Death Valley National Park Winter/Spring

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Visitor Guide Death Valley National Park Winter/Spring

Funeral Mountains moonrise at sunset (NPS /Hoerner) Welcome to Your Death Valley Adventure DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK IS THE LARGEST NATIONAL PARK OUTSIDE What’s Inside? of Alaska. Endless exploration and a diversity of experiences await you. Hiking, exploring historic sites, traveling backcountry roads, viewing the night sky— Support Your Park ... 2 these are only a few of the opportunities available. With over 3 million acres of federally designated Wilderness, walk along majestic sand dunes, navigate twisted Safety & slot canyons, climb rocky peaks, stroll along salt flats; a variety of terrains offer Pets ...... 3 everything from easy to very challenging adventures. Things To See ...... 4 Find us on We want to hear from you! Hiking ...... 5 How did you explore Death Valley? Map ...... 6 & 7 SHARE WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! Biking & @DeathValleyNPS Wilderness ...... 8 Dantes View: Take a Look! Park Resources ...... 9 How did it all begin? Viewpoint Elevation: 5475 ft/1669 m Programs & In 1926, Beatty Fate intervened when Governor He took Governor Scrugham Events ...... 10 businessmen wanted to Scrugham and his men stopped and the businessmen to what is promote Chloride Cliff as the in Shoshone on a trip back from now called Dantes View. Nightlife ...... 11 quintessential view of Death Los Angeles. When they asked The men named it that based Visitor Services ...... 12 Valley and even had support of a prominent Shoshone citizen, on Dante’s trip through Nevada Governor Scrugham to Charles Brown for his opinion, purgatory as befits Death widen the road. Chloride Cliff he said: “I don’t pay much Valley’s other namesakes — (off of Daylight Pass Road) attention to scenery. But I know Devils Golf Course, Coffin Peak, DANTES VIEW was going to be dubbed “The one view that made me stop the Funeral Mountains, etc. Rim of Hell.” and look.” TODAY Enjoy the accessible viewing platform, increased safety, and exhibits

Receives over 360,000 visitors a year

Hike the route to Coffin Peak or along Dantes Ridge to Mt Perry

Great sunset spot

Check it out 24 hrs a day View from the Dantes View platform (NPS) Support Your Park

Obey the speed limits and other rules of the road. Pets are permitted on roads and developed areas, Do not stop in traffic lanes — pull over and park but prohibited in Wilderness, on trails, and in safely in the shoulder. Drive only on designated buildings. Hundreds of miles of dirt roads are roads. Unsightly tire tracks scar the fragile desert great places for walking pets. Keep pets on a leash landscape for decades. no longer than 6 feet in length. Camp only in established campgrounds or in a It is illegal to discharge a firearm anywhere permitted backcountry area. in Death Valley or to bring one into a federal Check at a ranger station or visitor center for building. Hunting and trapping are illegal within backcountry camping information. the park.

Campfires are allowed in established fire pits Feeding animals is illegal and dangerous. only. Gathering firewood is prohibited — wood is Animals will be encouraged to hang out near the scarce. Check for fire restrictions before camping. roads once fed by people, which endangers the animals and visitors.

Put garbage where it belongs. Litter in the desert Rocks, plants, animals, and historic objects in spoils the landscape for each person that follows Death Valley are protected just like in a museum. behind you. Vandalism and theft are prohibited.

Please recycle in the provided receptacles. Despite being legalized by the State of California Propane cylinder recycle bins are located in most and the State of Nevada, possession or use of campgrounds where you can leave both marijuana is not legal on federal lands, including empty and full canisters. Death Valley National Park.

Stay out of closed areas. Mines, service roads, and other areas are closed for your safety and the The use of drones is prohibited. protection of important features.

Entrance Fees Stay on Designated Roads

Please support your park by paying the park entrance fee at a park visitor center or at one of the automated fee machines placed throughout the park. Already have one of the passes listed below? Enjoy your park! 7-day Passes Annual Passes Vehicle and passengers...... $30 Death Valley Annual Pass...... $55 Motorcycles...... $25 Interagency Annual Pass...... $80 Individual entering on Interagency Annual Senior Pass bicycle or foot...... $15 (for U.S. citizens 62+)...... $20 Lifetime Passes Interagency Annual Military Pass (for active duty and dependents)...... Free Interagency Lifetime Senior Pass (for U.S. citizens 62+)...... $80 Other passes honored Van Interagency Lifetime Access Pass 4th Grade (Every Kid in a Park), stuck (for U.S. citizens with a disability)..Free Volunteer, Golden Age, and Golden on the salt Access Passes. flat after illegally driving off designated roadways (NPS) The fees you pay when visiting Death Valley National Park make a difference! Under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, Why can’t I drive off established roads? the park uses fee money to fund critical projects that improve visitor services and protect natural and cultural resources in the park such as: yy It’s illegal. Penalties can include fines and jail time. yy Repairing Scotty’s Castle and restoring visitor access after a yy It destroys Death Valley’s scenic vistas. Death Valley attracts visitors devastating flood in 2015. from around the world to see this unique environment. Tire tracks mar yy Providing education programs that reach thousands of students. the landscape and some take decades to heal, even if they are raked out. yy Improving accessibility for visitors with disabilities at Dantes View yy Towing is expensive. If a vehicle gets stuck off the road in Death through a partnership with the Fund for People in Parks and the Death Valley, towing will cost you an average of $2,000. Valley Natural History Association. yy It wastes government funds. Rangers regularly organize volunteer yy Maintaining and repairing campgrounds and park structures. brigades to repair damage from off-road driving. Organizing, housing, yy Providing emergency medical services. and supervising these groups costs money! Damage done in a few minutes takes these groups days to rehabilitate. Death Valley Natural History Association: Park Bookstore yy Death Valley’s community of visitors is upset by off-road Since 1954, the Death Valley driving. After a one incident, over 300 people posted comments on Natural History Association social media condemning the actions of the thoughtless driver. (DVNHA) has been supporting Death Valley National Park. Whether you choose to become a member, make a donation, or simply shop with us, you're contributing to the visitor experience. The proceeds of your purchases benefit education and research in Death Valley Park Bookstore National Park and Ash Meadows National Wildlife (NPS) Refuge. Thank you for your support.

Located at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center • d v n h a . o r g Damage from a vehicle driving off the roadway (NPS) Safety PLAN AHEAD FLASH FLOODS Know road and weather conditions. Take Rain is scarce here, but when it comes, it a good map everywhere you go. When often leads to dangerous flash floods. During traveling off paved roads or into the rain, avoid hiking in canyons and be prepared backcountry, call someone at home and tell to move to higher ground. While driving, be them specifically where you are going. Free alert for water running across roadways. Stop backcountry permits are available, but not and look before attempting to cross. Flood required, at the visitor center. We can find waters damage the roadway and carry rocks you faster if we know where to look. and debris just below the clouded surface. Flash floods generally subside in a few hours. EVALUATE YOUR GEAR Remember, “turn around, don’t drown.” Do you have the appropriate vehicle, tires, tools, maps, and skills for your route? Bring HEAT & DEHYDRATION food, water, and other essentials for several If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or get a days, even if you’re planning a much shorter headache, get out of the sun and to a cool visit. In your car, carry at least one gallon place immediately. Drink plenty of water (4 liters) of water per person per day, plus and dampen clothing to lower your body extra water for emergencies. temperature.

TECHNOLOGY & PHONES WILDLIFE Devices are great, but they can be deadly to Many visitors might be worried about large Rangers rescue off trail hiker near Golden Canyon (NPS /Dan Kish) rely upon. Cellphone service is very limited in animals such as mountain lions, but they the park. GPS devices frequently tell visitors avoid humans and are rarely seen. A more AVERAGE TEMPERATURES to take “shortcuts” onto unmaintained or realistic danger is placing your hands or feet Month Maximum Minimum even closed roads. Use maps, a compass, and where you can’t see, or turning over a rock. January 67° F (19° C) 40° F (4° C) common sense as your primary navigational Snakes, scorpions, spiders, or other wildlife February 73° F (23° C) 46° F (8° C) tools, and use the technology as a backup. might be sheltered there. For your safety and the animals’ safety, leave rocks where you March 82° F (27° C) 55° F (13° C) PREPARE FOR BREAKDOWNS find them. April 90° F (32° C) 62° F (17° C) In case of vehicle trouble, stay with your May 100° F (38° C) 73° F (23° C) vehicle. You’ll have shade and be easier to MINE HAZARDS June 110° F (43° C) 81° F (27° C) find. If you’re headed onto dirt roads, plan Do not enter mine tunnels or shafts. They July 116° F (47° C) 88° F (31° C) on changing a flat tire at least once. Be aware might be unstable, have hidden shafts, that most rental agreements do not cover pockets of poisonous gases, or be home to 115° F (46° C) 86° F (30° C) August unpaved roads, resulting in hefty towing fees. wildlife. Stay Out—Stay Alive! September 106° F (41° C) 76° F (24° C) Rental cars often lack the proper tire changing October 93° F (34° C) 61° F (16° C) tools, so it’s worth checking before venturing November 77° F (25° C) 48° F (9° C) into remote areas. December 65° F (18° C) 38° F (3° C) IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, DIAL 911 Pets in the Park

Why can’t I take my pet with me? How can I visit Death Valley with my pet?

Pets can have a negative impact Likewise, the desert can be All park campgrounds allow Pet walking opportunities are on the park. Dogs, in particular, a dangerous place for pets. pets to stay overnight. Pets must great in Death Valley. Almost might scare or chase wildlife, Coyotes have been known to be restrained at all times and no all national parks prohibit pets pollute springs and streams, lure unsuspecting pets away. more than 4 pets per campsite on trails and in the wilderness, and can become defensive Rattlesnakes might alert humans area are allowed. Pet owners but pets are allowed on roads. and dangerous in strange to keep a safe distance, but most should be good neighbors by Walking with your pet on a leash surroundings. Domestic animals pets are unaware of the danger. keeping their pets quiet, cleaning along one of Death Valley's can spread diseases to wildlife, Spiny plants and hot, rough up feces, and never leaving their many scenic backcountry roads and vice versa, even when pet ground surfaces can be painful or pets unattended. Food and water can be a rewarding alternative waste is picked-up (which is the damaging to your pet's bare foot must not be left outside. to trails. Many of the minor dirt responsibility of pet owners when pads. Desert heat and aridity can roads receive light traffic, are visiting Death Valley). take a toll on pets and humans. Pet-friendly lodging is available surrounded by wilderness and Remember to always provide at Stovepipe Wells Village and seem like two parallel footpaths. drinking water and be mindful of Panamint Springs Resort, for an Remember to take your pet safely Pets can go (on a leash no your pet’s body temperature. extra fee. Only service animals to the roadside when a vehicle longer than 6 feet): are allowed at The Oasis at Death approaches. Valley. yy along roads yy in campgrounds yy in picnic areas yy in other developed areas Other than service animals, pets can NOT go: yy on trails yy into the Wilderness yy inside most buildings yy out of developed areas

NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET ALONE IN A VEHICLE, WHICH CAN QUICKLY BECOME DEADLY HOT. Hiking with a dog in Twenty Mule Team Canyon (NPS/Hoerner) Things To See Looking for the must-see spots? 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 Place Name Description Required? Furnace Creek

You can see the salt The lowest point in North flat from your vehicle. 17 mi (27 km) south on America, at 282 ft (86 m) A short walk would Badwater Road below sea level, a surreal take you onto the landscape of vast salt flats. 30 minutes one way Badwater salt flats. Basin Entrance to the A scenic loop drive through Enjoy the views from one way road is multi-hued hills. The 9 mile your vehicle. A short 8.5 mi (13.7 km) south (14.5 km) drive is one-way; stop at Artists Palette on Badwater Road open to vehicles less than would require exiting Artists 25 ft (7.6 m) in total length. your vehicle. 15 minutes one way Drive to entrance A 1/4 mi (400 m) distance, 60 ft (18 m) Golden colored badlands 4.8 mi (7.7 km) east on elevation gain walk and a spectacular spot for Highway 190 up a paved path to the sunrise. Zabriskie viewpoint from the 15 minutes one way Point parking area. Extra few hours — Stop at one of these unique spots! Walking Travel from Place Name Description Required? Furnace Creek

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

Breathtaking viewpoint over 12 mi (19 km) east on 5,000 ft (1,500 m) above No walking required. Highway 190; 13.2 mi Death Valley. It was updated ADA accessible (21 km) on Dantes Dantes in spring 2018 — check out viewing platform. View Road the new exhibits! View 1 hour one way Best example of a historic A 1/4 mi (400 m) 10.6 mi (17 km) west gold mine in the park with distance, 85 ft (25 m) on Highway 190; an intact aerial tramway. elevation gain walk 5.6 mi (9 km) on Beatty Please do not climb on Keane from the parking area Cutoff Road to the structures or enter mines. to the lowest tram unpaved, rough road Wonder Road can be very rough and terminal. Mine may require 4x4. 35 minutes one way Half Day Adventures — Add these longer adventures to see different parts of the park! Walking Travel from Place Name Description Required? Furnace Creek Hundreds of years ago, a 17.1 mi (27.5 km) west massive volcanic explosion on Highway 190; The view is a short caused by magma mixing 33.4 mi (53.8 km) on 100 ft (30 m) walk with an underground spring North Highway to from your vehicle. Ubehebe left a 600 ft (183 m) Ubehebe Crater Road Crater deep crater. 1.5 hours one way 33.6 mi (54 km) west These ten beehive-shaped on Highway 190; structures are among the The kilns can be 28.2 mi (45.4 km) on best preserved in the west. viewed from your Emigrant Canyon Road Built in 1876 to provide fuel vehicle. 2 mi (3 km) are gravel Charcoal to process silver/lead ore. Kilns 1.5 hours one way A landscape of dark lava flows and volcanic cinders A view into Rainbow 62.8 mi (101 km) west gives way to colorful layers Canyon is a short on Highway 190 Father of Rainbow Canyon. walk from your Crowley Possible viewing of military vehicle. 1.5 hours one way Vista Point training flights. (Photos/NPS/Weston Kessler) Scotty’s Castle is CLOSED due to flood damage — REOPENING 2020 Hiking Looking for a hiking trail? Check out the options below and the map on PAGE 6 for location information for these popular hikes yyBefore starting a hike ask about current road and yyConstructed trails are rare in this park. Trails are weather conditions. provided in places that are heavily used and sensitive to damage. If a trail is there, please use it. Most hiking routes yyAlways carry water. Two liters per person for a short in the park are cross-country, up canyons, or along ridges. winter day hike, and four liters or more in the summer and Footing can be rough and rocky. for longer hikes. yyHiking in low elevations can be dangerous when it is yyDogs and bicycles are not allowed on trails or off roads, hot. The high peaks can be covered with snow in winter but hundreds of miles of dirt roads offer unforgettable and spring. adventures.

EASY HIKES Round Trip Elevation Gain Description ADA accessible loop around historic mining site where the famous 20-Mule 0.4 mi 50 ft Harmony Borax Works Team wagons began their grueling 165-mile journey south to the Mojave (0.6 km) (15 m) 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. Gravel (0.8 km) road is typically passable in a sedan.

1 mi ADA accessible out and back. Scenic walk out to edge of salt flat and the Badwater Salt Flat flat (1.6 km) lowest point in North America.

Natural Bridge 1 mi 180 ft Out and back hike up dramatic canyon to natural bridge formation. Gravel (1.6 km) (26 m) access road is typically passable in a sedan.

Hike through the largest dune field in the park to summit the high dune in the 2 mi 185 ft Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes distance. Go during sunrise, sunset, or full moon lighting for unforgettable (3.2 km) (56 m) experiences.

MODERATE HIKES Round Trip Elevation Gain Description

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

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

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 Gower Gulch Loop 4.3 mi 850 ft Golden Canyon and walking the loop back through Gower Gulch. (6.9 km) (259 m) Out and back hike through canyon narrows made of colorful badlands 3.6 mi 600 ft formations similar to those found at Artists Palette. Some rock scrambling Desolation Canyon (5.8 km) (183 m) required. No signs, follow the canyon. The 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 Scrambling up and down dryfalls required. No signs, some navigation Sidewinder Canyon (8.4 km) (482 m) required. Free map available at the visitor center should be used for this hike. The short gravel access road is typically passable in a sedan. Out and back hike. This deep canyon with towering walls is a great place to 6 mi 2,460 ft look for bighorn sheep. From the exit of Titus Canyon, hike north on the route Fall Canyon (9.6 km) (752 m) near restroom before dropping into the wash at the canyon mouth. The gravel access road (Titus Canyon 2-way road) is typically passable in a sedan.

This out and back informal path from Dantes View heads north along the 8 mi 1,200 ft Dantes Ridge ridge toward Mt. Perry. Unobstructed views begin immediately and only get (13 km) (366 m) better. 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 Road. The pristine dunes are visible in the distance from the bend in the road, Panamint Dunes* (11.3 km) (313 m) but there is no signage. The gravel road is not marked and requires a high clearance vehicle.

DIFFICULT HIKES Round Trip Elevation Gain Description 4 mi (6.4 km) with road Out and back hike within polished marble narrows filled with unique color with road closure: patterns. Use caution on the slick rock surfaces. The gravel access road is Mosaic Canyon closure: 2,200 ft CLOSED (projected opening: summer 2019). This adds over 5 total miles to 9 mi (14.5 km) (671 m) the hike. Ask at the visitor center for a suggested alternative route map.

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 (13.5 km) (671 m) in 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 The trail starts in the pinyon-juniper woodlands. The final five miles (8 km) Telescope Peak* (22.5 km) (914 m) of the access road are gravel and require high clearance. Road closes due to winter conditions. Snow and icy trail conditions likely in the winter. Interested in other challenging hikes or backpacking trips? There are endless opportunities! Stop by the visitor center and ask a ranger for more information. (*) High clearance/4x4 vehicle recommended To

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ft k Racetrack m T ee A Mountain E Cr R Artists Drive E ft m

M and adwater Dry Camp

L C Texas Homestake

N 18

A 86 0 23 1

A mi

P Springs km

H Vista Point S Dry Mountain 86 4 264 4 C ILL Death Valley ft H m

1 Cottonwood T

S Father Crowley A DARWIN

L 56 8 N 13 1 T YO LA Crankshaft unction Palmetto Mountain AN F C 10

h Steel Pass

Ubehebe Peak s Darwin

a E

C In winter carry chains. Road may be closed. W N Sunset Deep sand A Shoshone Timbisha trust lands Area below sea level Salt H C EE L T

mi km

A Ranger station Sanitary disposal station Picnic area Campground

N L Drinking water

O To Stovepipe Wells

Road conditions 3 5 3 o Y

tt e N

fourwheel drivers. E

m A reuire experienced l C G a ON N RIDGECREST P CANY m A Dunes

Eureka R 266 K C

8456ft O N O 25 R O T G A Mountain S L

N F k L

e U Last Chance G E L

e A N E orax Museum r M G I I N N N C A Creek

O Y G N R Y 0.5 Mile

C E E N T U L E N Furnace Timbisha Shoshone Village (private)

A E C L C H L

R mi km A L E d V Warm Springs W a A LO 1 3 2 1 To

o V Ranch at Death Valley San

R 0.5 Kilometer E ft m R 35 SYLVANIA MOUNTAINS I N Cerro Gordo Peak 18 4 2

ernardino Paved road Paved Unpaved road High clearance recommended Hiking trail L Fourwheeldrive road e A

in A S

P Visitor Center

w K Furnace Creek

o 35

l i E W R ig U 0 0 E Furnace Creek Saline Valley Dunes E must stay on roads. including bicycles, Vehicles, Y LE I N AL L V A

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LA N

H Y

FIS N S A 18

C T ft m FLA 10 S

N Keeler U ats mi km ACT Fl C 1 8 2 Chocolate Mountain 0 3 234 8 s kas

ac I

E 14

To L mi km Dyer mi km EY

R LL 1 5 2 4 A V 4 2 6 8 A A

k SE

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e r Y C T A (dry)

L E South Haiwee Reservoir A D

In winter carry chains. Road may be closed. L

l V l

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136

n r E

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North Haiwee Reservoir w

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168

C N

t O a

l Mount Inyo 1110ft 3385m

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n S Olancha

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t R I P 18 o n S

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35 F I

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r 1 0 1 6

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ft m

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T T

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N S

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ft m U N

N Mahogany Flat

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N mi Y ft

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1 4 Mengel Pass

Sentinel Peak 63 6 23

A N O

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mi km T C Telescope Peak 1104 336 8

ft N m Panamint City (ghost town)

N Road conditions reuire experienced fourwheel drivers.

1 6 2 6 I

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C n summer 201 summer summer 201 summer E

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CALIFORNIA I CA S G

Lida unction O N

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C N Scottys Castle Scottys Scottys Castle Scottys

1 5 2 4 oad I

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d Y

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U Darwin

O Y I E A

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ft k Racetrack m T ee A Mountain E Cr R Artists Drive E ft m

M and adwater Dry Camp

L C Texas Homestake

N 18

A 86 0 23 1

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H Vista Point S Dry Mountain 86 4 264 4 C ILL Death Valley ft H m

1 Cottonwood T

S Father Crowley A DARWIN

L 56 8 N 13 1 T YO LA Crankshaft unction Palmetto Mountain AN F C 10 h Steel Pass

Ubehebe Peak s Darwin a E

C In winter carry chains. Road may be closed. W N Sunset Deep sand A Shoshone Timbisha trust lands Area below sea level Salt H C EE L T

mi km

A Ranger station Sanitary disposal station Picnic area Campground

N L Drinking water

O To Stovepipe Wells

Road conditions 3 5 3 o Y

tt e N

fourwheel drivers. E

m A reuire experienced l C G a ON N RIDGECREST P CANY m A Dunes

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O Y G N R Y 0.5 Mile

C E E N T U L E N Furnace Timbisha Shoshone Village (private)

A E C L C H L

R mi km A L E d V Warm Springs W a A LO 1 3 2 1 To

o V Ranch at Death Valley San

R 0.5 Kilometer E ft m R 35 SYLVANIA MOUNTAINS I N Cerro Gordo Peak 18 4 2

ernardino Paved road Paved Unpaved road High clearance recommended Hiking trail L Fourwheeldrive road e A

in A S

P Visitor Center

w K Furnace Creek

o 35 l l i E W R ig U 0 0 E Furnace Creek Saline Valley Dunes E must stay on roads. including bicycles, Vehicles, Y LE I N AL L V A

E S K

LA N

H Y

FIS N S A 18

C T ft m FLA 10 S

N Keeler U ats mi km ACT Fl C 1 8 2 Chocolate Mountain 0 3 234 8 s kas

ac I

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R LL 1 5 2 4 A V 4 2 6 8 A A

k SE

O To Los Angeles e R

e r Y C T A (dry)

L E South Haiwee Reservoir A D

In winter carry chains. Road may be closed. L

e l V l

a N A V

136

n r E

o V

35 h OWENS LAKE

North Haiwee Reservoir w

o N

168

C N

t O a

l Mount Inyo 1110ft 3385m

Y a Y

E T N L

h C s k L O U A o A A

D d e V E R C o e U o r A

Waucoba Mountain 11123ft 330m M ES

C LOS ANGEL R

n S Olancha

G E o N

t I

Deep Springs Lake t R I P 18 o n S

C Owens Peak

a O S

mi km N m P

y E A

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W E

INYO N S E

N U A

FOREST E G

E R L

D S E N

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35 F I

S O W L NATIONAL O Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center To Manzanar National Historic Site To Lake Isabella To ig Pine Lone Pine To ig Pine Explore the Park Biking in the Park Death Valley has more than 785 miles of roads, including hundreds of miles suitable for mountain biking. Check out these suggested biking routes. EASY ROADS MODERATE ROADS DIFFICULT ROADS Biking DOs

Bicycle Path Hole-in-the-Wall Road Artists Drive yy Bikes can be used on all park Start: Furnace Creek Visitor Start: 6.5 mile east of Furnace Start: 9 miles south of Hwy 190 roads that are open to public Center Creek on Hwy 190 on Badwater Road vehicles Distance: 1 mile to Harmony Distance: 4 miles Distance: 9 miles, one-way yy Bikes can be used on bike Borax Works; 1 mile through Road type: loose gravel Road type: paved with hills specific routes — the bike Mustard Canyon Level of use: low Level of use: high path between the visitor Road type: paved and flat to center and harmony borax Harmony Borax Works; gravel works through Mustard Canyon Skidoo Road West Side Road Start: 9.5 miles south of Hwy 190 Start: 6 miles south of Hwy 190 yy Ride single file Level of use: moderate on Emigrant Canyon Road on Badwater Road yy Be courteous of other visitors Distance: 7 miles Distance: 40 miles Salt Creek Road Road type: wash-board gravel Road type: level but wash- yy Bring tools and extra tubes Start: 13.5 miles west of Furnace Level of use: low board gravel road, sandy for fixing flats Creek on Hwy.190. in places Distance: 1.2 miles Aguereberry Point Road Level of use: medium Biking DON’Ts Road type: graded dirt road Start: 12 miles south of Hwy 190 Level of use: moderate on Emigrant Canyon Road. Titus Canyon Road yy Bikes are not allowed Distance: 6 miles Start: 2.7 miles east of park on closed roads, service Road type: wash-board gravel, boundary on Nevada Hwy. 374 roads, off roadways, in the some rocky areas Distance: 28 miles, one way wilderness or on any trails Road type: steep grades, Level of use: low yy Please do not ride side-by- loose gravel side Level of use: medium

Road bicyclists riding safely single-file (NPS/Kurt Moses) The Wildest — Death Valley Wilderness Visit Death Valley in the winter months and have one of the best wilderness experiences available in the United States. At over 3.1 million acres of Wilderness, Death Valley contains the largest federally designated Wilderness outside of Alaska, which is over 90% of the entire park. The Wilderness begins 50 feet from most of Death Valley’s roads, so go for a drive, park safely, and take a short walk into the Wilderness! Looking for a longer experience? Death Valley is open to cross-country hiking, which means you can walk into the Wilderness in most places in the park. How to Visit Death Valley’s Wilderness LEAVE NO TRACE Backpackers (overnight users) are asked to obtain a free, voluntary backcountry permit at a visitor center. KEEP WILDLIFE WILD— LEAVE IT AS YOU FIND IT— Properly store your food at night. Take only memories and leave Overnight group size is limited to 12 people. Do not feed, approach or follow only footprints. Inspect and clean animals—observe from a distance. equipment between different trips to minimize the spread of invasive Pets are not allowed on trails or in the Wilderness. PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE— species. Clean up your campsite to Learn about the area you plan to go minimize your lasting impact. BEFORE you go—are there special Campfires are NOT allowed. Use a campstove instead. rules or considerations? What do you TRASH YOUR TRASH— need to bring with you to be safe and Whatever you bring into the tread lightly? Wilderness travel in Wilderness—pack it out. That Water can be stashed responsibly for longer trips. Death Valley requires that you bring includes toilet paper, and all of your needed water, as well as “biodegradable items,” like pistachio protection from the sun and wind. nut shells, apple cores, and orange peels. These things will take many BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE— years to break down in the desert! Campfires are not allowed in the Carry a garden trowel so you can Hiker taking in Wilderness in Death Valley; use a bury human waste, or better yet, pack the view (NPS/Heare) camp stove instead it out.

WATCH WHERE YOU WALK— SHARE OUR PUBLIC LAND— Death Valley has mostly cross- People travel to the Wilderness to country hiking and limited designated experience wilderness qualities—help trails, allowing hiking in most retain them by keeping noise levels places. When choosing where to down, passing with consideration and walk or camp, avoid fragile soil and picking an appropriate campsite away vegetation, or wet soil, if possible. from other visitors. Pick a campsite on a durable surface that is at least 200 feet away from desert springs. Park Resources Invasive Burros in Death Valley They are nonnative and invasive They are not naturally supposed to be here and their numbers rise exponentially without management. The invasive burros you see today are the descendants of animals introduced into the environment by humans over the last 150 years. They destroy water sources for other animals They stomp around and make a mess of the fragile spring habitat. They also don’t let other animals get near the springs. They overbrowse sensitive plant species, some of which only exist in these small habitats. Do not approach them or exit your vehicle It can be dangerous, as they can be very protective and aggressive, Burros in the roadway are dangerous especially when defending young. Burro damage in a sensitive spring for visitors and the burros (NPS) habitat (NPS) Watch for them near and in the roadways They stand in the roads and won’t budge. Proceed carefully around them without exiting your vehicle. Please do NOT feed Do not leave unsecured food in your campsite them. When camping at Wildrose Campground, Saline Valley Campground or some places in the backcountry, burros are present. They can destroy your tent or vehicle to access food, in addition to making a mess. ENJOY and PROTECT the WILDFLOWERS Don’t Stack Rocks Wildflowers are an important part of the ecosystem. Cairns are stacks of rocks often used to mark hiking routes They provide food, habitat and are beautiful to in the desert, but in the narrows of Golden Canyon, cairns look at. What is the best way to show your love for are not necessary to find your way. These wildflowers? By not picking them! Watch where visitor-built cairns were assembled over you step while you are taking a closer look. Each a single week, by dozens of wildflower will produce seeds for the next bloom. Ask visitors. They are not natural at the visitor center in the spring for viewing tips. to the landscape and can be Wildflowers and pollinators rely on each other (NPS/Hoerner) confusing when directional cairns are needed. Please don’t leave cairns. DON’T PICK — PROTECT! Rock cairns in Golden Canyon (NPS) Scotty’s Castle Update Exciting projects are happening this season to repair flash flood damage at Scotty’s Castle. These major projects are important steps toward reopening the historic district to the public in 2020. An unusually severe thunderstorm assessments to write project proposals outside experts. Projects vs. Operations stalled over Grapevine Canyon one to seek almost $50 million in funding. Meanwhile, promises Death Valley National Park receives an night in October 2015. The downpour Over the next two years, most work of funding started to operating budget of about $8.7 million per landed on steep desert hillsides and was behind the scenes at computers come in for individual year. This pays for routine, ongoing tasks quickly ran down to the canyon floor: and conference rooms. Architectural projects. About one-third from monitoring rare plants to rescuing right where Albert Johnson built and engineering firms designed of funding is coming injured visitors, to maintaining buildings Scotty’s Castle in the 1920s. With few proposed repairs and reconstructions. from park entrance fees and roads. plants to stabilize the soil, the flash Some facilities, like the road, water paid by DVNP visitors. flood consisted of mud and rocks, as Most parks have a maintenance backlog. system, and septic system, were Another third is being well as rushing water. When a park has a large, expensive repair, completely destroyed by the flood funded by NPS funds they apply for project funding. NPS managers In the days just after the flood, and need to be engineered from the sources (most of which review project proposals from all parks and National Park Service equipment ground up. ultimately come from taxes fund the most viable and needed work first. operators cleared a temporary access and are appropriated by A major factor in all the designs is route for park staff to be able to drive Congress). The remaining resiliency to future floods. Large to the Castle. Crews shoveled out third comes from Federal barriers will be buried under the mud from building interiors. In one Highways Administration. road shoulder. The roadway will be room it was 4 feet deep. Funding for smaller, but realigned in many locations. About vital, projects is coming Over the next few months, historic 4,000 feet of the water line will buried from donations, including architects, engineers, and other under the road, rather than buried in via Death Valley Natural experts evaluated damage and the wash like it was before the flood. advised the park on recovery plans. History Association. Park staff used a “choosing by Park staff used those condition Three years after the flood, advantage” process to decide between several major projects a range of options broke ground in the fall Aerial view after the flood (SCE) presented by the design of 2018. Contractors firms. This process Road damage on Bonnie Claire Road (NPS) are rebuilding 8 miles included concerns of Bonnie Clare Road. The final task will be returning the about historic buildings, Another set of contractors are nearly 6,000 historic objects to the environmental impacts, replacing the septic tank, leach tour route in Scotty’s Castle. The future visitor experience, field, water collection building, furniture, clothing, books, and other and costs — both initial reservoir tank, waterline, and electric personal property of Albert Johnson, construction costs and components. Bessie Johnson, and Scotty have been life-cycle costs. protected off-site since the flood. Work should start in the spring Once park staff had 2019 on the Visitor Center (in the Scotty’s Castle will reopen in 2020, decided upon the historic garage building), pedestrian five years after the catastrophic Scotty’s Castle is Closed preferred rehabilitation walkways, Hacienda building, and the flood. While at first glance this may methods, the next step All of Grapevine Canyon is temporarily off- Main House. Flood control structures seem to be a slow process, it is more was to consult with the limits to public access for visitor safety and will be built in autumn 2019. Exhibits important to take care of this special public, the Timbisha resource protection. Scotty’s Castle will will be installed in the Visitor Center place properly than it is to do it Shoshone Tribe, and reopen in 2020. early in 2020. quickly. Programs Explore with a Park Ranger Wildlife Sightings Ranger Brandi leads a hike Help wildlife and park at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes (NPS/Kurt Moses) biologists How can you help? Report your wildlife sightings! The data is used to make distribution maps of where wildlife can be found so biologists can better understand the wildlife in Desert Tortoise (NPS) Death Valley. Two species of special interest are Nelson’s bighorn sheep and desert tortoise, but other wildlife observations are also welcome. Please let us know what Bighorn Sheep (NPS) you see! Interested in ranger-led programs?

Ranger-led programs are offered How do I make a report? Mid-November through April Please fill out a wildlife sighting form For a complete list of programs, refer to the available at the visitor center. Ranger Program Schedule OR report directly on: available at visitor centers, at nps.gov/deva, iNaturalist.org and posted throughout the park /projects/ Most programs are free, unless indicated, and some death-valley-wildlife require advance registration. Bighorn Sheep (NPS/Hilary Clark) Junior Ranger Explore, Learn, Protect! Anyone can become an official Death Valley Junior Ranger 1. Pick up a free Junior Ranger booklet

2. Explore the park and complete the fun activities

3. Share your adventures—show your book to a park ranger

4. Take the pledge to receive your badge and certificate Earn the Junior Ranger Lizard (Jess Heron) ÌÌ Special patches are available for sale at the bookstore badge! Every Kid in a Park: 4th Grade Pass Stop by the Furnace Creek Visitor Center Calling All 4th Graders Home to the famous Death Valley thermometer, the Furnace Creek Visitor Center is a great place to spend some time and learn about the park.

Speak with park rangers and get trip planning information Explore the exhibits to learn more about the park Watch the park film (20 minutes in length, typically played every 30 minutes, 8:30 am-4 pm) Shop at the park bookstore Pick-up a Ranger-led Program You and your family get free access to hundreds of parks, Schedule lands, and waters for an entire year. Speak to a ranger or visit everykidinapark.gov for program details. Grab some snacks and water The large thermometer is especially 4th Graders with their free passes (NPS/ Kurt Moses) popular in the summer (NPS) Dark Night Sky Check out the stars at an International Dark Sky Park- Gold Tier Rating! Harmony Borax Works Night Sky (Weston Kessler) Night Sky Almanac Night Sky Almanac by Marni Berendsen NOVEMBER 2018 JANUARY 2019

Planets Visible Planets Visible ËËSaturn: Low in Southwest after sunset ËËMars: Southwest after sunrise ËËMars: High in South after sunset ËËJupiter: Southeast before dawn ËËVenus: Low in East before dawn ËËVenus: Southeast before dawn ËËVenus, Moon and Jupiter gather low in The Moon Southeast before dawn: Jan 1 - 2 ËËNew Moon: Nov 7 ËËFull Moon: Nov 22 The Moon ËËNew Moon: January 5 Taurids Meteor Shower ËËFull Moon: January 20, Supermoon ËËMidnight to dawn morning of Nov 6 ËËLunar Eclipse January 20, 7:33 p - 10:50 p (No moon makes viewing excellent) Leonids Meteor Shower Quadrantids Meteor Shower ËË2 AM to dawn morning of Nov 18 ËËMidnight to dawn Jan 4 (No moon makes viewing excellent) (No moon makes viewing excellent)

DECEMBER 2018 FEBRUARY 2019

Planets Visible Planets Visible ËËMars: Southwest after sunset ËËMars: West after sunset ËËVenus: Southeast before dawn ËËVenus: Southeast before dawn ËËVenus and Moon are close before ËËJupiter: Southeast before dawn sunrise: Dec 3 ËËSaturn: Southeast before dawn ËËJupiter, Moon, Saturn and Venus gather The Moon low in Southeast before dawn: Feb 27-28 ËËNew Moon: Dec 6 ËËFull Moon: Dec 22 The Moon ËËNew Moon: February 4 Geminids Meteor Shower ËËFull Moon: Feb 19, Supermoon ËËMidnight to dawn morning of Dec 14 (No moon makes viewing excellent) MARCH 2019 Ursids Meteor Shower Night Sky Viewing Tips ËËMidnight to dawn morning of Dec 22 (Bright full moon makes viewing difficult) Planets Visible ÌÌ Visit during the new moon — this is when the moon is ËËMars: West after sunset not visible which means the sky will be darker and you can ËËJupiter: Southeast before dawn see more stars. ËËSaturn: Southeast before dawn ËËJupiter, Moon and Saturn gather in ÌÌ Know what to look for — check out the night sky almanac on this page to get an idea of Southeast before dawn: Mar 27-28 what might be visible and where. The Moon ÌÌ Avoid light pollution — pick a place to view the night sky away from developed areas. ËËNew Moon: Mar 6 Ubehebe Crater has some of the darkest skies in the park, but the stars can be just as ËËFull Moon: Mar 20, Supermoon spectacular at Harmony Borax Works. ÌÌ Stay out long enough — it takes about 30 minutes without looking at light for your eyes to APRIL 2019 adjust to the night sky to see the most stars. ÌÌ Use a red light — or bring a piece of red cellophane for your flashlight. This will minimize Planets Visible the effect of the light on your adjusting eyes. ËËMars: West after sunset ËËJupiter: South before dawn ÌÌ Look at the horizon — Death Valley has large, towering mountains. If you pick a low place ËËSaturn: Southeast before dawn to view the night sky, like Badwater Basin, some of the stars could be blocked by the mountain ranges. Pick a large, open area with some elevation to see the most stars. The Moon ËËNew Moon: Apr 5 ÌÌ Bring binoculars — a simple pair of binoculars can be a great way to get a closer look! ËËFull Moon: Apr 19

Where are the best places to view the night sky? Lyrids Meteor Shower: ËËMidnight to dawn Apr 23 Harmony Borax Works Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Badwater Basin (Bright moon makes viewing difficult)

Located close to the Furnace Located close to Stovepipe Located 17 miles south (NPS/Kurt Moses) Creek Visitor Center. Provides Wells. This is a great spot for on Badwater Road. a great place to see the stars seeing a lot of sky. Unobstructed Milky Way viewing can be with little obstruction from views can be found here, but the somewhat obstructed from the mountains. There are also close proximity to the highway the mountains, but seeing historic buildings and a wooden means the potential for light the stars from the salt flats mule cart, which make for an pollution from headlights. Bring is a unique, other-worldly interesting foreground for night a red light or cellophane on experience! Not to mention photography. your flashlight and take a stroll that the salt flats provide great on the dunes! foreground for a night photo. Visitor Services Furnace Creek Stovepipe Wells Village Local Communities National Park Service National Park Service EAST OF THE PARK Furnace Creek Visitor Center: Ranger Station: Death Valley Junction, California: Get information and maps, purchase entrance Get information, maps, and purchase entrance 30 minute drive from Furnace Creek passes, explore exhibits, watch the park film, and passes. Lodging, restaurant, RV camping speak with park rangers. Open hours determined by available staffing. Beatty, Nevada: Packaged sandwiches and snacks are available at Lodging & Camping: 45 minute drive from Furnace Creek the DVNHA bookstore in the visitor center. Lodging, restaurants, ATM, camping, gas, general Death Valley Lodging Company store 8 AM-5 PM DAILY 760-786-2387 — deathvalleyhotels.com 760-786-3200 — NPS.GOV/DEVA Amargosa Valley, Nevada: Shower & Pool: Per person passes Indian Tacos & Shaved Ice: available daily until midnight ($4/person) 1 hour drive from Furnace Creek Lodging, gas, restaurants Timbisha Shoshone Village WiFi: Limited. Ask for details at the front desk. Often open Tuesday - Saturday 10 am-6 pm Pahrump, Nevada: General Store: 7 am-10 pm daily 760-258-7858 1 hour 15 minute drive from Furnace Creek ATM, groceries, ice, camping supplies, gifts, and Lodging, restaurants, grocery stores, hospital, Lodging & Camping: firewood The Oasis at Death Valley auto service, gas, ATM, veterinarians, camping Nugget Gift Shop: 8 am-9 pm daily 760-786-2345 — oasisatdeathvalley.com Shoshone, California: Restaurant: Gas Station: 24 hours pay at the pump 1 hour drive from Furnace Creek The Inn at Death Valley (major credit/debit cards) Unleaded fuel only Lodging, restaurants, general store, gas, Breakfast, lunch and dinner; for times and Restaurants: campground reservations (760) 786-2345 Toll Road Tecopa, California: Breakfast: 7 am-10 am Restaurants & General Store: 1 hour 15 minute drive from Furnace Creek Dinner: 7 pm-9 pm The Ranch at Death Valley Lodging, restaurants, camping There are a few different options for dining at this Badwater Saloon facility. Call 760-786-2345 for more info. 11:30 am-10 pm Las Vegas, Nevada: Lunch 11:30 am-5 pm; Dinner 5 pm-10 pm 2 hour 30 minute drive from Furnace Creek The following services are available at Lodging, restaurants, grocery stores, hospital, The Ranch at Death Valley: Panamint Springs auto service, gas, ATM, veterinarians, camping Shower & Pool: Per person passes available 8 am-10 pm ($5/person) Lodging & Camping: Panamint Springs Resort WEST OF THE PARK Laundry: Coin operated machines ($1.00) 775-482-7680 — panamintsprings.com Trona, California: WiFi: Hourly and daily rates General Store: 7 am-9 pm ATM, snacks, 1 hour 30 minute drive from Furnace Creek Borax Museum: Dawn to dusk (free) ice, firewood, camping supplies, and gifts Lodging, restaurants, camping, gas, ATM Gas Station: 24 hours pay at the pump (major Shower: Passes available at general store Ridgecrest, California: credit/debit cards) unleaded, diesel, propane, and Gas Station: 7 am-9:30 pm Unleaded fuel 2 hour drive from Furnace Creek limited mechanic services only Lodging, restaurants, grocery stores, hospital, auto service, gas, ATM, veterinarians, camping Farabees Jeep Rentals and Tours: Restaurant and Bar: 7am-9pm daily 4x4 Jeep rentals and tours. 760-786-9872 Lone Pine, California: deathvalleyjeeprentals.com Scotty’s Castle (CLOSED) 1 hour 30 minute drive from Furnace Creek Post Office: Lodging, restaurants, camping, gas, ATM, groceries, health clinic Mail letters and postcards: lobby open 24 hours Scotty’s Castle and the Bonnie Claire Road to NV Purchase postage: Monday - Friday 8 am-4 pm 267 are closed due to flash flood damage until Closed for lunch from 1 pm-1:30 pm 2020. The roads from Highway 190 to Racetrack and Mesquite Spring Campground are open. Senior/Access Dump NPS Campgrounds Season/Reservations Elevation Fee Pass Rate Sites Water Fire pits Tables Toilets Station open all year mid-Oct to mid-Apr reservations strongly recommended -196 ft $22 standard $11 standard 136 must be made at least 4 days and up to 6 months yes yes yes flush yes Furnace Creek (-60 m) in advance on recreation.gov or 877-444-6777 $36 hookups $25 hookups 18 mid-Apr to mid-Oct no reservations

open mid-Oct to mid-Apr -196 ft group back into all sites $14 $7 270 yes no flush yes Sunset (-60 m) only no reservations

open mid-Oct to mid-May Texas Springs no generators sea level $16 $8 92 yes yes yes flush yes no reservations

open mid-Sept to mid-May sea level $14 $7 190 yes some some flush yes Stovepipe Wells no reservations

open all year 1,800 ft $14 $7 40 yes yes yes flush yes Mesquite Spring no reservations (549 m)

open all year 2,100 ft tent only free 10 yes no no flush no Emigrant (640 m) no reservations

open all year 4,100 ft 25 ft length limit free 23 yes yes yes vault no Wildrose (1,250 m) no reservations

Closed with winter weather conditions 7,400 ft Thorndike 25 ft length limit free 6 no yes yes vault no (2,256 m) (4X4 recommended) no reservations

Closed with winter weather conditions 8,200 ft Mahogany Flat 25 ft length limit free 10 no yes yes vault no (4X4 recommended) (2,499 m) no reservations Dump Private Season Elevation Fee Sites Water Fire pits Tables Toilets Station open all year -218 ft group group $18 35 yes flush no Fiddler’s Camp 760-786-2345 - oasisatdeathvalley.com (-66 m) only only open all year $40 hookups/ sea level 14 yes no no flush yes Stovepipe Wells RV Park 760-786-2387 - deathvalleyhotels.com $20 senior/access pass rate

$35 hookups /$20 non-hookup open all year 2,000 ft $10 tents 76 yes some yes flush no Panamint Springs 775-482-7680 - panamintsprings.com (610 m) $50 - $65 tent cabins