Expert: Steve Summers - 6/8/2005

Question

Thanks a lot for your reply, but are you saying that I shouldn't venture out of the car because I am going to there in August?  Or is it still possible to do brief gentle hikes/outings?
Also among the possibilities for accomodations you provided, is there 1 or 2 you would personally recommend?
Also, in terms of the distances involved, what is it possible to do in a day?
Thanks again
SE-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
I am facinated by Death Valley and will finally be n
driving near there on my way from Las Vegas to Los Angeles.  I don't want to miss it but I don't know how to go about seeing it.  How should I drive there, where should I stay (for not too expensive accomodations) and what should I not miss?  I would have about 2 days i guess.
Thanks for your help.
SE
Answer -
Hi Syl,

I like Death Valley, too, but not in the summer. It's VERY hot! If you are going to visit, here are some things to see:

Ubehebe Crater   
      You can expect a stiff, cool breeze on the edge of Ubehebe Crater, located in the northern section of the park. This crater is a spectacular remnant of a violent volcanic explosion that occurred some 3000 years ago.
  The crater's bottom is 462 feet below the west rim, reachable by a trail that starts at the parking lot. It's an easy five-minute hike down, but you'll huff 'n puff climbing back up the loose cinder trail! Climb two steps up and slide one step back down...all the way back up to the rim!
  
   Little Hebe Crater   
      Also a short hike away is Little Hebe Crater, a series of three craters within a crater. With deep volcanic craters on either side, you'll have plenty of extraordinary photo opportunities!    
   Racetrack  
A fascinating mystery to man for over 100 years, the moving rocks of the racetrack will inspire awe. Although the rocks have never actually been observed in motion, a graphical sign at this attraction explains the current theory for their motion. Please do not disturb the rocks so that others who come after you can enjoy it, too!

Scotty's Castle Tours:
Located 53 miles north of Furnace Creek.
“Living History” house tours are presented hourly from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day at the Historic Spanishstyle
mansion located 53 miles north of Furnace Creek. Fees are charged for tours.
“Underground Mystery Tours” of the Castle basement will only be available by special request during the
summer and fall. If you have already been inside Scotty's Castle, this tour provides a unique opportunity
to go behind the scenes. You will get a look at the innovative construction methods of the 1920s
and the technology that was ahead of its time. You can call (760) 786-2392 to inquire about the availability
of these tours.

Scotty's Castle Visitor Center and Museum:
Open 8:30 to 5:30 daily. Exhibits and interactive displays about the history of Death Valley Ranch,
Scotty's Castle and the colorful characters who lived in the area.

Furnace Creek Visitor Center and Museum:
Open 8 to 5 daily. Large relief map and museum exhibits on the history, geology, and natural resources
of the park. The 12-minute orientation slide program is shown every half-hour, 8:30 to 4:00.
Slide programs start at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday.

Some advice...
Hiking at low elevations during the summer is not recommended. Always carry water, even in the winter. Avoid hiking in canyons during heavy rains because of potential flash flood danger. Do not remove any natural or cultural features from the park. Death Valley is generally sunny, dry, and clear throughout the year. The winters are mild with occasional winter storms, but summers are extremely hot and dry. Summer high temperatures commonly run above 120 degrees fahrenheit. Comfortable clothing providing sun protection and a broad brimmed hat are recommended in summer. Winter requires warmer clothing and light to medium jackets. Sturdy walking shoes are important year round.

Directions
 The park is transected from east to west by California Highway 190. On the east in Nevada, Highway 95 parallels the park from north to south with connecting highways at Scotty's Junction (State Route 267), Beatty (State Route 374), and Lathrop Wells (State Route 373). South of the park, Interstate 15 passes through Baker, California on its way from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. State Route 127 travels north from Baker to Shoshone (State Route 178) and Death Valley Junction (Highway 190). West of the park, State Route 178 passes through Ridgecrest and Trona on its way north to a junction with 190. Also to the west, Highway 395 parallels the park from north to south with connections to Highway 190 at Olancha and Lone Pine.

It is a two and a half hour drive from Las Vegas by automobile. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for backcountry travel. Check at the park visitor center or with a park ranger for current back country road conditions.

The fastest route from Las Vegas is through Pahrump, Nevada. From Interstate 15 take NV 160 to Pahrump. Just north of town, turn left on Bell Vista Road. Take Bell Vista (becomes Stateline Road in California) to Death  Valley Junction and turn right on CA 127, then a quick left on CA 190 to Death Valley. The whole trip is about 120 miles and take 2 hours.

Current Highway Notes
California Highway 190 between Furnace Creek and Death Valley Junction is now open to through traffic.

As necessary, pilot cars will be running around the clock to guide vehicles through the heavy construction still taking place on the highway. Traffic may be delayed up to 30 minutes.

While the reconstruction of the highway continues, Zabriskie Point, the Dante's View Road, the Twenty Mule Team Canyon Road, and the Hole-in-the-Wall Road will remain closed. Echo Canyon Road is now open. Zabriskie Point, in particular, is the staging area for the heavy equipment being used in the road construction. All access to Zabriskie Point by foot or by vehicle is restricted.



 Fees & Rates
 A $10.00 Vehicle Entrance Fee is valid for seven days.

 Lodging
 Panamint Springs Resort
Resort accomodations and camping. Click here to reserve your room online!
(775) 482-7680 Voice
(775) 482-7682 FAX
 The Furnace Creek Inn and Ranch
Provide motel accomodations in the Furnace Creek area.  
 Stovepipe Wells Village
Provides motel accomodations and limited recreational vehicle camping.

Hope this helps,

Steve

Answer
Hi Syl,

All I'm saying is what the National Park Service is saying: Be extra, extra, careful in the hot months. Too people have died because they were not prepared or underestimated the heat factor. Check out http://www.death-valley.us/dayhiking.html for a complete guide to hiking in Death Valley.

I would stay at the Furnace Creek Inn, since it is very nice and centrally located.

In one day, I would try a hiking/driving tour of the valley. Get up early and do a small hike, then drive to your next destination via some of the sights on your to-see list.

Hope this helps,

Steve