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Death Valley National Park
Visitor Guide Summer 2018
Telescope Peak Trail (NPS/Hoerner)
Welcome to Your Death Valley Summer Adventure Death Valley is the hottest place on Earth, with a recorded temperature of 134° F (57°C) on July 10, 1913. Recently, 2016 and 2017 claimed the hottest average temperatures in Death Valley history! Exploring safely in the summer means being inside or going up in elevation. Whether checking out the visitor center exhibits or movie, auto touring with the A/C on, or getting to the higher elevations of the park, the summer is all about staying cool and safe.
Planning a Summer Visit Furnace Creek Visitor Center
Get out of the heat and enjoy the A/C while you explore exhibits, watch the 20 minute park film, speak with park rangers, shop at the bookstore or grab a snack.
Become a Junior Ranger
What’s Inside? Death Valley Feral Burros Burros are an introduced species to Death Valley, whose numbers rise exponentially without management.
They are feral
They are not naturally supposed to be here. The feral burros you see today are the descendents of animals introduced into the environment by humans over the last 150 years.
They destroy water sources for other animals Stop by the Furnace Creek Visitor Center to get a junior ranger They stomp around and make a mess of the fragile spring habitat. They also don’t let other animals get near the springs. They over browse booklet. Complete the indoor sensitive plant species, some of which only exist in these small habitats. activities and earn a junior ranger badge! Higher Elevations/ Mountains
(Deutsch, Français, Italiano) What To See....................... 3 Park Map...................... 4 & 5 Rules & Hiking.................... 6 Night Sky............................ 7 Visitor Services................... 8
Do not approach them or exit your vehicle
It can be dangerous, as they can be very mean and aggressive, especially when defending young.
Watch for them near and in the roadways
Explore the mountains of Death Valley — the Panamint Range can be accessed via a paved road and visitors will find much cooler temperatures.
They stand in the roads and won’t budge. Proceed carefully around them without exiting your vehicle.
Enjoy an Auto Tour
Sometimes the vast landscapes are best viewed from a distance — and in the summer, from the A/C! Explore Death Valley via paved roads in the summer to stay safe and enjoy the beauty. Places to see are listed on page 3 of this guide.
Safety & Rules ................... 2
Do not leave unsecured food in your campsite
Feral Burros in the road (NPS/Hoerner)
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 and make a mess. Please do NOT feed them.
Feral burro damage to a sensitive spring habitat. Water is rare in the desert and these spring sources are vital to native animals survival. (NPS/Sloan)
Death Valley Visitor Guide
1
Safety & Park Rules ENGLISH Safety
DEUTSCH Sicherheit
FRANÇAIS Sécurité
ITALIANO Sicurezza
yy Water: Drink at least one gallon (4 liters) of water per day. Carry plenty of extra drinking water in your car.
yy Wasser: Trinken Sie mindestens vier Liter Wasser pro Tag. Führen Sie immer noch zusätzliches Trinkwasser im Auto mit sich.
yy Boire de l’eau: Buvez du moins un gallon (4 litres) d’eau par jour. Apportez beaucoup d’eau potable supplémentaire dans votre voiture.
yy Hitze & Flüssigkeitsverlust: Wenn Sie sich schwindelig fühlen, Ihnen übel ist oder Sie Kopfschmerzen bekommen, gehen Sie sofort aus der Sonne und trinken Sie reichlich Wasser. Feuchten Sie Ihre Kleidung an, um Ihre Körpertemperatur zu senken. Hitze und Flüssigkeitsverlust können tödlich sein.
yy La chaleur et la déshydratation: Si vous ressentez des étourdissements, des nausées, ou des maux de tête, mettez-vous à l’abri du soleil et buvez beaucoup d’eau. Humectez des vêtements afin de baisser votre température corporelle. La chaleur et la déshydratation peuvent vous tuer.
yy Acqua: Bevete almeno un gallone (4 litri) d’acqua ogni giorno. Portate più acqua nella vostra macchina in modo da averne abbastanza se finite l’acqua che portate con voi.
yy Fahren im Sommer: Bleiben Sie auf befestigten Straßen. Wenn Ihr Auto liegenbleibt, bleiben Sie vor Ort und warten Sie, bis Hilfe kommt. Seien Sie vorbereitet: nehmen Sie immer reichlich Wasser in Ihrem Auto mit.
yy La conduite en été: Restez sur les routes pavées. Si votre voiture tombe en panne, restez là jusqu’à ce que les secours arrivent. Soyez prêt; apportez beaucoup d’eau supplémentaire.
yy Heat and dehydration: If you feel dizzy, nauseous or have a headache, get out of the sun immediately and drink plenty of water. Dampen your clothing to lower body temperature. Heat and dehydration can kill.
yy Summer driving: Stay on paved roads in the summer. If your car breaks down, stay with it until help comes. Be prepared; carry plenty of extra water. yy Stay alert and slow down: The most common cause of death in the park is single car vehicle accidents. A moment of inattention can send you, your car, and your loved ones flipping into the rocky desert. yy Do not rely on technology! Your cell phone will not work in most of the park. GPS devices frequently tell Death Valley visitors to turn off well-traveled roads, and take “shortcuts” over the desert and into canyons. Common sense and good judgment are far more reliable.
yy Dangerous animals: Never place your hands or feet where you cannot see. Rattlesnakes, scorpions or black widow spiders may be sheltered there. yy Do not enter mine tunnels or shafts. Mines may be unstable, have hidden shafts, pockets of bad air and poisonous gas.
Rules yy Entrance fees apply to all visitors! Please see page 4 for the exact amount you should pay. yy Pets and bicycles are not allowed on trails or in wilderness which covers over 90% of the park.
yy Guidare durante l’estate: Rimanete sulle strade asfaltate. Se la vostra macchina si guasta, rimanete con la macchina finché arrivano i soccorsi. Siate preparati; portate tanta acqua.
yy Bleiben Sie wachsam und fahren Sie langsam: Die hauptsächliche Todesursache im Death Valley ist ein einfacher Autounfall. Ein Moment der Unachtsamkeit kann Sie, Ihr Auto und Ihre Lieben dazu verdammen, in der steinigen Wüste zu enden.
yy State in allerta e rallentate: La causa di morte più comune nella Death Valley è un incidente di una sola macchina. Un momento di disattenzione può ribaltare la vostra macchina nel deserto roccioso, con voi e i vostri cari dentro.
yy Verlassen Sie sich nicht auf die Technik! Ihr Handy wird im größten Teil des Parks nicht funktionieren. GPS Geräte weisen Besucher des Death Valleys häufig an, die viel befahrenen Straßen zu verlassen und “Abkürzungen” durch die Wüste und die Canyons zu nehmen. Gesunder Menschenverstand, eine Karte des Death Valley und ein gutes Urteilungsvermögen sind sehr viel sicherer.
yy Non fate troppo affidamento sulla tecnologia! Il vostro cellulare non funziona nella maggior parte del parco. I GPS dicono spesso ai visitatori del parco di prendere una “scorciatoia” attraverso il deserto e nei canyon, lontano dalle strade molto trafficate. Il buon senso, una mappa della Death Valley e decisioni assennate sono più affidabili della tecnologia.
yy Wandern: Wandern Sie im Sommer NICHT in den tieferen Lagen. Die Berge, welche das Death Valley umgeben, sind kühler und dort gibt es viele Wege. yy Sturzfluten: Meiden Sie die Canyons während eines Sturms mit Regen und bereiten Sie sich darauf vor, jederzeit einen höher gelegenen Ort aufsuchen zu können. Achten Sie während der Fahrt auf Wasser, das in Pfützen und Schlaglöcher läuft.
La principale cause de décès à Death Valley est un accident impliquantun seul véhicule. Un moment d’inattention peut faire se retourner votre voiture, lançant vous-même et vos proches dans le désert rocailleux. yy Ne pas dépendre de la technologie! Votre téléphone cellulaire ne marchera pas dans quasiment tout le parc. Les dispositifs GPS indiquent aux visiteurs de quitter les grands chemins et de prendre des «raccourcis» à travers le désert et dans les canyons. Le bon sens, une carte de Death Valley, et un jugement éclairé sont beaucoup plus fiables. yy La randonnée: NE faites PAS de la randonnée dans les zones à basse altitude en été. Les montagnes qui entourent Death Valley sont plus fraîches et il y a beaucoup de sentiers. yy Les inondations soudaines: Evitez les canyons pendant les orages et soyez prêt à vous déplacer en terrain plus élevé. En conduisant, soyez attentif aux puissants débits d’eau et aux eaux dans les creux de la route.
yy Hiking: DO NOT hike in the low elevations when temperatures are hot. The mountains are cooler in summer. yy Flash floods: Avoid canyons during rain storms and be prepared to move to higher ground. While driving, be alert for water running in washes and across road dips.
yy Rester vigilant et freiner la voiture:
yy Caldo e Disidatrazione: Se avete la testa che gira, la nausea o mal di testa, trovate subito dell’ombra o un posto dove non c’è il sole e bevete molta acqua. Inumidite i vestiti per abbassare la temperatura del corpo. Il caldo e la disidratazione possono uccidervi.
yy Gefährliche Tiere: Setzen Sie nie eine Hand oder einen Fuß an eine Stelle, die Sie vorher nicht sehen konnten. Klapperschlangen, Skorpione oder Schwarze Witwen (Spinnen) könnten dort Unterschlupf gefunden haben. yy Betreten Sie keine Minentunnel oder Schächte. Minen können instabil sein, versteckte Schächte haben und Einschlüssen von schlechter Luft oder giftigem Gas enthalten.
Regeln yy Eintrittsgebühren müssen von allen Besuchern gezahlt werden! Bitte informieren Sie sich auf Seite 4 über die genaue Höhe der Gebühren. yy Hunde und Fahrräder sind nicht erlaubt auf Pfaden oder in der wildnis, die 90% des Parks umfasst.
yy Les animaux dangereux: Ne placez jamais vos mains ou vos pieds là où vous ne pouvez pas d’abord voir. Des crotales, des scorpions, ou des veuves noires peuvent s’y cacher. yy Ne pas entrer dans les tunnels ou les puits de mine. Les mines peuvent être instables, avoir des puits cachés, ou des poches d’air de mauvaise qualité et de gaz toxique.
yy Escursionismo: Non fate escursionismo a basse altitudini durante l’estate. Le montagne intorno alla Death Valley sono più fredde e ci sono molti sentieri. yy Allagamenti: Evitate i canyon durante i temporali e siate preparati a muovervi verso un punto più elevato. Mentre guidate, state attenti all’acqua che corre attraverso la strada. yy Animali Pericolosi: Non mettere mai le mani o i piedi dove non potete vedere. Crotali, scorpioni, o vedove nere potrebbero esservi nascosti. yy Non entrare nei tunnel delle miniere o nei pozzi. Le miniere potrebbero essere instabili, avere pozzi nascosti e sacche di aria o gas tossici.
Regole yy Le tasse di entrata si applicano a tutti i visitatori! Per favore, controllate a pagina 4 per il costo esatto che dovreste pagare. yy Cani e Biciclette non sono permessi sui sentieri o nell’area selvatica che copre 90% del parco.
Règles yy Les droits d’entrée s’appliquent à tous les visiteurs! Veuillez consulter la page 4 pour le montant exact que vous devez payer. yy Les chiens et les vélos sont interdits sur les sentiers ou aux milieux sauvages, ce qui couvre plus de 90 pour cent du parc.
yy Füttern Sie keine Vögel oder wilden Tiere. Dies dient Ihrer Sicherheit und der Gesundheit unserer Tierwelt.
yy Ne pas alimenter les oiseaux ou les animaux sauvages. C’est pour s’assurer votre sécurité aussi bien que la santé de notre faune et flore.
yy Non dar da mangiare agli uccelli o agli animali selvatici. Questa regola è per la vostra protezione e la salute della nostra fauna.
yy Driving off roads is prohibited. Stay on established roads.
yy Fahren abseits der Straßen ist verboten. Bleiben Sie auf den ausgewiesenen Straßen.
yy La conduite hors route est interdite. Restez sur les routes établies.
yy È vietato guidare fuori dalle strade. Rimanete sulle strade segnalate.
yy Do not take anything! Leave rocks, plants and historic objects where you find them for everyone to enjoy.
yy Nehmen Sie nichts mit! Lassen Sie Steine, Pflanzen oder historische Objekte dort, wo Sie sie finden, damit jeder sich an Ihnen erfreuen kann.
yy Ne rien prendre! Laissez les pierres, les plantes, et les objets historiques là où vous les trouvez pour que tout le monde puisse en profiter.
yy Non portate via niente! Lasciate i sassi, le piante, e gli oggetti storici dove li avete trovati in modo che tutti possano goderne.
yy Do not feed birds or animals. This is for your safety and the health of wildlife. Plus, it is against the law!
2
Death Valley Visitor Guide
What to See & Do: Summer These suggested activities correspond with the map on page 4. Check out the map for location information. 1 - 2 Hours — The do-not-miss list for a visit to Death Valley! Walking Travel from Place Name Description Required? Furnace Creek
Badwater Basin
Artists Drive
Zabriskie Point
The lowest point in North America, at 282 ft (86 m) below sea level, a surreal landscape of vast salt flats.
You can see the salt flat from your vehicle. 17 mi (27 km) south on Badwater Road A short walk would take you onto the 30 minutes one way salt flats.
A scenic loop drive through Enjoy the views from multi-hued hills. The 9 mile your vehicle. A short (14.5 km) drive is one-way; stop at Artists Palette open to vehicles less than would require exiting 25 ft (7.6 m) in total length. your vehicle.
Entrance to the one way road is 8.5 mi (13.7 km) south on Badwater Road 15 minutes one way to entrance
A 1/4 mi (400 m) distance, 60 ft (18 m) 4.8 mi (7.7 km) west on Golden colored badlands elevation gain walk Highway 190 and a famous and up a paved path to the spectacular spot for sunrise. 15 minutes one way viewpoint from the parking area.
Extra few hours — See another part of the park and stop at one of these unique spots! Walking Travel from Place Name Description Required? Furnace Creek
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Keane Wonder Mine
Dantes View
Tawny dunes smoothly rise nearly 100 ft (30 m) from Mesquite Flat.
The dunes can be viewed from your vehicle.
22.4 mi (36 km) north on Highway 190
Best example of a historic gold mine in the park with an intact aerial tramway. Please do not climb on structures or enter mines.
A 1/4 mi (400 m) distance, 85 ft (25 m) elevation gain walk from the parking area to the lowest tram terminal.
10.6 mi (17 km) north on Higway 190; 5.6 mi (9 km) on the Beatty Cutoff Road to the unpaved road
Breathtaking viewpoint over 5,000 ft (1,500 m) above Death Valley. It was updated in spring 2018 — check out the new exhibits!
The view is a short 100 ft (30 m) walk from your vehicle.
30 minutes one way
35 minutes one way 12 mi (19 km) on Highway 190; 13.2 mi (21 km) on Dantes View Road 1 hour one way
Half Day Adventures — Add these longer adventures to explore different parts of the park! Walking Travel from Place Name Description Required? Furnace Creek
Ubehebe Crater
Charcoal Kilns
Father Crowley Vista Point
Hundreds of years ago, a massive volcanic explosion caused by magma mixing with an underground spring left a 600 ft (183 m) deep crater.
The view is a short 100 ft (30 m) walk from your vehicle.
These ten beehive-shaped structures are among the best preserved in the west. Built in 1876 to provide fuel to process silver/lead ore.
The kilns are a short 100 ft (30 m) walk from your vehicle.
A landscape of dark lava flows and volcanic cinders abruptly gives way to colorful layers of Rainbow Canyon.
A view into Rainbow Canyon is possible with a short walk from your vehicle.
17.1 mi (27.5 km) north on Highway 190; 33.4 mi (53.8 km) on North Highway to Ubehebe Crater Road 1.5 hours one way 33.6 mi (54 km) north on Highway 190; 28.2 mi (45.4 km) on Emigrant Canyon Road 2 mi (3 km) are gravel 1.5 hours one way 62.8 mi (101 km) west on Highway 190 1.5 hours one way (Photos/NPS/Weston Kessler)
Scotty’s Castle is CLOSED due to flood damage — REOPENING 2020 Death Valley Visitor Guide
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Mount Palmer 7979ft 2432m
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Stovepipe Wells Village
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10mi 16km
Salt Creek Interpretive Trail
7mi 11km
Information
7mi 11km
Hells Gate
Corkscrew Peak
Information Death Valley Buttes
Kit Fox Hills
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Thimble Peak
Red Pass
Mesquite Flat Devils Sand Dunes Cornfield 9mi Sa 14km lt
Sand Dunes
Historic Stovepipe Well
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Scottys Junction
Stonewall Mountain 8875ft 2705m
Leadfield (ghost town)
Wahguyhe Peak
N NYO Grapevine Peak CA 8738ft EY 2663m
Two-way traffic to mouth of Titus Canyon.
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33mi 53km
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Mine
Rhyolite (ghost town)
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Amargosa Valley
Lathrop Wells
Busted Butte
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Other Passes honored Golden Age & Golden Access Commercial Tour Groups Fee determined by permitting office
(for U.S. citizens with disability)
Interagency Access Pass ............. $free
(for U.S. citizens 62+)
Vehicle & passengers.................. $30 Motorcycle...................................$25 Individual on bicycle / foot ....... $12 Annual Pass Death Valley Annual Pass .......... $55 Interagency Annual Pass............ $80 Interagency Senior Pass..............$20 Interagency Military Pass ........... $free
as of June 1st, 2018
Lifetime Pass Interagency Senior Pass ............. $80
Single Visit Pass (valid up to 7 days)
Chloride Cliff
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Pay the park entrance fee at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station, or at one of the fee machines placed throughout the park.
Entrance Fees
NE LLIS AIR FO R CE B O M B ING AND G UNNE R Y R ANG E
one way
Keane Wonder Mill and Mine
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South Pass
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Hunter Mountain 7454ft 2272m
Tin Mountain 8953ft 2729m
Mesquite Spring
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The Racetrack
HIDDEN
Ulida Flat
The Grandstand
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Mount Dunfee
Gold Point
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Mount Jackson 6411ft 1954m
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Ubehebe Peak 5678ft 1731m
20mi 32km
Teakettle Junction
Sharp rock; requires heavyduty tires.
Dry Mountain 8674ft 2644m
7mi 11km
Steel Pass
Road conditions require experienced four-wheel drivers.
Deep sand
Magruder Mountain 9046ft 2757m
72km
Lida 45mi
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Cerro Gordo Peak 9184ft 2799m
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Crankshaft Junction
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Palmetto Mountain 8960ft 2731m
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Chocolate Mountain 7703ft 2348m
S A tl ’s C a s Scotty
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Lone Pine
In winter carry chains. Road may be closed.
MA R B LE
Mount Inyo 11107ft 3385m
Waucoba Mountain 11123ft 3390m
NATIONAL
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To Big Pine
Deep Springs Lake
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Death Valley Visitor Guide
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RIDGECREST
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25mi 40km
CANYON
Bennett Peak
ANT CANYON
GOLER
Manly Peak 7196ft 2193m
A V A D N E Straw Peak
8133ft 2479m
Telescope Peak 11049ft 3368m
Porter Peak
Sentinel Peak 9636ft 2937m
Mengel Pass
Striped Butte
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Brown Mountain 5125ft 1562m
Wingate Pass
Road conditions require experienced four-wheel drivers.
Needle Peak
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Badwater Basin Lowest elevation in North America, 282ft (86m) below sea level
40mi 64km
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10mi 16km
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20 Mule Team Canyon
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Owl Lake
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Shoreline Butte Ashford Mill (ruins)
3mi 5km
Smith Mountain 5912ft 1802m
27mi 43km
Mormon Point
R o ad
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3040ft 927m
Pyramid Peak 6703ft 2043m
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18mi 29km
20mi 32km
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Funeral Peak 6384ft 1945m
Schwaub Peak
Vehicles longer than 25 feet (7.7 meters) not allowed. Coffin Peak 5503ft 1677m
Trailer parking
13mi 21km
Information
Hole in the Wall
Dantes View
Natural Bridge
Vehicles longer than 25 feet (7.7 meters) not allowed.
Artists Palette
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Devils Golf Course
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Eagle Borax Works (ruins)
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Thorndike Mahogany Flat
Charcoal Kilns
Panamint City (ghost town)
Rogers Peak
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Trip planning Pg. 3
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Trona
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Golden Canyon
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Campground
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Road conditions require experienced four-wheel drivers.
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Aguereberry Point
Furnace Creek
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Store
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Area below sea level
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Food service
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To Artists Drive and Badwater
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Eureka Mine Emigrant Pass 5318ft 1621m
Wildrose
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MUSTARD CANYON Harmony Borax Works Interpretive Trail
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Pinto Peak
Harrisburg Flats
Skidoo (townsite) Day use only
6732ft 2052m
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To Lake Isabella
S LOS ANGEL E
Timbisha Shoshone Village (private)
I N
Furnace Creek Inn
To Death Valley Junction
18mi 29km
C
Vehicles longer than 25 feet (7.7 meters) not allowed.
E
0
0
Borax Museum
H ILLS
Texas Spring
15mi 24km
M
Furnace Creek Ranch
Panamint Springs
190
A
Furnace Creek Visitor Center
Darwin Falls
NY
N
Sunset
To Stovepipe Wells
Darwin
Father Crowley Vista Point
CA
Towne Pass 4956ft 1511m
Panamint Butte
L E M Y ON CAN
V
42mi 68km
FL
Furnace Creek
Furnace Creek
A T
33mi 53km
OW INB RA
Lake Hill 2030ft 619m
Panamint Dunes
d
395
FL A TUS CAC
South Haiwee Reservoir
North Haiwee Reservoir
15mi 24km
190
T
N
O
OWENS LAKE (dry)
ER
B r Ama
FR
21mi 40km
W LO
L IA NN TE N CE
P A
N
G
O
Y
Keeler
ey Vall
a Ro
K
190
ve
r
127
To Pahrump and Las Vegas
4mi 6km
10 Miles
6mi 9km
Ibex Dunes
To Baker
24mi 39km
Ibex Pass
To 127 Tecopa and Las Vegas
To Pahrump and Las Vegas
Shoshone
178
28mi 45km
Eagle Mountain 3806ft 1160m
Brown Peak 4947ft 1508m
10 Kilometers
Saratoga Spring
ad Ro
Amargosa Opera House
e Lin
ASH MEADOWS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Refuge Headquarters
Devils Hole Death Valley National Park
Death Valley Junction
te S ta
23mi 37km
Deadman Pass 3263ft 994m
Salsberry Pass 3315ft 1010m 25mi 41km
Y
S
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A nt mi na R oa West
C T
N
VA
Pa
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N
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CANYON ER WK HA Y JA
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R T E W A E N
N YO N
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o ne h as
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S I N
Death Valley Visitor Guide
5
Support Your Park Obey the speed limits and other rules of the road. Do not stop in traffic lanes—pull over and park safely off of the road. Keep your car on established roads. Unsightly tire tracks scar the fragile desert landscape for decades.
Pets are permitted on roads and developed areas, but prohibited in wilderness, on trails, and in buildings. Hundreds of miles of dirt roads are great places for walking pets. Keep pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length. Owners are responsible for cleanup.
Camp only in established campgrounds or in a permitted backcountry area. Check at a ranger station or visitor center for backcountry camping information.
It is illegal to discharge a firearm anywhere in Death Valley or to bring one into a federal building. Hunting and trapping are illegal within the park.
Campfires are allowed in established firepits only. Gathering firewood is prohibited—wood is scarce. Check for fire restrictions before camping.
Feeding animals is illegal and dangerous. Animals will be encouraged to hang out near the roads once fed by people, which endangers the animals and visitors.
Put garbage where it belongs. Litter in the desert spoils the landscape for each person that follows behind you.
Rocks, plants, animals, and historic objects in Death Valley are protected just like in a museum. Vandalism and theft are prohibited.
Please recycle in the provided receptacles. Propane cylinder recycle bins are located in most campgrounds where you can leave both empty and full canisters.
Despite being legalized by the State of California and the State of Nevada, possession or use of marijuana is not legal on federal lands, including Death Valley National Park.
Stay out of closed areas. Mines, service roads, and other areas are closed for your safety or the protection of important features.
The use of drones is prohibited. Racetrack Playa (Weston Kessler)
DRIVING OFF DESIGNATED ROADS IS PROHIBITED - DRIVE ONLY ON ESTABLISHED ROADS Walking and Hiking in the Heat Stay Safe Tips Hiking in Death Valley can quickly become dangerous, especially in summer months. yyHike before 10 am. The hottest time of the day is around 2 pm - 6 pm. yyBring and drink lots of water, a gallon per person per day, and more if you are active. Drink before you are thirsty, and eat plenty of salty snacks. yyTell someone where you are going, and stay on the trail. It is easy to become disoriented in desert environments. yyAsk a ranger for current trail conditions before attempting a hike.
Come Prepared Essential items for a hike: yyPlenty of water. Drink freely and often, and do not ration water. Eat snacks as well! yyThe right clothing. Long sleeved, light clothing can protect you from the sun. Mountain hikes at elevation can be much cooler than the valley floor, so bring extra layers. Wear sturdy shoes on all hikes.
May Daily High 100° F (average) 38° C Daily Low 73° F (average) 23° C Record 122° F High 50° C
June 110° F 43° C 81° F 27° C 129° F 54° C
July 116° F 47° C 88° F 31° C 134° F 56° C
August 115° F 46° C 86° F 30° C 127° F 53° C
September October 106° F 93° F 41° C 34° C 76° F 61° F 24° C 16° C 123° F 113° F 50° C 45° C
yySun protection, such as sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. yyA first aid kit. yyA map or trail description. The visitor center bookstore sells detailed maps.
Hike High The park’s mountains are much cooler places to spend the day than the valley floor. Hike in higher elevations, like Telescope Peak, Wildrose Peak, or during the shoulder-season, on Dantes Ridge. Hiker on Dantes Ridge (NPS/Hoerner)
Summer Hikes Wildrose Peak
Telescope Peak
6
Death Valley Visitor Guide
Trailhead Location
Round Trip
Elevation Gain
8.4 mi (13.5 km)
2,200 ft (671 m)
Charcoal Kilns on upper Wildrose Road
Out and back trail through pinyon-juniper woodlands to 9,064 ft (2,763 m) peak. The final two miles of access road is gravel, but typically passable in a sedan.
3,000 ft (914 m)
Mahogany Flat Campground on upper Wildrose Road
Out and back hike to 11,049 ft (3,368 m) - the highest peak in Death Valley. The trail starts in pinyon and juniper woodlands at Mahogany Flat Campground. The final 5 miles (8 km) of the access road is gravel and may require a high clearance vehicle.
14 mi (22.5 km)
Description
Dark Night Sky Check out the stars at an International Dark Sky Park- Gold Tier Rating! Night Sky Almanac
Harmony Borax Works Night Sky (Weston Kessler)
APRIL 2018 Planets Visible
ËMars: Ë South before dawn ËSaturn: Ë South before dawn ËJupiter: Ë SW before dawn, Late Apr: Low in SE after 9 pm ËVenus: Ë Very low in west after sunset ËApr Ë 1-3: Mars passes Saturn ËApr Ë 7: Moon, Saturn and Mars gather in South before dawn The Moon
ËNew Ë Moon: Apr 15 ËFull Ë Moon: Apr 29 Lyrids Meteor Shower:
ËMidnight Ë to dawn Apr 23 Ë(No Ë moon after midnight makes viewing excellent)
MAY 2018 Planets Visible
ËMars: Ë South before dawn ËSaturn: Ë South before dawn ËJupiter: Ë SE after sunset, low in SW before dawn ËVenus: Ë West after sunset The Moon
ËNew Ë Moon: May 15 ËFull Ë Moon: May 29
Night Sky Almanac by Marni Berendsen
JULY 2018 Planets Visible
ËMars: Ë Low in SW before dawn; Very low in SE after sunset ËSaturn: Ë SE after sunset ËJupiter: Ë SW after sunset ËVenus: Ë Very low in west after sunset (with crescent moon July 15) The Moon
ËNew Ë Moon: July 12 ËFull Ë Moon: July 27 Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower:
ËMidnight Ë to dawn morning of Jul 29 Ë(Bright Ë moon will make viewing difficult)
AUGUST 2018 Planets Visible
ËMars: Ë SE after sunset ËSaturn: Ë South after sunset ËJupiter: Ë Low in west after sunset The Moon
ËNew Ë Moon: Aug 11 ËFull Ë Moon: Aug 26 Perseids Meteor Shower:
ËMidnight Ë to dawn morn of Aug 13 Ë(No Ë moon means excellent viewing)
SEPTEMBER 2018
Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower:
ËMidnight Ë to dawn May 7 Ë(Bright Ë moon will make viewing difficult)
Death Valley Night Sky Viewing Tips
JUNE 2018
yy Visit during the new moon — this is when the moon is not visible which means the sky will be darker and you can see more stars.
Planets Visible
ËMars: Ë SSE after sunset ËSaturn: Ë South after sunset ËJupiter: Ë Low in SW after sunset The Moon
Planets Visible
ËMars: Ë South before dawn ËSaturn: Ë SW before dawn, late June: low in SE after sunset ËJupiter: Ë South after sunset ËVenus: Ë Low in west after sunset
yy Know what to look for — check out the night sky almanac to right to get an idea of what might be visible and where. yy Avoid light pollution — pick a place to view the night sky away from developed areas. Ubehebe Crater has some of the darkest skies in the park, but the stars can be just as spectacular at Harmony Borax Works.
ËNew Ë Moon: Sep 9 ËFull Ë Moon: Sep 24 Autumn Equinox: Sep 22
ËSep Ë 13-19 Moon moves from Jupiter to Saturn to Mars
OCTOBER 2018
The Moon
yy Stay out long enough — it takes about 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the night sky to see the most stars.
ËNew Ë Moon: June 13 ËFull Ë Moon: June 27
Summer Solstice: June 21
yy Use a red light —or put a piece of red cellophane on your flashlight. This will minimize the effect of the light on your adjusting eyes.
Planets Visible
ËMars: Ë South after sunset ËSaturn: Ë SW after sunset ËËJupiter: Early Oct: Very low in SW after sunset The Moon
yy Look at the horizon — Death Valley has large, towering mountains. If you pick a low place 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.
ËNew Ë Moon: Oct 8 ËFull Ë Moon: Oct 24
yy Bring binoculars — a simple pair of binoculars can be a great way to get a closer look!
ËEarly Ë evening Oct 8 Ë(No Ë moon will make viewing excellent)
Where are the best places to view the night sky?
Draconids Meteor Shower:
Orionids Meteor Shower:
Harmony Borax Works
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Badwater Basin
Located close to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. Provides a great place to see the stars with little obstruction from the mountains. There are also historic buildings and a mule cart for night photography, which make for an interesting foreground.
Located close to Stovepipe Wells. This is a great spot for seeing a lot of sky. Unobstructed views can be found here, but the close proximity to the highway means the potential for light pollution from headlights. Bring a red light or cellophane on your flashlight and take a stroll on the dunes!
Located 17 mi south on Badwater Road. Milky Way viewing can be somewhat obstructed from the mountains, but seeing the stars from the salt flats is a unique, other-worldly experience! Not to mention that the salt flats provide great foreground for a night photo.
ËMidnight Ë to dawn morn of Oct 22 Ë(Bright Ë moon will make viewing difficult)
(NPS/Kurt Moses) Death Valley Visitor Guide
7
Visitor Services Furnace Creek
Timbisha Shoshone Village
National Park ServiceFurnace Creek Visitor Center:
Indian Tacos & Shaved Ice:
Get information and maps, purchase entrance passes, explore exhibits, watch the park film, speak with park rangers. Packaged sandwiches and snacks are available at the DVNHA bookstore in the visitor center.
Panamint Springs Resort Lodging & Camping:
760-258-7858 Often open Tuesday - Saturday 10am-6pm
775-482-7680 - panamintsprings.com
General Store: 7am-9pm daily
Stovepipe Wells Village National Park ServiceRanger Station: Get information, maps, and
purchase entrance passes. Open hours determined by available staffing.
8 am-5pm daily 760-786-3200 - nps.gov/deva
Death Valley Lodging Company
Post Office:
Mail letters and postcards- Lobby open 24 hours Purchase postage- Monday - Friday 8am-4pm Closed for lunch from 1pm-1:30pm
The Oasis at Death Valley
ATM, snacks, ice, firewood, camping supplies, and gifts
Shower Passes: Available at general store Gas Station: 7am-9:30pm 87, 89, & 91 octane gasoline Restaurant and Bar: 7am-9pm daily
Local Communities
Lodging & Camping:
760-786-2387 - deathvalleyhotels.com
Beatty, Nevada: Lodging, restaurants, ATM,
Shower & Pool Passes:
camping, gas, general store
Per person passes available until midnight
Pahrump, Nevada: Lodging, restaurants,
Internet: Hourly and daily rates
Lodging & Camping:
Panamint Springs
General Store: 7am-10pm daily
grocery stores, hospital, auto service, gas, ATM, veterinarians, camping
Nugget Gift Shop: 7am-9pm daily
restaurants
The Oasis at Death Valley is undergoing extensive remodeling. For up to date information call 760-786-2345 or visit oasisatdeathvalley.com
Gas Station: Open 24 hours pay at the pump (major credit/debit cards) Unleaded fuel only
Death Valley Junction, California:
Shower & Pool Passes:
Multiple lodging options available. 760-786-2345 - oasisatdeathvalley.com
ATM, groceries, ice, camping supplies, gifts, and firewood
The Ranch: Restaurants & General Store:
Restaurants:
Amargosa Valley, Nevada: Lodging, gas,
Lodging, restaurant, RV camping
Toll Road:
Per person passes available 8 am - 10:30 pm
Breakfast: 7am-10am Dinner: 5:30pm-9pm
Shoshone, California: Lodging, restaurants, general store, gas, campground
Laundry: Coin operated machines
Badwater Saloon: 11:30am-10pm
camping
Tecopa, California: Lodging, restaurants,
Lunch: 11:30am-5pm
Borax Museum: 10am-6pm daily (free/
Trona, California: Lodging, restaurants,
outdoors)
Gas Station: 24 hours pay at the pump (major credit/debit cards) unleaded, diesel, propane, and limited mechanic services Internet: Hourly and daily rates Farabees Jeep Rentals and Tours: 4x4 Jeep rentals and tours. Located by the gas station. 760-786-9872 - deathvalleyjeeprentals.com
The Inn:
camping, gas, ATM
Scotty’s Castle (CLOSED) Scotty’s Castle and the Bonnie Claire Road to NV 267 are closed due to flash flood damage until 2020. The roads from Highway 190 to Ubehebe Crater, Racetrack, and Mesquite Spring Campground are open.
Ridgecrest, California: Lodging, restaurants, grocery stores, hospital, auto service, gas, ATM, veterinarians, camping Lone Pine, California: Lodging, restaurants, camping, gas, ATM, groceries, health clinic
Summer camping in the park?
Restaurant: Breakfast, lunch and dinner; for times and reservations (760) 786-2345
The campground with the coolest nights accessible by a paved road is Wildrose Campground.
A campground at a higher elevation will have cooler nights. Check the elevation.
Desert Sunset (Weston Kessler)
Season/Reservations
Elevation
Fee
Senior/Access Pass Rate
Sites
Water
Firepits
Tables
Toilets
Dump Station
open all year mid-Apr to mid-Oct: first come, first served mid-Oct to mid-Apr: reservations strongly recommended must be made at least 4 days to 6 months in advance on recreation.gov or 877-444-6777
-196 ft (-60 m)
$16 standard
$8 standard
136
$36 hookups
$25 hookups
18
yes
yes
yes
flush
yes
open mid-Oct to mid-Apr - back into all sites first come, first served
-196 ft (-60 m)
$14
$7
270
yes
group only
no
flush
yes
open mid-Oct to mid-May - no generators first come, first served
sea level
$16
$8
92
yes
yes
yes
flush
yes
Stovepipe Wells CLOSED in Summer
open mid-Sept to mid-May first come, first served
sea level
$14
$7
190
yes
some
some
flush
yes
Mesquite Spring
open all year first come, first served
1,800 ft (549 m)
$14
$7
40
yes
yes
yes
flush
yes
Emigrant
open all year - tent only first come, first served
2,100 ft (640 m)
free
10
yes
no
no
flush
no
Wildrose
open all year - 25 ft length limit first come, first served
4,100 ft (1,250 m)
free
23
yes
yes
yes
vault
no
Thorndike
open Mar-Nov - 25 ft length limit first come, first served
7,400 ft (2,256 m)
free
6
no
yes
yes
vault
no
Mahogany Flat
open Mar-Nov - 25 ft length limit first come, first served
8,200 ft (2,499 m)
free
10
no
yes
yes
vault
no
Season
Elevation
Fee
Sites
Water
Firepits
Tables
Toilets
Dump Station
Fiddler’s Camp
open all year 760-786-2345 - oasisatdeathvalley.com
-218 ft (-66 m)
$18
35
yes
group only
group only
flush
no
Stovepipe Wells RV Park
open all year 760-786-2387 - deathvalleyhotels.com
sea level
$34 hookups
14
yes
no
no
flush
yes
2,000 ft (610 m)
$35 hookups $20 non-hookup $10 tents $50 - $65 tent cabins
76
yes
some
yes
flush
no
NPS Campgrounds Furnace Creek
No reservations in Summer
Sunset
CLOSED in Summer
Texas Springs
CLOSED in Summer
(4X4 recommended) (4X4 recommended)
Private
Panamint Springs
8
open all year 775-482-7680 - panamintsprings.com
Death Valley Visitor Guide
