COMPLIMENTARY $3.95 2019/2020 YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE PARKS DEATH NATIONAL PARK

ACTIVITIES • SIGHTSEEING • DINING • LODGING TRAILS • HISTORY • MAPS • MORE

OFFICIAL PARTNERS T:5.375” S:4.75”

PLAN YOUR VISIT WELCOME S:7.375” In T:8.375” 1994, National SO TASTY EVERYONE WILL WANT A BITE. Monument was expanded by 1.3 million FUN FACTS acres and redesignated a national park by the Protection Act. Established: Death Valley became a The largest national park below Alaska, national monument in 1933 and is famed this designation helped focus protection for being the hottest, lowest and driest on one the most iconic landscapes in the location in the country. The parched world. In 2018 nearly 1.7 million people landscape rises into snow-capped and is home to the visited the park, a new visitation record. Shoshone people. Death Valley is renowned for its colorful Land Area: The park’s 3.4 million acres and complex geology. Its extremes of stretch across two states, California and elevation support a great diversity of life . and provide a natural geologic museum. Highest Elevation: The top of This region is the ancestral homeland is 11,049 feet high. The of the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe. The lowest is -282 feet at . Timbisha established a life in concert Plants and Animals: Death Valley with nature. is home to 51 mammal species, 307 Ninety-three percent of the park is bird species, 36 reptile species, two designated wilderness, providing unique amphibian species and five fish species. In a place with little water, smaller opportunities for solitude, primitive species tend to thrive over larger ones. adventure and uninterrupted views, Popular Activities: Visitors can take though with extreme conditions. a self-guided hike, go backpacking, The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is birdwatching and rent a Jeep to explore a great place to ask about the many the backcountry. ©2019 Preferred Brands International. reserved. rights All historic properties in the park. Bicycling: Bikes are allowed on all park This guide to Death Valley is provided roads that are open to public traffic. by Death Valley Lodging Company, Hiking: Constructed trails are rare in the Xanterra Parks & Resorts® and American park. There are 12 popular routes and Park Network, and aims to foster an three additional self-guided trails (see appreciation and respect for the park, the Walking and Hiking chapter). Camping: There are nine main while also providing information needed established campgrounds run by the to make your visit smooth and enjoyable. park. Many of the 800-plus miles of The is charged with backcountry dirt roads are open to preserving this country’s national spirit camping and we recruit you to help care for the Lodging: The Stovepipe Wells Lodging places saved by the American people so TASTY BITE® is all-natural Company, Resort and and perfect for the trail. Look that all may experience our heritage for Xanterra Parks & Resorts offer multiple for the yellow pouch in the many years to come. hotel options in the park. international food aisle.* tastybite.com *Keep wildlife wild; Don’t feed the animals. | DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK 1

A23899_2d_9tas_2967_Q2_Print_Oh-Ranger.indd 04.04.19 A23899x01D_OhRanger_smp.psd Epson A23899X02C_Tasty Bite Final 032919-Product_smp.psd HP

FINAL Client: Tasty Bite APPROVAL SIGNATURES ROUND(s) 3 Filename: 19tas_2967_Q2_Print_Oh-Ranger.indd SIZE / Date: 4-2-2019 2:32 PM MECHANICAL SPECS (w x h) FONTS & IMAGES PROOF FORMAT Job #: 2967 Bleed: 5.875” x 8.875” Fonts TRAFFIC Insert Date: 4/1 Trim: 5.375” x 8.375” Knockout (HTF49 Liteweight), Acumin Pro Condensed (Light), Pubs or Loc: PROD. Oh Ranger Viewing: 5.375” x 8.375” Acumin Pro (Black, Regular, Bold) Magazine Description: None Live: 4.75” x 7.375” Images STUDIO Scale: 1” = 1” Print Tasty Bite Final 032919-CMYK.psd (CMYK; 448 ppi, 494 ppi; AD Notes: None ACTUAL SIZE (w x h) 66.93%, 60.7%), Tasty_Bite_Logo.ai (17.81%), Tasty Bite Final 032919-Product.psd (CMYK; 536 ppi; 55.95%) CW Bleed: 5.875” x 8.875” Mekanism Trim: 5.375” x 8.375” Inks CD 640 Second St Viewing: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black SF, CA 94107 5.375” x 8.375” BM 415.908.4000 Live: 4.75” x 7.375” Gutter: None Designer: Dustin Page Printed at: None CLIENT PLAN YOUR VISIT CONTENTS

Unforgettable Adventures. Welcome 1 What’s New! 4 American Park Network® publishes OhRanger. com, Oh, Ranger! ParkFinder™ and Oh, Ranger!® At A Glance 6 guides —a collection of visitor guides for public lands all across America­—and operates Oh, Ranger! Wi-Fi in parks and public lands. American Plan Your Visit 8 Park Network is an official partner of the National Forest Foundation, National Parks Conservation Important Numbers 13 Association, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, American Hiking Society and the Student Conservation Association. Park Regulations & Safety 14

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Preservation 16 MARK J. SAFERSTEIN Sights to See 17 Associate Publisher & Executive Editor Joel S. Saferstein History & Culture 23 Group Sales & Partnerships Director Alex Frenkel Centerfold Map EDITORIAL / PRODUCTION Editors: Monette A. Bailey, Daniel Johnson, Nature & Wildlife 26 Jacqueline Kehoe, Amanda McConnon, Julie McCool, Danielle Taylor, Wendy Willis Things to Do 29 Proofreader: Scott Tabor Production Manager: Mario Arce Graphic Designers: Karla Aldana, Dennisse Cruz, Lodging & Dining 31 Tatiana Hurtado, Yamileth Recinos Walking & Hiking 34 DIGITAL Technology Manager: Scott Falconer Camping 37 ADVERTISING SALES & MARKETING (212) 581-3380 Manzanar NHS 39 [email protected] Business Development: Randy Burton, Mary Pat Joshua Tree National Park 40 Kaleth, Pat Keane, Craig King, Kristi Rummel Operations Manager: Matthew Price Feel-Good Savings. Mojave National Preserve 42 American Park Network 41 East 11th Street, 11th Floor, NY, NY 10003 Just for Kids 44 Heed the call of adventure with great insurance coverage. @OhRanger 15 minutes could save you 15% or more on RV insurance. Photography 46 ©2019 APN MEDIA, LLC · All Rights Reserved Oh, Ranger! and American Park Network If You Only Have a Day 48 are registered trademarks of APN Media, LLC.

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The publisher of this guide and the advertisers herein are not geico.com | 1-877-434-2678 | Local Office affiliated with, or endorsed by, the National Park Service. For answers to all your questions, go FOR MORE INFORMATION to OhRanger.com Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or Distribution requests in all situations. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC [email protected] 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2019 GEICO Oh, Ranger! Wi-Fi™ installation/sponsorship 3 [email protected] PLAN YOUR VISIT WHAT’S NEW! WE’RE ALL CONNECTED

As a young man, John Muir, the naturalist known as, “Father of the National Parks,” Mark, Joel & Alex – connecting in parks! had an accident that left him temporarily blinded. It changed his life forever. When he science. I often find inspiration in parks. In its regained his sight, he emerged into the light traditional form, yoga was about joining with ever-determined to pursue his dreams of the collective universe. So, too, is Muir’s quote, exploration. Fortunately for the world, Muir’s best illustrated by an example from Yellowstone. trials led him to help move Congress to set When wolves were reintroduced there after a aside Yosemite, one of his many contributions 70-year absence, the rampant elk population to our nation’s preservation movement. could no longer leisurely nibble on willows, graze When faced with adversity, we have but in open meadows or congregate by the rivers. In two choices. We can either rise above our a short period of time, the forests and meadows circumstance or succumb to our demons of began to regenerate. Song birds appeared. doubt, fear, resentment and apathy. While Beavers flourished, building dams, which Muir was lucky to have his sight return, his created habitats for otters, muskrats and ducks. subsequent efforts drew strength from hope, Cooler waters, shaded by more trees, attracted compassion, kindness and love to rise up different species of amphibians and fish. Tree from personal adversity. roots stabilized the river banks, diminished Lately, it feels like we’re all dealing with and even changed the geography of the too many hurdles. Every hour, “breaking” park! Indeed, pick out anything by itself and we news spews forth accounts of tragedy and quickly find that everything is connected. divisiveness. It was with this backdrop that I Now is the time to seek out connection— SOMEWHERE was preparing to teach a restorative yoga class, whether in a park, a yoga studio or anywhere to create a safe environment for my students you find inspiration—to find strength to rise up BETWEEN and provide an hour’s worth of peace and quiet and overcome the obstacles that face us all… to carry out into the world. What theme would capture their imagination and neatly underscore STUNNING our human need for connectedness? When teaching, I try to use examples that marry ancient tradition with contemporary and SURREAL

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4 DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK | PLAN YOUR VISIT AT A GLANCE

AT A GLANCE EARLY RESIDENTS NPS HISTORY Anthropologists estimate that roam- Death Valley’s outstanding natural ing humans first settled in Death Valley beauty and scientific importance were first Death Valley is the largest national park recorded a temperature of 134°F (56.6°C), roughly 10,000 years ago. These early brought to the attention of the National in the contiguous at nearly the hottest temperature ever recorded in residents were hunters, and judging by Park Service in the 1920s. With the sup- 3.4 million acres. The valley is bound on the world. the size of their tools, they hunted big port of Horace Albright, Director of the the west by the towering 11,049-foot Tele- While most visitors come to Death Valley game. Over 1,000 years ago, the Timbi- National Park Service, the spot’s national scope Peak, and on the east by the 5,475- National Park to experience desert sha Shoshone lived along the edge of a significance was recognized and the area foot Dantes View. This fabled park features desolation and walk on ’s 30-foot-deep , hunting smaller game was proclaimed a national monument on spectacular desert scenery, unusual wildlife lowest point, the park also boasts a and gathering seeds. In 1849, a group February 11, 1933, by President Herbert and a rich human history. Also something sparse, but thriving ecosystem. Careful of gold rush pioneers entered the val- Hoover. With the passage of the Califor- for the record books: The Badwater Basin examination will reveal that this seemingly ley, thinking it was a shortcut to Califor- nia Desert Protection Act on October 31, , at 282 feet below sea level, is the barren landscape is home to a variety of nia. After barely surviving the trek across 1994, Congress added 1.3 million acres lowest point in North America. remarkable plants and animals, a natural the area, these pioneers named the spot and designated it a national park. Today, world that has adapted successfully to a “Death Valley.” Death Valley National Park is made up A DIVERSE ECOSYSTEM land of brutal environmental extremes. In the late 1880s, native peoples were of nearly 3.4 million acres, 91 percent of Death Valley National Park is open all year, In Death Valley, you will find—among increasingly pushed out of the area by which is Congressionally-designated wil- but since summer temperatures frequently other species—drought-resistant mining companies who sought the riches derness for visitors to explore. soar above 120°F (48.8° C), winter visits, desert holly, stands of salt-resistant of gold, silver and within the val- Park rangers at Death Valley lead a va- November through April, are strongly en- pickleweed and tiny pupfish that flourish ley’s parched hills. Most of Death Valley’s riety of tours that explain the area’s un- couraged. In fact, in 1913, Furnace Creek in salt-encrusted . mining operations failed within a few usual landscape, as well as its colorful years of opening, leaving eerie ghost history. The park concessioner offers a towns and crumbling mines in their wake. variety of first-rate services in the valley iStock Despite briefly successful borax mines that include gift shops, a pool, fine dining that used the famed “20-mule teams,” and more. And, when the rains cooper- low yields and a tumbling economy ate, this seemingly barren landscape is caused the industry to dwindle. By 1910, transformed into an extraordinary knee- most mining operations had ceased. high carpet of wildflowers. Death Valley Today, it is the uncompromising se- National Park—home to North America’s verity and extraordinary geology of the highest temperatures and lowest point be- desert that continues to draw visitors to low sea level—offers plenty of adventure Death Valley. Within the park, you will find and a wealth of diversity. some of the most surreal landscapes on In March 2019, approximately 35,000 the globe, including sinuous sand dunes acres of land from the Bureau of Land that ripple into the horizon, shimmering Management (BLM) was transferred to white salt flats, intricately contoured bad- Death Valley National Park. Part of the lands carved by rushing water, striking transfer is a 6,369-acre lollipop-shaped copper-colored walls, and even a section of land in the northern part of the massive hydrovolcanic blast crater. You park contaning the Crater Mine and the can enjoy all these sights from the win- 28,923-acre “Bowling Alley”, a long, narrow dow of your automobile, or if you’re more swath of land on the northern border of Death Valley’s at are a geological phenomenon caused by the combination of adventurous, get out of your car and ex- Fort Irwin National Training Center which the formation of ice crystals with wind. plore the park on foot. includes a section of the Quail Mountains.

6 DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK | | DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK 7 PLAN YOUR VISIT PLAN YOUR VISIT

PLAN YOUR VISIT vide an opportunity for each and every 4th which is 120 miles southeast of the grade student across the country to experi- park. Call (702) 261-5211 for flight and ence their federal public lands and waters rental car information. There is a small Here’s a quick rundown of the basics those traveling on bicycle or foot. Permanent in person. airport at Furnace Creek (personal you need to know when planning a visit to U.S. residents over 62 may purchase a All kids in the fourth grade have access planes only), but it does not have a direct Death Valley National Park. lifetime Senior Pass for $80 (admits only one to their own Every Kid in a Park pass at line, so please call the park service at motorcycle). For $55, frequent visitors may Everykidinapark.gov. This pass admits the (760) 786-3200 for more information. SIZE AND VISITATION purchase the Death Valley Annual Pass and pass owner and any accompanying passen- Public Transportation: Although there Death Valley National Park is comprised get unlimited entry of a noncommercial vehicle gers in a private non-commercial vehicle to is no public transportation in the park, of 3.4 million acres. Visitation is highest to the park for one year. the park. You can obtain the pass by visiting commercial airlines and interstate buses serve from February through mid-April and Check nps.gov/deva for up-to-date everykidinapark.gov and you must print it Las Vegas, Nevada. Amtrak and Greyhound during the Thanksgiving and Christmas information. A popular attraction, Scotty’s and present it at the park. The Every Kid in a service Barstow, California, as well. Cars holidays. Visitation is generally lowest Castle, was severely damaged in a flood in Park pass is valid until August 31, 2019. may be rented in both cities, but advance in October and January. The park October of 2015 and has closed as a result. reservations are advised, especially in the regularly receives nearly 1.7 million The entire Grapevine Canyon area remains PERMITS summer. Guided bus tour trips also depart visitors per year. closed to the public, and reopening of the Permits for commercial filming and other from Las Vegas. Search online for bus tours. castle is not expected until 2020. special uses are available at Death Valley ENTRANCE FEES National Park. There is a one-time application TRANSPORTATION INSIDE THE PARK Death Valley National Park is open every EVERY KID IN A PARK fee of $210 and other fees may apply. For The massive size of Death Valley National day of the year. Entrance fees vary. For $30 To help engage and create our next gen- further information, contact (760) 786-3241. Park (about twice the size of the state of passengers in noncommercial vehicles (cars, eration of park visitors, supporters and Delaware) and the vast distances between trucks and vans) can leave and re-enter the advocates, the Obama Administration, in GETTING TO DEATH VALLEY its major features make the use of a motor park as many times as they wish for a seven- partnership with the Federal Land Manage- Car: Death Valley National Park is vehicle essential. Be sure your car is in good day period. The cost for the same seven- ment agencies, launched the Every Kid in a transected from east to west by California mechanical condition and that the fuel tank day pass per motorcycle is $25, and $12 for Park initiative. The immediate goal is to pro- Highway 190. is full before each day’s tour. More than 800 On the east in Nevada, U.S. Route 95 miles of roads provide access to wilderness parallels the park from north to south with hiking, camping and historical sites, but some FEDERAL RECREATIONAL LANDS PASSES connecting highways at Scotty’s Junction are unpaved or four-wheel-drive only. (Nevada State Route 267), Beatty (Nevada Within the park, gasoline is sold only at A federal recreation pass is helpful if you plan to visit many national parks, forests or other federal lands. For information, call (888) 275-8747 or visit store.usgs.gov/pass. State Route 374) and Lathrop Wells (State Furnace Creek, Panamint Springs Resort and Route 373). At Lathrop Wells turn on to Nevada Stovepipe Wells Village, so plan accordingly. Type Cost Availability Details State Route 373 and then take California State Diesel is available only at Furnance Creek and Annual $80 General Public This one-year pass is available on site, by phone Highway 190 at Death Valley Junction. Panamint Springs Resort. Carry extra drinking Pass or online (see above). To the south of the park, Interstate water, especially when hiking. Senior $80 U.S. residents age 62+ This lifetime pass is available on site or via mail 15 passes through Baker, California, on Pass order. ID required. its way from to Las Vegas. FURNACE CREEK VISITOR CENTER Military Free U.S. military members This one-year pass is available on site. State Route 127 travels north from The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is the Pass and their dependents ID (CAC Card or DoD Form 1173) required. Baker to Shoshone and Death Valley main visitor information source for Death Access Free U.S. residents with per- This lifetime pass is available on site or via mail Junction with connections to the park on Valley. It provides general information Pass manent disabilities order. ID and documentation required. State Route 178 at Shoshone and California and backcountry camping and hiking Volunteer Free 250 cumulative Inquire locally to obtain information about this Highway 190 at Death Valley Junction. information and permits. Park entrance Pass volunteer service hours one-year pass. Air: The closest major airport is Las fees are collected here. The Death Valley Vegas McCarran International Airport, Natural History Association updates

8 DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK | | DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK 9 PLAN YOUR VISIT PLAN YOUR VISIT

CLIMATE a well-stocked bookstore curated SCOTTY’S CASTLE VISITOR CENTER toward the natural and cultural history Scotty’s Castle, a Spanish-style mansion of the locale. The park features displays built in the 1920s that was a favorite among

iStock clear, dry air and sparse plant life cover allow sunlight to continuously heat the desert about its geology, climate, wildlife and tourists, is currently closed due to severe surface. Heat radiates back from the rocks natural history, as well as orientation film damage caused by floodwaters in October and soil and becomes trapped in the valley’s Seeing Death Valley, narrated by Donald 2015. A series of powerful storms hit the depths. Summer nights provide little relief. Sutherland; the film is shown every half area throughout October, washing out roads Often, overnight lows may only dip to 90°F. hour, with the last screening at 4:00 P.M. and damaging parts of the castle—worst of Now that’s toasty! The visitor center is located in the all the garage/longshed, which served as Heated air rises, but it is trapped by the Furnace Creek area on California Highway a visitor center. The powerful floodwaters high valley walls and is cooled and recycled 190—30 miles from Death Valley Junction moved part of a wall off the foundation and back down to the valley floor. Those to the east, and 24 miles from Stovepipe left the Grapevine Canyon area clogged with Death Valley is the hottest and driest pockets of descending air are only slightly Wells Village to the north and west. and debris up to 15 feet high in some place in the United States. A temperature cooler than the surrounding hot air. As they During the winter season (November places. All entry to Scotty’s Castle district of 134°F, the highest ever recorded in the descend, they are compressed and heated through mid-April), rangers present a is currently prohibited and the castle is not world, occurred here. The valley receives even more by low elevation air pressure. wide variety of walks, talks and evening expeced to reopen until 2020. less than two inches of rain per year. These moving masses of super-heated programs about Death Valley’s cultural air blow through the valley—creating and natural history. This visitor center RANGER STATIONS WHY IS DEATH VALLEY SO DRY? the extremely high temperatures, and is open from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. For more Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station: Winter storms moving inland from the contributing to areas of high wind. information, call (760) 786-3200. Ranger Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station provides Pacific Ocean must pass over a number of programs are listed at nps.gov/deva. general information and backcountry ranges as they travel east. As the WEATHER FACTS clouds rise with the mountains, they cool • The ground temperature can be 80°F and the moisture falls as rain or snow on hotter than the air temperature. A the western side of the mountains. ground temperature of 201°F was once measured in Death Valley. Ground By the time the clouds reach the temperature on the valley floor is about mountains’ east side, most of the 40 percent higher than the surrounding moisture has already been precipitated, air temperature. leaving a dry “rainshadow.” Four major • The lowest temperature ever recorded mountain ranges lie between Death on the valley floor was 15°F in 1913. Private Hot Springs Motel Cabins RV Park Camping BBQ Craft Beer Valley and the ocean, each one adding • Higher elevations are cooler than the 1-760-852-4343 www.delightshotspringsresort.com to the intensity of the rainshadow effect. 368 Tecopa Hot Springs Road, low valley. Temperatures drop 3° to 5°F Tecopa CA 92389 In total, rainfall averages less than two with every 1,000 vertical feet. inches per year. During some years, there • Comfortable clothing that provides is no rain at all in the park. ample sun protection—along with a broad-rimmed hat to shield the face— WHY IS DEATH VALLEY SO HOT? are recommended in the summer months. Make sure to wear a sturdy The depth and shape of Death pair of walking shoes year-round! Valley contribute to the hot summer • On average, Death Valley is the temperatures. The valley is a long, narrow hottest place in the world. July is basin 282 feet below sea level, yet walled characteristically the hottest month with by high, steep mountain ranges. The an average temperature of 116°F.

10 DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK | | DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK 11 PLAN YOUR VISIT PLAN YOUR VISIT camping and hiking information and VISITOR SERVICES Panamint Springs Resort (775) 482-7680. For Springs Resort (775) 482-7680, Stovepipe permits. Park entrance fees are collected Despite Death Valley’s fearsome more information, call (760) 786-2345. Wells Village (760) 786-2387, all have gift here; there is also a branch outlet of the reputation and famously barren landscape, shops; the Furnace Creek Visitor Center and Death Valley Natural History Association the National Park Service, hotel operators EMERGENCIES Museum (760) 786-3244 does as well. that provides useful informational books and and a number of recreation companies Call 911 in case of emergency. maps. Hours are based on staff availability. have taken steps to ensure that your trip LAUNDROMAT Stovepipe Wells is located in the center is as smooth as it is inspiring. The Death FOOD AND SUPPLIES There is a 24-hour laundromat on of Death Valley, 24 miles from The Oasis at Valley infrastructure includes all necessities The , 7 a.m.– Roadrunner Drive at The Oasis at Death Valley. Death Valley to the south and 80 miles from that make planning a trip easy. 10 p.m and Shoshone Village (760) 852-4335; Lone Pine, California, on Highway 395. For Panamint Springs Resort (775) 482-7680, MEDICAL SERVICES more information, call (760) 786-2342. AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and Stovepipe Wells • Beatty Clinic: Beatty, NV (775) 553-9111 There are filling stations at Stovepipe Village (760) 786-7090, 7 a.m.–10 p.m; all • Desert View Hospital: Pahrump, NV PARK NEWSPAPER Wells Village (760) 786-7090, The Oasis have general stores with varying degrees of (775) 751-7500 Pick up the free park newspaper, Death at Death Valley (760) 786-2345, Shoshone camping supplies and food. Call ahead. • Death Valley Health Center: Shoshone, Valley National Park Visitor Guide, offers Village (760) 852-4335 and Panamint CA (760) 852-4383 information on camping, hiking, backpacking, Springs Resort (775) 482-7680, with the FIRST AID • Southern Inyo Co. Hospital: Lone Pine, events, safety and other park news. latter three stations selling diesel fuel. Call 911 or, for emergencies only, call CA (760) 876-5501 (760) 786-2330 for 24-hour ranger dispatch. KIDS BANKING SERVICES PAY PHONES There is plenty for kids to do, including ATMs are located in the general stores of GIFT SHOPS Telephones are located at almost all of the Junior Ranger program. For more The Oasis at Death Valley (760) 786-2345, The Oasis at Death Valley (760) 786-2345, the park communities, resorts, contact information, please see the “Just for Stovepipe Wells Village (760) 786-7090, Shoshone Village (760) 852-4335, Panamint stations, museums and the post office. Kids” chapter. Shoshone Village (760) 852-4335 and the

IMPORTANT NUMBERS SEE MORE, SAVE MORE! General Park Information (760) 786-3200 or nps.gov/deva Commercial Permits (760) 786-3241 Lodging within the Park The Oasis at Death Valley (760) 786-2345 Stovepipe Wells (760) 786-2387 Panamint Springs (775) 482-7680 Camping (800) 444-6777 or recreation.gov Emergencies 911 National Park Service (NPS) (760) 786-3200 Cassell Enterprises LLC (775) 482-7680 Death Valley ‘49ers deathvalley49ers.org Death Valley Lodging Company (760) 786-2387 Death Valley Conservancy dvconservancy.org Death Valley Natural History Association (800) 478-8564 Ridgecrest Area CVB (760) 375-8202 goridgecrest.com

12 DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK | | DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK 13 PLAN YOUR VISIT PARK REGULATIONS PARK REGULATIONS & SAFETY Weapons: Firearms regulations vary steep terrain does not provide good footing. & SAFETY by state. Check with the National Park Travelers must carry certified weed-free feed. Service or the park you plan to visit before Metal Detectors: Metal detectors may SAFETY TIPS maps and get information from park staff your trip for the most current information. not be used in the park. The collection of Water: Death Valley is extremely hot before embarking for the day. Pets: Pets are only permitted along roads historic objects is prohibited. and dry. During the heat of summer, drink Flash Floods: Avoid during and in developed areas. Because they may Private Property: Please respect all at least a gallon of water per day to replace rainstorms and be prepared to move to not be safe from predators and can spread private property in the park. loss from perspiration. Carry extra drinking higher ground if necessary. While driving, disease to wildlife, pets must be leashed Wildlife: Do not feed or disturb any of water in your car and while hiking. be alert for water running in washes and and restrained at all times, and pet waste the park’s wildlife. When wild animals are Heat and Dehydration: If you feel dizzy across road dips. must be removed. fed by humans, they tend to depend on this or nauseous or get a headache, get out of Mine Hazards: STAY OUT—STAY Horses: Horses are not permitted in unnatural food source, rather than forage the sun immediately and drink plenty of ALIVE! Do not enter mine tunnels or shafts. developed campgrounds or on many for their natural diet. Feeding animals also water. Dampen clothing to lower your body Mines may be unstable, have hidden shafts, of the trails. Travel by horseback is not creates nuisance animals and can become a temperature. Heat and dehydration can kill. pockets of bad air and poisonous gas. recommended in mountainous areas where danger to drivers on the highway. Hiking: Do not hike in the low elevations Drones are prohibited throughout the park. when temperatures are hot. The mountains In Case of Emergency: Dial 911 from are cooler in summer, but can have snow any telephone or cell phone. DESERT DRIVING TIPS and ice in winter. Note: Cell phones may not work in many We recommend that you remain on

Desert Driving: Stay on paved roads in parts of the park. paved roads, especially during the summer. iStock summer. If your car breaks down, stay with Dangerous Animals: Never place If you do venture into the backcountry, it until help arrives. Be prepared and carry your hands or feet where you cannot heed these important tips: plenty of extra water. Do not depend on see first.Rattlesnakes, scorpions or • Make sure your car is in good GPS devices, as they can show roads that black widow spiders may be sheltered working order. Service stations are are not open. Always carry up-to-date road in hidden spots.See the “Nature & few and far between. Carry a spare tire, a jack, flares and boards to place under Wildlife” chapter for more information. the tires in case you hit a sandy trap. PACKING ESSENTIALS • Carry plenty of extra water. Bring at PARK RULES least one gallon per person for each Don’t hit the trail without: AND REGULATIONS day. It is a good idea to have a two- or • Topographic Map and Compass + three-day stock of water in case of Bring a map and stay on improved roads. GPS car trouble. Check weather conditions to avoid washouts Overnight Camping: Camping is • Bring a map so you’ll always know • Whistle permitted in developed campgrounds and where you are in the backcountry. wind-proof clothes just in case you • Flashlight or Headlamp some backcountry areas. To obtain a permit, It’s smart to carry a topographic need to leave your car to seek help. • Sunglasses, Sunscreen and Hat visit the Furnace Creek Visitor Center or any map, compass and cell phone as well • Wear a seatbelt at all times and make • High-energy Food and Plenty of ranger station. (although it is unlikely to work outside sure it is properly adjusted. Water the Furnace Creek area). Always let • Be on the lookout for washouts. Driving of f roads: Off- road driving is str • Appropriate Clothing and Extra someone know where you are going Unpaved roads are subject to washouts. ictly forbidden to protect the extremely fragile Layers and when you plan to return. Check for conditions before traveling on desert ecosystems. Please help keep the these roads. • Waterproof Matches • Dress for desert success. Shield park’s wilderness free of vehicle tracks. yourself from the sun’s glare by wearing • Drive the posted speed limits. The • Insect Repellent Fires: Campfires are allowed in fire pits in a hat with a brim and light-colored, number one killer of visitors is single car • First-Aid Kit developed campgrounds. Backcountry fires lightweight clothes. Make sure to pack rollover accidents. Narrow shoulders • Sturdy Footwear are prohibited. Gathering wood is against the a blanket, sunglasses, sunscreen and and speed are the primary causes. law. Anything you pack in you must pack out.

14 DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK | | DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK 15 PLAN YOUR VISIT PLAN YOUR VISIT PRESERVATION SIGHTS TO SEE

Although the California Desert Park was named an International Dark There is a lot to do and see in Death Valley’s most explosive volcanic periods. Protection Act of 1994 formally protected Sky Park and is one of only a few U.S. Valley—just make sure you have access to Artist’s Drive is a dipping, diving, curving, millions of acres in Death Valley National parks with this designation. a car because you will want to cover a lot one-way road that weaves through striking Park, its unique biologic and geologic of ground! The park’s long list of attractions ravines and colorful rock formations. The assets continue to face degradation from WATER MINING includes mysterious sliding rocks, a massive highlight of the nine-mile loop occurs at the numerous sources. Many of the larger cities within the blast crater, ghost towns, remnants of Artist’s Palette where sea green, lemon boundary of Death Valley’s regional ground gold and borax mines and other natural yellow, periwinkle blue and salmon pink INVASIVE PLANTS water flow system are experiencing and historical points of interest. Nature mineral deposits are splashed across the Plants imported from elsewhere in the some of the fastest population growth lovers can savor stunning wildflowers, see barren background like brilliant dabs of paint world now flourish in Death Valley. The in the United States. Today’s climate is fascinating wildlife and observe unusual from a giant’s brush. The effect is most salt cedar tree, for example, is replacing hotter and drier than it was thousands of desert ecosystems. Geology buffs can tromp intense during the evening as the colors the native cottonwood and willow trees years ago, and it does not provide enough through glistening sand dunes, brightly- change rapidly with the setting sun. Artist’s and disrupting ecosystems. Tumbleweed to recharge the at the colored badlands and eerie salt deposits. Drive is off of the Badwater Road, 10 miles has also traveled into the park to rate the water is being withdrawn. For history lovers, there are old charcoal south of the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. displace native vegetation. In Eureka kilns and interpretive exhibits about Death Dunes and other places in the park, PUPFISH Valley’s rough-and-tumble past. In the largest BADWATER BASIN biologists are developing plans to control These tiny inch-long fish have managed park in the contiguous United States, there is With the Black Mountains in the invasive species, while restoring native to survive in the high heat and warm, something for everybody. background, visitors can stroll through a populations of plants. mineral-rich water with limited food shimmering expanse of nearly pure white sources for more than 20,000 years. FURNACE CREEK AREA table salt in Badwater Basin; at 282 feet AIR AND LIGHT POLLUTION Human interference has at times reduced View aprons of pink, green, purple, brown below sea level, it is the lowest point in You might think that the remote their numbers to less than 50, but the and black rock at Artist’s Drive, a visual North America. Two to four thousand years location of Death Valley National Park pupfish has much to teach scientists about feast and a geologic tour of one of Death ago the basin was the site of a 30-foot-deep would help keep its air pure and pristine, adaptation to adverse conditions. They but winds still carry pollutants from continue to swim and breed within the metropolitan centers and industrial areas turquoise aquifer that rises to the surface iStock that lead to acid rain. The park has an air at Devils Hole. quality monitoring station near Furnace Creek that measures ozone, and a OVERGRAZING BURROS system for forecasting high ozone days Beginning in the late 1800s, a small is in development. number of burros escaped or were Death Valley is a huge expanse of turned loose by prospectors. The burros undeveloped land, but it is still affected quickly adapted to the desert conditions by noticeable glows from Las Vegas and flourished, reaching a population of and . The National nearly 10,000. They gather in large herds Park Service is trying to reduce local and overgraze the scant plant resources, light pollution from within the park by pushing out the native bighorn population. changing current lighting techniques and The National Park Service has embarked on studying night sky conditions. For their a program to reduce burro populations, Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the continental United States, is located only 84.6 miles away efforts, in 2013 Death Valley National which now number more than 500. from , the highest point in the continental 48 United States.

16 DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK | | DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK 17 SIGHTS TO SEE lake that evaporated and left a one- to five- square miles. It is crusted over with a variety foot layer of salt in its wake. A briny pond, of salts, and nowhere is this more apparent four times saltier than the ocean, still remains than at Devil’s Golf Course. Here, gnarled in the basin during the winter, but during the crystalline salt spires dot the landscape and hot summer months, it shrinks to little more look like a coral reef run amock. The lumpy than a puddle. Visitors are asked to stay on salt pinnacles are the residue of Death the boardwalk to avoid crushing the tiny Valley’s last significant lake, which evaporated Badwater snails, a species that lives under 2,000 years ago. Though there is no official the salt crust and feeds on algae. Badwater hiking trail, visitors can tromp through this basin is located 18 miles south of the Furnace strange and rugged terrain for a closer look Creek Visitor Center. at the spectacular formations. As you do, however, be careful not to hurt yourself on DANTES VIEW the jagged structures and make sure not to Dante’s View, a popular unworldly damage the crystals. During the summer, lookout point, offers a striking example of the listen for tiny pops and pings as billions of distinctive basin and range topography that the salt crystals contract and expand due extends from to central to fluctuations in temperature. Devil’s Golf Utah. The steep, elongated mountain ranges Course is located 15 miles south of the alternate with flat, dry, desert valleys—the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. Note: The road GET A FREE GONDOLA TICKET result of an intense stretching of the crust leading to Devil’s Golf Course is often closed WITH EVERY NIGHT YOU STAY that has resulted in a series of north-south after rain. faults. These faults separate the basins Your perfect basecamp lies at from the ranges. Dante’s View is more than 8,000 ft in Mammoth . 5,000 feet above the valley floor; at this Wander between the rusting remains of From here, more Eastern Sierra high altitude in the dry desert air you can see buildings, machinery, tanks and piping at adventures are an easy daytrip across most of 110-mile-long Death Valley. At Harmony Borax Works, a mining operation Dante’s Peak, a short hike north, the views that dates back more than 120 years. After away. Enjoy the 360° views from up and down offer an unparalleled vantage prospectors found borax in 1881, William Tell 11,053 ft. when you book the point. The white salt flats far below make up Coleman built the Harmony plant and began Stay & Gondola Package – available Badwater Basin, at 282 feet below sea level. to process ore in late 1883 or early 1884. to book at Mammoth Lodging Dante’s View is certainly one of the most Operating at capacity, the Harmony Borax Collection properties. extraordinary sights anywhere in California. Works employed 40 men who produced It is located on Dante’s View Road off Route three tons of borax daily. Learn how early 190, 26 miles southeast of Furnace Creek. miners used those famed 20-mule teams Due to construction to improve parking and to haul borax 165 miles to the railroad town viewing platforms at Dante’s View, the scenic of Mojave. The teams averaged two miles an viewpoint/road will be closed temporarily to hour and required about 30 days to complete public access past the Greenwater Valle Rd. a round-trip. The Harmony plant went out junction through May 2018. of operation in 1888 after only five years of production when Coleman’s financial empire DEVIL’S GOLF COURSE collapsed. The Harmony Borax Works is The floor of Death Valley is a vast located just off Highway 190, one mile north evaporating dish covering more than 200 of the visitor center. The Borax Museum is

18 DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK | SIGHTS TO SEE ADVENTURE IS located at the Furnace Creek Ranch, two iStok miles south of Harmony Borax Works. CALLING. THE ANSWER Peer from one of the park’s most popular lookouts at Zabriskie Point for an unforgettable view of Death Valley’s wildly IS NEARBY. eroded and vibrantly colored badlands. A short uphill hike from the parking area is all that’s required to enjoy a panoramic view of golden-brown mudstone hills riddled with and from the The uniquely shaped Wildrose Charcoal Kilns occasional, but intense, times when water have stood in Death Valley since 1877. rushes down these bone-dry slopes. The desolate, unearthly landscape surrounding PANAMINT SPRINGS AREA Zabriskie Point is ideal for viewing sunrises Marvel at beehive-shaped kilns at the and sunsets, so bring your camera! Wildrose Charcoal Kilns, erected by the Zabriskie Point is located five miles south Modock Consolidated Mining Company of Furnace Creek on Highway 190. in 1877. The well-preserved kilns—each standing about 25 feet high with a diameter STOVEPIPE WELLS AREA of approximately 30 feet across—were Don’t leave Death Valley until you have used to convert pinyon and juniper logs played on and explored the Mesquite Flat to charcoal for two silver mines located Dunes! Located near Stovepipe Wells 25 miles away in the . Each Village, these 150-foot dunes are nearly kiln held 42 cords of pinyon pine logs and, surrounded by mountains on all sides. after burning for a week, would produce The primary source of the sands is the 2,000 bushels of charcoal. The Wildrose Cottonwood Mountains, which lie to the kilns are considered to be the best surviving north and northwest. The tiny grains of quartz examples of charcoal kilns found in the and feldspar that make up the dune field western states. They owe their longevity began as much larger pieces of solid rock, both to fine workmanship and to the fact but through erosion, became sand-sized. The that they were used for such a short time. dunes can be explored on foot. Like many of The kilns can be reached via Wildrose Death Valley’s geologic highlights, the colors Canyon Road and are four miles east of the and contours of the Mesquite Flat Dunes are intersection with Emigrant Canyon Road. especially spectacular at sunset. The most popular place to access the sand dunes is RACETRACK PLAYA about two miles east of Stovepipe Wells The mysterious sliding rocks of the famed Just 60 miles west of Las Vegas lies a world of Village—23 miles northwest of Furnace Racetrack Playa are an amazing sight. This exciting outdoor activities. From watersports Creek—on Highway 190. Mosaic Canyon, dried lakebed, which is nestled between the to winery tours, Pahrump offers you a thrilling which is located just west of Stovepipe Cottonwood Mountains to the east and the adventure, as well as a relaxing escape. Wells, is considered to be a geologic wonder Last Chance Range to the west, contains Discover more at VisitPahrump.com. and is a moderate one- to four-mile hike. boulders that have puzzled geologists for 60 miles west of Las Vegas. 180 degrees different. 20 DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK | SIGHTS TO SEE PLAN YOUR VISIT decades. Furrows in the mud indicate that several adobe dwellings located off the HISTORY & CULTURE these boulders have wiggled, jiggled, slipped Road, west of Death Valley. and slid their way across the perfectly flat bed in what is truly one of the strangest rock LEADFIELD Along with its stunning natural a unique rock that flakes easily and could dances of all time. Long-term studies of the All that remains of Leadfield are the splendor, Death Valley can lay claim to a readily be fashioned into projectile points. “sailing stones” show that most move in skeletons of wood and tin buildings, a dugout rich and colorful human tale that begins at The next stage was a hot and dry period a northeast direction. However, scientists and cement foundations of the mill. Despite a least 10,000 years ago. that lasted roughly 4,000 years; sometime have found some treading south and west, brief influx of people in 1926, the town failed during that era the Mesquite Flat carving zigzag paths along the playa. Recent in 1927. This former lead mine is located ARCHEOLOGY people replaced the original inhabitants. observations using GPS and time-lapse on Road (high-clearance The archeological record indicates that The presence of grinding tools in their photography suggest that rocks move when vehicles recommended). American Indians have lived in Death Valley toolbox, however, suggests that human razor-thin ice sheets start to melt during for the last 10,000 years, a period known subsistence was shifting from hunting periods of light wind. These ice panels can PANAMINT CITY as the Holocene. Four distinct American animals to the gathering of seeds, nuts move the rocks at up to five meters per Called the “toughest, rawest, most Indian cultural stages emerged during this and berries. minute. The Racetrack Playa is located 27 hard-boiled little hellhole that ever passed time frame. In the third stage, commencing about miles southwest of on an for civilized,” Panamint City boomed in Archeologists estimate the first stage 2,000 years ago, the Saratoga unpaved road. High-clearance vehicles with 1874 with a population of 2,000 people. In occurred approximately 9,000 years ago. The people evolved in what had become a dry, heavy-duty tires are recommended. Ask 1876, a flash flood destroyed much of the Nevares Spring people hunted game and hot desert. These were more advanced about road conditions before visiting. town, leaving little more than the chimney used scrapers and knives made of chert, hunters and gatherers who brought the from the mine’s smelter. The town is UBEHEBE CRATER accessible via a five-mile hike from Chris iStock Hike to the heart of Ubehebe Crater, a Wicht’s Camp, located six miles northeast 770-foot-deep steam-explosion crater and of the ghost town of Ballarat. imagine the instant when water suddenly flashed to steam—shattering the rock above RHYOLITE and ejecting a cloud of debris at speeds of up The largest ghost town near Death to 100 miles per hour! Remember to bring Valley, Rhyolite boasted a population plenty of water along with you: The climb out of nearly 10,000 people during its peak is grueling. Ubehebe Crater is located eight between 1905–1911. At its height, the miles west of Scotty’s Castle. town contained two churches, 50 saloons, 18 stores, two undertakers, 19 lodging GHOST TOWNS houses, eight doctors, two dentists, a stock No trip to Death Valley is complete without exchange and an opera. visiting one of the many ghost towns. The Many ruins of the town remain today, conditions of the towns themselves vary, but including the Bottle House, the train all are reminders of Death Valley’s history. depot, the remains of a three-story bank Every piece of rusting machinery and bit of building and the jail. Rhyolite is a great wood represents a part of the past. Do not trip and located just four miles west of remove, burn or disturb any of the remains. Beatty on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property. The location is BALLARAT approximately 35 miles from the Furnace A gold mine camp and home to 400 Creek Visitor Center and a nice place to There is an ADA accessible loop around the historic mining site where the famous 20-Mule-Team people in 1898, Ballarat is now the site of visit outside the park. wagons hauling borax embarked on the 165 mile journey south to the Mojave Railroad Depot.

22 DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK | | DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK 23 HISTORY & CULTURE HISTORY & CULTURE

TIMBISHA SHOSHONE traveling across the desert for about two months since leaving the trail. They Few people realize that an American mid-19th century when miners, ranchers sent two young men to look for help, Indian tribe currently lives and thrives and homesteaders moved into the region. and ended up waiting 26 days for them

in Death Valley National Park. For thou- Between the mid-1920s and 1936, they to return empty-handed. Once reunited, Congress of Library sands of years, the Timbisha Shoshone were forced to move four times. the group headed north near present- have resided in Southeast California and The Timbisha Shoshone Homeland Act day Stovepipe Wells, but discovered it, Southwest Nevada. In 1936, the tribe es- also provides for the purchase of two ar- too, was impassible. They decided to tablished a tribal center on a 40-acre tract eas currently held by private interests. At leave their belongings behind and walk at Furnace Creek. The tribe achieved fed- their Furnace Creek site, the tribe is de- to civilization, and used wood from their eral recognition in 1983 as the Death Val- veloping new homes, some limited com- wagons to cook the meat of several ley Timbisha Shoshone Band of California, mercial activity and building single family slaughtered oxen. The place today is but did not have a land base until the pas- residences, a tribal community center, an referred to as “Burned Wagons Camp” sage of the Timbisha Shoshone Home- inn, a tribal museum and a cultural center and is located near the Mesquite Flat land Act on November 1, 2000. This act with a gift shop. Although the legislation sand dunes of Death Valley. transferred over 7,000 acres of trust lands bans hunting and gaming, the Act does After crossing the mountains and to the tribe both in the park and adjacent allow tribal access to traditional use re- down into Panamint Valley, they turned to its acreage. sources and sacred sites. It also mandates south and climbed a small pass into The traditional ancestral homeland of park lands used for traditional practices Searles Lake Valley before making their the Timbisha covers approximately 11 mil- be cooperatively managed under a plan way into Indian Wells Valley near the lion acres within the . The mutually agreed upon by the tribe and the present-day city of Ridgecrest. It was Timbisha began to be displaced in the National Park Service. here that they got their first look at the Sierra Mountains, and turning south, bow and arrow and left mysterious, Hunt as their guide. The first two weeks followed a trail that brought them to W.T. Coleman built Harmony Borax Works until meticulously crafted stone patterns in of travel were slow and many impatient Walker Pass, which would finally lead its sale to the Pacific Coast Borax Company the valley. The people of the fourth stage, pioneers decided to take a shortcut them back to civilization. which began around A.D. 500, were toward Walker Pass, hoping to cut some TOURISM directly related to some of the Shoshone- 500 miles off the journey. MINING The first tourist facilities in Death speaking tribes who still inhabit the valley The point where these wagons left The most profitable and longest- Valley were tent houses built in the and introduced pottery to the region. the trail is near the present-day town of sustained mining activities in the region 1920s at the site of today’s Stovepipe Enterprise, Utah, where a monument centered on talc and borate. Borax Wells. Herman (Bob) Eichbaum began THE DEATH VALLEY commemorates the historic departure. deposits, discovered in 1873, were first building a toll road in the 1920s and WAGON TRAIL OF 1849 Within a few days, the wagon train successfully promoted by W.T. Coleman. opened the Stovepipe Wells Hotel in The first white men to enter Death came upon a major cliff extending He built the Harmony Borax Works and 1926. In 1927, the Pacific Coast Borax Valley were a group of pioneers several miles in both directions. After developed the famous system of 20-mule Company opened the Inn at Furnace associated with the Death Valley Wagon about a month of slow progress team wagons that hauled the mineral 165 Creek which was inspired by the Train. Many gold seeking pioneers arrived through central Nevada, the pioneers miles across the desert to the railroad Spanish Missions that dotted Coastal at Salt Lake City and were told not to reached the borders of Death Valley at Mojave. The Harmony plant went out California. Even though the Inn was in continue on like the Donner Party as it in December. They traveled along of operation in 1888 when Coleman’s one of the hottest and lowest points in was too late in the year and suggested the same route followed by Highway financial empire collapsed, after only the hemisphere, it was an immediate they wait till spring. The pioneers became 190 and in December 1849, arrived at five years of production. By the early success. In the early 1930s, they restless and organized a wagon train of Travertine Springs, located near Furnace 20th century, most of the other mining converted the working ranch into what is over 125 wagons with Capt. Jefferson Creek. The lost pioneers had now been operations followed suit. now the Furnace Creek Ranch.

24 DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK | | DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK 25 PLAN YOUR VISIT NATURE & WILDLIFE

NATURE & WILDLIFE rain through the winter months will not is the Panamint Mountains. Look for bring out the flowers as well as years desert paintbrush, Mojave Desert rue, that witness evenly-spaced precipitation lupine, Joshua tree, bear poppy, cacti and Surprisingly, Death Valley—the hottest the underground saturated zone. Desert throughout the winter and into the spring. Panamint daisies. and driest place in North America— holly is a xerophyte and the most drought- Valley Floor and Alluvial Fans: Best Above 4,000 feet: Best in late April to is home to an abundance of uniquely resistant plant in Death Valley. It grows on in mid-February to mid-April. Look for early June; as with lower elevations, the adapted life forms. A total of 1,042 plant the hottest, driest and saltiest parts of the desert star, blazing star, desert gold, ideal viewing area continues to be the species, 51 species of native mammals, gravel fans where the ground is too dry and mimulus, encelia, poppies, verbena, Panamint Mountains. Look for Mojave 346 types of birds, 36 classifications of salty even for creosote bush—another evening primrose, phacelia and various wildrose, rabbitbrush, Panamint daisies, reptiles, six types of fish and five species xerophyte and the most common plant in species of cacti. mariposa lilies and lupine. No matter what of amphibians live here. the lower Sonoran zone. Desert holly is 2,000 to 4,000 feet: Best in early April season you come to view the flowers, be more abundant on the east side of the park to early May. The prime spot for viewing sure to bring a camera! DESERT ECOSYSTEM due to the dry, saline fans that are found If you were to travel from briny Badwater there. Pickleweed, a curious sprawling Basin to the tip of Telescope Peak, you succulent shrub, is a phreatophyte that is SNAKE BITE PREVENTION TIPS would cross four distinct ecological zones, extremely salt-tolerant and grows near the each determined by climate and elevation. edge of the salt flats. Other phreatophytes IF YOU ENCOUNTER A iStock At Furnace Creek on the valley floor, common in Death Valley include salt RATTLESNAKE: precipitation averages a mere 1.9 inches grass, arrowweed and honey mesquite. • Stay calm and try to locate the snake’s per year, while the highest peaks receive position before moving away quickly. about 15 inches annually. WILDFLOWERS • Back away slowly, giving the snake The Lower Sonoran, which covers Spring wildflowers are one of Death plenty of room. They only can strike a the lowest 4,000 feet, is dominated by Valley’s top attractions—when they distance equal to half their own length. desert holly and creosote bush that grow in come. Early abundant seasonal rains • Do not try to kill or move the snake; gravelly alluvial fans. The Upper Sonoran combined with warm, windless days 75 percent of snakebites occur when extends to an elevation of 8,500 feet and yield superblooms, painting the land in people try to capture or kill snakes. consists of sagebrush, other desert shrubs, color. These blooms are the exception, and culminates with pinyon pine and rather than the rule. If you are lucky IF YOU ARE BITTEN BY juniper. Pinyon pine and juniper give way enough to see wildflowers, remember A RATTLESNAKE: Take caution while hiking and be aware that to sierra juniper and mountain mahogany in that you are in a national park and must you are in snake country. • Stay calm. According to the FDA, of the transition zone. The sub-alpine zone heed its rules and regulations. Picking 8,000 people who suffer venomous begins at an elevation of 9,000 feet where flowers is strictly prohibited. • Always wear shoes or boots and long pants. bites in the U.S., only nine to 15 die. limber pine and bristlecone dominate. • Stay on trails when possible. Furthermore, 25 percent of adult Differences in vegetation are primarily due PEAK BLOOMING PERIODS • Be cautious when approaching rattlesnake bites are dry (no venom to the precipitation gradient. Rainfall: The best time to see a spring rocks, bushes or other objects or is injected). Death Valley’s plants supply themselves floral display is in years of high rainfall, areas where a snake may be hiding. • Wash the bite with clean water with water in one of two ways.Xerophytes when precipitation has exceeded the Avoid old mining tunnels, a favorite and soap. generally have short roots and depend on Death Valley annual average of only about place for snakes in the park, and • Immobilize the bitten area and keep it ephemeral water that is above the water 1.9 inches. Flowers usually begin blooming heavy underbrush. lower than the heart. table; as a result, these plants are able at the end of February and continue to • Use a flashlight at night to avoid • If the bite is on the hand or arm, remove to survive periods of protracted drought. impress through April. Be sure to call the stepping on any snakes. any rings, watches or tight clothing. Phreatophytes have longer roots and tap park before visiting. In general, years that • Set up your campsite in an open area. • Seek immediate medical attention. a perennial water source from the top of see heavy rains in late October with little

26 DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK | | DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK 27 NATURE & WILDLIFE PLAN YOUR VISIT

WATCHABLE WILDLIFE THINGS TO DO

Regardless of the season, there’s always Badwater. Prime spots to see the sunset a lot to do in Death Valley—not surprising are Artist’s Drive, Mesquite Flat Dunes and when you consider the park includes a 156- Ubehebe Crater. 1 mile stretch between two mountain ranges, 2 3 numerous archeological and historical HORSEBACK RIDING treasures, and the single lowest point in North Many visitors enjoy the beauty of Death America. Here are just some of the most Valley from a saddle. Both one- and two-hour popular activity options: or moonlight horseback rides are available. For those who savor a truly romantic treat, AUTO TOURING you can even ride in a horse-drawn carriage 4 5 6 If you like to drive—and if you enjoy desert while sipping champagne! For more

1 BOBCAT (LYNX RUFUS) 4 KANGAROO RAT (DIPSOSAURUS DORSALIS) landscapes and unusual geology—then pack information, call (760) 614-1018. Perhaps the bobcat’s most recognizable feature At first, the kangaroo rat appears to be like any up the car! Before venturing out into the park, is its ears, which are pointed with black hair tufts number of small rodents with golden-brown fur, stop at the visitor center or a ranger station BIKING spik­ing upward. Named for its stubby, bobbed shiny bulbous black eyes and whiskers atop a to inquire about current road conditions, as Biking is permitted at Death Valley, and tail, the bobcat is most active at twilight and tiny nose. With the right diet, it can go without well as any necessary directions. Always many seasoned riders enjoy the challenge dawn. It keeps a diurnal schedule in the winter water completely, due to kidney and metabolic remember to bring lots of water in case your of the park’s rugged terrain and sizzling to sync with the activity of its prey. • Weight 20 processes structured to efficiently retain water. • car breaks down. temperatures. When cycling, remember pounds • Length 2-3.5 feet • Tail 4-7 inches • Weight 2–5 oz. • Length 12–14 inches • Active to always keep bikes on roads used by Active year-round. Photo: Shutterstock year-round. Photo: US Fish & Wildlife Service SUNRISE AND SUNSET autos—never take them onto hiking trails

2 DESERT (OVIS CANADEN- 5 KIT FOX (VULPES MACROTIS) For many, the most extraordinary time to or cross-country. During the warm-weather SIS NELSONI) The kit fox is adapted to the desert and semi-arid experience the desert landscape is when months from May through October, avoid These bighorns reside throughout the south- regions of the western U.S. They’re nocturnal the sun is close to the horizon. Bring a biking in the lower levels of Death Valley western region of the country and have adapted hunters, moving in irregular patterns through veg- camera, tripod and arrive approximately one during any hours other than early morning; to extended periods of time without water. They etated desert areas. They’re primarily carnivores, hour before sunset or sunrise. Enjoy the the heat can be dangerously oppressive. If have unusual padded hooves, allowing them to but when food is scarce, kit foxes can be omni- sunrise at Dante’s View, Zabriskie Point and you do not bring your own bike, the Ranch climb steep, rocky terrain. Soon after birth, they vores. They do not need to drink water, as their at Furnace Creek offers rentals. Avoid biking develop horns that grow for life. • Height 3 feet prey provides them with adequate hydration. in canyons if there is a storm approaching. (at shoulder) • Weight 150-200 pounds • Active • Length 2-2.8 feet, including tail • Height 1 foot Sunglasses, a first aid kit, proper clothing year-round. Photo: Shutterstock at shoulders • Weight 3-4 pounds • Active year- and extra food and water are recommended round. Photo: Shutterstock 3 DESERT IGUANA (DIPSOSAURUS for a safe trip. DORSALIS) 6 MULE DEER (ODOCOILEUS HEMIONUS) More heat tolerant than any other reptile in The naturally timid mule deer can be found in RANGER PROGRAMS North America, this species is widely distributed the pinyon/juniper associations of the Grapevine, Throughout the year, park rangers offer throughout the Mojave, Sonoran and Colorado Cottonwood and Panamint Mountains. Mule a number of programs. Visitors can go . It‘s primarily an herbivore and eats flow- deer may appear tame and even approach you, stargazing, experience the desert environment ers, buds, fruits and leaves (especially creosote!). but they’re wild animals and may charge if they or discover geology. Programs are presented It’s found mostly on sandy flats and in rocky, hilly feel threatened. Always keep a safe distance. • at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center or in areas. • Length 16 inches • Hibernates in winter. Weight 70-250 pounds • Length 4-7.5 feet • Remember to ride on roads used by autos— various locations throughout the park. For Photo: Shutterstock Active year-round. Photo: Shutterstock never take bikes on hiking trails or off-road. more information, visit nps.gov/deva.

28 DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK | | DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK 29 30 Rent a 4x4 to explore Death Valley’s backcountry. Just remember to bring a detailed map. adetailed to bring Valley’s to a4x4 remember Death explore Rent Just backcountry. wrenches, are in the vehicle and accessible. and vehicle the in are wrenches, and jacks including tire, the to change tools the that and holder, akeyed into “locked” not and accessible is tire the that tire, spare agood has vehicle rental your that sure Be specifications. agreement contract the of outside vehicle the to damage for you charge can company rental the that aware be and contract your Check roads paved to vehicles restrict ments to traverse. drive four-wheel require also may which of some roads, backcountry all for ance vehiclelicensed, street-legal with high clear a You’ll need sites. historical and camping roads backcountry unpaved, of miles 800 than More roads. main park’s the beyond located plore more remote areas of the park. For more more For park. the of areas remote more plore ex and out vehicles take can Visitors use. road backcountry rugged for outfitted Jeeps of als rent daily offers Creek, Furnace at Inn the from DEATH VALLEYNATIONAL PARK | Farabee’s Jeep Rentals agree rental vehicle most that aware Be is scenery beautiful Valley’s Death of Much THINGS TODO provide access to wilderness hiking, BEYOND THE MAIN ROAD MAIN THE BEYOND , located across across , located - . - - - farabeesjeeprentals.com. 970-5337 (877) call please reservations, to make or information recent years. recent in closed been have that roads show may waterbackcountry sources. on rely never and water of plenty to carry Remember permit. camping a backcountry out fill and trip overnight an planning fore be center avisitor at in check please so areas, to certain restricted is camping try Center or other Backcoun stations. ranger Visitor Creek Furnace the at conditions road current for check winter. Always the in chains require or close may and storms after to washouts susceptible are roads Backcountry maps. of availability about ter cen visitor the at Inquire map. park official the on appear not do roads remote many as map, road backcountry adetailed have own your on country If you decide to travel into the back the into travel to decide you If Do not depend on GPS devices GPS on depend not Do (760) 786-9872 (760) or , make sure you sure , make , or visit visit or , , as they , as - - - -

iStock opportunities includeopportunities a spring-fed Recreational Museum and airstrip. Borax the store, ageneral a saloon, restaurants, three by are complemented units Parks &Resorts Photo: Xanterra to mid-May. October mid- open is Room Dining Inn The are recommended. strongly Reservations permitted. are not T-shirts and Shorts for dinner. code Dress to over $50. $27 over $18. Dinner entrées from range west side of the park. of the side west on the services offering reasonably-priced entity aprivate is Resort Springs Panamint Valley. Death at 1927, Oasis The as well as Valley, in Death at built Inn The historic company, management park operates the nation’s the largest & Resorts®, Parks concession at Stovepipe Wells. Xanterra the park manages Company Lodging Valley Death the park, the Within beyond. Valley and Death in options lodging 2. oasisatdeathvalley.com. 1. menu. Inn’s the to ambitious match feast visual a provide which views spectacular and Room a reservation, call call a reservation, to make or information more For dining. fine and touring hiking, massages, tennis, gardens, palm cascading pool, swimming spring-fed features a natural Creek Furnace at Inn The Park. National Funeral Valley and Death Mountains and Panamint the by surrounded is 1927, four-diamond resort this AAA

There are a variety of dining and of dining avariety are There The Ranch at Death Valley Death at Ranch The The Inn at Death Valley Valley Death at Inn The Lunch entrées range from $13 to features fireplaces, beamed ceilings ceilings beamed features fireplaces, BLD LODGING & DINING & LODGING (800) 236-7916 (800)

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The Inn Dining 224-guest 224-guest Built in in Built or visit visit or | DEATH VALLEYNATIONAL PARK lunch and dinner. Serving era. abygone of days the to atestimony is Saloon Words Kind Last gameand animals, taxidermied The of outlaws,misdeeds antique firearms, the touting fliers “Wanted!” posters, movie as such past the of relics Featuring Valley. Death to old of West the brings Saloon Words Kind Last Kilns, Dante’s View and Badwater. Open Open Badwater. Dante’s and View Kilns, Charcoal the Point, Aguereberry town, ghost Rhyolite Canyon, Mosaic Creek, to Furnace distance driving easy within and dunes sand to the drive short or walk a 30-minute is It saloon. and restaurant store, general shop, a gift WiFi, limited apool, boasts village pricey. The somewhat be can Accommodations atmosphere. refreshing and relaxing a offers Village Wells Stovepipe Park, National Valley of Death heart the in (800) 236-7916 (800) Call airstrip. a3,040-foot and rides carriage drawn hiking, seasonal horseback riding, horse- tennis, ball, bocce shuffleboard, green, putting course, golf swimming pool, in a unique western atmosphere. beer, appetizers and delicious cocktails of draft selection agreat offers saloon featuring incomparable regional fare. The menu restaurantThe offers a full-service dinner. and breakfast a buffet serves Today, Wells Stovepipe operation. Valley mining Death old an from timbers and The reservation. deathvalleyhotels.com visit or 786-7090 (760) Call year-round. 3. oasisatdeathvalley.com Stovepipe Wells Village Badwater Saloon Badwater PLAN YOURVISIT Toll Road Restaurant Toll Road were built with were built . to make a BLD

or visit visit or Located Located

The The 31

LODGING & DINING SAVE UP TO 20% For your next stay, book direct 3 on ChoiceHotels.com and get our lowest price guaranteed. 1 2 4 5 AA OO Entrees range from $11 to $30. Call Spanish atmosphere with weekly shows (760) 786-7090 for more information. at the on-site opera house from October– AA OO Photo: Mariusz S. Jurgielewicz BLD May. Many of the rooms are painted by 4. Panamint Springs Resort Marta Beckett, the hotel’s proprietor. For (PSR) is a rustic western-style resort more information, call (760) 852-4441 located in Panamint Valley inside or visit amargosa-opera-house.com. the western edge of Death Valley Photo: Amargosa Opera House. National Park. Outstanding views of 6.Stagecoach Hotel and Casino distant sand dunes and the Panamint Located in nearby Beatty, Mountains complete the setting for Nevada, the Stagecoach has 80 leisure, dining and relaxation. Panamint rooms, all equipped with a refrigerator, Springs offers a campground, motel, satellite television and air-conditioning. restaurant, gas station and small The on-site restaurant offers 24 hour store (all open year-round). For more food service. For more information, information, panamintsprings.com or call (800) 424-4946, (702) 553-2419 or call (775) 482-7680. Breakfast, lunch visit stagecoachdeathvalley.com. BLD and dinner are served year-round. PSR 7. Lodging Beyond the Park To the features delicious 100 percent angus west of Death Valley National Park, burgers and scrumptious gourmet lodging is available in the towns of pizzas. Catering is available for special Bishop, Big Pine, Independence, Lone groups upon request. Entrees cost Pine, Olancha, Ridgecrest and Inyokern. about $15-$20; steak $30. For more To the east, there are accommodations information call (775) 482-7680 or visit in Tonopah, Goldfield, Beatty, Amargosa panamintsprings.com. Photo: Panamint Valley, Death Valley Junction, Pahrump, Springs Resort BLD Shoshone and Tecopa. 5. Amargosa Opera House and Hotel Located in Death Valley Junction, SHARE PHOTOS OF YOUR a few miles west of the California-Nevada FAVORITE MEMORIES border near Death Valley National Park, the WITH US! Amargosa boasts a unique old-western/ KEY Breakfast Lunch Dinner Qualifying rates only. Valid only for current Choice Privileges® members. Members must book direct at ChoiceHotels.com/ Reservations required Open in winter California-hotels or call 1-888-846-9378. Reservations must be made at least 7, 14, 21 or 30 days in advance, which will vary based on hotel. Rooms at this discount are limited. Off er not available to groups and cannot be combined with any other discount. Consumers who fi nd lower prices must submit claim within 24 hours of booking and at least 48 hours prior to arrival. Additional Terms and Conditions Apply. See www.choicehotels.com/deals/best-rate and www.choicehotels.com/deals/ advanced-purchase for details. Choice Hotels reserves the right to change or discontinue this off er at any time. All Choice 32 DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK | Hotels properties are independently owned and operated. ©2019 Choice Hotels International. All rights reserved.

CHO112-25307_2019_American_Parks_Network_5.375x8.375.indd 1 4/16/19 10:53 AM PLAN YOUR VISIT WALKING AND HIKING

WALKING & HIKING HIKING TRAILS Trail Round Trip Difficulty Description Distance Elevation Destination Time Gain Hiking in Death Valley is uniquely BADWATER SALT FLAT Level walk across lowest place in North America. ½ mile to easy rewarding, but harsh terrain and extreme Badwater parking area, 17 Temporary lake may cover salt crystal crust after rain. edge. 5 miles level miles south of Hwy 190 on temperatures demand careful preparation. Don’t hike here in hot months. No trail. Hiking the full across FUN FACTS Badwater Road Before venturing out on a hike, it is vital length is strongly discouraged. to pack sunscreen, food, foot protection Q. WHAT IS A GOOD DANTE’S RIDGE and plentiful amounts of water. Be HIKE FOR WILDLIFE Follow ridge north of Dantes View for spectacular 4 miles to moderate Dantes View parking area vistas. First summit at ½ mile. No trail for last 4 miles, Mt. Perry 320 feet prepared for significantly cooler weather VIEWING? one way. 2-3 hours at higher elevations. Avoid hiking alone Salt Creek Interpretive Trail DESOLATION CANYON and always let someone else know is an easy one-mile hike along Parking area at end of ½ mile Narrow canyon through colorful badlands. Follow old 3 miles moderate dirt road off Badwater Road, road and then main wash east continuing toward cliffs, 2 hours 165 feet your planned route. a boardwalk that overlooks a small then follow the wash draining from the south. Hike up 3.7 miles south of Hwy 190 canyon, keeping to the right at the forks. . The trail is a good place to GOWER GULCH LOOP THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO view rare pupfish and other wildlife and Colorful badlands, canyon narrows, old borax mines. 5 miles moderate Water is a necessity. Bring at least two Golden Canyon parking area, is best in late winter and early spring. Hike up Golden Canyon, then follow trail over badlands half day 700 feet 2 miles south of Hwy 190 on to Zabriskie Point or down Gower Gulch (no trail). liters for a winter-day hike and four liters or Badwater Road more if you plan to venture out in summer. For answers to all your questions, go LITTLE HEBE CRATER TRAIL Always bring extra supplies. to OhRanger.com Ubehebe Crater parking Volcanic craters and elaborate erosion. Hike along west 1 mile moderate Constructed trails are rare in the area, 8 miles west of rim of Ubehebe Crater to Little Hebe. Continue around 1-2 hours 300 feet park. Trails are provided in places that are Scotty’s Castle Ubehebe’s rim for 1.5-mile loop hike. heavily used and sensitive to damage. If hike in Death Valley is October through April. MESQUITE FLAT AND DUNES a trail is there, please use it. Most hiking Avoid the salt flats in hot weather. When 2.2 miles east of Stovepipe Graceful desert dunes, numerous animal tracks. Walk 2 miles to easy to cross-country to 100 ft. high dunes. Good for full moon highest dune moderate routes in the park are cross-country, up temperatures are above 100°F, visitors are Wells on Hwy 190 hikes. No trail. 2.5 hours varies canyons or along ridges. Footing will likely advised not to walk away from their vehicles MOSAIC CANYON be rough and rocky. onto the salt flats (or anywhere below sea Mosaic Canyon parking Popular walk up a narrow, polished marble-walled 1 to 4 miles moderate area, 2 miles from Stovepipe canyon, requires scaling some dry falls at the upper 1 hour-half 750 feet Hiking the low elevations can be level). There is no shade to protect hikers Wells Village end. day dangerous when it’s hot. The best time to from blazing reflected sunlight, and summer TELESCOPE PEAK TRAIL ground temperatures can exceed 200°F. Mahogany Flat Campground, 9 Steep trail winds through pinyon and juniper to the 14-mile strenuous Flash floods are a possibility at all miles east of Wildrose Camp- highest point in the park, Telescope Peak, which offers all day 3,000 feet ground off Route 178, often im- breathtaking views of Death Valley to the east and times. In Death Valley, storms can form passable to passenger cars. Panamint Valley to the west.

Shutterstock suddenly. Even if it’s not raining where NATURAL BRIDGE CANYON

you happen to be hiking, torrential rain on Natural Bridge parking area, Gradual uphill walk past unique geological features and ½ mile moderate higher ground can fill washes and canyons 1.5 miles off Badwater Road a bridge. 1 hour 185 feet quickly. Be aware of weather conditions; TITUS CANYON NARROWS if it begins to rain, get out of a wash or Titus Canyon Mouth parking Easy access to lower Titus Canyon. Follow gravel road 2-11 miles easy to area, 3 miles off Scotty’s up wash 1.5 miles through narrows or continue to Klare 2 hours-all difficult streambed and onto higher ground. Also Castle Road Springs petroglyphs at 6.5 miles. day 750 feet be aware of flash flood channels when you WILDROSE CHARCOAL KILNS

park for a day hike to ensure that your car 7 miles east of Wildrose Features beehive-shaped kilns formerly used to produce 1/8 mile easy Campground charcoal for ore smelters in the Argus Range. 15 mins level will remain where you left it. WILDROSE PEAK TRAIL Keep in mind that dogs and bicycles are not allowed on any of the trails or Charcoal Kilns, 7 miles east of Moderately steep trail winds through pinyon and 8.2 miles moderate Plenty of water is required to beat the desert Wildrose Campground juniper to sweeping views of Death Valley. Best in the 4-6 hours 2,200 feet heat on hikes in Death Valley. in the wilderness. afternoon.

34 DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK | | DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK 35 WALKING AND HIKING PLAN YOUR VISIT

SELF-GUIDED WALKS AND HIKES CAMPING Round Trip Difficulty Trail Distance Elevation Destination Description Time Gain Visitors can experience desert grandeur • Campfires are prohibited, except HARMONY BORAX up close in one of Death Valley National in designated fire pits in developed Highway 190, two miles north of Hard-surfaced trail circles adobe dwellings, ¼ mile easy Park’s public campgrounds. The park campgrounds. Gathering wood is equipment and a 20-mule-team wagon from 20 mins level the visitor center. the 1880s. has nine public campgrounds that vary unlawful and the burning of wood is SALT CREEK INTERPRETIVE TRAIL in size, specific amenities and price. Only not allowed in the backcountry. The use one campground takes reservations, but of a low-impact backpacking 1 mile off Hwy 190, 13.5 miles Boardwalk along small stream. Good for ½ mile easy viewing rare pupfish and other wildlife. Best 1 hour level the rest operate on a first-come, first-ser stove is encouraged. north of Furnace Creek in late winter/early spring. ved basis. For more adventurous visitors, • Since many springs may be dry or UBEHEBE CRATER LOOP Death Valley offers more than 3 million contaminated, don’t count on collecting The hike is commonly done in a counter 1.5 miles Moderate acres of pristine desert wilderness for water. Plan to carry water or stash The paved lot directly overlooks clockwise direction where hikers begin with 1.5-2 hours the crater and is large enough the uphill section first. Within 0.5 mi (0.8km) backcountry camping. If you do stray from it ahead of time. Those who visit for buses and large RV’s. 8 miles Little Hebe Crater comes into view and is a the public campgrounds, however, be sure during the hot spring, summer and (13km) west of Scotty’s Castle common destination for those looking for a shorter trip. to do so prudently. Plan ahead and consult fall months should carry at least one with a ranger because desert conditions gallon of water per person, per day. Be SIDEWINDER CANYON can be harsh. advised that very low humidity creates Open gravel area large enough An unmarked gravel access road is located 5 miles Moderate extreme dehydration potential during for buses and RV’s. Same loca- on Badwater Road 31.5 miles south of CA- 2-3 hours 1,580 feet tion as Willow Canyon. 190 between mile markers 31 & 32. The BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING the summer. Do not hike in the low access road is less than 0.5 miles (0.8km) long and is typically passable to a sedan. At Death Valley National Park, there are elevations of Death Valley National Park more than 3 million acres of wilderness between May and October. and over 800 miles of backcountry dirt • Camping is not allowed on the roads open to camping. following “day use only” dirt roads: Mountain Gear The park has implemented an optional West Side Road, Wildrose Road, permit system for all overnight camping. Skidoo Road, Aguereberry Point Road, has the clothing, Permits for backcountry camping may Cottonwood Canyon Road (first eight gear and expertise be picked up at the visitor center or any miles only), Racetrack Road (from ranger station. Backcountry camping is not Teakettle Junction to Homestake Dry you need for permitted within one mile of any developed Camp), Titus Canyon Road and Keane your outdoor area, paved road or “day use only” area. Use Wonder Mine Rd. preexisting campsites whenever possible to • Camping is not allowed at the following adventures! minimize impact. Due to rough dirt roads at historic mining areas: Keane Wonder Death Valley, backcountry roadside camping Mine, Lost Burro Mine and Ubehebe HIKING • CAMPING • CLIMBING is generally only accessible to visitors with Lead Mine. BACKPACKING • MOUNTAINEERING four-wheel-drive vehicles or vehicles that • Overnight group size is limited to 15 have a high clearance. people and no more than six vehicles. Groups should plan to split into smaller BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING units and camp at least one mile apart. mountaingear.com TIPS & REGULATIONS For any groups larger than 15 people or 800.829.2009 • Backcountry campsites must be more for commercial groups, call the permit than 200 yards from any water source to office for a special use permit at Dark Canyon Wilderness, UT Jim Rueckel protect these fragile areas for wildlife. (760) 786-3241.

36 DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK | | DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK 37

OhRanger2019_4.75x3.375.indd 1 5/7/2019 5:08:15 PM CAMPING PLAN YOUR VISIT MANZANAR NHS CAMPGROUNDS

Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor on trucks and trains, taking only what December 7, 1941, led the United they could carry with them. Located at

Campground of Months Operation Elevation (ft) # of Sites Water Tables Fireplaces Flush Toilets Toilets Pit Dump Station Fee Per Night* States into World War II and radically the foot of the Mountains Emigrant All Year 2,100 10 • • • None changed the lives of more than 110,000 in eastern California’s , Furnace Creek** All Year -196 136 • • • • • $16 men, women and children of Japanese Manzanar War Relocation Center was Mahogany Flat Mar.-Nov. 8,200 10 • • • None ancestry living in the United States. one of 10 camps that confined Japanese Mesquite Spring Mar-Nov. 1,800 30 • • • • • $14 The attack intensified racial prejudices Americans from 1942 to 1945. Oct.- Sea and led to fear of potential sabotage Congress established Manzanar National Stovepipe Wells 190 • • • • • • $14 May 10 Level and espionage by Japanese Americans Historic Site in 1992 to preserve the site Sunset Oct.15 -May 10 -196 270 • • • • $14 among some in the government, military, and its stories. Archeological surveys and Sea news media and public. oral history interviews are ongoing. Texas Spring Oct.15 -May 10 92 • • • • • • $16 Level On February 19, 1942, President Franklin Thorndike Mar.-Nov. 7,400 6 • • • None D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order THINGS TO DO Wildrose All Year 4,100 23 • • • • None 9066 authorizing the secretary of war to The Manzanar Visitor Center offers establish military areas and to remove from 8,000 square feet of exhibits with stories, *All fees are half price for lifetime-pass holders **To make reservations during the winter months, call (877) 444-6777. those areas anyone who might threaten photographs, artifacts, audiovisual Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis and the fee changes to $12 per night from April 16 to Oct. 14. RV hook-up sites are $36 per night, lifetime pass-holders get a $11 discount. the war effort. presentations and opportunities for reflection. Without due process, the government Visit the reconstructed barracks, with gave everyone of Japanese ancestry newly installed exhibits that feature living on the West Coast one week’s personal voices, diaries, photos and video notice to decide what to do with their clips from former inmates. houses, farms, businesses and other Take the 3.2-mile self-guided auto possessions. They did not know where tour around the site to see rock gardens, they were going or for how long. Each foundations, historic orchards and the family was assigned an identification camp cemetery. number and loaded into cars, buses, Although cars and bicycles are restricted to the tour road, you are free to explore the entire square-mile site on foot. Walking is iStock one of the best ways to see everything. Remember, be careful while walking and do not disturb or collect anything.

VISITOR INFORMATION The 814-acre Manzanar National Historic Site is open every day from dawn to dusk. The Visitor Center is open daily, from 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (closed December 25). For more information, call (760) 878-2194 ext. 3310 or visit the A memorial for the fallen stands at Manzanar National Historic Site. park’s website at nps.gov/manz.

38 DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK | | DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK 39 PLAN YOUR VISIT JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK JOSHUA TREE

NATIONAL PARK iStock

The twisted trees and intriguing rocky part for this unusual diversity of plants landscape give the impression that and animals that Joshua Tree National Joshua Tree National Park was ripped Monument was created. from the pages of a Dr. Seuss book. In 1976, Congress designated 420,000 Though secluded, the park sits within acres within the monument as wilderness. a three-hour drive of more than 18 Today, of the park’s current 794,000 acres, million people, including those living in 595,000 has this designation, allowing . visitors to explore areas in relative solitude. Joshua Tree received national park status HISTORY as part of the Desert Protection Bill on Minerva Hamilton Hoyt, a Pasadena October 31, 1994. socialite who was extremely fond of cacti The park encompasses some of the and desert plants, became concerned most interesting geologic features found in about the wanton removal and destruction California’s desert areas. Exposed granite of desert flora. Her tireless efforts monoliths attract rock climbers of all skill to protect this area culminated in the levels. Monzogranite, a molten liquid that Joshua Tree’s rock formations, unique flora and fauna and diverse recreational opportunities make the park a popular destination for ecotourism. preservation of 825,000 acres as Joshua was heated by the continuous movement Tree National Monument in 1936. The of the Earth’s crust, oozed upward and brought by the gold rush started to siphon board. If planning to camp from October– monument protected the unique assembly cooled while still below the surface. water and cut down trees. In 1880, April, arrive Sunday to Wednesday to of natural resources convened by the These plutonic intrusions then developed cattleman moved into the area to take assure you get a camping spot. The park’s junction of two of California’s ecosystems: rectangular joints that went through a advantage of the high desert grasslands 10 mountains greater than 5,000 feet the Colorado Desert, a western extension series of erosion forces that created the of the Pinto and Little San Bernadino (1,524 m) in elevation will challenge “peak of the vast Sonoran Desert, and the impressive rock formations present today. Mountains. By 1913, the Serrano and baggers” of all skill levels. Or make it your southern boundary of the Mojave Desert, The presence of water, that rarest of were gone. Their spirits are goal to hike to all five of the park’s fan palm which features critical habitat for the park’s desert commodities, allows life to flourish. still with us in the archaeological sites oases. Other trails lead you to remnants namesake, , as well as the Five of North America’s 158 desert fan they left behind. The Oasis Visitor Center of the gold mining era, a part of the park’s Little San Bernardino Mountains, which palm oases are located in Joshua Tree and nature trail at the Oasis of Mara give history. reach above 4,000 feet and provide habitat National Park. The Oasis of Mara, a visitors a peek of history. For more park information, call for California juniper and pinyon pine. The good example of the human history of (760) 367-5522, or stop by one of the visi- most extensive stands of Joshua trees— the park, is a cornerstone of the Joshua THINGS TO DO tor centers. For information online, visit which may have been dubbed by pioneers Tree National Park story. The oasis was Joshua Tree offers endless hours nps.gov/jotr. who thought the tree’s outstretched limbs first settled by the Serrano Indians who of exploration for all skill and interest Oasis Visitor Center is located at park resembled Joshua, the biblical figure, in called it Mara, “the place of little springs levels; rock climbing, biking, self-guided headquarters in Twentynine Palms; Joshua supplication—are primarily found in the and much grass.” Legend says they nature trails, birding, horseback riding Tree Visitor Center, in the Village of Joshua western half of the park. planted the palms to provide food, clothing, and wildflower viewing (Rock-climbers Tree; Cottonwood Visitor Center is lo- The park’s diverse flora is matched by its cooking implements and housing for must have a professional guide. Contact cated eight miles north of Interstate 10 fauna, including herds of desert bighorn themselves and as habitat for a variety of Mojave Guides at mojaveguides.com). at Cottonwood Spring. All visitor centers and seven species of rattlesnakes. desert creatures. In 1850 the Chemehuevi Visitors can camp at one of nine developed are open year-round. The Black Rock Na- Migratory birds fly along the Pacific flyway, tribe settled peacefully at the oasis with backcountry campgrounds—you must ture Center, located in Black Rock Camp- which also transects the park. It was in the Serrano. In the mid-1800s, prospectors register at a backcountry registration ground, is open October through May.

40 DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK | | DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK 41 PLAN YOUR VISIT MOJAVE NATIONAL PRESERVE MOJAVE NATIONAL discovered. This resulted in a gold rush in PRESERVE the area, while in later years others tried iStock to profit off of silver (1883) and iron ore At 1.6 million acres, Mojave National The Mojave were a fierce people willing (1940s). As western expansion marched Preserve is not only the third-largest to protect their land, and willing to venture forward, so did the railroads. In 1902, the National Park Service area outside of Alaska, far from it. They traveled to the Pacific Union Pacific made its presence known on but it also holds portions of three of the four Coast, becoming proficient traders and the West Coast with the construction of major North American deserts: the Mojave exchanged crops with coastal tribes for the Salt Lake Route between Salt Lake and and transitional elements of the Great goods such as shells, and made pots, Los Angeles. Construction began at the two Basin and Sonoran. bowls, ladles and dishes decorated with endpoints and met in the Mojave Desert. Established in 1994 by the California geometric designs from sedimentary clay The preserve’s visitor center, Kelso Depot, Desert Protection Act, the preserve and crushed sandstone. The material was was once an essential stop on the line. is located between Los Angeles and coiled, dried, painted and fired in either Kelso Depot received its name when three Las Vegas, providing serenity and open pits or rudimentary kilns. The women warehousemen put their names into a hat, solitude from the crowds of these major took the crafts further by making unique and the winner was John Kelso. metropolitan areas. Though many areas pottery dolls for the children, dressing and of Mojave appear barren, signs of life decorating them complete with human hair. ACTIVITIES AT MOJAVE abound. There are hundreds of seeps The search for fortune brought the NATIONAL PRESERVE and springs, cactus gardens, isolated first white man, Fray Francisco Garces, Up to 650 feet in height, Kelso Dunes communities of white fir and chaparral to the land of the Mojave in 1775. His in Mojave National Preserve are the third and the densest, largest Joshua tree writings portrayed the Mojave as friendly tallest in North America. When conditions forest in the world. Sand dunes, canyons, and industrious. Trappers soon followed, are right, as sand grains move over one Explore Mojave in early morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are comfortable mountains, volcanic cinder cones, great but their interactions with the Mojaves another, they sometimes create a booming mesas, domes and lava flows define the were less peaceul and resulted in years of sound. Try running down the slopes to reservation only. Call (760) 252-6108 or preserve. Rocks 2.5 billion years old have fighting, distrust and death. In 1865, almost make the dunes boom. The preserve is (760) 928-2572. been discovered in the Clark Mountains, a hundred years and a docket full of Indian great for backpacking, horseback riding, • Four-wheel drive routes are popular which rise to 7,929 feet, reinforcing wars later, the federal government created hiking, four-wheeling (on designated roads; in the preserve. One of the most Mojave’s reputation as a land of extremes. the Colorado Indian Reservation near all vehicles must be street-legal) and recommended is the Mojave Road, Parker, the southern range of the Mojave. wildflower viewing. which runs across the entire park from HISTORY Ranching has played a vital role in the • Backpacking is allowed. Since there is no east to west. Driving off established The Mojave American Indian tribe, region over the past 150 years. A hearty registration system and few established roads is prohibited. namesake of the preserve, called this desert group raised cattle and lived throughout the trails, make sure you have a map and • Horseback riding is welcome, but there home. By the time the Spanish arrived in the land that is the current preserve. Today, few let someone know your itinerary. are no horses for rent. territory in the 16th century, the Mojaves ranchers are left and the area and the places Remember to camp at least a quarter • Although there are few established were the largest concentration of people per in the preserve are only meant to serve as mile from any paved road and half a mile hiking trails, abandoned dirt roads, square mile in the Southwest. Additionally, a vivid reminder of the activities that used from developed areas. Your campsite washes and ridgelines offer an the Chemehuevi lived on the land that is to take place. Mojave National Preserve is in must also be 200 yards from any water abundance of cross-country hiking now the preserve. Before contact with new the process of creating the largest historical sources. opportunities. A map can be found at settlers, the Chemehuevi lived on prickly ranching district recorded in the National • Three national park campgrounds are nps.gov/moja/planyourvisit/hiking.htm. pear, mesquite and roasted agave blooms Register of Historic Places. available inside the preserve: Hole-in- For more information, contact Mojave and hunted deer and bighorn sheep. Living In 1872, the General Mining Act the Wall and Mid Hills Campgrounds are National Preserve Headquarters at near the , these people were permitted individuals to stake a claim on a first-come, first-served. Black Canyon (760) 252-6100, Kelso Depot Visitor Center able to thrive in the Mojave Desert. plot of land where a mineral deposit was Equestrian & Group Campground is at (760) 252-6108, or visit nps.gov/moja.

42 DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK | | DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK 43 PLAN YOUR VISIT JUST FOR KIDS There are ONLY 2

Death Valley National Park has a host about two miles east of Stovepipe Wells northern white rhinos of activities to entice visitors of all ages— Village—23 miles northwest of the Furnace including programs just for kids. Visiting the Creek Visitor Center—on Highway 190. park presents a great opportunity to have left on the planet. fun and learn something about the biology, BECOME A WEB RANGER geology and history that’s all around you. If Bring national park fun to your computer! you want to learn all you can about Death Learn more about national parks and get Valley National Park, you can... help to plan your trip by visiting nps.gov/ webrangers. Explore the parks in a whole BECOME A JUNIOR RANGER new way as you play interactive and Young people are eligible to become educational games online. junior rangers. You can pick up the junior ranger packet at the front desk of the visitor PEER INTO OUTER SPACE center, complete the fun activities inside Explore the desert at night when the and receive a free Death Valley junior ranger moon is full and all the nocturnal creatures badge. The badge is a replica of the National venture out to hunt! Look for kangaroo rats Park Service badge with features specific and kit foxes with your family, or go on a to Death Valley. Junior ranger patches are guided hike with a ranger and stargaze. Look also available upon completion of the junior at the night sky through a telescope and see ranger activities at park bookstores for a the heavens like you never have before! small fee.

EXPLORE DEATH VALLEY iStock Death Valley National Park is full of vast and incredible geology. Convince mom and dad to take you on an extraordinary tour that you’ll never forget. You’ll find colorful Decades of rampant poaching have decimated cliffs, sliding stones and eerie salt flats. See this species to the brink of extinction. But there’s hope. the “Sights to See” chapter for ideas and directions. Remember to take only pictures Zoo Global is leading the fight to save these gentle giants. and leave only footprints. And your support to the San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy SLIDE DOWN A SAND DUNE creates action and impact. Will you join us? Although sand dunes make up only a small percentage of this desert, the ones Together, we can turn things around.™ you find at Death Valley will put any sandbox you’ve played in to shame! Don’t leave the ENDextinction.org/hope park until you have tromped and tumbled down the 100-foot dunes at Mesquite Kids will get a kick out of Death Valley’s Flat. Tell your parents the sand dunes are landscape; it’s like a huge, beautiful sandbox.

44 DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK | PLAN YOUR VISIT PHOTOGRAPHY

For millennia, we’ve looked towards the tion. Next, set your white balance to daylight heavens and contemplated what’s beyond settings (5500k) and turn on your mirror lock our orbit and universe. More recently, star- to avoid mirror shake. Wait until the moon is gazing has become increasingly difficult for out, too, as it’ll illuminate and add detail to millions of people living in developed areas. If your foreground. Make sure that it’s behind you live you in a populated area east of the you. To capture star trails: Mississippi or along the Pacific coast, odds • Set your ISO at 200 to reduce digital noise. are that you can count the number of stars • Compose your image, making sure you you see on your hands. National and state have interesting features in the foreground. parks—remote and minimally developed— • Choose your focal length. The longer the not only protect our land, but also our dark focal length, the quicker your star trails will skies which are ideal for astrophotography. start to form. There are two primary types of astropho- • Set your camera to manual mode so that tography shots that yield different, but stel- you can select your shutter speed and lar compositions. A long exposure setting aperture. will show stars trailing across the sky, while • Set your aperture between f/2.8 and f/4 for a shorter exposure will show pinpoints of best results. light—objects that a camera can capture that • Select “bulb mode” as your shutter speed. the unaided eye cannot. Both require a cam- • Use your cable release or remote to open era with interchangeable lenses and manual the shutter or set your timer for two to controls to set aperture, ISO, and exposure four minutes. settings. Here’s what you’ll need to start: Check your results. If your picture is too • A sturdy tripod: Simply put, a shaky tri- dark, increase the exposure time. If your trails pod will yield blurry photos. are to short, increase the exposure time. • A cable release or remote control or in- Keep playing around with your settings to get tervalometer: You’ll want to avoid touch- the results you desire. To learn how to take ing your camera to minimize shake. The photos of the milky way and millions of points addition of an intervalometer will allow you of light, visit ohranger.com/brightskies. to take sequential long exposures • Batteries: Your aperture may be open for several hours, so it’s important to have

multiple fresh and fully charged batteries. Shutterstock • A wide lens: Use the fastest, widest lens available. • A head lamp: It’ll be useful to set up your equipment and illuminate your foreground. Check the cloud cover; if there’s too much wait until you have a clearer night. Before you start, set your focus to infinity and turn Photographing the night sky is as close as many off your autofocus and high ISO noise reduc- of us will get to exploring space.

46 DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK | PLAN YOUR VISIT IF YOU ONLY HAVE A DAY

Since Death Valley is so large, packing all Drive, a nine-mile route that passes your sightseeing into a single day can be a Artist’s Palette. The striking array of challenge. Plan carefully and start early colors here are brilliant reminders of the to get a true flavor of what the park has to minerals in the rocks and the earth. Four offer in a short period. miles north, you’ll come to the Golden Ultimately, what you see depends on Canyon Trail, a two-mile trip that winds where you enter the park. If you begin the through a canyon of colorful rock walls. day in Furnace Creek, many of the most Just before Furnace Creek, take a impressive sights are nearby. Get up early and short side-trip on Highway 190 east three drive 17 miles south to Badwater, the lowest miles to Zabriskie Point and see the 20- point in North America and a great place to Mule Team Canyon. Return to Furnace watch the sunrise over the mountains. Creek for lunch and visit the Furnace Returning north, stop at Natural Creek Visitor Center. Heading north from Bridge, a medium-sized conglomerate Furnace Creek, stop off and see the rock formation that has been hollowed at Harmony Borax Works. its base to form a span across the canyon Twenty miles up the road is Stovepipe walls. Then proceed to Devil’s Golf Wells where Mosaic Canyon and the sand Course. From Devil’s Golf Course, take dunes are located, a great place to watch a short detour to the right onto Artist’s the sunset. iStock

Artist’s Palette, made of volcanic rocks with multicolored hues, is best viewed in afternoon light.

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