Death Valley California / Nevada Visitor Guide 2010

National Park Death Valley California / Nevada Visitor Guide 2010

Zabriskie Point Recovery Act Benefits Death Valley

America’s National Parks are receiv- my, private contractors have been Locations for these improvements accurate information at visitor use ing a face lift thanks primarily to hired to complete most of these include park maintenance facili- areas throughout the park. two funding programs, the Ameri- projects. To begin, a new parking ties and the Furnace Creek Visitor • Furnace Creek Visitor Center: can Recovery & Reinvestment Act area has been constructed accessing Center. Perhaps the most important change and the Federal Lands Recreation the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes near • Facilities: Rehabilitation proj- for visitors will be a major rehabili- Enhancement Act. Signed into law Stovepipe Wells and extensive im- ects for park campground facilities tation of the Furnace Creek Visitor by President Obama in February provements were made at the Texas include the installation of cleaning Center and auditorium. Museum 2009, the “Recovery Act”, provides Spring Campground. stations and replacement roofs on exhibits will be upgraded and im- $750 million to the NPS and will Here are some of the upcoming restrooms. Scotty’s Castle will see provements made to the auditorium fund 800 projects throughout the projects visitors will see: construction of new restrooms as where visitors will view a new park system of nearly 400 National Park Roads: Improvements will be well as rehabilitation of the historic film and attend evening ranger System sites. The Recreation En- • made to almost all roads in the cookhouse. The orientation kiosk at programs. hancement Act is funded by 80% of park. This construction will be ongo- Ryan’s Junction will be replaced and We are asking all visitors to please every dollar collected as entrance ing and some short delays may be a new parking lot, orientation kiosk “excuse the mess” as we work to and camping fees in federal recre- expected along these routes until and visitor use area is planned for complete these stimulus projects. It ation areas such as national parks. completion. Father Crowley Point. is our hope that the improvements Death Valley, the largest park in the Solar Energy: The park will be • Wayside Exhibits: A large num- will provide everyone with a safer lower 48 states, will see a variety of • installing photovoltaic equipment ber of interpretive signs will be and more enjoyable visit to Death projects take shape during the next in several areas to make use of the replaced and new ones created to Valley. few years. To stimulate the econo- sun’s energy to produce electricity. provide visitors with interesting and

What’s Inside? Junior Rangers

Park Information...... page 2 Want to have fun while exploring after reciting the Junior Ranger Death Valley? You can become pledge, you will receive your a Junior Ranger with the Junior Junior Ranger Badge. Abandoned Mines ...... page 3 Ranger booklet that can be picked Why not join a Park Ranger for up at any Death Valley National a Junior Ranger Program and Park Map ...... pages 4/5 Park Visitor Center. Just complete receive a certificate? During the the right number of activities for fall, winter or spring, stop by a What To See ...... page 6 your age and get your booklet Visitor Center at Furnace Creek or signed by a Park Ranger. Upon Scotty’s Castle to check on times completion of your booklet and Walks & Hikes ...... page 7 and locations. One you have become a Junior Ranger you can purchase a special Visitor Services...... page 8 Junior Ranger Patch for a small fee at any park visitor center. What a great way to explore Death Valley! Park Information

Help Protect Your National Park

Please remember and obey the fol- • Hunting and use of firearms in lowing regulations during your stay: the park is illegal. Firearms may be • Collecting or disturbing any transported and carried in accor- animal, plant, rock or any other dance to state law. natural, historical or archeological • Keep pets confined or leashed. feature is prohibited. Pets are allowed only in developed • All vehicles must remain on areas and along paved or dirt roads. established roads. This includes mo- • Camping is limited to developed torcycles, bicycles, and four-wheel campgrounds and some backcoun- drive vehicles. All motorized vehicles try areas. For details on backcoun- and their drivers must be properly try camping and to obtain a free licensed. Vehicles with off-road reg- permit, stop at the Furnace Creek istration “green stickers” may not Visitor Center or any ranger station. be operated in the park. • Campfires are allowedin firep- • Do not feed or disturb wildlife, its provided in developed camp- including coyotes, roadrunners & ra- grounds. They are prohibited else- vens. When wild animals are fed by where in the park. Gathering wood humans they tend to depend upon is unlawful. this unhealthy food source rather Please do not litter. than forage for their natural diet. •

Staying Safe & Sound

Water: Drink at least one gallon • Mine Hazards: Do not enter mine (4 liters) of water per day to replace tunnels or shafts. Mines may be un- Patterns on the salt flats of Badwater Basin. loss from perspiration. Carry plenty stable, have hidden shafts, pockets of extra drinking water in your car. of bad air and poisonous gas. • Heat & Dehydration: If you feel • In Case of Emergency: Dial 911 dizzy, nauseous or a headache, get from any telephone or cell phone. Temperatures out of the sun immediately and Cell phones may not work in many drink plenty of water. Dampen parts of the park, do not depend on Average Max Average Min clothing to lower your body tem- them. January 65°F / 18°C 39°F / 4°C perature. Heat and dehydration can February 72°F / 22°C 46°F / 8°C kill. Hiking: Do not hike in the low March 80°F / 27°C 53°F / 12°C • Survive the Drive elevations when temperatures are The main cause of death in Death April 90°F / 32°C 62°F / 17°C hot. The mountains are cooler in Valley is single-car accidents. May 99°F / 37°C 71°F / 22°C summer, but can have snow and ice Follow the speed limit to help June 109°F / 43°C 80°F / 27°C in winter. • negotiate the narrow roads, sharp Summer Driving: Stay on paved July 115°F / 46°C 88°F / 31°C • curves and unexpected dips. roads in summer. If your car breaks August 113°F / 45°C 85°F / 29°C down, stay with it until help comes. • Avoid speeding out of control on September 106°F / 41°C 75°F / 24°C Be prepared; carry plenty of extra steep downhill grades by shifting to a lower gear and gently pressing on October 92°F / 33°C 62°F / 16°C water. the brakes. November 76°F / 24°C 48°F / 9°C • Flash Floods: Avoid canyons during rain storms and be prepared to • Don’t block traffic.Pull off the December 65°F / 19°C 39°F / 4°C move to higher ground. While driv- pavement if you want to stop to ing, be alert for water running in enjoy the scenery. • Record High: 134°F / 57°C July 1913 washes and across road dips. • Wear a seatbelt and make sure it • Record Low: 15°F / -9°C January 1913 • Dangerous Animals: Never place is adjusted to fit snugly. The official weather station is at Furnace Creek. your hands or feet where you can- • Unpaved roads are subject to not see first. Rattlesnakes, scorpi- washouts. Check for conditions be- The narrows of Titus Canyon are not the place ons or black widow spiders may be fore traveling these routes. to be during a flash flood! sheltered there. Useful Books & Maps The Death Valley Natural History Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing visitors to Death Val- ley National Park with a quality educational experience. These suggested offerings from our publications were chosen to help you plan your visit and make the most of the time you spend in Death Valley. Prices may change without notice.

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

2 Death Valley Visitor Guide Abandoned Mines

Death Valley Faces Consequences of its Mining History

“The accounts of the abundance be unsafe. With an estimated 6,000 of gold in (California) are of such to 10,000 abandoned mines within extraordinary character as would our borders, Death Valley leads the scarcely command belief were they not list with many sites that pose serious corroborated by the authentic reports hazards to visitors. Open and crum- of officers in the public service who bling mine shafts, collapsing mills and have visited the mineral district.” support buildings, rusted machinery, President James K. Polk’s address to and cyanide-contaminated soil make Congress, December 5, 1848 visiting many of our historic mining locations risky business. Stories of gold found in the newly- Visitors to Death Valley should be acquired territory of California had aware of potentials dangers during been published in the press during pre- their visits here. Warning and closure ceding months, but President Polk’s signs should be heeded at mining sites official notice to Congress sparked and all should resist the temptation the California Gold Rush, enticing The Keane Wonder Mine, Mill, and surrounding mining area are currently CLOSED to all public to enter mine openings or dilapidated more than 250,000 people to join the access until the numerous hazards can be mitigated. buildings at mining sites. search for riches during the next four In 2009 America’s National Parks years. Among those who caught the All mines in the Death Valley year of its founding in 1905. The min- received $750 million in stimulus “Gold Fever” was a 28 year old New region, and across the nation, operated ing town of Skidoo also experienced money under the American Recovery Englander named William Lewis under statues of the General Mining frenzied growth as the Skidoo Mine and Reinvestment Act. Death Valley Manly, who joined a pioneer wagon Act of 1872. This law, with its goal of produced more than $1.5 million in has been allocated $4.8 million for train across the desert to reach the helping citizens profit while develop- gold between 1906 and 1917. mitigating hazardous mine conditions new territory in 1849. When part of ing the resources of the west, pro- Other minerals had longer lasting in some of the Park’s most visited the group tried to find a shortcut to vided rights to those making claims consequences than gold in Death Val- locations. the goldfields, Manly joined them and on public land for “valuable mineral ley. Borates, first scraped from dried ultimately led some of these “Lost deposits” they found. The law held lake bed sediments in the 1880s, were ‘49ers” into Death Valley in what be- no stipulations for cleaning up aban- later found in great quantities in the came the region’s first recorded visit. doned sites and the ecological messes badlands to the east in veins of valu- These “Lost ‘49ers” survived to when mining operations ceased. These able Colemanite. oversights became more apparent tell the tale of their desert journey, In addition to silver, gold and as mining technology went beyond and some even took the time to pick borates, ventures for the mining of the pick and shovel stage. Although up mineral samples along the way. antimony, copper, lead, zinc, tungsten, some legestative changes have been These samples proved to include salt, nitrate and talc were established made, this 1872 mining law is still the some high-grade silver ore, show- during the next several decades. ing that riches could be found in this primary legal avenue today for mining Mineral prospecting had tempo- unexplored land. Braving the harsh in the US. rarily ceased in Death Valley when condition described by Manley and It wasn’t until the early 20th century President Herbert Hoover made it others, prospecting expeditions began that newer technologies began chang- a National Monument in February making their way to Death Valley ing the mining industry in Death Val- 1933. Within four months this cessa- in the 1850s. These resulted in the ley. The arrival of railroad lines, and tion had been rescinded by Congress discovery of surface deposits of both later automobiles and roads, decreased and mining activities continued. New silver and gold, as well as other miner- the cost of moving ore. Electric and technologies, however, were to alter als. But pursuing these valuable ore gasoline engines made an impact by the face of mining activities there in veins to their source meant digging making it easier to dig deeper to reach the coming decades. Mine adits and shafts are potential death traps and should not be entered. Bigger machinery and the prospects of global markets reinvigorated efforts At first glance this may seem an un- at borax mining near Death Valley in complicated task – cover up the mine 1971. Open pit and strip mine opera- openings and tear down the dilapi- tions and an increase in mining traffic dated structures. However, mine sites began to create concerns that the Na- are historically important and preser- tional Monument would be adversely vation of these significant remnants of affected. Similar situations at other Death Valley’s mining past remains an National Park sites eventually led to important mission of the Park. In ad- the passing of the Mining in Parks Act dition, wildlife such as bats and owls of 1976. This law gave the Secretary use mine shafts for nesting during of the Interior authority to determine the winter. Accordingly, the Park will if mining activities would cause “ir- focus on ways to stabilize decaying reparable loss or destruction” to NPS structures and providing cable nets for resources and effectively ended active mine shafts that will allow wildlife to open pit mining and the filing of new make use of the sites while preventing claims in Death Valley. people from entering. This open-pit borax mine from the early 1970s is within the park near the Dante’s View Road. Public Death Valley’s last active mine outrage over its impact led to stricter regulations found in the Mining in the Parks Act of 1976. More that 700,000 visitors arrive in closed in 2005, but unintended conse- Death Valley National Park each year. quences of the previous 130 years of more profitable veins. Also, the use The use of federal stimulus funds to underground. “Hard rock mining” mineral extraction are still with us. operations followed but demanded of chemicals such as mercury and improve the Park’s mining sites will more men and greater financial com- cyanide proved useful in separating Today, a reported 126 National Park go a long way towards making these mitment. By selling shares to the ore such as gold from other materials, units contain mine features that may visits safe and enjoyable for everyone. public based on the assumed profits leading to re-opening of mining sites from these operations, mining compa- that had previously been abandoned. nies began to excavate larger mines, Large mines at Rhyolite, Gold- build mills, and develop transportation field and Skidoo attracted miners systems to move the ore to market. By from around the west to what be- STAY OUT STAY ALIVE the 1870s there were active mines at came America’s last great gold rush. Panamint City, Darwin, Cerro Gordo Rhyolite’s population jumped from and Chloride Cliff. 1,200 to more than 6,000 within a

Death Valley Visitor Guide 3 Death Valley National Park

To Tonopah To PA Lida Junction and Reno LM Co Dyer E tt T Entrance Fee Furnace Creek Visitor Center Area o TO nw o F M GE To o IS O ID d H U R Stovepipe Wells Creek N Mount Jackson N Death Valley National Park is a U.S. Fee Area. T SO L Palmetto Mountain A 45mi 6411ft CK Furnace A IN Lida JA 266 K 1954m Please stop at the Furnace Creek Visitor 266 8960ft S 72km MT Airport Creek E 2731m Center, Scotty's Castle Visitor Center, V P A al L m Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station or at one of L et E to Y LLEY the automated fee machines placed Sunset Wash VA 95 Wyman C ree LIDA throughout the park to pay the park Furnace Creek k Chocolate Magruder Mountain Mountain entrance fee. Visitor Center 7703ft 9046ft Picnic area 168 2348m SYLVANIA MOUNTAINS 2757m Texas 7-day Pass Spring Vehicle: $20 Furnace Creek Ranch Borax Museum Y E Individual: $10 L L 16mi T To A U Gold Point 26km V Cre L Death ek E Valley N Mount Dundee Annual Pass S CU O C Junction

C o G OM Y E N UN N t Death Valley Annual Pass: $40 I GO A L t G Furnace R w C A o P o S To ll T n D Interagency Annual Pass: $80 S i C Timbisha Shoshone 190 Creek Inn W w I Big Pine C A H o Village (private; no N R P A o E N Y visitor services) C O E E Other passes honored here: D N A T E Scottys Junction C S L A Golden Age Pass, Senior Pass, & Access Pass 0 0.5 Kilometer To N Artists Drive Deep Springs Last Chance Y Mountain O 0 0.5 Mile and Badwater Lake N Deep B 8456ft sand ig 2577m C P r Gold Mountain i Crankshaft e ne e Junction k E Ro U a s d t a R l R F GING O E HAN C a K u K Mine h s A S C o J A A y N R e l Y l O 267 C a N V T O A n L B r F NELLIS AIR FORCE o A h L E T w V R U BOMBING AND o I C A A A S L C L B GUNNERY RANGE S L i 26mi g E E I 42km F N T L To Preserve a Way of Life Y N A P O To N T i B Big Pine O n The Timbisha Shoshone Home- Y e Death Valley N C land Act of 2000 provides for CA park boundary R the tribe’s living permanently MARBLE H o Eureka a 35mi on lands held in trust within Dunes d 3000ft 56km A 914m their ancestral homeland. J a c Trust lands, located by dots k S Deep N In winter carry a Scotty’s Castle s A sand at left, are also shown on the chains. Road s Y C Visitor Center and Museum E F L large map. The Act also pro- may be closed. la L L t s I A vides special use areas, includ- E V N Road conditions ing the Timbisha Shoshone E require experienced Timbisha Shoshone Natural and Cultural Preserva- INYO IS Natural and Cultural 4-wheel drivers. R S tion Area, for sustaining the ANYON A Preservation Area Waucoba 3mi C O tribe’s traditional cultural and A Mountain 5mi 5km E religious activities. 11123ft IN 8km V 3390m N Ubehebe E P A Crater R N NATIONAL G G C E Steel Pass Grapevine A V L A E I F D YON O A Grapevine Peak AN R 8738ft C Y N 2663m E IA N L S IN I L R H H FOREST P d Mesquite Spring

A a B U L L F R O G o Y N N R U C O IN Y TA

G G C N N k Wahguyhe Peak A U c O R A M E a C NE r O t A H E S e Rhyolite O L H I S c Dry Mountain D P a Beatty (ghost town) M 8674ft e Mount Palmer R E a N Y t 7979ft T 2644m O h V Mine R N Y 2432m O

I O N M Tin Mountain E Y F 8953ft G N N A R C A O 2729m O E C G L 374 CA L U A A LICO 20mi W B H V N ay A ILL a ne w N S 32km D O o R N ll RE E S R e Y Leadfield y ALL T I O F N A H CA (ghost town) d a A IG o L B Red Pass R M I N I S s W U s IT a O N N 33mi T M P a U D s M t E h 53km h N g i T O E l Y R y A Black Two-way traffic Thimble a E 19mi I U Peak N N Cone to mouth of Titus H D 30km N T O Canyon. O Y E T N N O CAN A A Saline E Y A IT C Daylight Pass TS N O T FLA Valley White Top O N I A 4316ft B 1316m SS S N Busted Dunes Mountain Y KA Teakettle Junction c Corkscrew Peak C R Butte JA A o S D 95 t

Mount Inyo t 11107ft y ’ s 3385m R Information A V C

C A a 29mi E T s M T H R L t 46km R M I l D e L A E Death Valley 7mi D P C Hells Gate E S R E C 11km K Q Buttes A Y N U o O H a A O IT The d m E N M T a Grandstand O Chloride Cliff r V 7mi Ubehebe Peak T Y g

A o V A N O 11km G s O U 5678ft A L A Keane A a L C L N 1731m E 10mi L Wonder W Y E D W F Kit Fox 16km Y LA U Mine R E T Hills M N O N S Historic B Keane F G Big a Lathrop Wells O N The e n Stovepipe Well Dune S a Wonder U Racetrack d Information R t D i t Mill O v T F y O N e l r Ulida a NYON 9mi t A M C To Manzanar Flat 14km E S A E 7mi C National Historic Site O L N Mesquite Flat A u R NE B O 11km LS R Sand Dunes t A O U Y Devils o Lone Pine N A A Indian I N Cornfield f R N M f Pass A A C L N N M S G T a O lt To D Stovepipe Wells E A S S O Las Vegas S M A Salt Creek M I O Village In winter carry I C D N Interpretive Eastern Sierra chains. Road W O Hunter N C Trail may be closed. S A Interagency TO U 136 Mountain T 8mi N C E Visitor Center O Y r 190 7454ft C 13km In winter carry O e N 2272m N e S chains. Road k T I A Cerro Gordo Peak may be closed. A E Amargosa Valley 18mi 9184ft V 29km I 2799m South Pass Winters Peak N R L A E 5033ft E N 1534m S L T U C K I M O U N T A I N MUSTARD 12mi T 19km L E CANYON 395 N Emigrant 373 E IG Harmony Borax Works Nevares Keeler MO Peak Y LE ON 6732ft Interpretive Trail NY 2052m F CA CA L NYON A T Vehicles longer T than 25 feet O (7.7meters) H Furnace Creek SEE C Schwaub J not allowed. E A DETAIL Peak Y E Visitor Center Devils Hole H m Skidoo MAP A Death Valley Panamint W i (townsite) ABOVE g 23mi National Park Dunes K r Day use only a E 37km OWENS LAKE R n Panamint Refuge (dry) t Butte C Zabriskie Point Headquarters A Golden Canyon F 21mi N u C r Twenty Mule Y Interpretive Trail 40km a na Team Canyon O n c ASH y e N o 6mi o Hole in Pyramid Peak MEADOWS Towne Pass n 9km n C the Wall e re 6703ft NATIONAL T e 4956ft w k C 2043m Harrisburg a Information WILDLIFE U N Lake Hill 1511m Artis y D O R Flats ts W

E Pinto Peak REFUGE

Y 2030ft o D a U 10mi N a r s

Q 190 W A 619m V h BO C d iv 16km A IN A 18mi o e 127 S R n E 29km 21mi e L 33mi Aguereberry Point w

E Eureka 34km a G 53km Day use only y

N Mine 190 Artists A 6433ft 3040ft 15mi Father Crowley Point Palette d S 1961m 927m a O 24km Darwin Emigrant Pass o L A R Panamint Springs TRAIL e D Falls C 5318ft A Vehicles longer in A 1621m N than 25 feet L R Y ON 18mi te To Pahrump W (7.7meters) ta O CA 29km S and Las Vegas I M NYO not allowed. L N E N O N W 11mi 190 E P R a L 17km R 13mi Death Valley Junction C n E a Wildrose 21km Amargosa Opera House N m T Devils E i N n Wildrose Peak Golf Course Trailer N Darwin H t OSE 9064ft Natural IA I R parking L LD 2763m Bridge L L I CA EATH C F S W D Y ANY L L N VALLE ON A 15mi YO Badwater Basin T V N Charcoal Kilns Lowest elevation in a 24km North l the U.S., 282ft (86m) l Rough, narrow, winding A e below sea level Haiwee y road. Vehicles longer Thorndike Vehicles longer Reservoir 9mi than 25 feet (7.7 meters) Badwater than 25 feet 14km not allowed. Mahogany Flat E (7.7meters) Rogers Peak CANYON not allowed. R 8133ft AH o 2479m UP a NA Coffin Peak C HA Dantes Eagle Mountain A CHINA LAKE NAVAL d R Bennett View 5503ft C Peak Eagle Borax Works 1677m 3806ft T P 5475ft 1160m U WEAPONS CENTER (ruins) S Y 1669m N G F G L A A R R T A B Telescope Peak E 11049ft a E South N d E 3368m w E Haiwee a N N 28mi Reservoir t

e 45km W

N r W For Your Safety A G A A A CANYON m This is a harsh environment—any emergency situation a M ISE Panamint City T T PR R r SUR 40mi oad g (ghost town) o can become life-threatening, especially in summer. E E 64km s G a R Brown Peak Heed safety warnings in the park newspaper, including R I Funeral Peak 4947ft Sentinel Peak CANYON 1508m extreme heat and dehydration, unsafe driving, flash 9636ft ON 6384ft Deadman JOHNS N 2937m 1945m Pass floods, and mine hazards. Ask about unpaved road 3263ft R E E 994m O conditions before traveling in the backcountry. Do not S T W R E Ballarat use this map for hiking or backcountry road travel. e V Porter Peak A (ghost town) s GO V 395 A Detailed maps are available at the visitor center and t Mormon Point LD L A N L PL E EA L R Y ranger stations. SA i NT CANYON S Y L G v i 27mi LE E e ON d L r ANY e 43km VA Y E Road conditions A C R V LEN o require experienced GA a 4-wheel drivers. d Smith Mountain Park Regulations 5912ft S It is your responsibility to know and abide by park A 1802m 42mi 178 regulations. If in doubt about an activity, ask at a W I 68km L ARM Y E SPR ranger station or see the park newspaper for details. L ING Shoshone E L CA A NY B To protect park features the following are prohibited: L V ON

L O L R S • Campfires outside developed campgrounds • Wood

A Striped Butte E ON A N gathering • Driving off roads (includes bicycles) 31mi NY To Pahrump G CA and Las Vegas E 50km C Salsberry Pass

L E

R E • Collecting, removing, or disturbing rocks, plants, ING Y T PR 3315ft S S T 3mi K

A 1010m animals or historic artifacts • Pets off leash, off roads, U Q L 5km B I U V 25mi A E N D or on trails • All weapons • Littering. A 41km U Manly Peak C Shoreline Butte T 7196ft Jubilee 2193m Mengel Pass Ashford Jubilee Pass North Mountain 1290ft Needle Peak Mill 0 10 Kilometers N (ruins) 390m M O Sugarloaf Y Peak C H N O a O 0 10 Miles N r A F ry N I C D W U h EN s C a Vehicles, including bicycles, must stay on roads. Road conditions a E d To GOLER W H e N require experienced I R Tecopa E L oa L d Unpaved road Area below Lodging 4-wheel drivers. S T te 127 sea level ga S in A V Gas station L W High clearance Salt flat or A I recommended dry lakebed D Store T N A E A M E H O Ibex Pass 4-wheel-drive road Ranger station Radiator water S S L D U

Campground Telephone R W Hiking trail N Watch for A O flooding A Sanitary disposal station Wheelchair accessible T N Lost Lake A A G Timbisha Shoshone Food service Airstrip Trona m a trust lands E I r g o N s Owl a 24mi Wingate Pass Lake 20mi 32km 39km SEARLES LAKE R iv er Ibex Owens Peak Dunes Brown Mountain Saratoga 5125ft Y Spring E 1562m F R L E L CHINA LAKE NAVAL EM 13mi 4mi AN 21km A To BR V WEAPONS CENTER 6km Lake 178 395 25mi 178 S Isabella C 178 40km E A N L Y R Q O U A 6mi A I L N 14 395 M O 9km E U N S T A RIDGECREST Straw Peak I N S To Baker

To FORT IRWIN MILITARY RESERVATION To San Los Angeles Bernardino To Tonopah To PA Lida Junction and Reno LM Co Dyer E tt T Entrance Fee Furnace Creek Visitor Center Area o TO nw o F M GE To o IS O ID d H U R Stovepipe Wells Creek N Mount Jackson N Death Valley National Park is a U.S. Fee Area. T SO L Palmetto Mountain A 45mi 6411ft CK Furnace A IN Lida JA 266 K 1954m Please stop at the Furnace Creek Visitor 266 8960ft S 72km MT Airport Creek E 2731m Center, Scotty's Castle Visitor Center, V P A al L m Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station or at one of L et E to Y LLEY the automated fee machines placed Sunset Wash VA 95 Wyman C ree LIDA throughout the park to pay the park Furnace Creek k Chocolate Magruder Mountain Mountain entrance fee. Visitor Center 7703ft 9046ft Picnic area 168 2348m SYLVANIA MOUNTAINS 2757m Texas 7-day Pass Spring Vehicle: $20 Furnace Creek Ranch Borax Museum Y E Individual: $10 L L 16mi T To A U Gold Point 26km V Cre L Death ek E Valley N Mount Dundee Annual Pass S CU O C Junction

A a B U L L F R O G o Y N N R U C O IN Y TA

Mount Inyo t 11107ft y ’ s 3385m R Information A V C

E Pinto Peak REFUGE

Y 2030ft o D a U 10mi N a r s

Q 190 W A 619m V h BO C d iv 16km A IN A 18mi o e 127 S R n E 29km 21mi e L 33mi Aguereberry Point w

E Eureka 34km a G 53km Day use only y

e 45km W

L O L R S • Campfires outside developed campgrounds • Wood

A Striped Butte E ON A N gathering • Driving off roads (includes bicycles) 31mi NY To Pahrump G CA and Las Vegas E 50km C Salsberry Pass

L E

R E • Collecting, removing, or disturbing rocks, plants, ING Y T PR 3315ft S S T 3mi K

To FORT IRWIN MILITARY RESERVATION To San Los Angeles Bernardino What to See

Furnace Creek Area

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

Stovepipe Wells Area

• Sand Dunes: Tawny dunes • Salt Creek: This stream of salty smoothly rising nearly 100 feet from water is the only home to a rare Mesquite Flat. Late afternoon light pupfish,Cyprinodon salinus. Spring- accentuates the ripples and pat- time is best for viewing pupfish; in terns while morning is a good time summer the lower stream dries up to view tracks of nocturnal wildlife. and in winter the fish are dormant. Moonlight on the dunes can be The wooden boardwalk loops ½ magical, yet night explorers should mile through stands of pickleweed be alert for sidewinder rattlesnakes and past pools reflecting badland during the warm season. hills. Wheelchair accessible. • Mosaic Canyon: Polished marble • Titus Canyon: One of the largest walls and odd mosaic patterns of and most scenically diverse canyons breccia make this small canyon a fa- in the park. Within its lofty walls vorite. The twisting lower canyon is visitors can find multi-colored vol- Scotty’s Castle so narrow hikers must walk through canic deposits, a ghost town, Indian it single-file. Some rock scrambling petroglyphs, bighorn sheep, and is required. The canyon opens up deep, winding narrows. after ½ mile to reveal the heights Titus Canyon is accessible to high- Scotty’s Castle Area of Tucki Mountain, but hikers can clearance vehicles via a 26-mile, one- continue another 1½ miles. way dirt road beginning outside the • Scotty’s Castle: Prospector “Death • Eureka Dunes: Rising majesti- park. Standard vehicles may reach Valley Scotty” claimed this elabo- cally nearly 700 feet, these are the the canyon’s mouth from the west rate Spanish-style mansion was built highest dunes in California. Isolated via a two-way section of road. by gold from his fictitious mine. In from other dunes, they are an evo- reality, it was the 1920s vacation lutionary island, home to rare and home of his wealthy friends. Today, endangered species of plants and living history tours of the castle’s animals. To give them extra pro- richly furnished interior are given by tection, the dunes are off limits to costumed park rangers. sandboarding and horseback riding. • Ubehebe Crater: More than 300 • The Racetrack: Rocks mysteri- years ago the desert silence was ously slide across the dry lakebed shattered by a massive volcanic ex- of the Racetrack, leaving behind plosion caused by the violent release long tracks for visitors to ponder. A of underground steam pressure. high-clearance vehicle is needed to When the cinders and dust settled, traverse the 27 miles of rough dirt this 600 feet deep crater remained. road, but ask at a ranger station for Although easily visible from the current road conditions. paved road, hikers may want to circle the crater rim to see smaller craters.

Panamint Springs Area Telescope Peak reflected in the spring-fed pool at Badwater.

• Father Crowley Vista: A landscape • Wildrose Charcoal Kilns: These • Lee Flat Joshua Trees: The finest • Aguereberry Point: 1000 feet of dark lava flows and volcanic cin- ten beehive-shaped structures are stands of tree-sized yuccas in the higher than Dante’s View, this view- ders abruptly gives way to the gash among the best preserved in the park grow in this mountain-rimmed point gives a perspective over Death of Rainbow Canyon below this view- west. Built in 1876 to provide fuel valley. Take the paved but rough Valley from the west. Along the point. Walk the dirt track east of the to process silver/lead ore, they still Saline Valley Road to a junction in gravel road is the remains of Pete parking lot for a grand overlook of smell of smoke today. The last 2 Lee Flat. The gravel roads in either Aguereberry’s camp and his Eureka northern Panamint Valley. miles of gravel road to the kilns are direction will provide good views of MIne. The last climb to the point passable to most vehicles. Joshua trees. may require a high-clearance vehicle

6 Death Valley Visitor Guide Walks and Hikes

Things to Know Before You Go

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

Golden Canyon Salt Creek Darwin Falls Length: 1 mile, one-way. Length: ½ mile round-trip. Length: 1 mile, one-way Difficulty:easy Difficulty: easy Difficulty: moderate Start: Golden Canyon parking area, Start: Salt Creek parking area, 1 mile Start: Darwin Falls parking area, 2.4 2 miles south of Hwy 190 on Badwa- off Hwy 190 on graded gravel road, miles up gravel road toward Dar- ter Road. 13.5 miles north of Furnace Ck. win, turn one mile west of Panamint Description: Easy trail through color- Description: Boardwalk along small Springs Resort on Hwy 190. ful canyon. Red Cathedral located ¼ stream. Good for viewing rare pup- Description: Year-round waterfalls mile up canyon from last numbered fish and other wildlife. Best in late and lush vegetation tucked into a marker. Interpretive trail guides are winter/early spring. rugged canyon. Can be overgrown available. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and has some rough spots. There is a trail to first waterfall but dangerous Gower Gulch Loop Length: 2 miles to highest dune. cliffs beyond. Length: 4 miles round-trip. Difficulty: easy to moderate Titus Canyon Narrows Difficulty: moderate Start: 2.2 miles east of Stovepipe Length: 1.5 miles, one-way. Start: Golden Canyon parking area, Wells on Hwy 190. Difficulty: easy 2 miles south of Hwy 190 on Badwa- Description: Graceful desert dunes, ter Road. numerous animal tracks. Walk cross- Start: Titus Canyon Mouth parking Description: Colorful badlands, can- country to 100 ft. high dunes. Best area, 3 miles off Scotty’s Castle Road yon narrows, old borax mines. Hike in morning or afternoon for dra- on graded gravel road. up Golden Canyon to marker #10, matic light. Also good for moon-lit Description: Easy access to lower then follow trail over badlands and hikes. No trail. Titus Canyon. Follow gravel road up Bristlecone pine on Telescope Peak. down Gower Gulch to finish loop. Mosaic Canyon wash 1.5 miles through narrows or Two easy dryfalls must be scrambled continue to Klare Springs and petro- Summer Hikes Length: ½ to 2 miles, one-way. down. Ask for Gower Gulch hand- glyphs at 6.5 miles. Difficulty: moderate out at Visitor Center. Fall Canyon Dante’s Ridge Start: Mosaic Canyon parking area, Desolation Canyon Length: 3 miles, one-way. Length: ½ miles to first summit, 2 miles from Stovepipe Wells Village 4 miles one-way to Mt. Perry Length: 1½ miles, one-way. on graded gravel road. Difficulty: moderately strenuous Difficulty: moderate Difficulty: moderate Description: Popular walk up a Start: Titus Canyon Mouth parking Start: Dantes View parking area Start: Parking area at end of ½ mile narrow, polished marble-walled area, 3 miles off Scotty’s Castle Road dirt road off Badwater Road, 3.7 canyon. First ½ mile is narrowest on graded gravel road. Description: Follow ridge north of miles south of Hwy 190 section. Some slickrock scrambling Description: Spectacular wilderness Dantes View for spectacular vistas and a cool place to escape summer Description: Narrow canyon through necessary. “Mosaics” of fragments canyon near Titus Canyon. Follow heat. No trail for last 3.5 miles colorful badlands. Follow old road of rocks cemented together can be informal path ½ mile north along and then main wash east continuing seen in canyon walls. Bighorn sheep base of mountains, drop into large Wildrose Peak toward cliffs, then follow the wash sighted occasionally. wash at canyon’s mouth, then hike Length: 4.2 miles, one-way. draining from the south. Hike up 2½ miles up canyon to 20’ dryfall. Difficulty: moderately strenuous canyon, keeping to the right at the You can climb around the dryfall forks. No trail in canyon. 300’ back down canyon on south Start: Charcoal Kilns parking area side for access to best narrows. on upper Wildrose Canyon Road. Badwater Salt Flats Canyon continues another 3 miles Description: A good high peak to Length: as long or short as you like before second dryfall blocks pas- climb (9,064 ft.). Trail begins at (the salt flats are 5 miles across) sage. No trail in canyon. north end of kilns with an elevation Difficulty: easy to moderate; gain of 2,200 ft. Spectacular views Golden Canyon sections may be muddy or rough. beyond 2 mile point. Steep grade Start: Badwater parking area for last mile. Description: Follow the path out Telescope Peak from Badwater Pool into the purity Length: 7 miles, one-way. of white salt and the nation’s low- Difficulty: strenuous est elevation at 282 feet below sea level. Avoid hiking here in the hot Start: Mahogany Flat Campground months due to the lack of shade and at end of upper Wildrose Canyon extreme temperatures. Road. Rough, steep road after the Charcoal Kilns. Natural Bridge Canyon Description: Trail to highest peak Length: ½ mile to natural bridge, in the park (11,049 ft.) with a 3,000 1 mile to end of canyon. ft. elevation gain. Climbing this Difficulty: easy peak in the winter requires ice axe Start: Natural Bridge parking area, and crampons, and only advised for 1.5 miles off Badwater Rd. on gravel experienced winter climbers. Trail is road, 13 miles south of Hwy 190. usually snow-free by June. Description: Uphill walk through the narrow canyon. Large natural bridge at ½ mile. Trail ends at dry waterfall. Death Valley Visitor Guide 7 Visitor Services

Furnace Creek Visitor Center Scotty’s Castle

(760) 786-3200 (760) 786-2392 www.nps.gov/deva www.nps.gov/deva/historyculture/scottys-castle.htm The Visitor Center is operated by the National Park Service. Scotty’s Castle is operated by the National Park Service. The Death Valley Natural History Association operates the bookstore. The Death Valley Natural History Association operates the bookstore. • Information • Ranger Talks • Orientation • Daily Tours • Museum • Museum • Auditorium Programs (fee charged) • Bookstore • Bookstore • Campgrounds • free Wi-Fi • Trails • Gift Shop

Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resorts Stovepipe Wells Village

(760) 786-2345 (760) 786-2387 www.furnacecreekresort.com www.stovepipewells.com Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch is privately owned and managed by Stovepipe Wells Village is a park concession, operated and managed by Xanterra Parks & Resorts. Xanterra Parks & Resorts. • Historic Hotel • Gas Station • Swimming • Tennis Courts • Motel • Gift Shop • Showers • RV Hook-ups • Motel • Diesel Pool • Paved Airstrip • Restaurant • Convenience • Swimming • Campground • Restaurants • Propane • Horse Rides • Jeep rentals • Bar Store Pool • Ranger Station • Bars • Tire Repair • Carriage Rides and tours • ATM • Gas Station • Paved Airstrip • General Store • Post Office • Borax • Gift Shops • Showers Museum • ATM • Laundromat • Golf Course

Panamint Springs Resort Medical Services

Amargosa Clinic Death Valley Health Clinic (775) 482-7680 858 Farm Road Hwy 127 www.deathvalley.com/psr/ Amargosa Valley, NV Shoshone, CA Panamint Springs Resort is privately (775)372-5432 (760) 852-4383 owned and operated. Beatty Clinic Nye General Hospital 350 S. Irving St. 825 W Main • Motel Beatty, NV Tonopah, NV • Restaurant (775) 553-2208 (775) 482-6233 • Bar Desert View Regional Hospital Southern Inyo Hospital • Gas Station 360 S. Lola Ave. 501 E. Locust • Campground Pahrump, NV Lone Pine, CA • RV Hook-ups (775) 751-7500 (760) 876-5501 • Showers

CAMPGROUNDS Season Elevation Fee Sites Water Tables Firepits Toilets Dump Station Furnace Creek all year -196´ $18** 136 yes yes yes flush yes

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

Texas Spring mid-Oct to mid-Apr sea level $14 106 yes yes yes flush yes

Stovepipe Wells mid-Oct to mid-Apr sea level $12 190 yes some some flush yes Mesquite Spring all year 1800´ $12 30 yes yes yes flush yes

Emigrant (tent only) all year 2100´ free 10 yes yes no flush no Wildrose all year 4100´ free 23 yes yes yes pit no Thorndike* Mar-Nov 7400´ free 6 no yes yes pit no Mahogany Flat* Mar-Nov 8200´ free 10 no yes yes pit no

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

Campground Rules & Information

• Camping reservations are For reservations call toll-free at: • Generator hours are from 7 am • RV Hookups are available only at available only for Furnace Creek 1-877-444-6777 or visit the website to 7 pm, unless otherwise posted. the concession-run Stovepipe Wells Campground and group campsites at recreation.gov Generators are not allowed at Texas RV Park and the privately-owned through National Recreation Reser- • Group size of no larger than 8 Springs Campground. Furnace Creek Ranch Resort and vation Service. Reservations can be Panamint Springs Resort. people and 2 vehicles is allowed • Sunset Campground: To assist made for the camping season of Oc- per campsite. Only one RV allowed us in the event of an emergency, • Texas Springs Campground (Up- tober 15 thorough April 15. Furnace per site. Larger groups that want please back in your RV unit or use a per Loop) Limits on RV site use may Creek Campground reservations to camp together can reserve the pull-through site. apply in springtime to accomodate can be made six months in advance. group sites at Furnace Creek Camp- increased demand for tent camping Group campsites reservations can be ground. space. made 11 months in advance.

Death Valley Visitor Guide 8