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 What’s Inside?

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
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
booklet. Complete the indoor
activities and earn a junior
ranger badge!
Higher Elevations/
Mountains
Explore the mountains of Death
Valley — the Panamint Range can
be accessed via a paved road and
visitors will find much
cooler temperatures.
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.
Death Valley Feral Burros
Safety & Rules ................... 2
Burros are an introduced species to Death Valley, whose numbers rise
exponentially without management. (Deutsch, Français, Italiano)
They are feral What To See....................... 3
They are not naturally supposed to be here. The feral burros you see
today are the descendents of animals introduced into the environment Park Map...................... 4 & 5
by humans over the last 150 years. Rules & Hiking.................... 6
They destroy water sources for other animals Night Sky............................ 7
also don’t let other animals get near the springs. They over browse Visitor Services................... 8
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 mean and aggressive, especially
when defending young.
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.
Do not leave unsecured
food in your campsite
When camping at Wildrose
Campground, Saline Valley Feral burro damage to a
Campground or some places in the sensitive spring habitat. Water
backcountry, burros are present. is rare in the desert and these
They can destroy your tent or spring sources are vital to
vehicle to access food and make a native animals survival.
Feral Burros in the road (NPS/Hoerner) mess. Please do NOT feed them. (NPS/Sloan)
Death Valley Visitor Guide 1
 Safety & Park Rules
ENGLISH
Safety
yy Water: Drink at least one gallon (4
liters) of water per day. Carry plenty
of extra drinking water in your car.
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 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 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 Do not feed birds or animals. This
is for your safety and the health of
wildlife. Plus, it is against the law!
yy Driving off roads is prohibited.
Stay on established roads.
yy Do not take anything! Leave
rocks, plants and historic objects
where you find them for everyone
to enjoy.
2 Death Valley Visitor Guide
DEUTSCH
Sicherheit
yy Wasser: Trinken Sie mindestens vier
Liter Wasser pro Tag. Führen Sie im-
mer noch zusätzliches Trinkwasser im
Auto mit sich.
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 Körper-
temperatur zu senken. Hitze und Flüs-
sigkeitsverlust können tödlich sein.
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 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 Verlassen Sie sich nicht auf die
Technik! Ihr Handy wird im größten
Teil des Parks nicht funktionie-
ren. GPS Geräte weisen Besucher
des Death Valleys häufig an, die
viel befahrenen Straßen zu verlas-
sen 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 Wandern: Wandern Sie im Som-
mer 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 Can-
yons 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.
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 insta-
bil sein, versteckte Schächte haben
und Einschlüssen von schlechter Luft
oder giftigem Gas enthalten.
Regeln
yy Eintrittsgebühren müssen von al-
len Besuchern gezahlt werden! Bitte
informieren Sie sich auf Seite 4 über
die genaue Höhe der Gebühren.
yy Hunde und Fahrräder sind nicht er-
laubt auf Pfaden oder in der wildnis,
die 90% des Parks umfasst.
yy Füttern Sie keine Vögel oder wilden
Tiere. Dies dient Ihrer Sicherheit und
der Gesundheit unserer Tierwelt.
yy Fahren abseits der Straßen ist ver-
boten. Bleiben Sie auf den ausgewi-
esenen Straßen.
yy Nehmen Sie nichts mit! Lassen Sie
Steine, Pflanzen oder historische Ob-
jekte dort, wo Sie sie finden, damit
jeder sich an Ihnen erfreuen kann.
FRANÇAIS
Sécurité
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 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 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 Rester vigilant et freiner la voiture:
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 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.
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 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 La conduite hors route est
interdite. Restez sur les routes
établies.
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.
ITALIANO
Sicurezza
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 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 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 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 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 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.
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 È vietato guidare fuori dalle
strade. Rimanete sulle strade
segnalate.
yy Non portate via niente! Lasciate i
sassi, le piante, e gli oggetti storici
dove li avete trovati in modo che
tutti possano goderne.
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

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) Badwater Road
A short walk would
below sea level, a surreal
take you onto the 30 minutes one way
Badwater landscape of vast salt flats.
salt flats.
Basin
Entrance to the
A scenic loop drive through Enjoy the views from one way road is 8.5
multi-hued hills. The 9 mile your vehicle. A short mi (13.7 km) south on
(14.5 km) drive is one-way; stop at Artists Palette 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) 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
Zabriskie viewpoint from the
Point 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

Tawny dunes smoothly rise
nearly 100 ft (30 m) from
Mesquite
Mesquite Flat.
Flat Sand
Dunes
Best example of a historic
gold mine in the park with
an intact aerial tramway.
Keane
Please do not climb on
Wonder structures or enter mines.
Mine
Breathtaking viewpoint over
5,000 ft (1,500 m) above
Death Valley. It was updated
in spring 2018 — check out
Dantes
the new exhibits!
View
The dunes can be 22.4 mi (36 km) north
viewed from on Highway 190
your vehicle. 30 minutes one way
A 1/4 mi (400 m) 10.6 mi (17 km) north
on Higway 190;
distance, 85 ft (25 m)
5.6 mi (9 km) on the
elevation gain walk
from the parking area Beatty Cutoff Road to
the unpaved road
to the lowest tram
terminal. 35 minutes one way
12 mi (19 km) on
The view is a short Highway 190; 13.2 mi
100 ft (30 m) walk (21 km) on Dantes
from your vehicle. 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
Hundreds of years ago, a 17.1 mi (27.5 km) north
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) north

These ten beehive-shaped
structures are among the
best preserved in the west.
Built in 1876 to provide fuel
Charcoal to process silver/lead ore.
Kilns
on Highway 190;
The kilns are a short 28.2 mi (45.4 km) on
100 ft (30 m) walk Emigrant Canyon Road
from your vehicle. 2 mi (3 km) are gravel
1.5 hours one way

A landscape of dark lava

A view into Rainbow 62.8 mi (101 km) west
flows and volcanic cinders
Canyon is possible on Highway 190
Father abruptly gives way to
with a short walk
colorful layers of 1.5 hours one way
Crowley Rainbow Canyon.
from your vehicle.
Vista Point
(Photos/NPS/Weston Kessler)

Scotty’s Castle is CLOSED due to flood damage — REOPENING 2020

Death Valley Visitor Guide 3
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h
18mi 16km

ad
INB o Palette
RA 29km 127

V
33mi 21mi Aguereberry Point

ne
53km 34km Eureka Day use only Vehicles longer

Dri
wa
Mine 6433ft than 25 feet

A NGELE S AQUEDUCT
ve
Father Crowley 190 1961m 3040ft
15mi Darwin (7.7 meters) 927m
24km Vista Point Emigrant Pass not allowed. ad

LOS
Falls Panamint Springs 5318ft Ro
TRAIL CA e
1621m N Lin

A
Y ON 18mi te To Pahrump
13mi 29km S ta and Las Vegas
21km

DARWIN
NEMO CANYON

LO
11mi

W
190

R
17km

ER
Pa
Death Valley Junction
Wildrose

CE
na
Amargosa Opera House

N
mi
Wildrose Peak

TE
Devils Trailer

nt
9064ft Golf Course

NN
Darwin ROSE Natural parking
ILD

IA
2763m

L
W CA Bridge
DEATH

H ILLS
NY CANYO

FL
A 15mi ON V A L LEY N Badwater Basin
T 24km Charcoal Kilns Lowest elevation in

L
North North America, 282ft (86m)

Vall
A
Haiwee Thorndike below sea level Vehicles longer

ey
Reservoir than 25 feet
Mahogany Flat Badwater
(7.7 meters)
Rogers Peak 8133ft CANYON not allowed.
2479m U PAH Coffin Peak

E
NA Dantes

R oa
Bennett HA 5503ft Eagle Mountain

CAC
d
Peak View 1677m 3806ft
Eagle Borax Works 5475ft

TUS
(ruins) 1669m 1160m

G
G

FL A
N

T
R
R

P A
Y
Telescope Peak

E
E

11049ft

A
South Furnace Creek 3368m
E

Haiwee To 28mi

N
E N
N

Reservoir Stovepipe Wells 45km

Badwater
W

Furnace

A
N
A

W A

Creek CANYON
RISE Panamint City
Ama

G
SURP (ghost town) 40mi R o ad
E

Sunset 64km
T E

M
Brown Peak
rgosa

4947ft
R

CANYON Funeral Peak

1508m

G
Furnace Creek Sentinel Peak ON 6384ft Deadman
9636ft JOH NS 1945m Pass
Visitor Center 2937m 3263ft

I N
994m
Texas

ROS
R

E
Ballarat
E
Spring

T
(ghost town) Porter Peak

E V
A

West
395 Furnace Creek Ranch Mormon Point

LOS ANGEL E
GOLD V

S
Borax Museum
N

ALL
PL A
EAS

AQ
L

EY
ANT CANYON N
G

27mi

UE
Riv

To NYO id Y L
A CA 43km E
er

e LE
E

Death Road conditions LEN L

GA VA Y

DUCT
Valley require experienced Smith Mountain

Ro
Junction four-wheel drivers.

V
5912ft

d
Furnace 1802m
42mi Timbisha Shoshone 190 Creek Inn

A
68km Village (private) 178
WA
RM

EY
SPRI

LL

L
NG CAN Shoshone
B

VA
0 0.5 Kilometer To YON

S I
Artists Drive
L

L
0 0.5 Mile and Badwater Striped Butte
A

31mi

E
50km NYON
CA Salsberry Pass To Pahrump

E
C

SPRING 3mi 3315ft and Las Vegas

K

5km 1010m

BUTTE
L

Y
25mi

VI
Manly Peak 41km

AN
7196ft Shoreline Butte

R R
2193m Ashford Mill Jubilee
Mengel Pass
(ruins) Mountain Jubilee Pass
Sugarloaf 1290ft

A
Needle Peak Peak 390m
M

Ha

N YO
CO rry
O

NF

CA
ID W
U

h EN ad
Road conditions as CE e
GOLER W
N

HI Ro
require experienced LL ad To
Vehicles, including bicycles, must stay on roads. four-wheel drivers. S
T

127 Tecopa and

te

a Las Vegas

S
ng
A

Paved road Timbisha Shoshone Food service i

L
W
I

trust lands

N E
Lodging D

T
M
N

Unpaved road Area below sea E A

H

E
level Ibex Pass
S
O
S

Gas station
L
U

High clearance Salt flat Store W Watch for

N

recommended
O

flooding

R A
T

Four-wheel-drive Ranger station Telephone Lost

Lake

V A D
A

Owens Peak road Trona

N G
Campground Wheelchair-accessible

E
Ama
r

Hiking trail
Owl

A
24mi
I N
go

Sanitary disposal station Airstrip 20mi

s

Wingate Pass Lake a 39km

32km
S

Picnic area S E ARL E S L AK E

Trip planning Pg. 3 Ri Ibex
# ve Dunes
r

Brown Mountain
5125ft Saratoga

Y
1562m Spring
FR

LLE
EE
M
NAV AL AI R W E AP O NS S T AT I O N
AN 4mi

VA
To BR CHI NA LAK E 6km
Lake 178 395 13mi 25mi
Isabella 40km

ES
178 C 21km 178
AN

RL
YO QU 6mi

A
AIL
N 395 MO 9km
14

SE
UNT
Straw Peak AINS
RIDGECREST
North To
Baker
0 1 10 Kilometers

0 1 10 Miles
To
To San
Los Angeles Bernardino FO R T IR WIN M ILIT AR Y R E S E R VAT IO 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.
Camp only in established campgrounds or in a
permitted backcountry area.
Check at a ranger station or visitor center for
backcountry camping information.
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.
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.

Feeding animals is illegal and dangerous.

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

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

Please recycle in the provided receptacles. Despite being legalized by the State of California and
Propane cylinder recycle bins are located in most the State of Nevada, possession or use of marijuana is
campgrounds where you can leave both 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 or the The use of drones is prohibited.
protection of important features. Racetrack Playa (Weston Kessler)

DRIVING OFF DESIGNATED ROADS IS PROHIBITED - DRIVE ONLY ON ESTABLISHED ROADS

Walking and Hiking in the Heat

Stay Safe Tips Come Prepared May June July August September October
Hiking in Death Valley can quickly Essential items for a hike: Daily High 100° F 110° F 116° F 115° F 106° F 93° F
become dangerous, especially in yyPlenty of water. Drink freely and (average) 38° C 43° C 47° C 46° C 41° C 34° C
summer months. often, and do not ration water. Daily Low 73° F 81° F 88° F 86° F 76° F 61° F
yyHike before 10 am. The hottest Eat snacks as well! (average) 23° C 27° C 31° C 30° C 24° C 16° C
time of the day is around yyThe right clothing. Long sleeved,
2 pm - 6 pm. Record 122° F 129° F 134° F 127° F 123° F 113° F
light clothing can protect you High 50° C 54° C 56° C 53° C 50° C 45° C
yyBring and drink lots of water, a from the sun. Mountain hikes
gallon per person per day, and at elevation can be much cooler
more if you are active. Drink than the valley floor, so bring
before you are thirsty, and eat extra layers. Wear sturdy shoes
plenty of salty snacks. on all hikes.
yyTell someone where you are yySun protection, such as
going, and stay on the trail. sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
It is easy to become disoriented yyA first aid kit.
in desert environments.
yyA map or trail description. The
yyAsk a ranger for current visitor center bookstore sells
trail conditions before detailed maps.
attempting a hike.

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)

Trailhead
Summer Hikes Round Trip Elevation Gain Location Description

Charcoal Kilns Out and back trail through pinyon-juniper woodlands to

8.4 mi 2,200 ft
Wildrose Peak on upper 9,064 ft (2,763 m) peak. The final two miles of access road is
(13.5 km) (671 m)
Wildrose Road gravel, but typically passable in a sedan.

Out and back hike to 11,049 ft (3,368 m) - the highest

Mahogany Flat
peak in Death Valley. The trail starts in pinyon and juniper
14 mi 3,000 ft Campground
Telescope Peak woodlands at Mahogany Flat Campground. The final 5 miles
(22.5 km) (914 m) on upper
(8 km) of the access road is gravel and may require a high
Wildrose Road
clearance vehicle.

6 Death Valley Visitor Guide

 Dark Night Sky
Check out the stars at an International Dark Sky Park- Gold Tier Rating!
Night Sky Almanac by Marni Berendsen
Harmony Borax Works Night Sky (Weston Kessler) Night Sky Almanac
APRIL 2018 JULY 2018

Planets Visible Planets Visible

Ë
ËMars: South before dawn Ë
ËMars: Low in SW before dawn; Very
Ë
ËSaturn: South before dawn low in SE after sunset
Ë
ËJupiter: SW before dawn, Late Apr: Ë
ËSaturn: SE after sunset
Low in SE after 9 pm Ë
ËJupiter: SW after sunset
Ë
ËVenus: Very low in west after Ë
ËVenus: Very low in west after sunset
sunset (with crescent moon July 15)
Ë
ËApr 1-3: Mars passes Saturn
The Moon
Ë
ËApr 7: Moon, Saturn and Mars
Ë
ËNew Moon: July 12
gather in South before dawn
Ë Moon: July 27
ËFull
The Moon
Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower:
Ë
ËNew Moon: Apr 15
Ë
ËMidnight to dawn morning of Jul 29
Ë Moon: Apr 29
ËFull
Ë
Ë(Bright moon will make viewing
Lyrids Meteor Shower: difficult)
Ë
ËMidnight to dawn Apr 23 AUGUST 2018
Ë
Ë(No moon after midnight makes
viewing excellent)
Planets Visible
MAY 2018 Ë
ËMars: SE after sunset
Ë
ËSaturn: South after sunset
Planets Visible Ë
ËJupiter: Low in west after sunset
Ë
ËMars: South before dawn
The Moon
Ë
ËSaturn: South before dawn
Ë
ËNew Moon: Aug 11
Ë
ËJupiter: SE after sunset, low in SW
Ë Moon: Aug 26
ËFull
before dawn
Ë
ËVenus: West after sunset Perseids Meteor Shower:
Ë
ËMidnight to dawn morn of Aug 13
The Moon
Ë
Ë(No moon means excellent viewing)
Ë
ËNew Moon: May 15
Ë Moon: May 29
ËFull SEPTEMBER 2018
Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower:
Ë
ËMidnight to dawn May 7 Planets Visible
Ë
Ë(Bright moon will make viewing Ë
ËMars: SSE after sunset
Death Valley Night Sky Viewing Tips difficult) Ë
ËSaturn: South after sunset
Ë
ËJupiter: Low in SW after sunset
JUNE 2018
yy Visit during the new moon — this is when the moon is not
The Moon
visible which means the sky will be darker and you can see more
Ë
ËNew Moon: Sep 9
stars. Planets Visible
Ë
ËMars: South before dawn Ë Moon: Sep 24
ËFull
yy Know what to look for — check out the night sky almanac to Ë
ËSaturn: SW before dawn, late June: Autumn Equinox: Sep 22
right to get an idea of what might be visible and where. low in SE after sunset
Ë
ËSep 13-19 Moon moves from Jupiter
Ë
ËJupiter: South after sunset to Saturn to Mars
yy Avoid light pollution — pick a place to view the night sky Ë
ËVenus: Low in west after sunset
away from developed areas. Ubehebe Crater has some of the OCTOBER 2018
darkest skies in the park, but the stars can be just as spectacular at The Moon
Harmony Borax Works. Ë
ËNew Moon: June 13
Planets Visible
Ë Moon: June 27
ËFull
yy Stay out long enough — it takes about 30 minutes for your eyes Summer Solstice: June 21 Ë
ËMars: South after sunset
to adjust to the night sky to see the most stars. Ë
ËSaturn: SW after sunset
ËËJupiter: Early Oct: Very low in SW
yy Use a red light —or put a piece of red cellophane on your flashlight. This will minimize the after sunset
effect of the light on your adjusting eyes.
The Moon
yy Look at the horizon — Death Valley has large, towering mountains. If you pick a low place to Ë
ËNew Moon: Oct 8
view the night sky, like Badwater Basin, some of the stars could be blocked by the mountain ranges. Ë Moon: Oct 24
ËFull
Pick a large open area with some elevation to see the most stars.
Draconids Meteor Shower:
yy Bring binoculars — a simple pair of binoculars can be a great way to get a closer look! Ë
ËEarly evening Oct 8
Ë
Ë(No moon will make viewing
excellent)
Where are the best places to view the night sky?
Orionids Meteor Shower:

Harmony Borax Works Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Badwater Basin Ë

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!
ËMidnight to dawn morn of Oct 22
Ë
Ë(Bright moon will make viewing
Located 17 mi south on Badwater difficult)
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.
(NPS/Kurt Moses)
Death Valley Visitor Guide 7
 Visitor Services
Furnace Creek Timbisha Shoshone Village Panamint Springs
Panamint Springs Resort
National Park Service- Indian Tacos & Shaved Ice:
760-258-7858 Lodging & Camping:
Furnace Creek Visitor Center: 775-482-7680 - panamintsprings.com
Often open Tuesday - Saturday 10am-6pm
Get information and maps, purchase entrance
passes, explore exhibits, watch the park film, General Store: 7am-9pm daily
speak with park rangers. Stovepipe Wells Village ATM, snacks, ice, firewood, camping supplies,
and gifts
Packaged sandwiches and snacks are available at National Park Service-
Shower Passes: Available at general store
the DVNHA bookstore in the visitor center. Ranger Station: Get information, maps, and
purchase entrance passes. Gas Station: 7am-9:30pm
8 am-5pm daily Open hours determined by available staffing. 87, 89, & 91 octane gasoline
760-786-3200 - nps.gov/deva
Restaurant and Bar: 7am-9pm daily
Death Valley Lodging Company
Post Office:
Mail letters and postcards- Lobby open 24 hours
Lodging & Camping:
760-786-2387 - deathvalleyhotels.com
Local Communities
Purchase postage- Monday - Friday 8am-4pm Beatty, Nevada: Lodging, restaurants, ATM,
Closed for lunch from 1pm-1:30pm Shower & Pool Passes: camping, gas, general store
Per person passes available until midnight
The Oasis at Death Valley
Internet: Hourly and daily rates Pahrump, Nevada: Lodging, restaurants,
Lodging & Camping: grocery stores, hospital, auto service, gas, ATM,
Multiple lodging options available. General Store: 7am-10pm daily veterinarians, camping
760-786-2345 - oasisatdeathvalley.com ATM, groceries, ice, camping supplies, gifts, and
firewood Amargosa Valley, Nevada: Lodging, gas,
The Ranch: Nugget Gift Shop: 7am-9pm daily restaurants
Restaurants & General Store:
The Oasis at Death Valley is undergoing Gas Station: Open 24 hours pay at the pump Death Valley Junction, California:
extensive remodeling. For up to date (major credit/debit cards) Unleaded fuel only Lodging, restaurant, RV camping
information call 760-786-2345 or visit Restaurants:
oasisatdeathvalley.com Shoshone, California: Lodging, restaurants,
Toll Road:
Shower & Pool Passes: general store, gas, campground
Breakfast: 7am-10am
Per person passes available 8 am - 10:30 pm Dinner: 5:30pm-9pm
Tecopa, California: Lodging, restaurants,
Laundry: Coin operated machines Badwater Saloon: 11:30am-10pm camping
Borax Museum: 10am-6pm daily (free/ Lunch: 11:30am-5pm
outdoors) Trona, California: Lodging, restaurants,
camping, gas, ATM
Gas Station: 24 hours pay at the pump (major
credit/debit cards) unleaded, diesel, propane, Scotty’s Castle (CLOSED)
Ridgecrest, California: Lodging, restaurants,
and limited mechanic services grocery stores, hospital, auto service, gas, ATM,
Scotty’s Castle and the Bonnie Claire Road to
Internet: Hourly and daily rates NV 267 are closed due to flash flood damage
veterinarians, camping
Farabees Jeep Rentals and Tours: 4x4 Jeep until 2020. The roads from Highway 190 to
rentals and tours. Located by the gas station. Ubehebe Crater, Racetrack, and Mesquite Lone Pine, California: Lodging, restaurants,
Spring Campground are open. camping, gas, ATM, groceries, health clinic
760-786-9872 - deathvalleyjeeprentals.com

The Inn:
Restaurant:
Summer camping in the park?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner; for times and The campground with the coolest
reservations (760) 786-2345
A campground at a higher elevation will have
nights accessible by a paved road is
cooler nights. Check the elevation.
Desert Sunset (Weston Kessler) Wildrose Campground.
Senior/Access Dump
NPS Campgrounds Season/Reservations Elevation Fee Pass Rate Sites Water Firepits Tables Toilets Station
open all year
mid-Apr to mid-Oct:
first come, first served $16 standard $8 standard 136
Furnace Creek mid-Oct to mid-Apr:
-196 ft
yes yes yes flush yes
No reservations in Summer (-60 m) $36 hookups $25 hookups 18
reservations strongly recommended
must be made at least 4 days to 6 months in
advance on recreation.gov or 877-444-6777

Sunset open mid-Oct to mid-Apr - back into all sites -196 ft

$14 $7 270 yes
group
no flush yes
CLOSED in Summer first come, first served (-60 m) only

Texas Springs open mid-Oct to mid-May - no generators

sea level $16 $8 92 yes yes yes flush yes
CLOSED in Summer first come, first served

Stovepipe Wells open mid-Sept to mid-May

sea level $14 $7 190 yes some some flush yes
CLOSED in Summer first come, first served

open all year 1,800 ft

Mesquite Spring first come, first served (549 m)
$14 $7 40 yes yes yes flush yes

open all year - tent only 2,100 ft

Emigrant first come, first served (640 m)
free 10 yes no no flush no

open all year - 25 ft length limit 4,100 ft

Wildrose first come, first served (1,250 m)
free 23 yes yes yes vault no

Thorndike open Mar-Nov - 25 ft length limit 7,400 ft

free 6 no yes yes vault no
(4X4 recommended) first come, first served (2,256 m)

Mahogany Flat open Mar-Nov - 25 ft length limit 8,200 ft

free 10 no yes yes vault no
(4X4 recommended) first come, first served (2,499 m)

Dump
Private Season Elevation Fee Sites Water Firepits Tables Toilets Station
open all year -218 ft group group
Fiddler’s Camp 760-786-2345 - oasisatdeathvalley.com (-66 m)
$18 35 yes
only only
flush no

open all year

Stovepipe Wells RV Park 760-786-2387 - deathvalleyhotels.com
sea level $34 hookups 14 yes no no flush yes

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

8 Death Valley Visitor Guide