| Description: Death Valley's dire name comes from being the hottest, driest, lowest place in the country, but visitors delight in this harsh country nonetheless. Heat shimmers above the colorful badlands, & snow-clad peaks rise like promises on the horizon. Since the habitat in the park varies from salt playa below sea level to the heights of Telescope Peak, a suprising variety of plants & animals live here, including many endangered & threatened species. Scotty's Castle, the unfinished masterpiece of an eccentric desert rat, is a popular attraction. Other historic sites belie the area's mining past, including ghost towns, mills, kilns, & wells. Backcountry camping is permitted, although much of the hiking is cross-country.
Location: CA 190 passes through the park. US 95 parallels the park from north to south. Scotty's Castle is on CA 267.
Season: year round
Fee: no
Biking
Picnicking
Hiking/Backpacking
Scenic Driving
Water Sports
Camping
Wildlife Viewing
Visitor Center Group Campgnd RV Sites
Exhibits Campgnd, Primitive Interpretive Programs
Drinking Water
Dump Station
Cultural-Historic Sites
Restrooms
Horseback Riding |
Campground: Death Valley National Park in Death Valley California *