Death Valley

Winter/Spring Visitor Guide NPS/J.JURADO Death Valley National Park Salt polygons at Badwater Basin Welcome to Your Death Valley Adventure Explore the Park With an App! In a park as large as Death Valley, planning a trip can be overwhelming; now there's an app for that, for free! Trip planning information is built into this printed visitor guide, but for those who prefer location-based digital experiences and self-guided audio tours, this app offers even more opportunities! The app covers all National Park Service sites, with specific Death Valley information written by expert rangers on site. Features on the app include: • What to see • Things to do • Lodging and camping options • Hiking trails • Sunrise/sunset locations • Audio guided tours • Night sky viewing With limited internet and phone service available around the park, we recommend saving the Death Valley information for "Offline Use" so that location-based app features will work while you are visiting. Hottest, Driest, Lowest Death Valley National Park is the hottest place on Earth, with a recorded temperature of 134 °F (57°C) on July 10, 1913. It is also the driest U.S. national park, and Badwater Basin (-282 feet) features the lowest elevation in North America! In the cooler winter months, endless exploration and a diversity of experiences await you. Hiking, visiting historic sites, traveling backcountry roads, and seeing the night skies are only a few of the opportunities available! These conditions come together to make Death Valley a land of extremes, where the powerful heat is a force of nature, and the air further dries everything it contacts. With nearly 3.2 million acres of federally designated Wilderness, so many adventures await! Walk among majestic sand dunes, navigate twisted slot canyons, climb rocky peaks, or stroll along salt flats during your Death Valley adventure. In both 2020 and 2021, Death Valley reached an impressive 130°F (54°C). If verified, these temperatures will be the 5th and 6th hottest days ever recorded on Earth! Junior Ranger Program Free Junior Ranger books are available at the visitor center (when open) or can be downloaded from our website. Learn about the park and complete activities to earn a badge! If you are unable to turn in your booklet in person, email pictures of your book to DEVA_information@ nps.gov and a ranger will check your work virtually and mail your badge! Inside this trip-planning guide learn how to safely explore and enjoy this amazing national park. More Inside... Safety & Rules�������������������������������������� 2 Entrance Fees and Passes��������������������� 2 Protect Yourself & Your Pets����������������� 3 For Kids!���������������������������������������������� 4 Wilderness������������������������������������������� 4 Bicycles������������������������������������������������ 4 Sunrise, Sunset & Night Skies��������������� 5 Things to See��������������������������������������� 6 Park Map��������������������������������������������� 7 Hiking Trails�������������������������������������� 8-9 Nature & Culture�������������������������������� 10 Wildlife���������������������������������������������� 11 Visitor Services ���������������������������������� 12 Camping�������������������������������������������� 12 Death Valley National Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Parks are Living Museums Set aside as a National Monument in 1933, becoming a National Park in 1994, and expanded again in 2019, Death Valley National Park conserves diverse historic sites and remarkable biodiversity over incredible elevation changes all within the impressive vistas in this Wilderness setting. Park Mailing Address Death Valley National Park PO Box 579 Death Valley, CA 92328 Email DEVA_information@nps.gov Phone 760-786-3200 Park Website www.nps.gov/deva Park Social Media Facebook.com/DeathValleyNPS Instagram.com/DeathValleyNPS The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA™ Entrance Fee Required Pay your entrance fee at a visitor center or one of the automated fee machines across the park. Annual and lifetime passes cover this fee. U.S. Veterans and Gold Star families are eligible for free entry. Show your pass or qualifying identification at a visitor center to receive a park map and trip planning information. Display passes on your vehicle dash while visiting. 7-day Passes Private Vehicle�������������������������������������$30 Motorcycle������������������������������������������$25 Individual entering on bicycle or foot���$15 Annual and Lifetime Passes Interagency Annual Pass���������������������$80 Death Valley Annual Pass��������������������$55 Interagency Lifetime Senior Pass����������$80 (for U.S. citizens aged 62+) Interagency Annual Senior Pass�����������$20 (for U.S. citizens aged 62+) Interagency Annual Military Pass������� Free (for active duty military and dependents) Interagency Access Pass�������������������� Free (for permanently disabled U.S. citizens) E.HOERNER The National Park Service was established on August 25, 1916, "... to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife[...] and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” Important Protection Measures Help protect yourself and the park by following these regulations: Obey speed limits and do not stop in traffic lanes— park safely on the shoulder. Drive only on roads; tire tracks scar the desert for decades and destroy the pristine beauty of the park. Camp only in established campgrounds or in a permitted backcountry area. Check at the visitor center for backcountry camping information. Please recycle. Propane cylinder recycle bins are located in most campgrounds where you can leave both empty and full canisters. Stay out of closed areas. Mines, service roads, and other areas are closed for your safety. Campfires are allowed in established metal fire pits only. Gathering firewood is prohibited. Check for fire restrictions before camping. Pets are only allowed on roads and in developed areas. Pets are prohibited in Wilderness, on trails, and in buildings. Park dirt roads provide great places for exploring with pets. Keep pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet and dispose of their waste. Put garbage where it belongs. Litter spoils the experience for others. Even fruit peels can take years to decompose here. It is illegal to discharge a firearm anywhere in Death Valley or to bring one into a federal building. Hunting and trapping are illegal in the park. Feeding animals is illegal and dangerous. Once fed by people, animals tend to beg near roads, which endangers the animals and visitors. Rocks, plants, animals, and historic objects are protected just like in a museum. Picking flowers, stacking rocks, and poaching are not allowed. Despite being legalized by California and Nevada, possession or use of marijuana is illegal on federal lands like national parks. The use of drones/UAVs is prohibited in the park. These scare wildlife and can endanger pilots, and detract from other visitors' wilderness experience. Stop Damage in its Tracks! Death Valley continues to see damage from illegal off road driving; you can help solve this problem by staying on designated roads and reporting incidents to rangers. These Scars Can Last a Lifetime Wildflowers & Wildlife It is Illegal Visitors come from around the world to enjoy the park's vast landscapes and scenic beauty. This photographer's paradise is diminished by every track that cuts through the pristine and unblemished desert; don't let poor decisions ruin others' enjoyment. Tires also spread seeds from weeds which crowd out native wildflowers and cause health problems for wildlife. There are roughly 1,000 miles of dirt roads within the park. Many offer technical 4x4 driving adventures, where you are welcome to explore! Driving off roads scars the fragile desert landscape, leaving damage that can last for decades. These tracks don't just disappear with the next rainfall! Tires crush and destroy native plants. Ruts compact soils and break up important soil crusts, which prevents plants like wildflowers from growing in future years. Further, driving off roads threatens the endangered desert tortoise and can crush them while they hibernate. In addition to harming the park, driving off roads is also illegal. A person driving off road can be fined at least $750 and/or get 6 months of jail time (36 CFR § 4.10). Report incidents to the NPS Investigative Services at 888-653-0009. Other passes honored Golden Age, Golden Access, Volunteer, 4th Grade (Every Kid Outdoors), and 5th Grade vouchers. NPS PHOTO The fees you pay make a difference! The park uses these funds for projects that improve visitor services and protect natural and cultural resources such as: • Maintaining campgrounds & facilities. • Providing education programs that reach thousands of students. • Providing emergency medical service. • Improving accessibility. Extensive damage from illegal offroad driving on salt flats. 2 Visitor Guide NPS PHOTO Safety and Travel Information Protecting Yourself and Your Pets Pets in the Park Death Valley may be wild and unfamiliar country, but it need not be dangerous. Please review these safety considerations. Medical care can be hours away. Dehydration occurs quickly here! Carry and drink water—at least 1 gallon per person per day. As you exercise, you lose salt and water (over a quart and a half per hour while hiking). You need both to survive in this extreme environment. Reduce alcohol and caffeine intake as the diuretic effects can add to dehydration. Protect your body—skin burns quickly here. Find shade, wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a brimmed hat. Wear long-sleeves, trousers, and good shoes. Plan Ahead Know road and weather conditions. When traveling to remote areas, call someone at home and tell them where you are going. Free backcountry permits are available on our website or at visitor centers—we can find you faster if we know where to look. Technology and Phones Devices are great but can be deadly to rely upon. Cellphone service is very limited in the park. GPS devices frequently recommend "shortcuts" onto unmaintained roads. Use a map, compass, and common sense. Flash Floods During rain, avoid hiking in canyons. When driving, evaluate water on roads before crossing; floods can remove road sections and muddy water hides debris and large rocks. Mine Hazards Do not enter mine shafts or tunnels; they might be unstable, have hidden pits, pockets of poisonous gases, or be home to wildlife. Stay Out—Stay Alive! Driving Vehicle accidents are the single largest cause of serious injury or death in the park! Sharp turns lead to rollover accidents. Enjoy the scenery when parked and follow speed limits. Prepare for Breakdowns In case of vehicle trouble, stay with your car —you'll have shade and be easier to find. If you're on a dirt road, plan on changing a flat tire at least once. Be aware that most rental cars do not have spare tires and agreements do not cover unpaved roads, which can result in expensive towing fees. NPS/E. HOERNER Heat Partnerships This is the official non-profit partner of Death Valley National Park. They operate bookstores at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center and Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station. They also offer classes through the Death Valley Field Institute. Death Valley National Park is the hottest place on Earth, with the record setting temperature of 134 °F (57°C) measured on July 10, 1913! Your support makes a difference. You can also shop online or learn about memberships at www.dvnha.org. Death Valley Conservancy The mission of the conservancy (DVC) is to support projects that enhance research, education, historic preservation, and the visitor experience in the park and surrounding communities. This past decade has continued to set daily or monthly heat records, and have included 9 of the 10 hottest years of the last century. Donations to this non-profit partner have helped support school group visits, restoration projects for Scotty's Castle, construction of replica Borax Wagons, Devils Hole pupfish research, Ryan Camp restoration, and other outreach programs that share the wonders and heritage of the Death Valley region. Learn more at www. dvconservancy.org. Average monthly temperatures (averaging daytime highs and nighttime lows) for low elevations: Month Maximum Minimum January 67°F (19°C) 40°F (4°C) February 73°F (23°C) 46°F (8°C) March 82°F (27°C) 55°F (13°C) April 90°F (32°C) 62°F (17°C) May 100°F (38°C) 73°F (23°C) June 110°F (43°C) 81°F (27°C) July 116°F (47°C) 88°F (31°C) August 115°F (46°C) 86°F (30°C) September 106°F (41°C) 76°F (24°C) October 93°F (34°C) 61°F (16°C) November 77°F (25°C) 48°F (9°C) December 65°F (18°C) 38°F (3°C) NPS PHOTO Since 1954, the association has donated over $6.5 million to the park, helping fund projects including Wilderness restoration, printing books, supporting the Dark Sky Festival, transportation grants to bring in school groups, funding interns, historic preservation work at Scotty's Castle, and more. • Pets are not allowed on trails, off roads, or in Wilderness areas. Your pet can only go where your car can go. • Walk pets only on dirt or paved roads. Be sure to stop and feel the ground often in order to ensure paws won't be burned! • Pets need to be on a leash no longer than six feet long at all times. • You may not leave your pet unattended in vehicles if it creates a danger to the animal, or if the animal becomes a nuisance. Minutes in a hot car can kill. • If you plan to hike, someone must stay behind with the pet, or you will need to make arrangements with a kennel service. There is no kennel service in the park. • Park regulations require that you clean up after your pet and dispose of waste in trash receptacles. Average Temperatures Many programs across the National Park Service are built on partnerships and philanthropy, helping expand opportunities and outreach. Death Valley Natural History Association Bringing a pet to Death Valley may limit some of your activities and explorations in the park. Follow these pet regulations to ensure a safer, more enjoyable visit for yourselves, other park visitors, your pet, and the park's wildlife. Death Valley Natural History Association's bookstore in the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. Visitor Guide 3 B. GREENBURG Learn and Explore! Hey Kids! You can earn a Death Valley Junior Ranger badge! Anyone can become a Death Valley Junior Ranger—just pick up a booklet from the visitor center or download a copy from our website, explore the park and complete fun activities, show a ranger the work you've done, take a pledge, and earn your badge! Hike with a Ranger See the Classic Sights! Ranger programs are often available mid-November through April. Schedules for these free educational programs can be found at the visitor center. Go to pages 6-9 for trip planning suggestions. Explore Wilderness Programs tailored for school groups might also be available; email DEVA_ Information@nps.gov to discuss opportunities for schools with our education team! With nearly 3.2 million acres of designated Wilderness, 93% of this enormous park offers opportunities to visit lands with the highest levels of protection. Here you can see a pristine desert landscape and be inspired by nature in a profound way. Wilderness begins 50 feet from most of Death Valley's roads, and by adhering to these guidelines and regulations, you can experience some of the most pristine land in the country in a responsible way: • • • • K. MOSES NPS PHOTO • • A special free pass is available for 4th Graders! Get your voucher at everykidoutdoors.gov! Rules of the Road Biking do's: • Bikes can be used on all park roads that are open to public vehicles. • Enjoy bike specific routes, such as the bicycle path between the Furnace Creek Visitor Center and Harmony Borax Works. • Ride single file. • Be courteous of other visitors. • Bring tools and extra tubes for fixing flats. Death Valley National Park Wilderness map. Cycling in the Park EASY ROADS MODERATE ROADS DIFFICULT ROADS Bicycle Path Hole-in-the-Wall Road Artists Drive Skidoo Road West Side Road Start: Furnace Creek Visitor Center Distance (one way): 1 mile to Harmony Borax Works; 1 mile through Mustard Canyon Road type: paved and flat to Harmony Borax Works; gravel through Mustard Canyon Level of use: moderate Salt Creek Road Start: 13.5 miles west of Furnace Creek on Hwy 190. Distance: 1.2 miles Road type: graded dirt road Level of use: moderate Start: 6.5 mile east of Furnace Creek on Hwy 190 Distance: 4 miles Road type: loose gravel Level of use: low Start: 9.5 miles south of Hwy 190 on Emigrant Canyon Road Distance: 7 miles Road type: wash-board gravel Level of use: low Aguereberry Point Road Start: 12 miles south of Hwy 190 on Emigrant Canyon Road. Distance: 6 miles Road type: gravel with rocky areas Level of use: low Start: 9 miles south of Hwy 190 on Badwater Road Distance: 9 miles, one-way Road type: paved with hills Level of use: high Start: 6 miles south of Hwy 190 on Badwater Road Distance: 40 miles Road type: level but wash-board gravel road, sandy in places Level of use: medium Titus Canyon Road Start: 2.7 miles east of park boundary on Nevada Hwy. 374 Distance: 28 miles, one way Road type: steep grades, loose gravel Level of use: medium K. MOSES Biking don'ts: • Bikes are not allowed on closed roads, service roads, off roadways, in the Wilderness or on any trails. • Travel in reverse direction on one-way roads such as Titus Canyon, Twenty Mule Team Canyon, and Artists Drive. A guided walk at Salt Creek Interpretive Trail. Keep wildlife wild: do not feed, approach, or follow animals. Watch where you walk: if hiking off trails, avoid wet or soft soils, as footprints may last for years! Choose the right hiking partner: unfortunately, this trip isn't the one for your dog; pets must stay on roadways or in campgrounds. Trash your trash: pack it in, pack it out! This includes toilet paper and "biodegradable" things like orange peels, which can take years to break down in the desert. Never drive off roadways! Savor the Wilderness. Keep noise levels down, and respect others' need for space. 4 Visitor Guide M. HARDRIDGE The Skies Above Ranger sunrise favorites include: • Watching the sunrise from Dantes View or Zabriskie Point to see the light hit the top of the Panamint Mountains and work its way down to the valley floor below. • Seeing sunrise at Mesquite Dunes, when shadows are deepest. Early Sunset options are similar to the suggestions for sunrise, but in reverse: you can choose a dramatic scene looking west to watch the sun drop over distant hills, or choose to look east to watch shadows climb up the hillsides as the light slowly fades and the first stars begin to appear. A sunrise ranger program at Zabriskie Point (check schedule at visitor center for availability). K. MOSES E. HOERNER Sunrise options include either looking for a good vista east to see the rising sun directly, or finding places where visitors might see tracks from nocturnal animals left in the sand, including coyote, kit fox, kangaroo rats, or even sidewinders! Both sunrise and sunset bring beautiful shadows across the Mesquite Dunes. See the sunset over the salt flats at Badwater. The sun setting across Panamint Valley. Night Skies Night Sky Viewing Tips Death Valley is an International Dark Sky Park with a Gold Tier rating. The skies here are virtually free of light pollution, so stars can be seen by the thousands! Stargazing under some of the darkest night skies in the country can be an unforgettable experience! Low energy, downward pointing lights at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells help protect the night sky. Over your visit, we encourage you to take a moment to look up and experience the wonder of truly dark skies. Here, thousands of stars can be seen without needing a telescope! You can help bring stargazing opportunities like this closer to your own home. If you, your neighbors, and local businesses took just a few small steps to help reduce light pollution, the changes could add up to be significant! Attend a Night Sky ranger program when available! • Visit during the new moon! This is when the moon isn't reflecting any light into the night sky and it is darkest. • Stay out long enough! It takes about 30 minutes without looking at light for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. • Use a red light. Cover flashlights with red cellophane if possible. Red light has the least impact on adjusting your eyes. • Seek a large horizon. If you are too close to large hills or mountains, they may block large areas of stars from view. • Bring binoculars! Although not a telescope, even these can help bring a greater number of stars into focus. • Location! Most every area of the park can be good for viewing, as long as you get a short distance away from areas with light. Even getting a mile away from buildings or campgrounds can be a big help! Consider these simple steps: turn off outside lights when they're not needed, use shielded fixtures to help cover bulbs, and use energy saving features such as timers or motion sensors so lights are only on when needed. Consider being a dark sky ambassador for your neighborhood! Orion over the salt flats at Badwater. W. KESSLER NPS PHOTO Our dark night skies can be attributed not only to the remoteness of the park, but also to rethinking our lighting. Seeing the stars at Death Valley can be an incredible part of your visit! Here are a few suggestions for the best possible experience: During your visit, we recommend checking out the dark night sky at: • Harmony Borax Works • Mesquite Sand Dunes • Dantes View • Father Crowley Vista Point • Zabriskie Point • Ubehebe Crater • Most roadside pull-outs! T. NORDGREN Why is stargazing so great here? The answer is simple: darkness. With so few lights "polluting" our night skies, stars are visible here by the thousands like they were to generations past. Ranger sunset favorites include: • Watching the sunset from Father Crowley Vista Point, with the light fading across the Cottonwood Mountains to the east. • See the shadows grow longer and more dramatic at the Mesquite Sand Dunes. • Overlook the valley from Dantes View to see the sun set behind the Panamint Mountains. • Watch shadows grow across the salt flats at Badwater Basin. E. HOERNER Where is the best place to see the sunrise or sunset? Truly, the answer is anywhere in the park! With huge horizons and dramatic scenery, it is spectacular wherever you are. you can look west to see the sunrise light up the highest peaks then move downward across the landscape as the sun continues to rise. K. MOSES Searching for the Perfect Sunset The Milky Way stretching over Harmony Borax. Visitor Guide 5 Must-See Locations Check out the options below for the top Ranger-recommended places to see! Artists Drive Walking Required? Travel from Furnace Creek The lowest point in North America, at 282 ft (86 m) below sea level, a surreal landscape of vast salt flats. A short walk on a boardwalk takes you over salt flats. A longer 1-2 mile (1.5-3 km) walk leads to salt polygons. 17 mi (27 km) south on Badwater Road 30 minutes A scenic loop drive through multi-hued hills. The 9 mile (14.5 km) drive is one-way. No vehicles over 25 feet long. Enjoy the views from your vehicle. A short stop at Artists Palette would require exiting your vehicle. Entrance to the one way road is 8.5 mi (13.7 km) south on Badwater Road 15 minutes Golden colored badlands and a spectacular spot for sunrise. A 1/4 mi (400 m) distance, 60 ft (18 m) elevation gain walk up a paved path to the viewpoint from the parking area. 4.8 mi (7.7 km) east on Highway 190 15 minutes Zabriskie Point E. HOERNER Badwater Basin Description E. HOERNER Location J. JURADO 1 - 2 Hours — The do-not-miss list for a visit to Death Valley! Dantes View Harmony Borax Works Walking Required? Travel from Furnace Creek Tawny dunes smoothly rise nearly 100 ft (30 m) from Mesquite Flat. The dunes can be viewed from your vehicle, or explored on foot. 22.4 mi (36 km) west on Highway 190 30 minutes Breathtaking viewpoint over 5,475 ft (1,700 m) above Death Valley. No vehicles over 25 feet long. ADA accessible viewing platform next to the parking area. Higher elevation offers slightly cooler temperatures. 12 mi (19 km) east on Highway 190; 13.2 mi (21 km) on Dantes View Road 1 hour Borax was one of the most profitable resources mined in the park. See historic processing ruins and an original 20-mule team wagon! A 0.4 mi (650 m) distance, 35 ft (11 m) elevation gain walk on a paved path. 1 mi (1.6 km) west on Highway 190 3 minutes E. HOERNER Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Description NPS PHOTO Location K. MOSES Extra few hours — Stop at one of these unique spots, but be sure to avoid afternoon heat! Charcoal Kilns Father Crowley Vista Point 6 Visitor Guide Walking Required? Travel from Furnace Creek Roughly 2,000 years ago, rising magma came into contact with groundwater, resulting in a steam and gas explosion that left a 600 ft (183 m) crater. The view is a short walk from your vehicle along a paved path. A moderate trail leads around the crater (see page 8). 17.1 mi (27.5 km) west on Highway 190; 33.4 mi (53.8 km) on North Highway to Ubehebe Crater Road 1 hour These ten beehive-shaped structures are among the best preserved in the west. Built in 1876 to provide fuel to process silver/lead ore. No vehicles over 25 feet long. The kilns can be viewed from your vehicle. 33.6 mi (54 km) west on Highway 190; 28.2 mi (45.4 km) on Emigrant Canyon Road 2 mi (3 km) are gravel 1.5 hours A landscape of lava flows and volcanic cinders created the colorful layers of Rainbow Canyon. Possible viewing of military training flights. A view into Rainbow Canyon is a short walk from your vehicle along a paved path. 62.8 mi (101 km) west on Highway 190 1.5 hours E. HOERNER Ubehebe Crater Description W. KESSLER Location W. KESSLER Half Day Adventures — Add these longer adventures to see different parts of the park! Park Map More detailed maps are available at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. Not all roads are shown. Dark green numbers are for vistas & overlooks (page 6), light green letters are for trails (page 8). Lida To Tonopah and Reno 266 Paved road Unpaved road High clearance 4x4 road Hiking trail Timbisha Shoshone trust lands Below sea level Salt flats 95 168 Gold Point To Big Pine No RV's or trailers longer than 25 feet on: • Artists Drive • Dantes View beyond trailer parking lot • Emigrant Canyon Road • Wildrose Road 267 Eureka Dunes Eureka Dunes Deep sand Racetr ack Roa d Ubehebe Crater In winter carry chains. Road may be closed. Grapevine Mesquite Spring Rhyolite (ghost town) k Tit us Sharp rock; requires heavyduty tires. d oa Can yon R Da Warm Springs le ED st OS Ca L ’y s d C t a ot Ro Sc nd a f Road conditions require experienced four-wheel drivers. Saline Valley Dunes ht ig yl Beatty ad Ro ss Pa 374 95 Information The Racetrack To Manzanar, Bishop, and Yosemite Lone Pine Keeler 395 l Wildrose o Narrow, winding road. No vehicles longer than 25 feet. Wildrose Peak Trail Road may be closed due to snow Narrow, winding road. No vehicles longer than 25 feet. Furnace Creek 373 Charcoal Kilns Thorndike Mahogany Flat Telescope Peak i Palette o d Natural Bridge Devils Golf Course Badwater c Airport id To Pahrump & Las Vegas Narrow, winding Dantes road. No vehicles View longer than 25 feet. j e ad Texas Springs Ranch at Death Valley Death Valley Junction Ro Furnace Creek Visitor Center 190 Trailer parking n West S Sunset ASH MEADOWS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 127 p Furnace Creek Devils Hole Death Valley National Park Zabriskie Point 20 Mule Team Canyon Artists Artists Information Drive Panamint Springs Amargosa Valley Golden Canyon y wa g Darwin Olancha 190 a ne Darwin Falls h C To Las Vegas Harmony Borax Works Furnace Creek ad Ro 190 m n yo an Father Crowley Vista Point b nt igra Em Panamint Dunes Lathrop Wells Keane Wonder Mill and Mine Mesquite Dunes Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Salt Creek Mosaic Interpretive 190 Canyon Trail Emigrant In winter carry chains. Road may be closed. 136 e Stovepipe Wells Village Homestake Dry Camp Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center Ranger station Campground RV dump station Picnic area Restaurant Lodging Gas station Store Restroom Accessible Shoshone Borax Museum To Pahrump & Las Vegas Timbisha Shoshone Village (private) 0 190 Ashford Mill (ruins) Inn at Death Valley 127 To Tecopa & Las Vegas 0.5 Kilometer 0.5 Mile 0 Trona 395 Ibex Dunes 178 Ridgecrest North To Los Angeles 01 10 Kilometers 01 10 Miles Visitor Guide 7 Get Out and Hike! Check out the options below and the map on page 7 for location information for these popular hikes. • Before starting a hike check weather conditions, and inquire about current road conditions. Avoid hiking in canyons when rain is possible; flash floods are possible with rain falling miles away. • Always carry water. Two liters per person for a short winter day hike, and four liters or more in the summer and for longer hikes. • Dogs and bicycles are not allowed on trails or off roads, but hundreds of miles of dirt roads offer unforgettable adventures. • Pack out all trash, including toilet paper. • Constructed trails are rare in this park. Trails are provided in places that are heavily used and sensitive to damage. If a trail is there, please use it. Most hiking routes in the park are cross-country, up canyons, or along ridges. Footing can be rough and rocky. • Hiking in low elevations can be dangerous when it is hot. The high peaks can be covered with snow in winter and spring. • Be aware of illegal marijuana grow sites that may exist in remote areas. Do not continue exploring these areas; leave and report this information to a ranger promptly. Round Trip Elevation Gain Description Harmony Borax Works 0.4 mi (0.6 km) 50 ft (15 m) ADA accessible loop around a mining site where 20-Mule Team wagons began their grueling 165-mile journey south to the Mojave Railroad Depot. b Salt Creek Interpretive Trail 0.5 mi (0.8 km) flat ADA accessible loop. Wooden boardwalk through salt marsh and rare pupfish habitat. Pupfish can usually be seen in the spring. Great for birding. Unpaved road is typically passable in a sedan. c Badwater Salt Flat 1 mi (1.6 km) flat ADA accessible out and back. Scenic walk out to classic geometric shapes in the salt flats and the lowest point in North America. d Natural Bridge 1 mi (1.6 km) 180 ft (54 m) Out and back hike up a dramatic canyon to a natural bridge formation. Unpaved access road is typically passable in a sedan, but subject to wash-outs. e Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes 2 mi (3.2 km) 185 ft (56 m) Hike through the largest dune field in the park to the tallest summit. Go during sunrise, sunset, or full moon lighting for unforgettable experiences. Round Trip Elevation Gain Description Ubehebe Crater Rim 1.5 mi (2.4 km) 500 ft (152 m) Loop hike around the rim of a 600 ft (183 m) deep maar volcano. Head around the loop counterclockwise to include Little Ubehebe Crater. g Darwin Falls* 2 mi (3.2 km) 450 ft (137 m) Out and back hike to desert waterfall. No trail; minor rock scrambling and stream crossing. This is a source of drinking water—no swimming. Unmarked gravel access road just west of Panamint Sprin