Death Valley Visitor Guide

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Winter Death Valley National Park Visitor Guide ANDERLAY

Sunset from Dantes View .VT

Welcome to Your Death Valley Adventure

Visiting the Park Hottest, Driest, Lowest Death Valley National Park is the In the cooler winter months, endless During COVID-19 hottest place on Earth, with a recorded exploration and a diversity of temperature of 134 °F (57°C) on experiences await you. Hiking, visiting Death Valley takes the health of its visitors, staff, July 10, 1913. It is also the driest historic sites, traveling backcountry and partners seriously. We encourage you to follow U.S. national park, and Badwater roads, and seeing the night skies CDC guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Basin (-282 feet) features the lowest are only a few of the opportunities elevation in North America! available!

You Should: What to Expect These conditions come together to With over 3 million acres of federally make Death Valley a land of extremes, designated Wilderness, so many where the powerful heat is a force adventures await! Walk among majestic Maintain a 6-foot During this pandemic, park of nature, and the air further dries sand dunes, navigate twisted slot distance from others managers will be assessing local everything it contacts. canyons, climb rocky peaks, or stroll who aren't in your conditions & guidance from local, along salt flats during your Death group. state, and national health officials, This summer, Death Valley reached Valley adventure. and will respond to changing 128°F, which was the hottest recorded Cover your mouth when conditions. temperature anywhere on Earth since Inside this trip-planning guide learn you cough or sneeze. 2017—again making history with our how to safely explore and enjoy this Facilities such as visitor centers, heat! amazing national park. restaurants, campgrounds, and bathrooms will be open when Wash your hands possible, but may close due to health frequently. Soap may not guidance or staffing. Junior Ranger Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)always be available; bring More Inside... your own. We thank you for your patience Program and understanding as we work to Safety & Rules �� 2 Avoid touching your navigate this pandemic in a safe and Keeping Patients on Dialysis Safe Entrance Fees and Passes �� 2 Free Junior Ranger face, especially your responsible manner. Protect Yourself & Your Pets �� 3 books are available at the eyes, nose, and mouth. Things to See �� 4 visitor center or can be downloaded Hiking Trails �� 5 from our website. Learn about the Park Map �� 6-7 park and complete activities to earn a What is COVID-19? Wear a mask in all For Kids! �� 8 badge! buildings (Inyo county Wilderness �� 8 COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person, requirement) or where Bicycles �� 8 If you are unable to turn in your Sunrise, Sunset & Night Skies �� 9 similar to influenza. a 6-foot distance cannot booklet in person, email pictures of Nature & Culture �� 10 be maintained, such as your book to DEVA_information@ on a busy trail. Wildlife �� 11 Visitor Services �� 12 nps.gov and a ranger will check your Take Everyday Precautions Camping �� 12 work virtually! • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. • Avoid touching your face. • Everyone should wear a cloth face cover in public setting where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. • Avoid crowds and keep at least six feet of space between yourself and others if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. • If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. » Throw used tissues in the trash and immediately clean your hands. • Routinely clean and disinfect surfaces you often touch, such as cell phones, computers, countertops, handles, and light switches. Preparing the Facility You may see changes as the dialysis facility prepares to keep you safe during treatment. This may include: • Signs with special instructions for patients with symptoms of COVID-19. • Additional education about hand hygiene and cough etiquette. • Waiting areas will be divided for patients with symptoms and patients without symptoms. • A change in patient chair locations, treatment times, or days. • A change in the gowns, facemasks, and eye protection that the staff wear. • Patients, visitors and staff will all be wearing a cloth face covering or facemask the entire time they are in the facility.

CS 316158-A 04/20/2020 Death Valley National Park National Park Service Parks are Living Museums U.S. Department of the Interior

The National Park Service was established on August 25, 1916, "�� to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife[��] and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave

them unimpaired for the enjoyment of E.HOERNER future generations�”

Set aside as a National Monument in 1933, becoming a National Park in 1994, and expanded again in 2019, Death Important Protection Measures Valley National Park conserves remarkable Help protect yourself and the park by following these regulations: biodiversity over incredible elevation changes all within the impressive vistas in Obey speed limits and do Please recycle. Propane Feeding animals is illegal this Wilderness setting� not stop in traffic lanes— cylinder recycle bins and dangerous. Once fed Park Mailing Address park safely on the shoulder. are located in most by people, animals tend Death Valley National Park Drive only on roads; tire campgrounds where you to beg near roads, which PO Box 579 tracks scar the desert for decades and can leave both empty and full canisters. endangers the animals and visitors. Death Valley, CA 92328 destroy the pristine beauty of the park. Stay out of closed areas. Rocks, plants, animals, Email Camp only in established Mines, service roads, and and historic objects are DEVA_information@nps�gov campgrounds or in a other areas are closed for protected just like in a permitted backcountry your safety. museum. Picking flowers, Phone area. Check at a stacking rocks, and poaching are not 760-786-3200 ranger station or visitor center for Pets are only allowed on allowed. backcountry camping information. roads and in developed Park Website www�nps�gov/deva areas. Pets are prohibited Despite being legalized by Campfires are allowed in in Wilderness, on trails, California and Nevada, Park Social Media established metal fire pits and in buildings. Park dirt roads possession or use of Facebook�com/DeathValleyNPS only. Gathering firewood is provide great places for exploring with marijuana is illegal on Instagram�com/DeathValleyNPS prohibited. Check for fire pets. Keep pets on a leash no longer federal lands like national parks. restrictions before camping. than 6 feet. The National Park Service cares for the The use of drones/UAVs is special places saved by the American Put garbage where it It is illegal to discharge a prohibited in the park. people so that all may experience our belongs. Litter spoils the firearm anywhere in Death heritage� experience for others. Valley or to bring one into Even fruit peels can take a federal building. Hunting EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA™ years to decompose here. and trapping are illegal in the park. Entrance Fee Required Stop Damage in its Tracks! Support your park by paying the required entrance fee at a visitor center or at one Death Valley is seeing an increase in damage from illegal off-road driving; you can help of the automated fee machines placed solve this problem by staying on designated roads and reporting incidents to rangers. throughout the park� Already have one of the passes listed below? Enjoy the park! These Scars Can Last a Wildflowers & Wildlife It is Illegal 7-day Passes Lifetime Tires crush and destroy native plants. In addition to harming the park, Vehicle and Passenger �� $30 Driving off roads scars the fragile Ruts compact soils and break up driving off roads is also illegal. A Motorcycle �� $25 desert landscape, leaving damage that important soil crusts, which prevents person driving off-road can be fined at Individual entering on bicycle or foot �� $15 can last for decades. These tracks don't plants like wildflowers from growing in least $750 and/or get 6 months of jail just disappear with the next rainfall! future years. time (36 CFR § 4.10). Annual Passes Death Valley Annual Pass �� $55 Visitors come from around the world Tires also spread seeds from weeds There are areas on nearby BLM Interagency Annual Pass �� $80 which crowd out native wildflowers and Forest Service land where "off Interagency Annual Senior Pass �� $20 to enjoy the vast landscapes and scenic and cause health problems for wildlife. roading" is permitted in accordance (for U�S� citizens aged 62+) beauty. This photographer's paradise with these agencies' policies. National Interagency Annual Military Pass �� Free is diminished by every track that cuts (for active duty military and dependents) through the pristine and unblemished Further, driving off roads threatens the Parks are set aside for conservation desert; don't let poor decisions ruin endangered desert tortoise, and can as well as recreation that does not Lifetime Passes others' enjoyment. crush them while they hibernate. damage the resources they protect. Interagency Lifetime Senior Pass �� $80 (for U�S� citizens aged 62+) Interagency Access Pass �� Free (for U�S� citizens with a perm� disability)

Other passes honored Golden Age, Golden Access, Volunteer, and 4th Grade (Every Kid Outdoors)�

The fees you pay make a difference! Under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, the park uses these funds for critical projects that improve visitor services and protect natural and cultural resources such as: • Maintaining and repairing campgrounds and park facilities� • Providing education programs that reach thousands of students� • Providing emergency medical service� • Improving accessibility� NPS PHOTO

Extensive damage from illegal offroad driving on salt flats. 2 Visitor Guide Safety and Travel Information NPS PHOTO

Protecting Yourself and Your Pets Pets in the Park Death Valley may be wild and unfamiliar country, but it need not be dangerous. Please review these safety considerations. Medical care can be hours away. Bringing a pet to Death Valley may limit some of your activities and explorations in the park� Follow these pet regulations Heat Technology and Phones Mine Hazards to ensure a safer, more enjoyable visit for Dehydration occurs quickly here! Devices are great but can be deadly Do not enter mine shafts or tunnels; yourselves, other park visitors, your pet, Carry and drink water—at least 1 to rely upon. Cellphone service is they might be unstable, have hidden and the park's wildlife� gallon per person per day. As you very limited in the park. GPS devices pits, pockets of poisonous gases, or be exercise, you lose salt and water (over a frequently recommend "shortcuts" home to wildlife. Stay Out—Stay Alive! • Pets are not allowed on trails, off roads, quart and a half per hour while hiking). onto unmaintained roads. Use a map, or in Wilderness areas� Your pet can You need both to survive in this compass, and common sense. Driving only go where your car can go� • Walk pets only on dirt or paved roads� extreme environment. Reduce alcohol Vehicle accidents are the single largest Be sure to stop and feel the ground and caffeine intake as the diuretic Flash Floods cause of serious injury or death in effects can add to dehydration. often in order to ensure paws won't be During rain, avoid hiking in canyons. the park! Sharp turns lead to rollover burned! When driving, evaluate water on roads accidents. Enjoy the scenery when • Pets need to be on a leash no longer Protect your body—skin burns fast before crossing; floods can remove parked and follow speed limits. than six feet in length at all times� here. Find shade, wear sunscreen, road sections and muddy water hides • You may not leave your pet unattended sunglasses, and a brimmed hat. Wear debris and large rocks. in vehicles if it creates a danger to the long-sleeves, trousers, and good shoes. animal, or if the animal becomes a Prepare for Breakdowns nuisance� Minutes in a hot car can kill� • If you plan to hike, someone must stay Plan Ahead In case of vehicle trouble, stay with behind with the pet, or you will need Know road and weather conditions. your car. You'll have shade and be to make arrangements with a kennel When traveling off paved roads or into easier to find. If you're on a dirt road, service� There is no kennel service in the backcountry, call someone at home plan on changing a flat tire at least the park� and tell them specifically where you are once. Be aware that most rental cars do • Park regulations require that you clean going. Free backcountry permits are not have spare tires and agreements do up after your pet and dispose of waste available at visitor centers—we can find not cover unpaved roads, resulting in in trash receptacles� you faster if we know where to look. expensive towing fees. NPS/E. HOERNER Partnerships Average Temperatures Death Valley National Park is the hottest Many programs across the National Park Service are built on partnerships and place on Earth, with the record setting philanthropy, helping expand opportunities and outreach. temperature of 134 °F (57°C) measured on July 10, 1913! Death Valley Natural restoration, printing books, supporting Death Valley enthusiasts as a way to Many of the past few years have continued History Association the Dark Sky Festival, transportation develop support and fund projects grants to bring in school groups, and programs that enhance research, to set daily or monthly heat records, with 7 This is the official non-profit partner funding interns, historic preservation education, and historic preservation. heat records made in 2020 in May & June of Death Valley National Park. They alone! work at Scotty's Castle, and much operate bookstores at the Furnace more. Donations to this philanthropic group Creek Visitor Center and Stovepipe Average monthly temperatures for low have helped support school group Wells Ranger Station. They also offer elevations: Your support makes a difference. You visits, restoration projects for Scotty's classes through the Death Valley Field can also shop online or learn about Castle, exact replicas of the Borax Month Maximum Minimum Institute. memberships at www.dvnha.org. Wagons, Devils Hole pupfish research, January 67°F (19°C) 40°F (4°C) and additional education and outreach Since 1954, the association has February 73°F (23°C) 46°F (8°C) programs to help share the wonders of donated over six and a half million Death Valley Conservancy March 82°F (27°C) 55°F (13°C) Death Valley. dollars to the park, helping fund Incorporated in 2008, this non-profit April 90°F (32°C) 62°F (17°C) projects including wilderness group was founded by dedicated May 100°F (38°C) 73°F (23°C) June 110°F (43°C) 81°F (27°C) July 116°F (47°C) 88°F (31°C) August 115°F (46°C) 86°F (30°C) September 106°F (41°C) 76°F (24°C) October 93°F (34°C) 61°F (16°C) November 77°F (25°C) 48°F (9°C) December 65°F (18°C) 38°F (3°C) NPS PHOTO

Death Valley Natural History Association's bookstore in the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. Visitor Guide 3 Must-See Locations Check out the options below and the map on PAGE 6 for location information for these popular places.

1 - 2 Hours — The do-not-miss list for a visit to Death Valley! Walking Travel from Location Description Required? Furnace Creek

You can see the salt flat The lowest point in North from your vehicle. A 17 mi (27 km) south on America, at 282 ft (86 m) short walk would take Badwater Road below sea level, a surreal you onto the 30 minute landscape of vast salt flats. Badwater salt flats. Basin

A scenic loop drive through Enjoy the views from Entrance to the multi-hued hills. The 9 mile your vehicle. A short one way road is (14.5 km) drive is one-way; stop at Artists Palette 8.5 mi (13.7 km) south on open to vehicles less than 25 ft would require exiting Badwater Road Artists (7.6 m) in total length. your vehicle. 15 minutes Drive

A 1/4 mi (400 m) distance, 60 ft (18 m) 4.8 mi (7.7 km) east on Golden colored badlands and elevation gain walk Highway 190 a spectacular spot for sunrise. up a paved path to the 15 minutes Zabriskie viewpoint from the Point parking area. Extra few hours — Stop at one of these unique spots! Walking Travel from Location Description Required? Furnace Creek

Tawny dunes smoothly rise The dunes can be 22.4 mi (36 km) west on nearly 100 ft (30 m) from viewed from Highway 190 Mesquite Flat. your vehicle. 30 minutes Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

Breathtaking viewpoint over 12 mi (19 km) east on 5,000 ft (1,500 m) above Death No walking required. Highway 190; 13.2 mi Valley. It was updated in spring ADA accessible viewing (21 km) on Dantes View Dantes 2018 — check out the new platform. Road exhibits! 1 hour View

Best example of a historic gold A 1/4 mi (400 m) 10.6 mi (17 km) west on mine in the park with an intact distance, 85 ft (25 m) Highway 190; aerial tramway. Please do not elevation gain walk 5.6 mi (9 km) on Beatty climb on structures or enter from the parking area Cutoff Road to the Keane mines. Road can be very rough to the lowest tram unpaved, rough road and may require 4x4. terminal. 35 minutes Wonder Mine Half Day Adventures — Add these longer adventures to see different parts of the park! Walking Travel from Location Description Required? Furnace Creek 17.1 mi (27.5 km) west on Hundreds of years ago, a Highway 190; massive volcanic explosion The view is a short walk 33.4 mi (53.8 km) on caused by magma mixing with from your vehicle. North Highway to an underground spring left a Ubehebe Crater Road Ubehebe 600 ft (183 m) deep crater. Crater 1.5 hours

33.6 mi (54 km) west on These ten beehive-shaped Highway 190; 28.2 mi structures are among the best The kilns can be viewed (45.4 km) on Emigrant preserved in the west. Built in from your vehicle. Canyon Road 2 mi (3 km) 1876 to provide fuel to process are gravel Charcoal silver/lead ore. Kilns 1.5 hours

A landscape of lava flows and volcanic cinders gives way to A view into Rainbow 62.8 mi (101 km) west on the colorful layers of Rainbow Canyon is a short walk Highway 190 Father Canyon. Possible viewing of from your vehicle. 1.5 hours Crowley military training flights. Vista Point (Photos byWeston Kessler)

4 Visitor Guide Get Out and Hike! Check out the options below and the map on page 6 for location information for these popular hikes

• Before starting a hike check weather conditions, and inquire • Constructed trails are rare in this park� Trails are provided in places about current road conditions� Avoid hiking in canyons when rain that are heavily used and sensitive to damage� If a trail is there, is possible; flash floods are possible with rain falling miles away� please use it� Most hiking routes in the park are cross-country, up canyons, or along ridges� Footing can be rough and rocky� • Always carry water� Two liters per person for a short winter day hike, and four liters or more in the summer and for longer hikes� • Hiking in low elevations can be dangerous when it is hot� The high peaks can be covered with snow in winter and spring� • Dogs and bicycles are not allowed on trails or off roads, but hundreds of miles of dirt roads offer unforgettable adventures� • Pack out all trash, including toilet paper�

Round Elevation Easy Trip Gain Description

0.4 mi 50 ft ADA accessible loop around a mining site where 20-Mule Team wagons began Harmony Borax Works a (0.6 km) (15 m) their grueling 165-mile journey south to the Mojave Railroad Depot.

ADA accessible loop. Wooden boardwalk through salt marsh and rare pupfish 0.5 mi Salt Creek Interpretive Trail flat habitat. Pupfish can usually be seen in the spring. Great for birding. Unpaved b (0.8 km) road is typically passable in a sedan.

1 mi ADA accessible out and back. Scenic walk out to the classic geometric shapes in Badwater Salt Flat flat c (1.6 km) the salt flats and the lowest point in North America.

Natural Bridge 1 mi 180 ft Out and back hike up a dramatic canyon to natural bridge formation. Unpaved d (1.6 km) (26 m) access road is typically passable in a sedan, but subject to wash-outs.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes 2 mi 185 ft Hike through the largest dune field in the park to the tallest summit. Go during e (3.2 km) (56 m) sunrise, sunset, or full moon lighting for unforgettable experiences. Round Elevation Moderate Trip Gain Description

1.5 mi 500 ft Loop hike around the rim of a 600 ft (183 m) deep maar volcano. Head around Ubehebe Crater Rim f (2.4 km) (152 m) the loop counterclockwise to include Little Ubehebe Crater.

Out and back hike to desert waterfall. Minor rock scrambling and stream 2 mi 450 ft Darwin Falls* crossing. This is a source of drinking water—no swimming. Unmarked gravel g (3.2 km) (137 m) access road just west of Panamint Springs.

2.7 mi 535 ft Trailheads at Golden Canyon and Zabriskie Point provide access to colorful Badlands Loop/Golden Canyon/ (4.3 km) to (163 m) to canyons carved through golden badlands. Rangers recommend starting at h Gower Gulch Loop 4.3 mi 850 ft (6.9 km) (259 m) Golden Canyon and walking the loop back through Gower Gulch.

Out and back hike through canyons made of colorful badlands similar to Artists 3.6 mi 600 ft Desolation Canyon Palette. Some rock scrambling required. No signs, follow the canyon. The i (5.8 km) (183 m) unsigned gravel access road is typically passable in a sedan.

Out and back hike into slot canyons hidden within a labyrinth of drainages. 5 mi 1,580 ft Sidewinder Canyon Some scrambling required. No signs; navigation required. Free map available. j (8.4 km) (482 m) Unpaved access road is typically passable in a sedan.

Out and back hike. This canyon with towering walls is a great place to look for 6 mi 2,460 ft Fall Canyon bighorn sheep. From the exit of Titus Canyon, hike north on the route near (9.6 km) (752 m) k restroom before dropping into the wash at the canyon mouth.

This out and back informal path from Dantes View heads north along the ridge 8 mi 1,200 ft Dantes Ridge toward Mt. Perry. Unobstructed views begin immediately and only get better. l (13 km) (366 m) No signs, route is unclear in a few places.

Out and back cross-country hike north up Panamint Valley from Lake Hill 7 mi 1,028 ft Panamint Dunes* Road. The pristine dunes are visible in the distance from the bend in the road, m (11.3 km) (313 m) but there is no signage. The unpaved road is not marked.

Out and back hike within polished marble narrows filled with unique color 4 mi 1,200 ft Mosaic Canyon patterns. Use caution on the slick rock surfaces; some rock scrambling is n (6.4 km) (366 m) required. Unpaved access road is typically passable in a sedan. Round Elevation Difficult Trip Gain Description

Out and back trail through pinyon-juniper woodlands to 9,064 ft (2,763 m) 8.4 mi 2,200 ft Wildrose Peak peak. The final two miles of the access road are gravel, but typically passable in o (13.5 km) (671 m) a sedan. Snow and icy trail conditions possible in the winter.

Out and back trail to the highest peak in Death Valley at 11,049 ft (3,368 m). 14 mi 3,000 ft Telescope Peak* The trail starts at Mahogany Flat. The final five miles (8 km) of the gravel access p (22.5 km) (914 m) road require high clearance. Road closes due to icy winter conditions.

(*) High clearance/4x4 vehicle recommended

Visitor Guide 5 To To

To ver Ri Las Vegas Baker Tecopa and Las Vegas rgosa Ama To Pahrump Devils Hole 24mi 39km Death Valley REFUGE National Park 28mi 45km WILDLIFE and Las Vegas To Pahrump NATIONAL Shoshone and Las Vegas ASH MEADOWS 178 127

Ibex Pass

Refuge

o Eagle Mountain 3806ft 1160m

6mi 9km

R Headquarters 10 Miles

Ibex Dunes

Line Line

e Brown Peak 4947ft 1508m t a 4mi 6km

Lathrop Wells St E Amargosa Opera House Death Valley Junction Amargosa Valley G

23mi 37km N 373 127 A 10 Kilometers R Deadman Pass 3263ft 994m Spring 3315ft 1010m Saratoga

25mi 41km Salsberry Pass R S 190 Y N E E I T L A A T T L W N A 1 N U 1 R E V

18mi 29km O

E 0 0 E M R G

S 20mi 32km

R Jubilee Pass 1290ft 390m Lifetime Pass Lifetime Interagency Senior Pass...... $80 62+) citizens U.S. (for PassInteragency Access ...... free with disability) citizens U.S. (for honored Other Passes Volunteer, & Golden Access, Golden Age Every Kid Pass) (4th Grade Outdoors most obtain a Groups Tour Commercial special permit T E d

Big Dune E A a

3040ft 927m W o

N Y R

E E L e

D E Nort h

L d R A

K a Pyramid Peak 6703ft 2043m V G Jubilee W

C y Mountain r A r Funeral Peak 6384ft 1945m a 29mi 46km L H S N S I B L A IL A H T

Schwaub Peak E C N N N S E U AI D T I UN F O D N O 95 M O L O E O C S M Vehicles longer than 25 feet (7.7 meters) not allowed.

13mi 21km G Owl Lake

G 3mi 5km Trailer (ruins)

N parking G

E 5912ft

NELLIS AIR FORCE BOMBING AND GUNNERY RANGE N I 1802m R A N O Ashford Mill B R A Information Y A T N

A Hole in the Wall

Smith Mountain

A C h R s View

O a

N 5475ft 1669m

H W

C Dantes U E Beatty M Winters Peak 5033ft 1534m

d 27mi 43km k Shoreline Butte

Indian Pass O e a

e o Mormon Point

r 10mi 16km C Badwater A M R Natural Bridge (valid up to 7 days) up to (valid

D 20 Mule Team Canyon L Vehicles longer than 25 feet (7.7 meters) not allowed.

A e y A c a rive na w D

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35mi 56km o

N s

Rhyolite (ghost town) e

t h

s d S

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374 S W

r F S SEE DETAIL MAP BELOW st L 11mi 17km e Devils below sea level

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6mi a

d 9km 40mi

N g

a 64km

Y n Chloride Cli

o O i

Vehicle & passengersVehicle ...... $30 ...... $25 Motorcycle Individual on bicycle / foot ...... $15 Pass Annual Pass Annual Valley Death ...... $55 Interagency Pass Annual ...... $80 ...... $20 Interagency Senior Annual Pass Interagency Military Pass...... free active duty military(for & dependents) way one ingle Visit S ingle Visit Pass Entrance Fees Entrance Ranger Wells Stovepipe Center, Visitor Creek the Furnace at fee the park entrance Pay the park. throughout machines placed one of the fee or at Station,

R 12mi 19km

s O N

s E

a FORT IRWIN MILITARY RESERVATION

C P

t Golden Canyon

h N S

Keane Wonder Mill and Mine g O

CANYON Harmony Borax Works

i N

l O

N N 19mi 30km

MUSTARD L Y

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a N L

D N Y A A A

190 N

A A N

C T G Daylight Pass 4316ft 1316m

C O

G N

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k N e Y O

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tt Eagle Borax Works (ruins) 10mi L M a a C R 16km e

B L

S L T A N H I

V O A A

L Hells Gate P

N M U R U

F R

A H Salt Creek Interpretive Trail

N O

N J

A G T W

7mi

7mi Furnace Creek

O H

N A

S I 11km

11km Y E

Corkscrew Peak R

U N D N

N A

S Y

T O

N C

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A Information

E A

R b

E 8133ft 2479m B C

Information

A t L

T I

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O I

Red Pass

O a

A V

N Death Valley S C N

A R

Needle Peak

A T

R I T Scottys Junction T

Aguereberry Point Day use only 6433ft 1961m A

S Kit Fox Hills

Peak L

S L

N Porter Peak A

Thimble V

N Y N U

Mahogany Flat B

O Thorndike N

Y I

M Charcoal Kilns A N

C 9mi

A 14km Mengel Pass Sentinel Peak 9636ft 2937m N

Y T

C E Telescope Peak 11049ft 3368m

N Panamint City (ghost town)

N Road conditions require experienced four-wheel drivers. I N 16mi 26km Wahguyhe Peak

H P U Historic E 9064ft d 2763m

a Stovepipe Wells Village O Peak

o Striped Butte

R be closed

6732ft 2052m

Eureka Mine

A le Road may

t N R Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes s a Bennett

M C Flats

S s E

due to snow. ’ Stovepipe Well

y O G

N t Sand Rogers Peak

Mount Palmer 7979ft 2432m ot Dunes L Wildrose Peak U c

S Emigrant Pass 5318ft 1621m Y

O Harrisburg

I O TUCKI MOUNTAIN

N Y

T d 267

G N A N a

Mosaic

Grapevine Peak 8738ft 2663m N

Canyon o

A R C N

7196ft

2193m Y N O

Skidoo (townsite) Day use only

C N

95 Y

21mi Y A

L 34km

Y N 26mi 42km L

C N

Manly Peak

A n N

To Tonopah and Reno

F A

o C

y C

L C

n O A

A n

L T

L Two-way to mouth of Titus Canyon. a T Wildrose

A E

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R I

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C n Road conditions require experienced four-wheel drivers.

E H a

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N S P E O N k

B ON Vehicles longer than 25 feet (7.7 meters) not allowed. Y S I CAN G E

Lida Junction R O N

V KE R A CHINA LAKE

Emigrant R

E W D

8mi A

266 T H L E T I Y I

Ballarat (ghost town)

13km A U J W E P Q Rough, narrow, winding road. Vehicles longer than 25 feet(7.7 meters) not allowed. T 33mi 53km ES A A M L R S G A Pinto Peak Y

NAVAL AIR WEAPONS STATION

E E

N L O O I

N L

N M

E W

O E

C A L

L N

4956ft A 1511m V

18mi

O N

29km

V S

A E

R O

C Towne Pass

E E

D R A

914m M

3000ft T

31mi 50km

and Road CLOSED Road and

Gold Point CLOSED Road and N Scotty’s Castle Scotty’s Scotty’s Castle Scotty’s 15mi 24km Road I SEARLES LAKE Panamint Butte T ey M N Vall A I N M 190 t Deep sand NEVADA in m A A a P Trona an CALIFORNIA S P N I N

Grapevine A White Top Mountain T U N A O O D M O 619m

W 2030ft

N Lake Hill Ubehebe Crater Mesquite Spring Flat P O Panamint Dunes T Sand

Tin Mountain 8953ft 2729m T C O

45mi 72km ad In winter carry chains. Road may be closed.

Ro 25mi 40km

e d

n a LEY

o AL

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20mi 32km V

P N

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c D O

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r H t e c Y a

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L Panamint Springs U C Death T Valley YON N Junction

CA 2 planning Pg. Trip Store Wheelchair-accessible Telephone Airstrip Gas station Food service Food Lodging Restroom Flat Ulida

duty tires. Teakettle Junction

Sharp rock; W #

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South Pass To B

requires heavy- Darwin

Y I

VALLE A RACK R ET The

C 7454ft RA Hunter E 2272m G The Grandstand N Inn at

A Racetrack R Mountain E Artists Drive and Badwater

C Dry Camp Texas N Homestake A 178 H Springs Vista Point 7mi S Dry Mountain 8674ft 2644m C HILL Death Valley T 11km

S Father Crowley A DARWIN

L 5678ft N 1731m T YO LA N Crankshaft Junction F CA 190 Steel Pass Ubehebe Peak E Darwin

C In winter carry chains. Road may be closed.

N Sunset Deep sand A Shoshone Timbisha trust lands sea below Area level Salt H C EE

S N A

Ranger station Sanitary disposal station area Picnic Campground

L Drinking water

O To Stovepipe Wells

Road conditions

Y 33mi 53km N E

four-wheel drivers. A G require experienced

C ON N RIDGECREST CANY A

Dunes R Eureka

266 K C N

O 8456ft O 2577m R G O

S N Mountain

L U G

Last Chance E N

M E Borax Museum

I G N N O Y Creek G A Y

R 0.5 Mile

C E N

U L E Furnace A Timbisha Shoshone Village (private)

C L L H A L

d V Warm Springs a A 13mi 21km To

o V Ranch at Death Valley San

R 0.5 Kilometer E BR 395 SYLVANIA MOUNTAINS I N

Cerro Gordo Peak 9184ft 2799m Bernardino Paved road Paved road Unpaved High clearance recommended Hiking trail L Four-wheel-drive road e A

in A S

w K

o 395

l Visitor Center

l E i Furnace Creek W R ig U 0 0 B E Creek Furnace Saline Valley Dunes

E on roads. must stay including bicycles, Vehicles, Y LE I N AL L V A

E S

LA N O

H Y S

FIS N

A 178 C N

190 ats Keeler Fl ass 18mi 29km

ack I

J E 14

L Dyer B

R A 15mi 24km 42mi 68km

A To Angeles Los M T Y A (dry)

L E South Haiwee Reservoir A D

In winter carry chains. Road may be closed. L

l N

l V

A 136

r E

o V h 395

OWENS LAKE North Haiwee Reservoir w

o N N 168 C U O

Mount Inyo 11107ft 3385m Y CT N O DU A A UE R C AQ M LOS ANGELES R Olancha I E 178 S O N Y A

21mi 40km M E

INYO S

N N E

A Q

U R

FOREST G

S N E

L E

D A

U E C

T I 395 F

S O W L NATIONAL O Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center To Manzanar National Historic Site To Lake Isabella To Big Pine Lone Pine To Big Pine

6 Visitor Guide To To

Ibex Pass

Refuge

o Eagle Mountain 3806ft 1160m

6mi 9km

R Headquarters 10 Miles

Ibex Dunes

Line Line

e Brown Peak 4947ft 1508m t a 4mi 6km

Lathrop Wells St E Amargosa Opera House Death Valley Junction Amargosa Valley G

23mi 37km N 373 127 A 10 Kilometers R Deadman Pass 3263ft 994m Spring 3315ft 1010m Saratoga

25mi 41km Salsberry Pass R S 190 Y N E E I T L A A T T L W N A 1 N U 1 R E V

18mi 29km O

E 0 0 E M R G

S 20mi 32km

Big Dune E A a

3040ft 927m W o

N Y R

E E L e

D E Nort h

L d R A

K a Pyramid Peak 6703ft 2043m V G Jubilee W

C y Mountain r A r Funeral Peak 6384ft 1945m a 29mi 46km L H S N S I B L A IL A H T

Schwaub Peak E C N N N S E U AI D T I UN F O D N O 95 M O L O E O C S M Vehicles longer than 25 feet (7.7 meters) not allowed.

13mi 21km G Owl Lake

G 3mi 5km Trailer (ruins)

N parking G

E 5912ft

NELLIS AIR FORCE BOMBING AND GUNNERY RANGE N I 1802m R A N O Ashford Mill B R A Information Y A

N l T j

A Hole in the Wall

Smith Mountain

A C h R s View

O a

N 5475ft 1669m

H W

C Dantes U E Beatty M Winters Peak 5033ft 1534m

d 27mi 43km k Shoreline Butte

Indian Pass O e a

e o Mormon Point d

r 10mi 16km C Badwater A M R Natural Bridge (valid up to 7 days) up to (valid

D 20 Mule Team Canyon L Vehicles longer than 25 feet (7.7 meters) not allowed.

A e y A c a rive na w D

Nevares Peak e R A r n d E Fu o y a Artists Palette a o E Zabriskie Point w R

Mine e n H

Badwater

35mi 56km o

N s

Rhyolite (ghost town) e

t h

s d S

U i i a Lost Lake

374 S W

r F S SEE DETAIL MAP BELOW st L 11mi 17km e Devils below sea level

Badwater Basin W

Lowest elevation in

Golf Course

North America, 282ft (86m) O c e

i t

6mi a

d 9km 40mi

N g a 64km

Y n Chloride Cli

o O i

R 12mi 19km

s O N

s E

a FORT IRWIN MILITARY RESERVATION

C P

t Golden Canyon

h N S

Keane Wonder Mill and Mine g O

CANYON h Harmony Borax Works i N

l O

N N 19mi 30km

MUSTARD L Y y

E I Y O

a N L

D N Y A A A

190 N

A A N

C T G Daylight Pass 4316ft 1316m

C O

G N

N Y

V C Sugarloaf Peak O

N U

A G

k N e Y O

Cuto e C r N E C A y I

tt Eagle Borax Works (ruins) 10mi L M a a C R 16km e

B L

S L T A N H I

V O A A

L Hells Gate P

N M U R U

F R

A H Salt Creek Interpretive Trail

N O

N J

A G T W

7mi

7mi Furnace Creek

O H

N A

S I 11km

11km Y E

Corkscrew Peak R

U N D N

N A

S Y

T O

N C

Buttes C

A Information

E A

U R

E 8133ft 2479m B C

Information

A t L

T I l L

O I

Red Pass

O a

A V

N Death Valley S C N

A R

Needle Peak

A T

R I T Scottys Junction T

Aguereberry Point Day use only 6433ft 1961m A

S Kit Fox Hills

Peak L

S L

N Porter Peak A

Thimble V

N Y N U

Mahogany Flat B

O Thorndike N

Y I

M Charcoal Kilns A

C 9mi

A 14km Mengel Pass Sentinel Peak 9636ft 2937m N

Y T

C E Telescope Peak 11049ft 3368m

N Panamint City (ghost town)

N Road conditions require experienced four-wheel drivers. I N 16mi 26km Wahguyhe Peak

H P U Historic E 9064ft o d 2763m

a Stovepipe Wells Village O Peak o Striped Butte

R be closed

6732ft 2052m

Eureka Mine

A le Road may t N R Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes s a Bennett

M C Flats

S s E

due to snow. ’ Stovepipe Well y O G

N t Sand Rogers Peak Mount Palmer 7979ft 2432m t

o p Dunes L Wildrose Peak U c

S Emigrant Pass 5318ft 1621m Y

O Harrisburg

I O TUCKI MOUNTAIN

N Y

T d 267

G N A N a

Mosaic

Grapevine Peak 8738ft 2663m N

Canyon o

A R C N

7196ft

2193m Y N O

Skidoo (townsite) Day use only

C N

95 Y

21mi Y A

L 34km

Y N 26mi 42km L

C N

Manly Peak

A n N

To Tonopah and Reno

F A

o C

y C

L C

n O A

A n

L T

L Two-way to mouth of Titus Canyon. a T Wildrose

A E

E L S

R I

F A

A R

L S

D t

C n Road conditions require experienced four-wheel drivers.

E H a

r R A

E ig R

I E m E

N E U L

N S P E O N

B ON Vehicles longer than 25 feet (7.7 meters) not allowed. Y S I CAN G E

Lida Junction R O N

V KE R A CHINA LAKE

Emigrant R

E W D

8mi A

266 T H L E T I Y I

Ballarat (ghost town)

13km A U J W E P Q Rough, narrow, winding road. Vehicles longer than 25 feet(7.7 meters) not allowed. T 33mi 53km ES A A M L R S G A Pinto Peak Y

NAVAL AIR WEAPONS STATION

E E

N L O O I

N L

N M

E W

O E

C A L

L N

4956ft A 1511m V

18mi

O N

29km

V S

A E

R O

C Towne Pass

E E

D R A

914m M

3000ft T

31mi 50km and Road CLOSED Road and

Grapevine A White Top Mountain T U N A O O D M O 619m

W 2030ft

N Lake Hill Ubehebe Crater Mesquite Spring Flat P O Panamint Dunes T Sand Tin Mountain 8953ft 2729m O T

C m

45mi 72km ad In winter carry chains. Road may be closed.

Ro 25mi 40km

e d

n a LEY

o AL

Lida i

20mi 32km V

P N

k E

c D O a ID

r H t e c Y a ig R

B To

E A

L Panamint Springs U C Death T Valley YON N Junction

CA 2 planning Pg. Trip Store Wheelchair-accessible Telephone Airstrip Gas station Food service Food Restroom Lodging Flat Ulida

duty tires. Teakettle Junction

Sharp rock; W #

Falls

South Pass To B

requires heavy- Darwin

Y I g

VALLE A RACK R ET The

C 7454ft RA Hunter E 2272m G The Grandstand N Inn at

A Racetrack R Mountain E Artists Drive and Badwater

C Dry Camp Texas N Homestake A 178 H Springs Vista Point 7mi S Dry Mountain 8674ft 2644m C HILL Death Valley T 11km

S Father Crowley A DARWIN

L 5678ft N 1731m T YO LA N Crankshaft Junction F CA 190 Steel Pass Ubehebe Peak E Darwin

C In winter carry chains. Road may be closed.

N Sunset Deep sand A Shoshone Timbisha trust lands sea below Area level Salt H C EE

S N A

Ranger station Sanitary disposal station area Picnic Campground

L Drinking water

O To Stovepipe Wells

Road conditions

Y 33mi 53km N E

four-wheel drivers. A G require experienced

C ON N RIDGECREST CANY A

Dunes R Eureka

266 K C N

O 8456ft O 2577m R G O

S N Mountain

L U G

Last Chance E N

M E Borax Museum

I G N N O Y Creek G A Y

R 0.5 Mile

C E N

U L E Furnace A Timbisha Shoshone Village (private)

C L L H A L d V Warm Springs a A 13mi 21km To

o V Ranch at Death Valley San

R 0.5 Kilometer E BR 395 SYLVANIA MOUNTAINS I N

Cerro Gordo Peak 9184ft 2799m Bernardino Paved road Paved road Unpaved High clearance recommended Hiking trail L Four-wheel-drive road e A

in A S

w K

o 395 l Visitor Center

l E i Furnace Creek W R ig U 0 0 B E Creek Furnace Saline Valley Dunes

E on roads. must stay including bicycles, Vehicles, Y LE I N AL L V A

E S

LA N O

H Y S

FIS N

A 178 C N

190 ats Keeler Fl ass 18mi 29km

ack I

J E 14

L Dyer B

R A 15mi 24km 42mi 68km

A To Angeles Los M T Y A (dry)

L E South Haiwee Reservoir A D

In winter carry chains. Road may be closed. L

y e l N

l V a

A 136 n r E

o V h 395

OWENS LAKE North Haiwee Reservoir w o N N 168 C U O

Mount Inyo 11107ft 3385m Y CT N O DU A A UE R C AQ M LOS ANGELES R Olancha I E 178 S O N Y A

21mi 40km M E

INYO S

N N E

A Q

U R

FOREST G

S N E

L E

D A

U E C

T I 395 F

S O W L NATIONAL O Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center To Manzanar National Historic Site To Lake Isabella To Big Pine Lone Pine To Big Pine

Visitor Guide 7 Learn and Explore! B. GREENBURG

Hey Kids! Hike with a Ranger See the Classic Sights! Wilderness begins 50 feet from most of You can earn a Death Valley Junior Ranger programs are often available Go to pages 4-7 for trip planning Death Valley's roads, and by adhering Ranger badge! Anyone can become a mid-November through April. suggestions. to these guidelines and regulations, Death Valley Junior Ranger—just pick Schedules for these free educational you can experience some of the up a booklet from the visitor center or programs can be found at the visitor Explore Wilderness most pristine land in the country in a responsible way: download a copy from our website, center. With over 3.1 million acres of explore the park and complete fun designated Wilderness, 93% of this • Keep wildlife wild: do not feed, activities, show a ranger the work Programs tailored for school groups enormous park offers opportunities approach, or follow animals. you've done, take a might also be available; email DEVA_ to visit lands with the highest levels of • Watch where you walk: if hiking pledge, and earn [email protected] for more protection. Here you can see a pristine off trails, avoid wet or soft soils, as your badge! information! desert landscape and be inspired by footprints may last for years! nature in a profound way. • Choose the right hiking partner: unfortunately, this trip isn't the one for your dog; pets must stay on roadways or in campgrounds. • Trash your trash: pack it in, pack it out! This includes toilet paper and "biodegradable" things like orange peels, which can take years to break down in the desert. • Never drive off roadways! • Savor the wilderness. Keep noise levels down, and respect other's need for space. NPS PHOTO K. MOSES

A special free pass is available for 4th Graders! Get A guided walk at Salt Creek Interpretive Trail. Death Valley National Park Wilderness map. your voucher at everykidoutdoors.gov!

Rules of the Road Cycling in the Park

Biking do's: EASY ROADS MODERATE ROADS DIFFICULT ROADS • Bikes can be used on all park roads that are open to public vehicles� Bicycle Path Hole-in-the-Wall Road Artists Drive • Bikes can be used on bike specific Start: Furnace Creek Visitor Center Start: 6.5 mile east of Furnace Creek on Start: 9 miles south of Hwy 190 on routes, such as the bike path between Distance: 1 mile to Harmony Borax Hwy 190 Badwater Road the Furnace Creek Visitor Center and Harmony Borax Works� Works; 1 mile through Mustard Distance: 4 miles Distance: 9 miles, one-way • Ride single file� Canyon Road type: loose gravel Road type: paved with hills • Be courteous of other visitors� Road type: paved and flat to Harmony Level of use: low Level of use: high • Bring tools and extra tubes for fixing Borax Works; gravel through Mustard flats� Canyon Skidoo Road West Side Road Level of use: moderate Start: 9.5 miles south of Hwy 190 on Start: 6 miles south of Hwy 190 on Biking don'ts: Emigrant Canyon Road Badwater Road • Bikes are not allowed on closed roads, Salt Creek Road Distance: 7 miles Distance: 40 miles service roads, off roadways, in the Start: 13.5 miles west of Furnace Creek Road type: wash-board gravel Road type: level but wash-board gravel wilderness or on any trails� • Reverse direction on one-way roads on Hwy.190. Level of use: low road, sandy in places such as Titus Canyon, Twenty Mule Distance: 1.2 miles Level of use: medium Team Canyon, and Artists Drive� Road type: graded dirt road Aguereberry Point Road Level of use: moderate Start: 12 miles south of Hwy 190 on Titus Canyon Road Emigrant Canyon Road. Start: 2.7 miles east of park boundary Distance: 6 miles on Nevada Hwy. 374 Road type: gravel with rocky areas Distance: 28 miles, one way Level of use: low Road type: steep grades, loose gravel Level of use: medium K. MOSES

8 Visitor Guide TheThe SkiesSkies AboveAbove M. HARDRIDGE

you can look west to see the sunrise Sunset options are similar to the Mountains to the east. Searching for the light up the highest peaks then move suggestions for sunrise, but in reverse: • See the shadows grow longer at Perfect Sunset downward across the landscape as the you can choose a dramatic scene the Mesquite Sand Dunes, and sun continues to rise. looking west to watch the sun drop the wind-blown ripples come into Where is the best place to see the over distant hills, or choose to look sharper focus. sunrise or sunset? Truly, the answer Ranger sunrise favorites include: east to watch shadows climb up the • Overlooking the valley from is anywhere in the park! With huge • Watching the sunrise from Dantes hillsides as the light slowly fades and Dantes View to see the sun set horizons and dramatic scenery, it is View or Zabriskie Point to see the the first stars begin to appear. behind the Panamint Mountains. spectacular wherever you are. light hit the top of the Panamint • Watch shadows grow across the Mountains and work its way down Ranger sunset favorites include: salt flats at Badwater Basin. Sunrise options include either looking to the valley floor below. • Watching the sunset from Father for a good vista east to see the rising • Seeing sunrise at Mesquite Dunes, Crowley Vista Point, with the light sun directly, or finding places where when shadows are deepest. fading across the Cottonwood E. HOERNER E. HOERNER K. MOSES K. MOSES

A sunrise ranger program at Zabriskie Point (check Both sunrise and sunset bring beautiful shadows The sun setting across Panamint Valley. See the sunset over the salt flats at Badwater schedule at visitor center for availability). across the Mesquite Dunes.

Night Skies Night Sky Viewing Tips

Death Valley is an International Dark Sky Park with a Gold Tier rating. The skies here Seeing the stars at Death Valley can be are virtually free of light pollution, so stars can be seen by the thousands! an incredible part of your visit! Here are a few suggestions for the best possible Over your visit, we encourage you During your visit, we recommend experience: Seeing Stars to take a moment to look up and checking out these dark night skies at: • Visit during the new moon! This experience the wonder of truly • Harmony Borax Works Stargazing under some of the darkest is when the moon isn't reflecting dark skies. Here, without need for a • Mesquite Sand Dunes night skies in the country can be an any light into the night sky and it is telescope, thousands of stars can be • Dantes View unforgettable experience! darkest� seen with just your bare eyes. • Father Crowley Vista Point • Stay out long enough! It takes • Most roadside pull-outs about 30 minutes without looking Why can so many stars be seen here? You can help bring stargazing at light for your eyes to adjust to the The answer is simple: darkness. opportunities like this closer to home. darkness� With so few lights "polluting" our If you, your neighbors, and local • Use a red light� Cover flashlights with night skies, stars are visible here businesses turn off outside lights red cellophane if possible� Red light by the thousands like they were to when they're not needed, use shielded has the least impact on adjusting your generations past. fixtures to help cover bulbs, and use eyes� • Seek a large horizon� If you are too energy saving features like timers or Our dark night skies can be attributed close to large hills or mountains, they motion sensors so lights were only on not only to the remoteness of the park, may block large areas of stars from when needed, the change could be but also to rethinking our lighting. view� significant! Consider being a dark sky Low energy, downward pointing lights • Bring binoculars! Although not a ambassador for your neighborhood! at Furnace creek and Stovepipe Wells telescope, even these can help bring a greater number of stars into focus� help protect the night sky. • Location! Most every area of the park can be good for viewing, as long as you get a short ways from areas with light� Even getting a mile away from buildings or campgrounds can be a big help! W. KESSLER W. NPS PHOTO T. NORDGREN T.

Attend a Night Sky ranger program when available! Orion over the salt flats at Badwater. The milky way stretching over Harmony Borax. Visitor Guide 9 NatureNature andand CultureCulture HISTORIC PHOTO

them, the land provides everything mines and the associated kilns, mills, Albert and Bessie Johnson built Chapters in Time that is needed. Many areas here were and boom towns which changed the a vacation home now known as and are considered to be sacred places. landscape. Gold, silver, zinc, tungsten, "Scotty's Castle," after their friend This park conserves a rich and varied antimony, talc, and most profitably, Walter Scott. This castle is currently tapestry of human history, including Rock art, stone tools, and other borax, were mined here. closed due to severe flood damage. Native Americans, miners, castle- evidence of their history can be found builders, and so much more. throughout the park. These, along with This history can be seen at Harmony The Inn at Death Valley was built all historic sites, are protected against Borax Works, Twenty Mule Team in 1927 by the Pacific Coast Borax Native Americans theft, vandalism, or disturbance. Please Canyon, and Keane Wonder Mine. Company to entice visitors here and This is the homeland of the Timbisha visit with respect. spread the idea that this place should Shoshone who have lived here for Fortunes Spent become a national park. Nearly a centuries, hunting and moving Mining The draw of Death Valley continued century later, guests can still stay in this seasonally in order to harvest pinyon Between 1849 and 1915, the lure of into the roaring 1920s, when wealthy privately owned resort and experience pine nuts and mesquite beans. To wealth brought different prospectors, builders started making their mark. the grandeur of Death Valley. NPS PHOTO NPS PHOTO J. JURADO J. JURADO

Pictographs along Titus Canyon Road. Keane Wonder Mine's aerial tramway. Charcoal Kilns at Wildrose made fuel for smelters. Scotty's Castle, a vacation home for the Johnsons. A Valley of Life Despite the name, Death Valley National Park is home to a surprising array of plants that make this park a rich and thriving ecosystem.

Diversity Seeking a Superbloom When to Expect Blooms mariposa, purple sage, rose sage, Death Valley has more than 1,000 Death Valley is famous for spring Different species and different lupine, paintbrush, and penstemon. described plant species, ranging from wildflower displays, but these rare elevations result in a staggered ancient bristlecone pines to ephemeral events are the exception, not the rule! bloom across the park, allowing for Don't Pick, Protect! spring wildflowers. On average, superblooms only come opportunities to see wildflowers over Wildflowers are an important part of around once in a decade, with the last much of the spring and early summer. the ecosystem. They provide food, Part of this diversity is due to the over ones in 2005 and 2016. habitat, and are beautiful as well! 11,000 feet of elevation change found The wildflower season at low in the park. Low elevation vegetation Only under perfect conditions does elevations usually runs mid-February The best way to show your love zones host creosote bush, desert holly, the desert fill with a sea of gold, pink, to mid-April, when desert gold, for wildflowers is to let them keep and mesquite. Mid elevations include purple, or white flowers. phacelias, primrose, gravel ghost, growing! shadescale, blackbrush, and Joshua monkeyflower and desert five-spot can trees. At high elevations you can find A good wildflower year depends on at be found on alluvial fans and foothills. Picking flowers steals enjoyment from sub-alpine limber pine and bristlecone least three things: well-spaced rainfall other visitors, and prevents seeds from pine woodlands. throughout the winter and spring, a Higher elevations usually bloom from growing into next year's blooms. mild winter, and no drying winds. May to mid-July and include desert J. JURADO NPS PHOTO J. JURADO N. NURMI

Desert chicory. Mojave Aster and bee-flies. Desert gold. Desert Five-spot.

10 Visitor Guide KeepingKeeping WildlifeWildlife WildWild NPS PHOTO

Pupfish Isolated in individual springs, these fish Death Valley is home to five species of began adapting to the unique places Wild Animal Encounters pupfish, each named after the single they found to be home. Studying these fish teach scientists about water source that they live in: Devils For many people, the chance to see Hole, Salt Creek, Cottonball Marsh, adaptations for heat and low-oxygen wildlife in their natural environment is Saratoga, and Amargosa. environments. an amazing opportunity.

10,000 years ago, Lake Manly covered If you are interested in seeing pupfish However, one must always remember what is now Death Valley, and as it during your visit, they can be sighted that we are entering their home, their slowly dried up, pockets of water from the boardwalks on the Salt territory. As such, we need to respect around springs became the only Creek Interpretive Trail or Devils wildlife and know what to do if we encounter a wild predator, such as a available pupfish habitat. Hole. Please remember to stay on the boardwalk to protect their fragile mountain lion: habitat! O. FEURERBACHER • Do not run, but back away to get out of range of the perceived threat. Desert Tortoise Desert Tortoise are a listed threatened • If you feel threatened, try to look Rarely seen, tortoises spend up to 95% species. It is unlawful to touch, harm, large, wave your arms, throw rocks of their lives underground, hibernating harass, or collect wild desert tortoises. or sticks. during dry times and coming out • If attacked, fight back. after rains to feed on fresh growth of If disturbed, a tortoise may empty • Watch children closely and never let wildflowers, grasses, and cacti. its bladder as a defense mechanism; them run ahead or lag behind. this moisture would otherwise be Desert tortoise populations have conserved for dry times, and its loss decreased as much as 90% since could be deadly. the 1980s, due in part to habitat destruction, increase in fire ant Only move a tortoise if it is in populations, and illegal collection. immediate danger, such as in a roadway, and move it in the direction it was originally traveling. C. ROHE

Bighorn Sheep time in order to fully recover. Please Help Desert bighorn range throughout the Bighorn sheep are social, forming park, from salt flats to high mountain herds of 8-10 individuals, but herds up ridges, spending most of their time on to 100 have been observed in the wild! To help preserve healthy environments steep slopes where they are safe from for both visitors and wildlife, please Desert bighorn are listed as an predators like mountain lions. remember: endangered species, after populations Adapted to a dry climate, bighorn are crashed to an estimated 280 sheep • Never leave food or trash able to go without water for several in southern California in 1998. unattended, as ravens, coyotes, and days, and can lose up to a third of With protection measures in place, other wildlife readily habituate to their body weight due to dehydration. including large protected areas of human foods. When water becomes available again, habitat like Death Valley National Park, • Never feed wildlife; no park animal is the sheep can drink several gallons at a their numbers are slowly recovering. tame and feeding leads to aggressive NPS PHOTO future behavior. • Never approach wildlife and always Coyotes are usually solitary but keep a safe distance. Coyotes • Keep dogs leashed and limit will hunt in small groups in areas Few things are as eerie and beautiful their walks to roadways and where food is plentiful, working as the song of a coyote. Their yips campgrounds; dogs can spread and howls let you know you are in cooperatively to chase an animal in diseases to wildlife. the presence of an iconic figure. Their relays to tire it. narrow-set, yellow eyes and long snout Have you seen interesting wildlife may seem intimidating, but in general, Coyotes are frequently seen around during your visit? Park biologists use coyotes do not bother people. campgrounds where they have been information about wildlife sightings to habituated to human food. learn more about animal populations in These highly adapted members of the the park. canine family are omnivores, dining on Feeding coyotes can lead to their If you see rare animals (like bighorn small mammals, reptiles, and insects, death; many are hit as they approach sheep, desert tortoise, pronghorn) but will also eat berries and other cars for food. Protect these animals by

K. MOSES or animals behaving oddly (like following the no-feeding rules, please! vegetation when meat is unavailable. approaching cars), please report these to a ranger at a visitor center or Invasive Burros like Desert Bighorn and other wildlife through the iNaturalist app Burros, also known as donkeys, are not away from water sources. or website. native, but are remnant populations brought here by early prospectors. Park management is working to control burro populations with a non- Despite the sparse vegetation, burro profit no-kill sanctuary where they populations have exploded here, receive medical care, training, and are especially around springs in Saline adopted out. Valley, Butte Valley, and Wildrose. Please do not feed burros or disturb Invasive burros have had a large trapping pens; drive slowly on the impact on fragile desert springs and winding roads near Wildrose as they ecosystems. They aggressively defend are frequently in the roadway. Stay in their territory, and keep native species your car, as they can be aggressive. NPS PHOTO

Visitor Guide 11 National Park Service Local Information and Services

Emergency Call 911 Businesses listed here are not run by the National Park Service; information subject to change and is listed here as a convenience to our visitors. Death Valley National Park General Information: FURNACE CREEK AREA STOVEPIPE WELLS AREA COMMUNITIES EAST OF 760-786-3200 www�nps�gov/deva THE PARK Post Office Death Valley Lodging Furnace Creek Visitor Center Mail letters and postcards: lobby open Company Death Valley Junction, CA Open Daily, 8:00 a�m� to 5:00 p�m� 24 hours. Purchase postage Monday Lodging, camping, gas, general store, 30 minutes from Furnace Creek Obtain general information and maps, through Friday, 8am-4pm, closed for gift shop, shower & pool, restaurant, Lodging, restaurant, RV camping purchase entrance passes, explore lunch 1-1:30pm bar, and WiFi. exhibits, watch the park film, and speak 800-275-8777 760-786-7090 with park rangers� Beatty, NV 45 minutes from Furnace Creek Death Valley Natural History Assoc. Indian Tacos & Shaved Ice PANAMINT SPRINGS Lodging, restaurants, camping, gas, Bookstore with souvenirs, packaged In Timbisha Shoshone Village AREA general stores. sandwiches, snacks and drinks� Often open Tuesday—Saturday, 10am- Operates within the Furnace Creek 6pm Panamint Springs Resort Amargosa Valley, NV Visitor Center� 760-258-7858 Lodging, camping, gas, general store, 1 hour from Furnace Creek Lodging, gas, restaurants. Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station showers, restaurant & bar, and WiFi. Hours determined by available staffing� Farabees Jeep Rental & 775-482-7680 Obtain general information and maps, Tours Pahrump, NV purchase entrance passes, and speak 4x4 Jeep rentals and tours. COMMUNITIES WEST OF 1 hour 15 minutes from Furnace Creek with park rangers� 760-786-9872 THE PARK Lodging, restaurants, grocery stores, hospital, auto service, gas, camping, Death Valley Ranch (Scotty's Castle) The Inn at Death Valley vet. This historic building and the Bonnie Trona, CA Hotel, restaurant, and pool. Claire Road to NV-267 are closed due to 1 hour 50 minutes from Furnace Creek 760-786-2345 flash flood damage� Lodging, restaurants, camping, gas. Tecopa, CA 1 hour 15 minutes from Furnace Creek The Ranch at Death Valley Ridgecrest, CA Lodging, restaurants, camping. Lodging, camping, restaurants, cafe, 2 hours 15 minutes from Furnace Creek bar, general store, gift shop, golf Lodging, restaurants, grocery stores, Las Vegas, NV course, pool, showers, laundry, gas, hospital, auto service, gas, camping, 2 hours 30 minutes from Furnace Creek and WiFi. vet. Lodging, restaurants, grocery stores, 760-786-2345 auto service, gas, camping, vet, hospitals. Borax Museum Lone Pine, CA 2 hours from Furnace Creek Located within The Ranch at Death Lodging, restaurants, camping, Valley. Open dawn to dusk; free. NPS PHOTO groceries, health clinic.

Camping Information

NPS Season & Reservations Elevation Fee Sites Water Fire Pits Tables Toilets Dump

Furnace Creek No reservations: mid-Apr to mid-Oct -196 ft $22 standard ($11 with 136 Reservations recommended: mid-Oct (-60 m) senior/access pass) to mid-April. Must be made through $36 hookups ($25 with 18 yes yes yes flush yes Recreation.gov or 877-444-6777; at least senior/access pass) 4 days & up to 6 months in advance. Sunset Open mid-Oct to mid-April -196 ft $14 No reservations (-60 m) ($7 with senior/access pass) 270 yes group only no flush yes Back-in sites only

Texas Spring Open mid-Oct to mid-April sea level $16 115 yes yes yes flush yes No reservations ($8 with senior/access pass) No generator use Stovepipe Wells Open mid-Sept to mid-May sea level $14 No reservations ($7 with senior/access pass) 190 yes some some flush yes Mesquite Spring Open all year 1,800 ft $14 40 yes yes no flush yes No reservations (549 m) ($7 with senior/access pass)

Emigrant Open all year 2,100 ft 10 yes no no flush no No reservations (640 m) free Tent only Wildrose Open all year, weather permitting 4,100 ft No reservations (1,250 m) free 23 yes yes yes vault no 25 ft length limit Thorndike (4x4 Closed during winter 7,400 ft 6 no yes yes vault no recommended) No reservations (2,256 m) free 25 ft length limit Mahogany Flat (4x4 Closed during winter 8,200 ft 10 no yes yes vault no recommended) No reservations (2,499 m) free 25 ft length limit Private Season & Reservations Elevation Fee Sites Water Fire Pits Tables Toilets Dump

Fiddler's Camp Open all year -218 ft $24 31 yes group only group flush no 760-786-2345, oasisatdeathvalley.com (-66m) only Stovepipe Wells RV Open all year sea level $40 hookups ($20 senior/ 14 yes no no flush yes Park 760-786-7090, deathvalleyhotels.com access pass) Panamint Springs Open all year 2,000 ft $10 tent, $50-65 cabin, $35 76 yes some yes flush no 775-482-7680, panamintsprings.com (610 m) hookups, $20 non-hookups

12 Visitor Guide