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Death Valley National Park: A Land of Extremes

Hottest, Driest, Lowest: A superlative desert of streaming sand dunes, snow-capped mountains, multicolored rock layers, water-fluted canyons and 3 million acres of wilderness. Home to the Timbisha Shoshone people and to plants and animals unique to the harshest desert. 

NATIONAL PARK WEEK: April 17-25, 2010

WILDFLOWER UPDATE 2010

 
Ranger Programs can bring Death Valley to life!

Guided Tours

Enhance your experience of Death Valley by joining a ranger guided tour or program. Explore historic mining sites, shadowy canyons or sun-drenched salt flats. Discover hidden desert wildlife and ephemeral fields of wildflowers. Tours of Scotty's Castle are available year-round, while talks and walks based out of the Furnace Creek Visitor Center are presented from October to April. Download this week's Ranger Programs schedule. 
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Scotty's Castle

Scotty's Castle

Death Valley Scotty told everyone that he built this castle in northern Death Valley with money from his "secret" gold mine. That was not quite the truth. A Chicago millionaire and his wife built their "Death Valley Ranch" in the cool of Grapevine Canyon and they let their friend Scotty live there as a guest.
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Springtime wildflowers.

What is the Best Season to Visit?

Death Valley National Park is usually considered a winter park, but it is possible to visit here all year. When is the best time to visit? It all depends on what you’re looking for.
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park newspaper

Visitor's Guide to Death Valley National Park

Visitor Guide to Death Valley National Park The 2008/2009 issue of the Death Valley Visitor Guide (2 MB PDF File) is available here. It is an excellent source of Death Valley information. The Death Valley Visitor Guide includes pages on Park Information, Desert Survival, What To See, Walks & Hikes, Park Map, Research & Education, Natural Resources, Scotty's Castle, Plan Your Trip, and Visitor Services.
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Write to

Death Valley National Park
P.O. Box 579
Death Valley, California 92328

Phone

Visitor Information
(760) 786-3200

Commercial Permits
(760) 786-3241

Fax

(760) 786-3283

Climate

Death Valley is generally sunny, dry, and clear throughout the year. The winters, November through March, are mild with occasional winter storms, but summers are extremely hot and dry. Summer high temperatures commonly run above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Comfortable clothing providing sun protection and a broad brimmed hat are recommended in summer. Winter requires warmer clothing and light to medium jackets. Sturdy walking shoes are important year round.
Communities Surrounding Death Valley National Park
Note: The times listed below are approximate driving times to the park.
Death Valley, CA (19 min. )
Darwin, CA (46 min. ) Pop. 54
Amargosa Valley, NV (48 min. )
 Beatty, NV (49 min. ) Pop. 1,154
Keeler, CA (59 min. ) Pop. 66