Death Valley National Park

QUICKLINKS:

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 three million acres of stone wilderness. Home to the Timbisha Shoshone and to plants and animals unique to the harshest deserts. A place of legend and a place of trial. Death Valley.

Scotty's Castle

Death Valley Scotty told everyone that he built this castle in the hidden canyons of Death Valley. That was not quite the truth. Albert Mussey Johnson, Chicago millionaire businessman, built his "Death Valley Ranch" in the cool of Grapevine Canyon and he let his cowboy mining partner, Scotty, live there as a guest. Scotty's Castle is a fantasy house built by and for several fantastic characters.

A Visitor's Guide to Death Valley National Park

"All the News that's Fit to Print" about Death Valley National Park. The Visitor's Guide should be your first stop for information on:

Park Information, Desert Survival, Native People, Day Hikes, Points of Interest, Scotty's Castle, Wild Death Valley, Planning Your Visit, Visitor Services, and more ...

Daily Weather Report Update

A daily weather report update is available by phone. Call (760) 786-3200 and use option (1) and then (3) from the menu. This report is available by 9 a.m. every morning.

A specific road condition report is also available by calling (760) 786-3200 and using (1) and then (4) from the menu. The road conditions message is updated as conditions change.

Here is the National Weather Service forecast for Death Valley.

Write to

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

E-mail Us

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.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park Information