So much to learn! So much to see!Death Valley is the size of the state of Connecticut - yes, you read that right! Whether this is your first time to Death Valley and you don't know how to begin exploring this massive park, or this is your favorite place which you revisit year after year, attending a program or event listed below is sure to be a memorable experience. Park rangers have created a variety of talks and walks to help you better understand and explore the wonders of Death Valley National Park. Daily programs are offered December - March. Please check the calendar or posted flier at Furnace Creek Visitor Center for scheduled dates, including special events and programs. Schedules are available approximately one week in advance but are subject to change/cancellation based on emergencies, inclement weather and park staffing. Program Descriptions:Badwater Ranger Talk Scotty's Castle is CLOSED due to damage from a flood on Oct. 18, 2015 and will remain closed until further notice. Flood Recovery ToursDeath Valley Natural History Association (DVNHA) and the National Park Service are pleased to offer walking tours of the Scotty's Castle Grounds. Come see first-hand how the power of water shapes the landscape of Death Valley. Participants will walk the grounds of Scotty’s Castle with a ranger to learn about the damage sustained and the repairs in progress. Explore the stories of this unique place in the desert, the people who called it home, and the projects underway to reopen this unique historic district. Tours are typically offered on Sundays from mid-December through mid-April. For more information, check out the DVNHA Scotty's Castle Flood Recovery Tours webpage. These ticketed ranger-led hikes occur on selected dates January-March and visit a remote part of the park, where participants will see the fossilized tracks of bird, camel, cat and mastodon-like creatures.
This is a moderately strenuous, seven-mile round trip hike with 1,500' of elevation gain over rugged, uneven terrain (no trail); it is not recommended for anyone with mobility or breathing difficulties and children must be at least 10 years old. To prepare, participants should regularly hike at least four miles on uneven terrain in the weeks leading up to the hike. Each hike is limited to 12 people and will last most of the day. Reservations can be made online at Recreation.gov (1-877-444-6777) up to two weeks in advance. There is a $1/ticket reservation fee. Each individual can reserve up to 4 tickets. Donations to support the program are welcome and can be made through the Death Valley Natural History Association. 2024 Dates: January 17 (Wednesday) January 27 (Saturday) January 31 (Wednesday) February 10 (Saturday) February 15 (Thursday) February 24 (Saturday) Want to go on a tour, but can't make a scheduled program or event? Download the free NPS App to enjoy a self-guided tour (both audio and text). Be sure to "Save Park for Offline Use," as cell service is poor in Death Valley. App tours include a Park Highlights driving tour (approx 3 hours), a Star Wars Film Locations driving tour, and a Golden Canyon hiking tour.
We offer a number of different programs based on age and cirriculum standards. Please contact the Education Manager if you are a teacher interested in bringing your class to Death Valley for a field trip.
Each spring, Death Valley National Park holds a multi-day Dark Sky Festival, where the public can join scientists for free talks around the park and in the auditorium, visit hands-on booths at an Exploration Fair and view the cosmos through telescopes.
Entering closed areas with a guided tour:The below companies have a Commercial Use Authorization in Death Valley and are authorized to lead tours into several areas closed to the general public. If you would like to visit the below roads and scenic points along Emigrant and Upper Wildrose Roads or North Highway, please contact these companies directly. Public access to closed roads outside of these tours is prohibited. Action Photo Tours Back Country Adventures Inc dba Death Valley Jeep Tours Exploring Exposure The Wildland Trekking Company LLC (List updated as of 11/15/23)
Approved locations as part of this program:
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Last updated: December 8, 2023