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EXTREME SUMMER HEAT
Expect high temperatures of 100 to 120 degrees F on your summer visit to Death Valley. Heat related illness is a real possibility. Drink plenty of water and carry extra. Avoid activity in the heat. Travel prepared to survive. Watch for signs of trouble. More »
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Furnace Creek Visitor Center hours to change for Summer 2013
To better serve summer visitors, the Furnace Creek Visitor Center will be open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm beginning June 16 through October 7, 2013.
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Furnace Creek Campground Temporary Closure
Furnace Creek Campground will be CLOSED for construction starting April 16, 2013. Texas Springs Campground will remain open for summer camping in the Furnace Creek Area. More »
Lower Vine Ranch Hike
Scotty's Cabin at Lower Vine Ranch Lower Vine Ranch was Scotty's home, not his castle. Scotty's Castle never belonged to Scotty, but was the vacation home of Scotty's benefactors and friends Albert and Bessie Johnson. They built Scotty his own home at Lower Vine Ranch.
Ranger-Guided Hiking Tours Lower Vine Ranch is usually closed to the public. However, occasional ranger-guided hikes are given. Each hike is limited to 7 or 15 people, depending on staffing.
Ranger-guided hiking tours to Lower Vine Ranch are often fully booked in advance. Go to www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777 to purchase advance tickets.
Tours will last approximately 2½ hours and involves a two-mile walk roundtrip over a graded dirt road. This tour is not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for those with difficulty walking.
Day of Tour Logistics Participants must pick up their tickets at the Scotty's Castle Ticket Office at least 15 minutes before the tour begins. This will allow time to prepare for the hike and meet the group. Participants must drive their own vehicles to the starting point or car pool with other participants.
Participants should wear good walking shoes or boots and bring water, sunscreen and insect repellent. Cameras are permitted.
No restrooms are available at Lower Vine Ranch - visitors are strongly encouraged to use the restrooms at Scotty's Castle. |
Virtual Museum
Scotty's Castle House Tours
Scotty's Castle Underground Tour
Did You Know?
Badwater Basin, in Death Valley National Park, is the lowest place in North America and one of the lowest places in the world at 282 feet below sea level. The Dead Sea, between Israel and Jordan, is the lowest at 1371 feet below sea level.