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Accessibility
National parks are set aside for the enjoyment of all, however because of the rugged nature of many of the nation's treasures, it is difficult to provide access for everyone who might have special needs. The National Park Service has been making strides to furnish facilities that allow everyone the opportunity to enjoy the beauties of the great outdoors.
Furnace Creek, Sunset, Texas Spring, and Stovepipe Wells are wheelchair accessible.
Automobile Drives
Death Valley has many unpaved roads. A vehicle with high-clearance will be necessary for all of the roads described below, but four-wheel-drive may also be required to travel over some of the rougher roads. See the Sights Page for details.
Backpacking
More than 3 million acres of wilderness and over 350 miles of backcountry dirt roads are open. See the Hiking Page and Camping Page for more backcountry information.
Basic Recommendations
I recommend that you plan your trip and the areas you would like to see and then go and relax and make a day of it. Go and see all that is in the area and enjoy it. You spend more quality time and learn and see more than you could ever imagine.
The basic road tour of scenic sights in the Furnace Creek area takes one full day. The tour of Scotty's Castle requires a half day. Allow one full lifetime to explore all of this huge desert park! See the Calendar Page and Sights Page for details.
Biking
Bikes are only allowed on roads open to automobile traffic. Roads listed on old maps may no longer be in existence. Check at the Visitor Center for current road conditions. Bikes are not allowed to travel cross-country or on hiking trails. They are allowed on the hundreds of miles of dirt and paved roads. See the Hiking Page for details.
Camping and Fires
There are nine campgrounds open and many more possibilities for backcountry camping. See the Camping Page for more information.
| Individual Entry (Vehicle) | $ 10.00 (Seven Day Pass) |
| Individual Entry (bike, foot) | $ 5.00 (Seven Day Pass) |
| Gold Access Passport (Blind or permanently disabled individuals) | Free (Lifetime - good in all national parks) |
| Golden Age Passport (one time fee - for those 62+ years young) | $ 10.00 (Lifetime - good in all national parks) |
| Golden Eagle Passport (good one year from date of purchase) | $ 50.00 (good in all national parks) |
Food and Supplies
The Furnace Creek Ranch and the Stovepipe Wells Village both provide small camper stores with all staple goods and supplies.
Hiking
There are many hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulties, but most backcountry areas are accessible only by crosscountry hiking. There are literally thousands of hiking possibilities. See the Hiking Page for more information.
Lodging
The Furnace Creek Inn and the Furnace Creek Ranch provide motel accommodations in the Furnace Creek area. The Stovepipe Wells Village provides motel accommodations and limited camping facilities. The Panamint Springs Resort offers resort accommodations and camping. See the Lodging Page for details.
Permits and Fees
A $10.00 Vehicle Entrance Fee is valid for seven days. For camping fees see the Camping Page. For Backcountry hiking and camping fill out a voluntary Backcountry Camping Permit. You can find these at the visitor centers and at a ranger station.
Pet Information
Pets are permitted in developed areas and on park roads. They must be leashed and restrained at all times. Pets are not allowed off roads, on trails or in the wilderness areas of the park.
Programs and Activities
Sightseeing by personal auto and 4-wheel drive (established roadways only), hiking, biking and mountain biking (established roadways only), and camping. Join a ranger November through April for a talk, walk, guided hike, or evening program. Join a ranger for a living history costumed tour of the historic Scotty's Castle. See the Calendar Page for details.
Sunrise and Sunset
One of the most beautiful times in the desert is when the sun is close to the horizon. The soft colors of sunrises and sunsets can show you many of the different moods of Death Valley.
There are 2 favorite types of sunrise/sunsets.
Silhouettes are best at sunset looking west towards the Panamint Range. In Panamint Valley, west towards the Angus Range. At sunrise looking east towards the Amargosa Range. In Panamint Valley, east towards the Panamint Range
Silhouette Sunrise Points
Sand Dunes
Aguereberry Point
West Side Road
Panamint Springs
Father Crowley Point
Silhouette Sunset Points
Sand Dunes
Dante's View
Zabriskie Point
Badwater
Panamint Springs
Oblique sunrise/sunsets show the most striking colors. The soft illumination at the beginning or end of the day can be seen at sunset looking east towards the Amargosa Range. At sunrise looking west toward the Panamint Range. In Panamint Valley, sunrise is best looking west towards the Argus Range. Sunset east, towards the Paramint Range.
Oblique Sunrise Points
Sand Dunes
Dante's View
Zabriskie Point
Badwater
Panamint Springs
Mesquite Springs Campground
Oblique Sunset Points
Sand Dunes
Artists Drive
Badwater
Ubehebe Crater
Furnace Creek Area Campgrounds
Paramint Springs
Father Crowley Point
To get the best lighting for sunsets, be there approximately one hour before the actual time of sunset or after sunrise. You can find out the exact time at the Visitor Center.
Visitor Centers
Located in the center of the park, the Furnace Creek Visitor Center houses museum exhibits, a visitor information desk, and the Death Valley Natural History Association book store. The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is open daily in summer from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, and is open daily in winter from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
There is a contact and fee collection station at Stovepipe Wells Village with a Natural History Association book sales outlet.
The tour ticket office at Scotty's Castle also has a book sales outlet and a small museum with displays from the Castle collection.
Reservations for special tours or guides for groups are available if staff is available. Make requests as far in advance as possible by telephone or in writing. Organized tour groups may make reservations for Scotty's Castle tours.
Weather
Death Valley is generally sunny, dry, and clear throughout the year. The winters are mild with occasional winter storms, but summers are extremely hot and dry. Summer temperatures commonly run above 120 degrees fahrenheit. Comfortable sports wear providing sun protection and sturdy walking shoes are recommended in summer. Winter requires warmer clothing and light to medium jackets.
See the Weather Page for current and other weather data.
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This site is in no way associated with the United States Government, the Department of the Interior or the National Park Service
