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SITES YOU CAN DRIVE TO Many of these sights are concentrated around the Furnace Creek area. You can easily drive to all of them in any passenger vehicle.
VISITORS CENTER Start here. Friendly NPS folks will stear you in the right direction, whether you have 4 hours driving through or want to plan an off road expedition. Exhibits, information, pay park entrance fees, obtain back country camping permits(free), park & area maps, books, etc.
BADWATER The lowest point in the Western Hemisphere is actually somewhere out on those salt flats, not by the side of the road at the turnout. If it's not too hot, park and walk out on the flats a mile or so for an eerie, desolate view. Check out the Sea Level sign painted on the cliffs behind the parking area.
ARTIST'S DRIVE A one-way loop road to Artist's Palette, where there are some incredibly colorful, rainbow-like rocks.
ZABRISKIE POINT Practically, by Death Valley standards, right around the corner from the Furnace Creek area. Adjacent to the parking area there's a short but steep paved path leading to a circular, panoramic view of these uplifted, eroded, yellow and brown hills. A favorite spot of photographers at sunrise for that ultimate desert pic. Incredible landscape.
DANTE'S VIEW Paved road leads to a spectacular view from 5,500 about feet above sea level, overlooking the Badwater area, miles of salt flats, and the wall of the Panamint Mountains across the valley. Great spot during summer months to cool off.
SALT CREEK Water running through the middle of Death Valley? A continuous flow rises up through a series of springs that are home to the Salt Creek pupfish that lives nowhere else. Stroll along a boardwalk that leads you through the area.
UBEHEBE CRATER 45 miles north of Stovepipe Wells, this very young volcanic crater was created by a steam/magmatic heat explosion maybe as recently as 300 - 3,000 years ago. 500 feet deep, about a half-mile wide, and (usually), extremely windy there. Hike/slide to the bottom and climb up, or take trail up to Little Hebe crater.
SCOTTY'S CASTLE Built from 1925 until 1931, this $2 million Moorish "Castle" is one of the most unique homes in all of California, and certainly rests in the most unique place. Tours inside the Castle ($8), daily on the hour, entry is limited, arrive an hour early. Touring the grounds is free - check out the stables and garage area with antique autos, gravesite on the hill, unfinished pool. Picnic tables available. Only 8 miles to Ubehebe Crater.
(DEATH VALLEY) SAND DUNES A 14 Square mile area of the most photographed and famous dunes of Death Valley. There is a gravel/dirt road leading to the eastern edge of the dunes, but its better to park off the main Highway, (HWY. 190), and walk from there out to the middle of the taller sandpiles. Photography is best early morning or late afternoon. Great fun to climb up the tallest dunes & play in the sand, and watch for weird looking hardened earth formations between dunes.
MOSAIC CANYON Located behind Stovepipe Wells up an unpaved 2.5 mile road to a parking area. Beneath the Tucki Mountains, this is a narrow, steep, water-polished canyon with layers of rocks called breccia. Hike required, 3 miles RT to dry waterfall & back.
AGUEREBERRY POINT From Hwy.190,take the Emigrant Canyon road about 12 miles up to the 6 mile unpaved road that leads to the spot where Pete Aguereberry viewed Death Valley. Much like Dante's view but from the west side, passing mining ruins along the route.
FATHER CROWLEY POINT on twisting, winding,Hwy. 190, overlooking Rainbow Canyon, this is another magnificent view of the terrain below. Good rest stop with turnout for dizzy passengers coming from Lone Pine and Hwy. 395.
THE CHARCOAL KILNS From Hwy.190 at Emigrant Campground, take the Wildrose road south to the Wildrose campground and Ranger Station and turn east (left). A short, rocky road takes you to the kilns. The kilns, resembling giant beehives, built in 1876, supplied pinyon pine tree charcoal for smelting gold & lead ore at the Modoc mine across the Panamint Mountains.
ASH MEADOWS An amazing area, in that there are more endemic plants & species within such a small region, more than anywhere else in the U.S. East of DVNP, in Nevada, 12 miles from Death Valley Junction, close to the city of Pahrump. Devil's Hole, with its large underground acquafir, is home to the Devil's Hole Pupfish, found nowhere else.
OTHER SITES Ashford Mill ruins, Borax Museum (Furnace Creek), Corkscrew Peak, Devil's Golf Course, Devil's Cornfield, Eagle Borax Works Site, Harmony Borax Works, Mushroom Rock, Natural Bridge, Saratoga Springs, Shore Line Butte.
SITES FOR THE MORE ADVENTUROUS These sites require off pavement driving on fair to poor roads: always check with the National Park Service,(760-786-2331), before planning and driving on all unpaved roads. In many instances, a 4 wheel drive vehicle isn't necessary: a pickup truck with high clearance will do just fine. Passenger cars should proceed with caution. It's not smart, and downright stupid to take off into the desert with a bag of chips and a couple of sodas... (There's a reason they call this place Death Valley)! Use common sense before leaving the pavement : check spare tire(s), radiator & oil, bring extra fuel, have the proper maps, etc. Carry plenty of water, and in more remote areas, take food and water in case of emergency. A lot of the spectacular & fantastic places in DVNP lie far from the paved roads, and if you venture away from asphalt you'll discover the true beauty, variety, and peacefulness of Death Valley.
THE RACETRACK a 25 mile rocky, sometimes washed out road, starting at Ubehebe Crater, leads to a dry lakebed called The Racetrack. The flat is shaped like an oval racetrack; the eerie, black outcropping of rock at its northern end is known as The Grandstand - park and walk out on the Playa to climb the granite island. Here also is the start of the Ubehebe Peak trail towards the west, a 5 mile RT strenuous hike overlooking the Saline Valley, White Mountains, and Mt. Whitney. The Racetrack is famous for its "Moving Rocks," mostly located at the south-eastern end of the lakebed. Nobody has ever seen the rocks move, but it's very evident that they do! Trails are left in the mud as the rocks are "pushed" along, some straight, some zig-zag. Scientists have theorized that when the hardened mud surface of the playa freezes, heavy winds from the northeast out of the Saline Valley "Blow" the rocks. But it makes you wonder... how strong would the wind have to blow to push an 80 lb. rock? Is there something else going on out here? Some strange magnetic force? A puzzling place to say the least. Near the end of The Racetrack Valley road is The Lipincott Mine road to the west, leading down into the Saline Valley : its extremely steep and rocky, with sheer cliffs, excellent views and cool mining ruins... Proceed with caution down this road.
STRIPED BUTTE (via Warm Springs road, high clearance first 10 miles, 4x4 to Striped Butte Valley). From West Side road, take Warm Springs road to the Warm Springs Camp. Abandoned as recently as 1980, there used to be a swimming pool here and you can hike up the hill behind the buildings to the water source constantly trickling from the cliffs. From the Camp, its rough going all the way to Striped Butte - the road resembles a long pile of rocks rather than an actual road. But once, or if, you get there, you'll be rewarded with being in a most magnificent valley with the Butte at its northern end. Mining ruins and springs in the area. If you continue west you'll head down Goler Wash road into the Panamint Valley. Goler Wash, Steele Pass, and the Lipincott roads are the "Mothers of all Death Valley roads!" Unless you want your vehicle dented & dinged, turn around at The Butte & go back the way you came.
(NOTE: Goler Wash Road has been improved, 12/26/2000)
DARWIN FALLS Off Hwy. 190, just passed the Panamint Springs Resort to the west, hidden in the seemingly barren mountains is the canyon of Darwin Falls. Annexed to the National Park in 1994, this canyon of running water, purple and green rocks is truly a desert oasis. The signed, 2.5 mile dirt road leads to a fork, turn right and drive a short bit to a parking area. Follow the water and hike up to the first falls. Naturally, this is a great place to see wildlife because of the water. Further up the main dirt road is China Gardens, and up through the hills to the living Ghost Town of Darwin.
THE CANYONS OFF WEST SIDE ROAD TRAIL CANYON, HANAUPAH, and JOHNSON Canyons are west off West Side road and require 4x4 vehicles to drive up into them.Trail Canyon offers a scenic trip up through the Panamint Mountains, with fossils of ancient sea animals and a long geological history recorded on the canyon walls. Very rugged hiking. The south fork of Hanaupah Canyon is one of the nicest spots in the park. Near its upper end are pools of water, lush hanging rock-gardens, and winds its way up to the high mountain woodlands at the base of Telescope Peak, the highest verticle climb under 20 miles in the lower 48 states. Johnson Canyon is a popular hiking destination with the goal being Hungry Bill's Ranch, originally established to provide vegetables and fruit to the miners of booming Panamint City.
GROTTO CANYON Located on the other side of Mosaic Canyon, east of Stovepipe Wells, Grotto Canyon is a series of labyrinths with beautifully carved grottoes and tight narrows. This is a great place for technical rock climbing, but scrambling can be enjoyed here as well. Short dirt road, 2.4 miles from Stovepipe off Hwy. 190 leads to the mouth of the canyon. Not too many people know of this place, and you can find a real sense of isolation and solitude here.Wander where you will, but remember not to drift too far as you will have to remember how to get out again!
MARBLE AND COTTONWOOD CANYONS Just beyond the Stovepipe Wells airstrip is the road to Marble and Cottonwood Canyons. The road is pretty good for 8.6 miles, then drops into a wash where it is sandy and 4x4 is helpful. 2.2 miles up the road to the junction of Marble Canyon, then another 2.6 miles to just inside the first narrows. The finest concentration of Indian Petroglyphs in the park can be found on the walls of Marble Canyon. The figures are from abstract drawings to animals of the area such as bighorn sheep and lizards. Cottonwood Canyon is reached by a 10 mile long road usually in fair condition. There are winding gorges, side canyons to explore, and a large oasis fed by the Cottonwood Springs.
EUREKA VALLEY SAND DUNES Reached via Big Pine road (Hwy.168), from the west, paved road until the Eureka Valley Dunes turnoff ; then about 12 miles on a good dirt road, (about 39 total miles from Hwy. 395 and the town of Big Pine). Designated a National Natural landmark in 1983, then incorporated within DVNP in 1994, these are 700 foot high dunes located in a remote, waterless valley far from the crowds and tourists. Its a long way from civilization out here, and that's what makes this place special.The dunes are pristine and beautiful. Try climbing to the top of the largest dunes for an incredible view! There are over 50 species of plants that live in the dunes, including 3 endemic species (Eureka evening primrose, Eureka milk-vetch, and Eureka dunegrass). High winds can make for an unpleasant experience, as well as shadeless summer days where temps can reach 120 + degrees.
GREENWATER VALLEY Off the Dante's View road, this area contains Indian Petroglyphs, as well as the very rare Pictographs, (figures painted on cave and canyon walls), mining ruins, and solitude. While the petroglyphs are relatively easy to find, the pictographs are not... I have tried several times and haven't found them yet! From the junction of the Dante's view road and the Greenwater Valley road, drive about 10 miles to the Greenwater Canyon road to the east, (now closed due to wilderness area restrictions). Hike about 1.1 miles to an old parking area and the beginning of Petroglyph Canyon. Most of the rock art is near the entrance to the canyon. Another half-mile up the road over a ridge to the left is another canyon with more petroglyphs. Apparently, the pictographs are about 5.1 miles up the road, making the trip a 10.2 mile RT hike. The Greenwater Valley road runs south 28 miles to the town of Shoshone. You'll find mining ruins and complete solitude along the way.
TITUS CANYON Road conditions vary due to rainfall. A one-way 27 mile trip through gorgeous narrows, twisted rock formations, ghost towns, Indian Petroglyphs at Klare Springs, and geologic wonders. The road begins outside the park boundries on the Daylight Pass road (to Beatty, NV.). After about 10 miles you'll come across Titanothere Canyon, named for fossils found here in 1933. Hiking into the canyon to find the fossils of squirels, dogs, camels, and horses is very difficult. 16 miles into the journey will find you at the ghost town of Leadfield, a boomtown based entirely on speculation and fraud! Around 2 miles down the road is Klare Springs, with the only reliable water source in the area, critical for bighorn sheep and other wildlife. The road eventually leads out on to the Scotty's Castle road, about 15 miles from Hwy. 190.The general consensus of folks who know the park intimately seems to be that if you only have time to do one off-road trip, Titus Canyon would be number one.
SALINE VALLEY The trek from Hwy.190 in the south to the Big Pine road to the north is 78 miles long... of hard, rocky, washboard, wet, winding, & steep road; cutting through the enormous, remote Saline Valley. Most people's destination out here are the hot springs, yet there are so many places to hike, camp, and explore throughout the valley that most of it has been overlooked by the modern adventurer. From the south, drive until the pavement ends and climb up towards Hunter Mountain. After a series of twists & turns uphill, about 15 miles from Hwy. 190, at the turnout to the right you'll have a spectacular view of the Panamint Valley & Panamint Dunes below. Further up, head straight (north), not right (east), at the Hunter Mountain junction. Wind down Grapevine Canyon, with its year-round running springs, blooming spring flowers, abundant wildlife, and trees. Soon you come to a view of the entire, expansive valley, and there's that faint, pencil-line of a bad dirt road running through the middle of it. You have about 60 miles to go! On the valley floor, the road off to the right is the Lipincott Mine road, leading down from the Racetrack to the east, behind Ubehebe Peak. About 39 miles into the journey towards the left is Hunter Canyon. There's water there and some old mining claims. To the east of Hunter Canyon is the Saline Valley Marsh, with its fresh water & lush mesquite trees, once an important, life supporting spot to the Shoshone & Pauite Indians that inhabited the valley. Further up also to the left is Beveridge Canyon, named for its water. Hike to the waterfall, and beyond that, its rock scrambling up into the Inyo Mountains. North of Beveridge is McElvoy Canyon, again with a mossy green waterfall, and in the spring flowers growing from the rocks. Just up the road to the east is the turnoff for the Saline Valley Hot Springs. Before national park status, this area was inhabited by people year round. But since 1995, Park Service officials have been enforcing 30 day camping limits. Here,the water from natural hot springs have been diverted into spa-like tubs, and primitive camping is available. The springs road leads north up through the treacherous Steele Pass to the Eureka Valley and dunes. Back on the Saline road, Pat Keyes Canyon is to the west, and soon you'll be climbing out of the valley through the pinyon pine forest. The northern part of the valley has an abundance of mines, fun for exploring and seeing ruins of the old west. From the end of the Saline road at the junction of Hwy. 168, its only 15 miles to the town of Big Pine, and civilization again!
STOVEPIPE WELLS On Hwy. 190 in the heart of DVNP. There are 200 sites for tents and motorhomes, with ten spaces in the back for tents only (with fire pits & grills). Restrooms, picnic tables, water. There are 10 full hook up sites for motorhomes behind the general store & gas station; pay at the motel across the street, (no reservations, $15 per night, year round). This campground is a giant, unattractive "parking lot"... people stay here for the convenience of Stovepipe Village, (with its motel, restaurant and bar, swimming pool, and store), & its proximity to the sand dunes & other nearby sites. Closes in the summer, or when there are 3 consecutive days of 100+ degree weather. Showers and use of the pool (closes at midnight) across the street are $2. Campground fee is $10.
EMIGRANT Just 6 miles up the road from Stovepipe, Emigrant is a tent only, 10 site campground with restrooms and the best piped water in the Valley! Higher elevation at 2,000 feet makes it a bit cooler in the warmer months. Sweet views of the dunes & valley below, but right on Hwy.190, not exactly quiet. Open year round. No fee.
WILDROSE Near the Wildrose Ranger Station. 30 sites for tents and motorhomes. Picnic tables, water, firepits and toilets. This one's up the Wildrose road, at 4,100 feet. Quiet and a bit more scenic than others. No fee.
MAHOGANY FLAT At the top of the Charcoal kiln road, high in the Panamint Mountains. 10 sites, no water, fire pits, picnic tables and toilets. Primitive. At 8,200 feet, this place is a winner in hot summer months. It overlooks Death Valley, on the edge of the world it seems. Sunrises here are incredible! The jewel of DVNP campgrounds.Trailhead to Telescope peak, the tallest mountain in the park at 11,049 feet, starts here. Road closes in winter. No fee.
THORNDIKE Just below Mahogony Flat, on the charcoal kiln road. 8 sites for tent only. No water, picnic tables, fire pits, toilets. Campground reached by poor dirt road, passenger cars use caution. Small, primitive camp set at 7,500 feet. Nice. Road closes in winter. No fee.
FURNACE CREEK On Hwy. 190. 136 sites for tents or motorhomes, full hookups available, reservations available, fee (800-365-2267). Piped water, picnic tables, restrooms, shady sites, dump station. Next to the visitors center. $14 per night, $10 May-Sept. Available at Furnace Creek: swimming and showers ($2), restaurants, saloon, general store, hotel, golf, horseback riding (winter), museum (fee). Open all year (for air conditioned motor homes).
SUNSET 1,000 Sites, ( yes, that's One-Thousand), for tents and motor homes. Piped water, picnic tables, toilets. Across the road from Furnace Creek. $10, Oct.-April.
TEXAS SPRING 92 Sites for tents or motorhomes. Two group sites for 70 people and 10 vehicles. Piped water, picnic tables, restrooms (that are listed on the National Historic Register !!!), dump station. Also nearby Furnace Creek. $10, Oct.-April.
MESQUITE SPRING Near Scotty's Castle, 30 sites for tents or motorhomes, no hookups. Piped water, picnic tables, fire pits, payphone available at Ranger station across the street, restrooms, dump station. Prettiest accessible campground in Death Valley. $10, year round.
SALINE VALLEY HOT SPRINGS In the remote Saline Valley, no designated sites, 30 day stay limit within DVNP enforced. Regulars have built & maintained a shower, dish washing station, pit toilets. There are spa-like soaking tubs where the natural springs have been diverted.
PANAMINT SPRINGS Privately owned campground/resort, just inside DVNP west entrance on Hwy. 190. Has about 10 sites for tents ($8), and about 10 for motorhomes, full hookups available($15). Restrooms with showers, motel, bar,restaurant, store. This is a pleasant little spot on the western side of the Panamint Valley on Hwy. 190.
HOMESTAKE MINE Camping is restricted at The Racetrack, but this is a primitive area at the end of the road where camping is allowed. No campfires, no facilities, no fee.
BALLARAT Located off Hwy. 178 just outside the southwestern entrance to DVNP, a camping area is available at the ghost town of Ballarat. A donation of $1 requested, no facilities. If for some reason you are stuck at the south end of the Panamint Valley, this is your spot!
BACK COUNTRY CAMPING Is allowed anywhere within the park outside of restricted areas. Certain rules apply : You must camp at least 3 miles from any developed campgrounds, 1/4 mile from any road, 1/4 mile away from any water source, and no ground fires are allowed within the park. I highly recommend back country camping! Find your own camp and have total peace and solitude. Some great spots can be found in the Saline Valley, Lee Flat area (and into the Nelson Mountain range), Greenwater Valley, Marble Canyon road, Butte Valley, and more.
LODGING There are only 4 places to stay located within DVNP boundries, but many options are available just outside the park. All rates listed are for 2 persons, tax not included, rates are subject to change. STOVEPIPE WELLS VILLAGE (760-786-2387) 83 Rooms; Deluxe ($83), standard ($63), & small patio rooms at the front of the motel ($43). Facilities: Restaurant (7am-9pm), bar (closes at midnight), general store & gas station (7am-9pm), pool (7am-midnight), gift shop, Ranger Station. Low key atmosphere, nearby attractions(Sand Dunes, Mosaic Canyon, etc.), make this spot an excellent spot to stay for exploring the park.
FURNACE CREEK RANCH (760-786-2345). ($94 -$149). The hub of the Death Valley lodging universe, rooms are adequate yet overpriced. Facilities: two restaurants, saloon, swimming pool with naturally heated spring water, basketball and tennis court, horseback riding (winter), golf course, general store (7am-9pm), gas station (7am-6:30pm), museum (fee), laundry facility (24 hours).
FURNACE CREEK INN (760-786-2345). Winter rates are $230-$345 , summer $155. Opened on Feb.1, 1927, this historic Inn provides some elegance to the desolate desert. Rooms aren't worth quite the amount you pay, but the atmosphere tries to make up for it. Facilities: huge swimming pool with naturally heated spring water, sauna, tennis courts, nearby golf course, bar with terrace seating, gourmet restuarant, and lovely grounds with stone walkways, trickling water and lined with palm trees. Gorgeous place!
PANAMINT SPRINGS RESORT (775-482-7680). 14 rooms, ($56.50), satellite TV in all rooms. There is a combination bar/restaurant/store/motel front desk, serving good food and beer & wine in a cozy atmosphere. Seating is available outdoors on the patio. Great place to have a beer & a burger & watch the world go by on Hwy. 190! Unique, relaxing place, worth a visit. (as of 1/1/00 no gasoline is available).
LODGING OUTSIDE OF DEATH VALLEY
BEATTY, NEVADA Located just about 15 miles outside the California-Nevada/National Park borders to the northeast, lodging in the small town of Beatty is a viable alternative to staying within the park. There are a few benefits (???) to staying in Beatty such as 24 hour restaurants, gambling, cheaper rooms with cable TV, 24 hr. gas and store, ATM's, etc.
THE BURRO INN (800-843-2078). 63 Rooms ($40, $35 single). Facilities: 24 Hour restaurant, bar & casino, cable TV, pool. Good restaurant.
THE STAGECOACH (800-424-4946). 80 Rooms ($38-$48). Facilities: 24 Hour restaurant, bar & casino, pool, cable TV.
THE EXCHANGE CLUB (775-553-2333). 44 Rooms ($45, 1 bed; $48, 2 beds). Facilities: 24 Hour restaurant, bar & casino, cable TV.
PHOENIX (800-845-7401). 54 Rooms (35+). Facilities: All rooms have small refrigerators, most have microwave ovens, cable TV. Front desk closes at midnight.
EL PORTAL (775-553-2912). 30 Rooms ($37, $35 single). Facilities: Pool (seasonal), cable TV.
LONGSTREET CASINO (800-508-9493). Located 7 Miles north of the intersection of Death Valley Junction (Hwys. 190, 127CA.-374NV.) in NV., about 25 miles from DVNP entrance. 60 Rooms ($69, $79 w/ patio, $99 mini suite w/ patio & fireplace). Facilities: Restaurant (7 am.-10 pm weekdays, open until 11pm weekends), 24 hour casino/ bar, golf (9 hole course, $12), beauty salon, pool. Gas station in town.
THE SHOSHONE INN (760-852-4335). Just 7 miles outside the southeastern entrance to DVNP, near the junction of Badwater road (Hwy. 178), & Hwy. 127 (north of Baker & I-15), in the town of Shoshone. (58 miles from Furnace Creek).16 Rooms ($50.14 tax included). Facilities (in town): Restaurant, the Red Buggy Cafe (7am-9pm), gas station & store, (8am-9pm), and saloon, the Crowbar (2pm-10pm). Trailer park has 30+ spaces, full hookups, tents allowed ($15), naturally heated warm springs pool available.This is a good alternative for travelers coming from Los Angeles & I-15 to see the less visited, southeastern portion of DVNP.
GHOST TOWNS While most of Death Valley's Ghost Towns are nothing more than level sites where tents & structures used to exist, here are some worth seing ...
RHYOLITE Outside DVNP near Beatty, NV., off Hwy. 374. Once home to more than 10,000 people, Rhyolite is the best preserved and largest of all Ghost Towns in the Death Valley area. Home of the famous Bottle House, and ruins of the large Bank Building & Railway Station.
BALLARAT Outside DVNP to the southwest, just off Hwy.178, north of Trona. There are some wood-adobe houses still standing. Peaked in 1900, declined in 1907.
CERRO GORDO Outside DVNP to the west, off Hwy. 136, via Cerro Gordo road. Private property, check with caretaker before looking around. Elegant 2 story hotel built in 1871, other 1916 vintage buildings still standing in good condition.
DARWIN Outside DVNP, on the Darwin road off Hwy. 190. A living Ghost Town, residents still occupy the little town of Darwin. Buildings as early as 1876 remain, private property. Town cemetary is to the south. Established around 1874.
CHLORIDE CITY Off Daylight pass road, 4x4 required. None of the original wooden building from 1905 remain, just foundations, level tent sites, debris, & grave of Jim McKay. Nearby is The Keane Wonder Mine, with outstanding mining structures still standing.
SKIDOO Off the Wildrose road, via a fair, 7 mile dirt road. Skidoo has no standing structures, yet is still interesting to see if you're in that area. It's easy to imagine how the town was laid out from the leveled sites. Great views of Death Valley below.
PANAMINT CITY High in the Panamint Mountains, up Surprise Canyon, grueling hike of at least 11 miles RT required. Had a population of 2,000 in 1874 with stores, hotels, restaurants, brewery, & its own newspaper. Many foundations still exist, as well as the remains of the smoke stack from the silver ore smelter.
HIKING IN DEATH VALLEY One of the greatest pleasures of the desert is getting away from your vehicle and leaving it behind for a while. While its possible to park your car and hike nearly anywhere in the park, some prefer designated trails, or areas where its difficult to get lost. Here are some suggested, easy hikes. All mileage & times are Round Trip.
MOSAIC CANYON Near Stovepipe Wells, (see SITES). 3 miles, 1 - 3 hours.
BADWATER Walk out on the Salt Flats, careful in summer. Distance & time up to you!
UBEHEBE CRATER Around the rim, down to the bottom, or up to Little Hebe Crater. Varies.
GOLDEN CANYON Near Badwater, 1.5 miles, 1 hour.
ZABRISKIE POINT Trail to north of viewing, from parking lot area leads into badlands. Time & distance varies.
KEANE WONDER MINE Steep, not easy, 2 mile, 2 hour (min.) hike to excellent mining ruins.
DEATH VALLEY SAND DUNES Near Stovepipe Wells, time & distances vary. Best to park off Hwy. 190 & walk out to Dunes.
SALT CREEK Not a hike, rather a stroll on a wooden boardwalk. 30 min. - 1 hour.
HARMONY BORAX WORKS Self-guided trail on pavement, .25 miles, 30 minutes.
CHALLENGING HIKES For more experienced hikers ...
TELESCOPE PEAK Trailhead starts at the Mahagony Flat campground, way up the Charcoal Kiln road. 14 miles, this is an all day event, also great to do as an "overnighter" with a backpack. Because of the elevation, 11,049 feet at the top, this makes for a pleasant summer destination, to escape the searing heat of the valley floor below. Bring water as there is none available along the route. Winter snow covers the trail, so plan on hiking May through November... or else you'll need an ice axe & crampons.
WILDROSE PEAK Trailhead begins at the Charcoal Kilns. Your goal is the 9,064 foot peak of Wildrose, an 8.4 mile trek through the pretty terrain of the Panamint Mountains. This is an alternative to Telescope in the early spring if there's still ice & snow up there. The last bit of the trail to the top might kill you ... switchbacks... better be in good shape for this one!
SURPRISE CANYON, PANAMINT CITY From Hwy. 178 in the Panamint Valley, north of Trona, take Indian Ranch road to the Surprise Canyon road, drive up as far as you can or until you reach Chris Wicht Camp. From there, it's 5.5 miles to Panamint city, and (you guessed it), 5.5 miles back! This area has a long history of mining, as evident by the washed out, disappearing roads. Pretty terrain, water in canyons is available (treat before drinking), & at the end of the hike you'll arrive at Panamint City. From Chris Wicht Camp, there is an elevation gain of nearly 3,500 feet, so it's no walk in the park!
BIGHORN GORGE TRAIL From the Mesquite Springs campground, near Scotty's Castle, this is a rugged, 16 mile trip, best done as an overnight backpacking trip. The dry falls along the way can be passed from the north side. Although very reclusive & seldom seen in the wild, keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Bighorn Sheep that live in the area.
GAS STATIONS 24 HOUR: Beatty NV., Pahrump NV., Lone Pine, Olancha, Ridgecrest, Trona, Baker. Others: Stovepipe Wells, Furnace creek, Scotty's Castle, Shoshone.
ATM'S 24 Hour: Furnace Creek Ranch (registration office), Beatty NV., Pahrump NV., Lone Pine, Ridgecrest. Others: Stovepipe Wells (general store).
LAUNDRY Furnace Creek Ranch, Shoshone.
PAYPHONES Furnace Creek Ranch, Stovepipe Wells, Grapevine Ranger Station, Hwy 190 near Dante's view turnout.
TOWING/AUTO REPAIR Furnace Creek (760-786-2223), Miller's Towing & Auto Repair (Recommended, Lone Pine, 760-876-4600 or 760-876-4643).
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS Mt. Whitney & Sierra Nevada Mountains, Alabama Hills, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Trona Pinnacles, Manzanar Relocation Center, Dumont Dunes recreation area, Maturango Museum (Ridgecrest), Chalfant Valley & Fish Slough petroglyphs,
RECOMMENDED READING These books have been invaluable to me & my exploration of Death Valley National Park.
THE EXPLORER'S GUIDE TO DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK By T. Scott Bryan & Betty Tucker-Bryan. The ultimate Death Valley book, with detailed trip logs, history, & exceptional geology information. All encompassing, detailed, don't leave home without it!
HIKING DEATH VALLEY By Michel Digonnet. Excellent guide with maps, back country road logs & descriptions, mining history, distance & elevation tables for all routes ... If planning any hikes, long or short, in DVNP, this is a terrific resource.
ADVENTURING THE CALIFORNIA DESERT By Lynne Foster. The book that got me started! Includes information on Death Valley & Great Basin desert, as well as the Colorodo & Mojave deserts. Routes & planning, hiking, history, geology, flora & fauna, camping ... it's all here.
CALIFORNIA CAMPING By Tom Stienstra. The "Camper's Bible." Greatest book ever written! Well ... OK, so maybe that's a bit of a stretch, but this is THE BOOK to own if you plan on camping anywhere in California. Detailed information & descriptions on campsites: facilities, elevation, hiking trails, fishing, swimming, hot springs, historic interests, directions, fees, etc. For car campers, motorhomes, backpackers alike.
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since March 15, 2000