Scotty’s Castle Flood Recovery Walking Tours

January 25, 2020 | Category: News, Scotty's Castle

On October 18, 2015, over a three hour period, almost 3 inches of rain fell on the Scotty’s Castle area in Grapevine Canyon, causing a massive flash flood that dramatically changed the landscape. The road and utilities were destroyed, some buildings damaged, and access to this historic area was closed. 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. Come listen to the stories of this unique palace in the desert, the people who called it home, and the projects underway to reopen this unique historic district.

Walking tours are scheduled most Sundays at 9:30 am and 1:00 pm, December 8, 2019 – April 12, 2020. $25 per person, plus ticketing fee. Space is limited to 25 participants per tour. Tickets must be purchased online here in advance.

Advanced online registration and payment required using the link below. Registration is now open to the General Public.

Eventbrite - Scotty’s Castle Flood Recovery Tours

 

Tour Details:

  • Duration: Two hours from meet up to conclusion
  • Accessibility: approximately two hours of walking over uneven surfaces. Not suitable for those with difficulty standing or walking. The tour is not handicap accessible due to flood damage and construction
  • Effort: Moderate
  • For safety reasons, children under 6 years of age are not allowed on the walking tour

Know Before You Go: Participants will caravan as a group to the Scotty’s Castle Grounds (Approximate 3 miles from meetup location; You will be driving your own personal vehicle, following the directions of a National Park Service Ranger). Flash photography and videotaping are allowed. Visitors are encouraged to bring water, snacks, sturdy closed-toe shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent for biting gnats. Visitors are required to stay with the park ranger at all times. Portable toilets are located at the grounds, but you are encouraged to use flush toilets before arriving. Please carry out your own trash.

Directions: At tour time, meet the ranger-guide at the Grapevine Ranger Station in the north end of Death Valley National Park. From Furnace Creek, drive 17 miles west on CA-190, then 33 miles north on North Highway. Drive time is 1 hour from Furnace Creek.

**Please note: No access to Grapevine Ranger Station from the northeast. Scotty’s Castle Road between Grapevine Ranger Station and NV-267 is closed.