass M I N I S W U IT O N N 33mi T M a U D s M E h 53km N T O E Y A Two-way traffic Thimble R Black E 19mi I U Peak N N Cone to mouth of Titus H 30km N T O Canyon. O Y E T N N O CAN A A E Y A IT C Daylight Pass TS Saline N O T LA White Top O N A 4316ft F Valley B I S Dunes Mountain N 1316m Busted AS Teakettle Junction Y Corkscrew Peak ACK R A S Butte J D 95 Mount Inyo 11107ft 3385m R Information V A A C 29mi E T M T H R 46km L R M I D L A E Death Valley 7mi D P E C S Hells Gate E C 11km K Q Buttes A Y N U O H A O IT The m E N M T a Grandstand O Chloride Cliff r V 7mi Ubehebe Peak T Y g

A o V A N O 11km G s O U 5678ft A L A A a L C L N 1731m E 10mi L

W Y E D Keane Wonder W F Kit Fox 16km Y LA U Mill and Mine R E T Hills M N O (area temporarily N S Historic B F G Big a Lathrop Wells The O N e closed because of n Stovepipe Well Dune S a U Racetrack d Information R t safety hazards.) D i t O v T F Sand y O N e l r Ulida a NYON t A Dunes M C To Manzanar Flat 9mi E S A E 14km 7mi C National Historic Site O L N A u R NE B O 11km LS R t A O U Y Devils o Lone Pine N A A Indian I N Cornfield f R N M f Pass A A C L N N M S G T a O lt To D Stovepipe Wells E A S S O Las Vegas S M A Salt Creek M I O Village In winter carry I C D N Interpretive Eastern Sierra chains. Road W O Hunter N C Trail may be closed. S A Interagency TO U 136 Mountain T 8mi N C E Visitor Center O Y r 190 7454ft C 13km In winter carry O e N 2272m N e S chains. Road k T I A Cerro Gordo Peak may be closed. A E Amargosa Valley 18mi 9184ft V 29km I 2799m South Pass Winters Peak N R L A E 5033ft E N 1534m S L T U C K I M O U N T A I N MUSTARD 12mi T 19km L E CANYON 395 N Emigrant 373 E IG Harmony Borax Works Nevares Keeler MO Peak Y LE ON 6732ft Interpretive Trail NY 2052m F CA CA L NYON A T Vehicles longer T than 25 feet O (7.7meters) H Furnace Creek SEE C Schwaub J not allowed. E A DETAIL Peak Y E Visitor Center Devils Hole H m Skidoo MAP A Death Valley Panamint W i (townsite) ABOVE g 23mi National Park Dunes K r Day use only a E 37km OWENS LAKE R n Panamint Refuge (dry) t Butte C Zabriskie Point Headquarters A Golden Canyon F 21mi N u C r Twenty Mule Y Interpretive Trail 40km a na Team Canyon O n c ASH y e N o 6mi o Hole in Pyramid Peak MEADOWS Towne Pass n 9km n C the Wall e re 6703ft NATIONAL e 4956ft w k 2043m Harrisburg a Information WILDLIFE N Lake Hill 1511m Artis y O Pinto Peak R Flats ts W REFUGE Y 2030ft o D 10mi a N s A a V r h 190 OW C 619m d i NB v 16km I 18mi o e RA n 127 29km 21mi e 33mi Eureka Aguereberry Point w 53km 34km a Mine Day use only y 190 Artists 15mi Father Crowley Point 6433ft 3040ft 1961m Palette 927m ad 24km Darwin Emigrant Pass A Ro Panamint Springs TRAIL e D Falls C 5318ft A Vehicles longer in A 1621m N than 25 feet L R Y ON 18mi te To Pahrump W (7.7meters) ta O CA 29km S and Las Vegas I M NYO not allowed. L N E N O N W 11mi 190 E P R a L 17km R 13mi Death Valley Junction C n E a Wildrose 21km Amargosa Opera House N m T Devils E i N n Wildrose Peak Golf Course Trailer N Darwin H t OSE 9064ft Natural IA I R parking L LD 2763m Bridge L L I CA EATH C F S W D Y ANY L L N VALLE ON A 15mi YO Badwater Basin T V N Charcoal Kilns Lowest elevation in a 24km North l the U.S., 282ft (86m) l Rough, narrow, winding A e below sea level Haiwee y road. Vehicles longer Thorndike Vehicles longer Reservoir 9mi than 25 feet (7.7 meters) Badwater than 25 feet 14km not allowed. Mahogany Flat E (7.7meters) Rogers Peak CANYON not allowed. R 8133ft AH o 2479m UP Dantes a NA Coffin Peak C HA Eagle Mountain A CHINA LAKE NAVAL d R Bennett View 5503ft C Peak Eagle Borax Works 5475ft 1677m 3806ft T P 1160m U WEAPONS CENTER (ruins) 1669m S Y N G F G L A A R R T A Telescope Peak E 11049ft E South N 3368m E E Haiwee N N 28mi Reservoir 45km N W W For Your Safety Entrance Fee A G A A A This is a harsh enviroment—any emergency situation Please stop at Furnace CANYON m a M ISE Panamint City T T PR r SUR 40mi g can become life-threatening, especially in summer. Be Creek Visitor Center, (ghost town) o E E 64km s G a R Brown Peak sure to heed the safety warnings in the park news- Stovepipe Wells Ranger R I Funeral Peak 4947ft Sentinel Peak CANYON 1508m paper. Safety concerns include extreme heat and Station, Beatty Ranger 9636ft ON 6384ft Deadman JOHNS N 2937m 1945m Pass dehydration, unsafe driving, flash floods, and mine Station, or the entrance 3263ft R hazards. Ask about unpaved road conditions before E E 994m O station at Grapevine to

S T W R E traveling in the backcountry. Do not use this map for pay the park entrance Ballarat

e V Porter Peak A hiking or backcountry road travel. More detailed maps (ghost town) s GO V 395 A fee. t Mormon Point LD L A N L are available at the visitor center and ranger stations. PL E EA L R Y S i ANT CANYON S Y L G v i 27mi LE E e ON de L r North CANY 43km VA Y E Road conditions NA R 0 10 Kilometers V LE o require experienced GA a 4-wheel drivers. d Smith Mountain 5912ft S 0 10 Miles A 1802m 42mi 178 Vehicles, including bicycles, must stay on roads. W I 68km L ARM Y E SPR Shoshone Unpaved road Area below sea Lodging L ING E L CA A NY B level L V ON Gas station L R High clearance Salt flat E Striped Butte A 31mi YON To Pahrump recommended Store AN 50km C C Salsberry Pass and Las Vegas R E ING Y T SPR 3315ft 4-wheel-drive road Ranger station Radiator water T 3mi K 1010m U L 5km B I V A N 25mi Campground Telephone A 41km Hiking trail Manly Peak Shoreline Butte 7196ft Jubilee Sanitary disposal station Wheelchair accessible 2193m Mengel Pass Ashford Jubilee Pass Mountain 1290ft Needle Peak Mill Timbisha Shoshone Food service Airstrip N (ruins) 390m M O Sugarloaf trust lands Y Peak C H N O a O N r A F ry N I C D W U h EN s C a Road conditions a E d To GOLER W H e N require experienced IL Ro Tecopa E L a 4-wheel drivers. S d T te 127 ga To Preserve a Way of Life S in A V L W The Timbisha Shoshone Home- A I Death Valley D T N A park boundary land Act of 2000 provides for E A M E the tribe’s living permanently H O Ibex Pass on lands held in trust within S S L U D their ancestral homeland. R W Trust lands, located by dots N Watch for A O flooding A at left, are also shown on the T large map. The Act also pro- N Lost Lake A A G vides special use areas, includ- Trona m

a ing the Timbisha Shoshone E I r g o Natural and Cultural Preserva- N Timbisha Shoshone Owl s Natural and Cultural 20mi a 24mi tion Area, for sustaining the Wingate Pass Lake 39km Preservation Area tribe’s traditional cultural and 32km SEARLES LAKE R religious activities. iv er Ibex Owens Peak Dunes Brown Mountain Saratoga 5125ft Y Spring F E 1562m R L E L CHINA LAKE NAVAL EM 13mi 4mi AN 21km A To BR V WEAPONS CENTER 6km Lake 178 395 25mi 178 S Isabella C 178 40km E A N L Y R Q O U A 6mi A I L N 14 395 M O 9km E U N S T A RIDGECREST Straw Peak I N S To Baker

To FORT IRWIN MILITARY RESERVATION To San Los Angeles Bernardino Co Lida Junction tt To To Tonopah on and Reno w Dyer F E o I G od S RID Creek H Mount Jackson N SO L Palmetto Mountain 45mi 6411ft CK A Lida JA 266 K 1954m 266 8960ft 72km MT E 2731m Furnace Creek Area V Pa A lm L To L et E to Y LLEY Stovepipe Wells Wash VA 95 Wyman C ree LIDA Furnace k Chocolate Magruder Mountain Mountain Airport Creek 7703ft 9046ft 168 2348m SYLVANIA MOUNTAINS 2757m Sunset

Y E L L 16mi T A U Gold Point 26km Furnace Creek V Cree L k E Visitor Center N Mount Dundee S CU O C

N A G G Wahguyhe Peak R E A Rhyolite Dry Mountain P D (ghost town) Beatty 8674ft e E Mount Palmer a N t 6710ft 2644m O h V Mine N Y 2045m

A o V A N O 11km G s O U 5678ft A L A A a L C L N 1731m E 10mi L

S T W R E traveling in the backcountry. Do not use this map for pay the park entrance Ballarat

a ing the Timbisha Shoshone E I r g o Natural and Cultural Preserva- N Timbisha Shoshone Owl s Natural and Cultural 20mi a 24mi tion Area, for sustaining the Wingate Pass Lake 39km Preservation Area tribe’s traditional cultural and 32km SEARLES LAKE R religious activities. iv er Ibex Death Valley Visitor Guide Owens Peak Dunes Brown Mountain Saratoga 5125ft Y Spring F E 1562m R L E L CHINA LAKE NAVAL EM 13mi 4mi AN 21km A To BR V WEAPONS CENTER 6km Lake 178 395 25mi 178 S Isabella C 178 40km E A N L Y R Q O U A 6mi A I L N 14 395 M O 9km E U N S T A RIDGECREST Straw Peak I N S To Baker

To FORT IRWIN MILITARY RESERVATION To San Los Angeles Bernardino 7 Research and Education

What is Death Valley R.O.C.K.S.?

Death Valley ROCKS (Recreation Death Valley National Park for the Making Superintendent Reynolds’ Death Valley Natural History Associa- Outdoor Campaign for Kids thru first time, have the opportunity to con- dream come true has not been a “one tion (DVNHA). Director David Black- Study) is the realization of Park Su- tribute to the park by completing work man effort” and there are many people er who made Death Valley ROCKS perintendent J.T. Reynolds career long projects, learning about the desert and to thank. One of the most important one of the top priorities for fund dream that students experience nature themselves. contributors to the program has the raising this past year. The majority of and history firsthand. During his 30+ transportation costs have been paid years with the National Park Service, for through private donations to the Reynolds has worked personally and DVNHA fund. You too can contribute professionally to help students main- through the DVNHA website or by tain self esteem in a world that is often stopping by the DVNHA bookstore. at odds with this goal. For those who want to help this pro- “Spending time out of doors enables gram in a personal way, volunteers are students to learn in a different way and needed to assist with the on-site pro- is reflected in their intellect, memo- grams, prepare and organize supplies ries, and hearts rather than just in their and materials and conduct educational scholastic grades,” Reynolds said. programs. Death Valley ROCKS fuses the For further information, to offer wisdom of established outdoor pro- your help and support or to find out grams at other National Parks with how your school can get involved with new, experimental methods to bring Death Valley ROCKS, contact the Ed- students from inner city schools in ucation Specialist at 760-786-3226. Nevada and California to the park. You too can play a role in improving Students, many visiting the desert and one of these kid’s future! All-Taxa Biological Inventory Makes Connections

An All Taxa Biological Inventory up to a full-fledge effort. A small but of 322 ants were collected, repre- alluvial fan near Emigrant Ranger (ATBI) is a complete inventory of all important “bio-blitz” was held in Sep- senting eleven species. All the ants Station, Emigrant Wash, Emigrant life forms within a given area, from tember 29, 2007 with the assistance collected on Rogers Peak (the 10,000- Canyon, Wildrose Canyon, Harrisburg bugs to bighorns, flatworms to finches, of Santa Monica College, California foot crew) and one of the ants collect- Flat, near the Charcoal Kilns, Thorn- viruses to vireos, lupines to lizards, Mediterranean Research Learning ed at Mahogany Flat Campground (the dike Campground, Mahogany Flat microbes to mesquite. Beyond a mere Center (CAMRLC), Los Angeles 8,000-foot crew), represents a first Campground, the shoulder of Rogers laundry list of critters, there are many Natural History Museum, University record for this species within the state Peak and the summit of Rogers Peak. other goals is well. This intensive of New Mexico, Harvard University, of California. In addition, a specimen In addition, smaller stations were also study will also aid the park in under- University of California- Santa Bar- collected near Stovepipe Wells Airport established at Upper Emigrant Spring standing plant and animal distribution, bara, Great Basin Cooperative Ecosys- (the sea-level crew) represents a spe- and near Wildrose Ranger Station. Be- associations and ecological relation- tem Studies Unit and the Death Valley cies that only was recently discovered tween all organisms and taxa groups ships as well as relative abundance. Natural History Association- and the in similar habitat in San Bernardino collected that day, the highest number This will also be an important record list keeps growing!. County, California. This species is of species represented came from of organisms, habitats and conditions still in the process of being described Emigrant Wash (the 3,000-foot crew). that will form a baseline for future as a new species. Death Valley is now Overall, this was a valuable and efforts that document potential effects another known location of this new productive effort, the students and from climate change or other land- species. As for total species diversity, staff appeared to have a good time, scape-scale dynamics and alterations. the Stovepipe Wells crew clearly beat they learned some aspects of biodiver- Another important aspect is en- everyone else, with a record four sity and science projects, the students gaging the public, especially school separate species of ants. In addition, were introduced to Death Valley and groups, whether college groups, high this data appears to indicate that with the NPS, it added important informa- school science classes, or other envi- one exception, the various species of tion on the park’s invertebrates, and it ronmental educational efforts. This en- ants appear to be restricted to specific helped launch Death Valley National gagement is not only to obtain needed habitat types. More will be learned of Park’s All Taxa Inventory. We hope to assistance in the inventories, but more this later. continue such efforts beginning in late importantly, foster a connection and There was a high species diversity winter and continue through the year. relevancy with younger audiences and of spiders (14 species represented), Potential locations for the next few to light a spark in them towards envi- with Emigrant Wash (the 3,000-foot bio-blitzes include Surprise Canyon, ronmental education, natural processes crew) and Rogers Peak (the 10,000- Lee Flat, Hunter Mountain, White and National Parks. Desert five-spot foot crew) tied for the highest species Top Mountain and Johnson Canyon. The National Park Service and diversity for spiders. A jumping spider The students and faculty at Santa On September 29th, approximately Death Valley Natural History As- collected from Emigrant Wash turned Monica College were so excited to be 30 students from Santa Monica Col- sociation, in association with other out to be a new, previously unknown part of our new ATBI and in finding lege and staff from the CAMRLC partners, launched an ATBI in Death species. This location may turn out to a new species, that they distributed a participated in a bio-blitz at eleven Valley on September 2007. be the most southerly and most arid press release. Since that time, Melody stations spread out in 1,000-foot verti- location for this entire genus, since Hanatani from the Santa Monica There are many ways that ATBIs cal increments starting near Stovepipe this particular genus of spider is usu- Daily Press wrote a front page article may be accomplished, but most follow Wells and continuing in a southerly ally found in higher elevations and describing the excitement of this new procedures similar to the world’s first direction to the summit of Rogers more northerly climates. Due to the find and opportunity for Santa Monica ATB—the one held at Great Smoky Peak (approximately 10,000 feet). The number of species represented within College. As the student’s science Mountains National Park. In this target for this bio-blitz was surface/ the 21 individual spiders collected, instructor William Shelby stated such ATBI, information is often collected ground-dwelling organisms such as specific habitat preferences cannot be discovery opportunities are typically through a series of “bio-blitzes.” ants and spiders. From this effort, made at this time, but more will be afforded research universities, not These usually involve a group of a total of 439 individual organisms learned as time progresses. Spiders two-year colleges. It is these kind of people making a concentrated inven- were collected, comprising: silverfish, within Death Valley have never really opportunities that are an important tory effort within a short period of springtails, ants, spiders, termites, been investigated- there will surely be part of ATBIs. The students, instruc- time—in essence a “snap-shot” in grasshoppers, mites, centipedes, many new surprises. tors, and local population around time across different plots or habitats. dragonflies, flies, beetles, and some The sites sampled include: the al- Santa Monica College now have a per- Due to various reasons, our ATBI currently unidentified organisms. The luvial fan above Stovepipe Wells, the sonal connection. will take a period of time to ramp majority were ants and spiders. A total

8 Death Valley Visitor Guide Natural Resources

The Ultimate Challenge

The Devils Hole pupfish and other young. Disastrous? It turns out that southwestern pupfish species have the earthquakes periodically flush the survived numerous challenges. Their debris off the shelf down Devils Hole ancestors arrived during the Ice Ages – and, the Hole does not fill up with from another part of the continent, gravel because it is over 500 feet (150 swimming up rivers and through lakes m) deep. that no longer exist. The fish were Last but not least, the earth’s crust able to take advantage of times when is thin in Nevada. It was stretched the local climate was cooler and, most from east to west during the last 17 importantly for fish, wetter. When the million years, so the water in Devils Ice Ages ended and the fishes became Hole is 92°F (33°C) – on the upper marooned in oases surrounded by the end of tolerance for fish and fish egg desert, only pupfish and a few other production and maturation. These are species were able to adapt to their new tough conditions for an animal that worlds. The fishes that could not adapt cannot sweat to cool itself and has no died – just like the woolly mammoths. other place to go! The Devils Hole pupfish found In recognition of the fact that Devils themselves land-locked in one of the Hole is a singularly amazing place, most bizarre and challenging fish hab- President Truman added it to Death itats imaginable. They live in a natural Valley National Monument in 1952. well formed along an earthquake fault After local groundwater pumping that is pulling apart causing an open- threatened the survival of its pup- air pit over a portion of the groundwa- fish in the 1960s and 1970s, a 1976 ter. The fish live in the smallest habitat United States Supreme Court decision for a vertebrate animal known in the confirmed the importance of its water world. And, while it looks like a calm for maintaining its scientific value and fish bowl, looks can be deceptive. protected the water rights of Devils Planetary earthquakes rock Devils Hole and its pupfish. Death Valley Na- Hole. For example, the 2002 Denali, tional Park has continued to monitor Devils Hole Pupfish Alaska earthquake that measured 7.9 Devils Hole’s water level and fight for on the Richter scale caused the water its water rights in the decades since In a quest to tease out what has fish, survivors of earthquakes, floods, in the Hole to bob up and down 6 feet. this important decision. caused the decline, biologists are look- and the end of the Ice Ages, survive A 6.6 magnitude Pakistani earthquake About 10 years ago, the population ing at another possibility… something their current challenge? in 2005 caused the water level to of the Devils Hole pupfish began to that is a known environmental differ- Death Valley National Park Fish Bi- fluctuate a few inches… and the 1992 drop for reasons we do not completely ence in the last ten years. Planetary ologist Mike Bower says of the Devils magnitude 7.2 earthquake in Landers, understand. Biologists continue to air temperatures have reached record Hole pupfish: California threw things all over inside levels for historic times. Could the study water quality, genetics, food “This species, one of the first spe- Devils Hole. decline in pupfish breeding success chains, and other factors in order to cies listed as Endangered under the be caused by a decreased amount of Devils Hole is also at the bottom discover what is happening and to Endangered Species Protection Act of nighttime cooling as well as the higher of a dry wash that can carry rag- help the fish. While the level of water 1966, has been declining in abundance daytime temperatures on the shelf? ing flash floods filled with rocks and over the pupfish nursery is not drop- in recent times and may, ironically, be gravel. Floods dump rocks on the 10 ping quickly, due to regional devel- Will the biologists unravel the attempting to teach us another lesson foot by 16 foot (3m x 5 m) shelf area opment and related increased use of puzzle regarding what is challenging in sustainability.” covered by shallow water that is the groundwater, there is a worrisome Devils Hole pupfish survival before it entire nursery for the pupfish eggs and decline. is too late? Will the Devils Hole pup-

Icon of the Wild Desert

The coyote is the icon of wildness in most desert parks. wounds and have the potential to When we see a coyote eating from peoples hands, carry rabies. Small children and pets roaming picnic areas and waiting along the roadside could become targets of hungry or for handouts, we lose a lot of that wild experience we angry coyotes. In addition, when a originally came to the park to enjoy. visitor stops in the road to feed or Coyotes are both scavengers and predators and—like photograph a coyote, both become human beings—would rather take the easy way out. traffic hazards. They will eat at any opportunity. When visitors offer A begging coyote’s behavior is not food, coyotes will gladly take it. Death Valley National the animals’ fault. It is doing what Park is their home; they belong here, but feeding wild comes easiest, but that is not always animals does not. In fact, it is illegal. the most healthful. YOU are the The law is intended to protect park resources and peo- most important link in solving this ple. Feeding wild animals habituates them to humans problem. Please help us keep our and our food. Coyotes lose their natural fear of humans wildlife wild and alive by not feed- and can become aggressive when food is not forthcom- ing any of the wild animals in Death ing or if they feel cornered or threatened. This poses Valley. a hazard to the visitor. Coyotes can inflict serious bite

Coyote with its natural prey. Death Valley Visitor Guide 9 Scotty’s Castle

A Monument to Friendship

Driving through Grapevine Canyon Kentucky. He left school and home at in northern Death Valley National the age of 11 to work on cattle ranches Park you come upon a Spanish-style in Nevada with his older brothers. It home that seems out of place in such was then that he first visited Death a seemingly desolate landscape. You Valley, which would change both his may wonder if you are seeing a desert life and American folklore. Scotty mirage. But your eyes are not tricking lived the life of a real Western cowboy you; this opulent enclave is Death Val- until he was hired to be a show cow- ley Ranch, better known as Scotty’s boy in Buffalo Bill’s, “Wild West.” He Castle. Scotty’s Castle is more than performed as a roughrider and sharp- just a house. Some see the Castle as a shooter with the show for 12 seasons. monument to a surprising and remark- In 1902 Scotty quit work with Buf- able friendship between two very falo Bill and returned to Death Valley different characters. to become one of the best-loved and Walter Scott, known to all as Death most infamous cowboy/con-artists of Scotty’s Castle Valley Scotty, was one of those char- his day. He fabricated tales of a secret gold mine and convinced several back when he was younger. ship that would last the remainder of acters. Scotty’s beginnings were hum- their lives. ble, hailing from the horse country of wealthy Eastern businessmen to invest Though opposite in their upbring- in his mythical mine. ing and lifestyle, Johnson and Scotty Albert and his wife Bessie enjoyed One such investor was shared a love of Death Valley and the repeated visits to Death Valley with Albert M. Johnson, pleasure of each other’s company. Scotty and so they built a vacation president of the Na- Not only had Scotty lived many of home in Grapevine Canyon. They tional Life Insurance the adventures that Mr. Johnson had named it Death Valley Ranch but Company of Chicago. read about, he also led Mr. Johnson Scotty, ever the publicity hound, told Albert Johnson was on some adventures of his own. Like the reporters that Death Valley Ranch a conservative, strong- anyone who has ever realized a was really Scotty’s Castle. Albert ly religious man—per- lifelong dream, Mr. John- Johnson thoroughly enjoyed haps a surprising man son always appreciated Scotty’s antics, stories, to value friendship how Scotty helped claims and deceptions. with a desert rat like him realize his child- When Albert Johnson Scotty. Although Albert hood fantasies about was asked why he sup- Johnson grew up in the west. ported Scotty and why a strict and wealthy In 1905 Johnson he allowed Scotty to Quaker home in Ohio, visited Death Valley claim the Castle as he loved reading books to check on Scotty’s his own, his reply was about the West and gold mine in person- always the same: “Scotty dreamt of western only to learn there was repays me in laughs.” The adventures. Johnson reno gold mine! While you may Castle is a monument to their ceived an engineering have pressed charges if someone stole friendship; Albert Johnson and Death degree from Cornell thousands of dollars of your money, Valley Scotty had a unique partnership University but ended Albert Johnson treasured his friend- where friendship and a good story up in the insurance ship with Scotty more than the money trumped the importance of money and business due to a train he lost. Exploring the desert together, truth. accident that broke his Scotty and Johnson formed a friend-

Death Valley Scotty 1930

Scotty’s Castle Tours

Tour Fees Living History Tour Underground Mystery Tour Lower Vine Ranch Tour Adults...... $11 • 50-minute tour of the interior of the • 50-minute tour of the Castle’s • 2½-hour, 2-miles round trip hike and main house and annex. basement, tunnels and Pelton tour of Death Valley Scotty’s true Age 62 or over...... $9 • Offered each hour from May to waterwheel. home. not recommended for those Adults with a disability...... $6 October and more frequently from • Usually offered five times daily from with difficulty walking. Children (6-15 years)...... $6 November to April. October to April. • Offered occasionally from November Children under 5...... free • ADA accessible. • This tour is not ADA accessible. to April. See Ranger Programs list for times. A trip through Scotty’s Castle is a Underground Mystery Tours intro- memorable part of any visit to Death duce visitors to the Castle’s techno- • Reservations recommended. . Lower Vine Ranch Tours...... $15 Call (760) 786-2392 ext.226 Valley. Living History Tours are led logical mystery of self sufficiency and by park rangers dressed in 1930s at- comfort. Most visitors are in awe of • This tour is not ADA accessible. • Save $2 by buying tickets to both tire who take visitors back to the year what lies beneath the Castle. Guided Though long-closed to protect types of tours during your visit. 1939 at the Castle. Visitors will see by a uniformed ranger, the tour takes fragile cultural resources, visitors • Hours of operation for Scotty’s Castle intricate details of the iron-work and visitors into the Castle basement, now have the opportunity to join a and grounds vary seasonally. Contact hand-carved redwood and experience through a maze of tunnels, and into ranger-led hike and visit Death Valley the Castle at 760-786-2392 for the opulently furnished rooms includ- the Powerhouse where rangers dem- Scotty’s true home. Approximately current hours. ing the Upper Music Room where onstrate the Castle’s historic hydro- eight miles from the elegant Castle, • Be sure to bring your flash cameras. they are treated to the sounds of a electric power system, which provided Albert Johnson built Scotty a simple, Backpacks, tripods, water bottles, 1,121 pipe theater organ. residents with contemporary amenities wooden cabin at the Lower Vine and food items are not allowed and comfort. Ranch. Scotty called this ranch his inside the Castle. Underground Mystery Tours are an home for over twenty years. He trav- • Tickets are sold first come, interesting alternative for visitors who eled up to the Castle to spin stories, first served. Large groups are have already attended a living history visit his friends, and wash his laundry. recommended to make reservations. Castle tour. For the first time visitor, A visit to Lower Vine Ranch reveals combining both tours makes for a a more private side of the enigmatic complete Castle experience. prospector, storyteller, and swindler.

10 Death Valley Visitor Guide Plan Your Trip

The Best Time to Visit Temperatures

Death Valley National Park is usu- giving and before Christmas is the and lodging are usually packed at Average Max Average Min ally considered a winter park, but it is least crowded time of the entire that time, so reservations are recom- January. ..65°F / 18°C 39°F / 4°C possible to visit here all year. When is year. Peak winter visitation periods mended. February. ..72°F / 22°C 46°F / 8°C the best time to visit? It all depends on include Christmas to New Year’s, • Summer starts early in Death March 80°F / 27°C 53°F / 12°C what you’re looking for. Martin Luther King Day weekend in Valley. By May the valley is too hot • Autumn arrives in late October, January, and Presidents’ Day week- for most visitors, yet throughout the April 90°F / 32°C 62°F / 17°C end in February. Reservations will be with warm but pleasant tempera- hottest months, visitors from around May. ..99°F / 37°C 71°F / 22°C helpful. the world still flock to the park. tures and generally clear skies. The June 109°F / 43°C 80°F / 27°C camping season begins in fall and so • Springtime is the most popular Lodging and camping are available, do the Ranger Programs, which con- time to visit Death Valley. Besides but only the most hardy will want July 115°F / 46°C 88°F / 31°C tinue through spring. Although it is warm and sunny days, the possibil- to camp in the low elevations in the August 113°F / 45°C 85°F / 29°C relatively uncrowded at this time of ity of spring wildflowers is a big summer. Most summer visitors tour September 106°F / 41°C 75°F / 24°C year, the weeks leading up to Death attraction. If the previous winter by car to the main points of interest October. ..92°F / 33°C 62°F / 16°C Valley ‘49ers Encampment (second brought rain, the desert can put on along the paved roads but do little week in November) and the Thanks- an impressive floral display, usually else due to the extreme heat. Those November. ..76°F / 24°C 48°F / 9°C giving holiday are busy. peaking in late March to early April. wanting to hike will find the trails December. ..65°F / 19°C 39°F / 4°C • Winter has cool days, chilly nights Check our website for wildflower to Telescope and Wildrose Peaks are updates. Spring break for schools at their best in summer, but it is best and rarely, rainstorms. With snow • Record High: 134°F / 57°C July 1913 capping the high peaks and low throughout the west brings families to wait until autumn for most other and students to the park from the hikes. • Record Low: 15°F / -9°C January 1913 angled winter light, this season is The official weather station is at Furnace Creek. especially beautiful for exploring last week of March through the the valley. The period after Thanks- week after Easter. Campgrounds

Useful Books & Maps

The Death Valley Natural History Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing visitors to Death Valley National Park with a quality educational experience. These suggested offerings from our publications were chosen to help you plan your visit and make the most of the time you spend in Death Valley. Prices may change without notice.

► A Traveler's Guide to Death Val- ► Death Valley SUV Trails ley National Park (Lawson) Beauti- (Mitchell) This is a four-wheeler’s ful color photographs, informative guide to 46 interesting back road text and maps organized into chapters excursions in the greater Death Valley describing areas of the park to visit in Region.314 pages. $19.95 one day. 42 pages. $8.95 ► Death Valley National Park ► Death Valley National Park: Guide Map (Automobile Club of An Interpretive History (Cornett) Southern California) A detailed map Filled with historic and professional including points of interest, lodging photos, this guide provides a color- and restaurants, campgrounds and ful introduction to this magnificent services with descriptions. $4.95 park and its history. Includes visitor ► Death Valley National Park Map tips, over-view map and park facts. 48 (Trails Illustrated-National Geograph- pages. $7.95 ic Maps) Waterproof, tearproof, 100% ► Best Easy Day Hikes: Death Val- plastic topographic map. Included ley (Cunningham & Burke) Includes backcountry road descriptions, trails/ concise descriptions and simple maps routes, and safety tips. $9.95 of 23 short, easy-to-follow routes within the park. 120 pages. $6.95 Death Valley ► Hiking Death Valley: A Guide Natural to its Natural Wonders and Mining History Past (Digonnet) A comprehensive Association guidebook providing 280 hiking/driv- P.O. Box 188 ing destinations ranging from easy day hikes to multiple-day treks. 542 pages. Death Valley, CA 92328 $19.95 1-800-478-8564 www.dvnha.org

Badwater & Telescope Peak Nearby National Park Areas

Devils Postpile National Monument Mojave National Preserve. Bryce Canyon National Park. Lake Mead National Recreation Area. 760-934-2289. 760-252-6101. 435-834-5322. 702-293-8990. www.nps.gov/depo www. nps.gov/moja www. nps.gov/brca www. nps.gov/lame Joshua Tree National Park. Sequoia-Kings Canyon Nat’l. Parks. Cedar Breaks National Monument. Grand Canyon National Park. 760-367-5500. 559-565-3341. 435-586-9451. 928-638-7888. www.nps.gov/jotr www. nps.gov/seki www. nps.gov/cebr www. nps.gov/grca Manzanar National Historic Site. Yosemite National Park. Zion National Park Great Basin National Park 760-878-2932. 209-372-0200. 435-772-3256. 775-234-7331. www. nps.gov/manz www. nps.gov/yose www. nps.gov/zion www. nps.gov/grba

Death Valley Visitor Guide 11 Visitor Services

Furnace Creek Visitor Center Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resorts

(760) 786-3200 (760) 786-2345

The Visitor Center is operated by the National Park Service. Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch is privately owned and managed by The Death Valley Natural History Association operates the bookstore. Xanterra Parks & Resorts.

• Information • Ranger Talks • Orientation • Historic Hotel • ATM • Post Office • Carriage Rides Programs • Museum • Auditorium • Motel • Gas Station • Showers • Borax • free Wi-Fi Museum • Bookstore • Campgrounds • Restaurants • Diesel • Laundromat • Golf Course • Bars • Propane • Swimming Pool • Tennis Courts • General Store • Tire Repair • Horse Rides • Paved Airstrip • Gift Shops • Towing

Scotty’s Castle Stovepipe Wells Village

(760) 786-2392 (760) 786-2387

Scotty’s Castle is operated by the National Park Service. Stovepipe Wells Village is a park concession, operated and managed by The concession is operated and managed by Xanterra Parks & Resorts. Xanterra Parks & Resorts.

• Daily Tours • Museum • Gift Shop • Motel • Convenience • Showers • Campground Store • Trails • Bookstore • Snack Bar • Restaurant • Swimming • Ranger • Gas Station Pool Station • Bar • ATM • RV Hook-ups • Paved Airstrip • Gift Shop

Panamint Springs Resort Medical Services

Amargosa Clinic Death Valley Health Clinic (775) 482-7680 858 Farm Road Hwy 127 Amargosa Valley, NV Shoshone, CA Panamint Springs Resort is privately owned and operated. (775)372-5432 (760) 852-4383

• Motel • Gas Station • Showers Beatty Clinic Nye General Hospital 350 S. Irving St. 825 W Main • Restaurant • Campground Beatty, NV Tonopah, NV (775) 553-2208 (775) 482-6233 • Bar • RV Hook-ups Desert View Regional Hospital Southern Inyo Hospital 360 S. Lola Ave. 501 E. Locust Pahrump, NV Lone Pine, CA (775) 751-7500 (760) 876-5501

Furnace Creek Inn Death Valley Visitor Guide 12