Death Valley offers some of the best stargazing in America. The International Dark-Sky Association has designated Death Valley National Park a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park, which is the highest rating of darkness.
During our annual spring Dark Sky Festival, visitors are invited to come explore the night sky and the unique park landscapes which can help us better understand wonders beyond our world. This event is a collaboration between Death Valley National Park, our non-profit partner Death Valley Natural History Association, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Ames Research Center, SETI Institute and California Institute of Technology.
Event Schedule
The 2023 festival was stellar! Click the images below for festival events. Stay tuned for next year's festival announcement - we hope to see you there!
Astrophotography “How-to” Session Kayla McCraren (NPS)
An opportunity to learn how to take pictures of the stars with your own DSLR camera! Note this session is intended for astrophotography newcomers. Participants should bring their DSLR camera and tripod.
1PM-2PM
Keynote Talk
Exploration of Venus Ralph Lorenz (Applied Physics Lab)
Our sister planet is soon to be explored by new space missions, with orders-of-magnitude improvement in radar studies by EnVision/VERITAS, and in-situ exploration with near-surface imaging by the DAVINCI probe. I'll review plans for these and other missions, as well as recent findings by the Japanese Akatsuki spacecraft currently in orbit. 6PM-7PM
Tickets are required for the Keynote talks. Pick up your free ticket on a first come first serve basis starting the day before at Furnace Creek Visitor Center.
Astrophotography Meet-ups
An opportunity to photograph the stars in one of the darkest locations in the country. Astrophotography volunteers and rangers will be on hand to assist. A DSLR and tripod are essential to enjoy this session
7PM-8PM, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Astronomy Programs
Caltech Presents: Astronomy on Tap
Join Caltech scientists for two 20-minute public astronomy talks and space-themed pub trivia (with prizes!) at the Badwater Saloon. All ages welcome! Talks include Professor Katherine de Kleer: “The Solar System’s Volcanic Wonderland", and Max Goldberg: "Not All Those Who Wander Are Planets." Food and drinks available for purchase but the science is free. 7:30PM-9:30PM, Badwater Saloon, Stovepipe Wells
Ranger Program (NPS)
Explore the incredible night sky with a ranger! Bring a red flashlight to protect night vision. Optional items: binoculars and chair.
8PM-9PM, Harmony Borax Works
Furnace Creek Auditorium Presentations
The Dynamic Landscape of Death Valley, As Seen By NASA's NISAR Mission Carson Schubert (JPL)
Death Valley is one of the most interesting geologic locations on earth, playing host to an incredible variety of landscapes and ecosystems. The story of this place, both past, present, and future, teaches us about both Earth and worlds beyond our own. Learn how NASA's NISAR mission will tell this story in unprecedented detail and unlock the mysteries of Death Valley.
10AM-11AM
The Science of Black Holes Cameron Hummels (Caltech)
Black holes are some of the most exotic bodies in the universe. They are objects with such a strong gravitational attraction that not even light can escape, and they are popular in science fiction due to their strange effects on time and matter, but what do we actually know about them? In this talk, I will discuss the many scientific advances that have occurred in the last decade leading to a greater understanding of how black holes are born, how they can die, and how we can see them.
11:30AM-12:30PM
30 Years of Mars Exploration: The Roving Generation Doug Ellison (JPL)
Since 1997 NASA has sent a total of 5 different rovers to Mars. How did they come to be, how have they changed and what have they discovered? Learn about the challenges, failures and successes of roving the red planet.
1PM-2PM
Astrophotography “How-to” Session Kayla McCraren (NPS)
An opportunity to learn how to take pictures of the stars with your own DSLR camera! Note this session is intended for astrophotography newcomers. Participants should bring their DSLR camera and tripod.
2:30PM-3:30PM
Keynote Talk
The Cosmic Autobiography Katarina (Dida) Markovic (JPL)
Cosmology is the study of the full history of our universe from the first moment of the Big Bang, to its inevitable death in the distant future. Listen to the story about how we understand the universe came to be as it is, including its particles, forces, stars, galaxies, as well as the ever-mysterious dark matter and dark energy. 7PM-8PM
Tickets are required for the Keynote talks. Pick up your free ticket on a first come first serve basis starting the day before at Furnace Creek Visitor Center.
Talks Around the Park
Searching for Signs of Ancient Life on a Cold and Desolate Mars Michael Tuite (JPL)
Exploration of Mars has revealed that the cold and arid planet was once much warmer and wetter - a place potentially hospitable to the emergence of life. Might life have arisen on early Mars like it did on Earth? If it did, what signatures of ancient life might be preserved in rocks on Mars’ surface? Today, the Perseverance rover is collecting geological samples on Mars that may contain evidence of ancient life. Those samples are scheduled to be returned to the Earth within a decade so that scientists can use the most sophisticated, state-of-the-art instruments to address one of science’s Big Questions: Are we alone?
9:30AM-10:30AM, Mars Hill (park on shoulder of road near Artists Drive Exit)
Who’s Swimming in Salty Waters? Meghana Kumar (JPL)
Come learn about the harsh, hydrologic environments of Badwater Basin and Jovian moon Europa. We’ll discuss how organisms are able to survive in Badwater Basin, the geological features of Badwater Basin and Europa, and how NASA’s Europa Clipper mission will determine if Europa harbors conditions suitable for life beneath its icy shell.
11AM-12PM, Badwater Basin
Mars-like Places on Earth: A Journey into the Ubehebe Crater Rosalba Bonaccorsi (SETI INstitute/ NASA Ames Research Center)
Places in Death Valley appear similar to places on the Red Planet. Come learn how research in Death Valley can help guide us in our understanding of Earth's neighbor. Strenuous hike into the bottom of the crater.
11AM-1PM, Ubehebe Crater
Dantes View: SunRISE and Parallels to Humans Hiking Shannon Berger (JPL)
SunRISE is a constellation mission that will have 6 space vehicles spread across 7 miles to study coronal mass ejections from our sun. Learn how keeping space vehicles flying is similar to how humans function.
1PM-2PM, Dantes View
Dune Stories: Earth, Mars, & Titan Michael Malaska (JPL/CalTech)
Dunes are everywhere! Mars, Titan, Pluto, and even on Comet 67P! Come out to Mesquite Dunes and we’ll learn about the sediment cycle, how dunes form, what clues to look for in a dune field, and compare and contrast dunes on Earth with those on other worlds.
3:30PM-4:30PM, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Astronomy Programs
Moon Walk Ranger Program (NPS)
Walk under the light of the moon as you join a ranger on an easy morning walk on the moonlit salt flats.
5:30AM-6:30AM, Badwater Basin
Furnace Creek Star Party Caltech/Las Vegas Astronomical Society/NPS
Telescope event put on by the Las Vegas Astronomical Society and Caltech. Park rangers offer constellation tours at 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30.
7PM-10PM, Sunset Campground overflow lot
Astrophotography Meet-up
An opportunity to photograph the stars in one of the darkest locations in the country. Astrophotography volunteers and rangers will be on hand to assist. A DSLR and tripod are essential to enjoy this session
8:30PM-9:30PM, Harmony Borax Works
Family Program
Build A Mars Lander NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center/NPS
Become a NASA engineer! Design, build, and land your own “spacecraft” on Mars. Suitable for all ages. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a caretaker.
10AM-10:45AM, 2PM-2:45PM, White tent behind Furnace Creek Visitor Center
Exploration Fair
Explore the booths at the Exploration Fair to talk with scientists and participate in hands on activities.
10AM-4PM Furnace Creek Visitor Center Courtyard
Furnace Creek Auditorium Presentations
The Dynamic Landscape of Death Valley, As Seen By NASA's NISAR Mission Carson Schubert (JPL)
Death Valley is one of the most interesting geologic locations on earth, playing host to an incredible variety of landscapes and ecosystems. The story of this place, both past, present, and future, teaches us about both Earth and worlds beyond our own. Learn how NASA's NISAR mission will tell this story in unprecedented detail and unlock the mysteries of Death Valley.
10AM-11AM
Astrophysicist Q&A Nivedita Mahesh, Emily Silich, Cameron Hummels, Parke Loyd
A panel of professional astronomers and astrophysicists from Caltech will field questions from the audience on all topics related to astronomy, physics, and space science. Join us and bring your burning questions about planets, stars, galaxies, life in the universe, black holes, science fiction, and more!
11:30AM-12:30PM
30 Years of Mars Exploration: The Roving Generation Doug Ellison (JPL)
Since 1997 NASA has sent a total of 5 different rovers to Mars. How did they come to be, how have they changed and what have they discovered? Learn about the challenges, failures and successes of roving the red planet.
1PM-2PM
Talks Around the Park
Searching for Signs of Ancient Life on a Cold and Desolate Mars Michael Tuite (JPL)
Exploration of Mars has revealed that the cold and arid planet was once much warmer and wetter - a place potentially hospitable to the emergence of life. Might life have arisen on early Mars like it did on Earth? If it did, what signatures of ancient life might be preserved in rocks on Mars’ surface? Today, the Perseverance rover is collecting geological samples on Mars that may contain evidence of ancient life. Those samples are scheduled to be returned to the Earth within a decade so that scientists can use the most sophisticated, state-of-the-art instruments to address one of science’s Big Questions: Are we alone?
9:30AM-10:30AM, Mars Hill (park on shoulder of road near Artists Drive Exit)
Who’s Swimming in Salty Waters? Meghana Kumar (JPL)
Come learn about the harsh, hydrologic environments of Badwater Basin and Jovian moon Europa. We’ll discuss how organisms are able to survive in Badwater Basin, the geological features of Badwater Basin and Europa, and how NASA’s Europa Clipper mission will determine if Europa harbors conditions suitable for life beneath its icy shell.
11AM-12PM, Badwater Basin
Ubehebe Crater: An Explosive Analog for Planetary Volcanism Marie Henderson (Goddard)
Volcanism is a geologic process that connects many planetary bodies across the solar system. Come for a short walk to learn about the explosive eruptions that created Ubehebe Crater and how they can teach NASA scientists about the volcanic history of the Moon and Mars.
11AM-12PM, Ubehebe Crater
Dantes View: SunRISE and Parallels to Humans Hiking Shannon Berger (JPL)
SunRISE is a constellation mission that will have 6 space vehicles spread across 7 miles to study coronal mass ejections from our sun. Learn how keeping space vehicles flying is similar to how humans function.
1PM-2PM, Dantes View
Dune Stories: Earth, Mars, & Titan Michael Malaska (JPL/CalTech)
Dunes are everywhere! Mars, Titan, Pluto, and even on Comet 67P! Come out to Mesquite Dunes and we’ll learn about the sediment cycle, how dunes form, what clues to look for in a dune field, and compare and contrast dunes on Earth with those on other worlds.
3:30PM-4:30PM, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Astronomy Programs
Furnace Creek Star Party Caltech/Las Vegas Astronomical Society/NPS
Telescope event put on by the Las Vegas Astronomical Society and Caltech. Park rangers offer constellation tours at 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30.
7PM-10PM, Sunset Campground overflow lot
Family Program
Build A Mars Lander NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center/NPS
Become a NASA engineer! Design, build, and land your own “spacecraft” on Mars. Suitable for all ages. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a caretaker.
10AM-10:45AM, White tent behind Furnace Creek Visitor Center
Exploration Fair
Explore the booths at the Exploration Fair to talk with scientists and participate in hands on activities.
10AM-2PM Furnace Creek Visitor Center Courtyard
Where to Stay
The park gets busy during the festival, so we recommend making reservations early. Camping and lodging options are available.
Enjoying the Park at Night
Want to experience Death Valley at night but can't make it for the festival? Rangers have created a list of some of the best ways to explore Death Valley after dark.
Accessibility
Welcome to Death Valley National Park! Please be aware that the temperatures, weather, altitude, traffic, construction and road conditions in Death Valley may vary and change depending on the time of year. Before your visit, we suggest you check out our park website (road conditions and alerts), the National Weather Service’s forecast for the area of the park you plan to visit, and/or contact our team for current updates (deva_information@nps.gov).
Weather
Death Valley in the Spring can experience moderate, to slightly chilly, to hot temperatures.
Average February Temperatures: 73°F- 46°F or 23°C-8°C.
Record February Temperatures: 98°F-21°F or 37°F- -6°F.
Other Weather Conditions: Can experience possible light showers; frequent wind/dust storms with winds that could reach up to 50 mph or 80 kmh
Altitude: Altitude throughout the park and along the main roads can drastically change from -127ft/-39m below sea level to 5,000ft/1,829m in elevation.
Cellular Signal and Wi-Fi
Cellular signal and Wi-Fi capabilities are weak. Please keep this in mind if you use any Wi-Fi enabled medical devices.
Call 911
If it is an emergency and if you have cell signal, call 911. Death Valley has its own EMT first responders.
First Aid Room
Located at Furnace Creek Visitor’s Center. Speak to a Ranger for access.
Curb cuts to main entrance and throughout the parking lot
Facility
2 accessible restroom stalls with bars, and 1 private, accessible, family restroom
3 benches by the restroom
5 picnic tables
Courtyard
Outdoor and indoor (via automatic door openers) access to area
Paved, flat surfaces throughout
11 benches
4 shade awnings
Badwater Basin
Scenic viewpoint with boardwalk and optional, walkable salt flat trail
Not easily viewed from car
3 accessible parking spaces
Accessible vault toilets
Ramp and boardwalk to the edge of Badwater Pool
Ramp from end of boardwalk onto salt flats (please be aware of holes in salt flats)
Dantes View
Scenic viewpoint and optional, walkable, uneven dirt trail beyond viewing area
Can be viewed from car
2 accessible parking spaces with curb cuts
Vault toilet ¼ mile before viewpoint; not accessible
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Scenic Viewpoint and optional hikeable, deep sand beyond viewing area
Can be viewed from car
Access to dunes is rocky and uneven; Dune hike includes deep sand
4 accessible parking spaces with curb cuts
Accessible vault restroom
Ubehebe Crater
Scenic Viewpoint and optional uneven, rocky and strenuous, hikeable pathway up and around the crater or descending into the crater
Can be viewed from car or viewpoint
2 accessible parking spaces with curb cuts
Restrooms not accessible or near viewpoint
Closest restroom at Grapevine Ranger Station 5.8mi/9.3km or 17 minutes south of viewpoint on the North Highway
Harmony Borax Works
Interpretive trail ¼ of a mile/0.4km long
Partially paved surface with small sections of sand, gravel, broken pavement, and gradual uneven dips
Moderate grade-- assistance may be necessary
Cannot be viewed or accessed from car
2 accessible parking spaces
Restrooms are not accessible or near trailhead
Closest restroom at Furnace Creek Visitor’s Center 1.8mi/2.3km or 4 minutes southeast of trail on the 190 highway.
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Scenic Viewpoint and optional hike, deep sand beyond viewing area
Can be viewed from car
Access to dunes is rocky and uneven; Dune hike includes deep sand
4 accessible parking spaces with curb cuts
Accessible vault restroom
Harmony Borax Works
Interpretive trail ¼ of a mile/0.4km long
Partially paved surface with small sections of sand, gravel, broken pavement, and gradual uneven dips
Moderate grade-- assistance may be necessary
Cannot be viewed or accessed from car
2 accessible parking spaces
Badwater Basin
Scenic viewpoint with boardwalk and optional, walkable salt flat trail
Not easily viewed from car
3 accessible parking spaces
Accessible vault toilets
Ramp and boardwalk to the edge of Badwater Pool
Ramp from end of boardwalk onto salt flats (please be aware of holes in salt flats)
Sunset Campground Overflow Lot
Overflow parking lot where Star Party will take place.
Viewing of telescope and participation in astronomy tours for Star Party not easily accessed from car
Restrooms are not accessible from overflow lot
Closest restroom at Sunset Campground (a short walk south of lot into the campground) or Furnace Creek Visitor’s Center 0.3mi/0.5km or 2 minutes southwest of lot on the 190 highway
