Death Valley Activities

As you can imagine, Death Valley is a magnificent National Park with many scenic and historic attractions. This section of our web site will be under heavy construction for some time to come, so please check back for updates.

Season is the determining factor for all outdoor activites in Death Valley. Late fall through early spring (November through the end of March), camping, hiking, and exploring predominate. But during the summer months from mid April through mid October (yes October) it is best to be cautious and consider activities that are less exposed to the heat. Hikes are still available in the summer months, but we recommend the mountains and their spectacular vistas instead of the canyon grottos. 

Backcountry Camping

Free voluntary permits for backcountry camping may be obtained at the visitor center or any ranger station. Solo hikers can fill out a Backcountry Hiking Form to provide detailed information in case a search is requested by a family member or friend.

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Backcountry camping is allowed two miles away from any developed area, paved road, or "day use only" area. Camp only in previously disturbed areas and park your vehicle close to the roadway to minimize impact.
Due to our rough dirt roads, backcountry roadside camping is generally only accessible to visitors with high clearance or 4-wheel drive vehicles.

Camping is not allowed on the following "day use only" dirt roads:

    * Titus Canyon road
    * West Side Road
    * Wildrose Road
    * Skidoo Road
    * Aguereberry Point Road
    * Cottonwood Canyon Road (first 8 miles only)
    * Racetrack Road (from Teakettle Junction to Homestake Dry Camp)

Camping is not allowed at the following historic mining areas:

    * Keane Wonder Mine
    * Lost Burro Mine
    * Ubehebe Lead Mine

Camping should be avoided near all mining areas for personal safety.

Backcountry camping is not allowed on the valley floor from Ashford Mill in the south to two miles north of Stovepipe Wells.

Overnight group size is limited to 15 people and no more than 6 vehicles. Larger groups are required to split into smaller groups of 15 persons or less and camp, eat and sleep one quarter mile from the other group.

Backcountry campsites must be more than 200 yards from any water source to protect these fragile areas for wildlife use.

If in doubt whether an area is open to camping please check at the nearest Ranger Station or the Furnace Creek Visitor Center.
Campfires:

Campfires are prohibited, except in fire pits in developed campgrounds.

Gathering wood is unlawful and burning of wood is not allowed in the backcountry.

Use of a low impact backpacking stove is encouraged.
Off-Road Driving:

Driving off roads is prohibited. The desert environment is extremely fragile and slow to recover from vehicle damage.
Mountain Bikes:

Bicycles are allowed on paved and dirt roads and the bike path near the Furnace Creek Visitor Center.

Bikes are not allowed off roads, on trails, on closed roads, or in the wilderness areas of the park.
Park Resources:

Removal or disturbance of rocks, historic artifacts, plants, or animals is prohibited. Death Valley is considered an "outdoor museum"; please leave the park undisturbed for others to enjoy.

The use of metal detectors is prohibited.
Wildlife:

Feeding all wildlife is prohibited, including coyotes, roadrunners, & ravens. When wild animals are fed by humans they tend to depend upon this "unnatural food source" rather than forage for their natural diet.
Pets:

Pets are permitted in developed areas and on park roads. They must be leashed and restrained at all times. Owners are responsible for clean-up of pet feces.

Pets are not allowed off roads, on trails, or in the wilderness areas of the park.
Horseback:

Horse use is allowed except in developed campgrounds and on paved roads and interpretive trails. Horses are not allowed on the Eureka Dunes, in Darwin Canyon, or on the Telescope Peak Trail.

Water and forage are scarce, so grazing is not allowed. The use of weed-free feed is encouraged.
Garbage:

Pack out all garbage. If you can pack it in, you can pack it out! Do not bury garbage. Wild animals will dig it up as soon as you leave.

However, do bury human waste at least six inches deep, more than 200 yards from any water source.
Private Property:

Please respect all private property including the many patented mining claims in the park.
Weapons:

Weapons are strictly prohibited. This includes firearms, air guns, bow and arrows, slingshots and other similar weapons.
Valuable Backcountry Suggestions:

WATER: Since many springs may be dry or contaminated, plan to carry your own water or stash it ahead of time. During hot spring, summer and fall months, one gallon of water or more per person per day is needed. Heat and very low humidity create extreme dehydration potential during summer. We do not suggest low elevation hiking in Death Valley National Park between May and October.

HAZARDS: In winter, the higher elevations are cold enough that snow and ice conditions may require special safety equipment. Do not enter mine shafts, tunnels, or buildings. Watch for rattlesnakes, especially near old structures and vegetated areas near water. Do not camp in dry washes or drainages due to potential flash flood danger.

TRAILS: Death Valley National Park has few maintained trails and no established campsites in the wilderness. Since most hiking here is cross-country, it is important to hike on areas where your footsteps will have the least impact. Trampling of vegetation, fragile soil crusts, aquatic habitats and animal burrows should be avoided.