Charles' and Carl's Hiking Page

STEEL WIRE
You can do a lot of repairs with some steel wire.

FIRST AID KIT
It's good to have a first aid kit in case someone has some type of accident.

COOKING POT
A little cooking pot for boiling water and doing some light duty cooking is very important to have, especially if your water filter stops working.

FIRE TOOL
Pocket lighters are cheap and light, and fire is very important on a cold winter night. Bring at least three of them just in case one or two stop working. If your lighter gets jammed with snow it may not work until you remove the snow and dry it, so make sure your lighters are in a place where they don't get directly exposed to snow. Don't use matches, they run out quite quickly, and once they get wet they'll never work again.

WATER
A lot of people are switching to those hydration systems that have a bag of water with a hose that you drink out of, I would never trust my life on that, too many things that can break. Just use a sturdy plastic bottle such as a plastic US Army canteen or similar, they cost around 1 dollar and are absolutely perfect.

CAMPSTOVE
As far as I know there's not a single stove on the market that can compare to the Trailstove. The Trailstove weighs less than a pound, it burns wood that you gather on site so you don't have to carry any fuel, it has no moving parts. The design is extremely simple, it's a stainless steel cone with some holes in all the right places for air to go in and out and a screen for the wood, and a hose that you blow air into by mouth when you start it up. I think the big guys that are selling us fancy brand name stoves for big bucks would be embarrassed to make something as simple as this, but the simple truth is that the Trailstove that sells for about 20 bucks is a much better choice than any $200 ultra-light stove in the world.

TARP
As any hiker knows, a tarp is incredibly useful. You can make a simple shelter with it to sleep under. I normally don't bring a tent with me, I just sleep under the stars. But once in a while the weather turns ugly and then that tarp is real good to have around.

Find a flat sheltered spot for your shelter. Don't go too close to trees or big rocks since blowing snow tends to accumulate around them.
Dig a hole in the snow, about a foot longer than your body and about 3 feet wide, use the snow from the dig to build walls around the hole. Try to get one of the short sides downwind.
Keep digging until the hole is 3 ft from floor to upper edge. Keep in mind that the smaller your shelter is the warmer it will be.
Leave a 1.5x1.5 ft opening in the downwind upper short edge with a connecting corridor, this will be your door.
If you plan to use a stove in the shelter you must also make a vent opening in the side opposite to the door. This opening should be about 6x6 inches.
If possible, try to make a block of hard snow 1.5x1.5x0.5 ft to use as a door block, place this block inside the hole when you're done.

Cover half of the floor on the opposite side of the opening with soft branches to provide extra insulation from the cold snow beneath. This will be your sleeping area, you will later cover the branches with your sleeping pad. If you don't have a sleeping pad with you, make a thicker layer of branches. If it is snowing while you are building your shelter, you can do this step later, after the roof has been put up so you won't get snow on your branches.

Place a number of tree branches over the hole. Keep in mind that these branches may have to carry some heavy snow loads. You can use skis and ski poles for this purpose as well but keep in mind that you won't be able to use them again without ruining the shelter.

Cover the hole with your tarp. Attach edges and corners as well as possible with stakes made from tree branches or string to a nearby tree. Don't rely on weights such as rocks or big chunks of wood, they will start sliding. You want to make sure that there's no way that the tarp will start sagging or slip down through the openings in the ceiling.
Cover the tarp with a layer of snow for insulation. If there is powder snow available try to get a coverage of at least 3 inches. If there is no powder use wet snow or hard snow to make blocks 1.5" thick to form a sheet on top of the tarp, try to rest the blocks on the support poles and not on the tarp. If it is snowing heavily you can let nature take care of this step.

Move in to the shelter. Put your sleeping pad on the branches and sleep with your head away from the door. You can block the door opening to keep warm but you must have at least two small air vents on opposite sides of the shelter to ensure an adequate air supply.

SOME THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
When you're using a stove in the shelter you must open both the door opening and the vent opening. Make sure that the vent opening is kept clear from falling snow on the outside, poke around with a stick periodically if needed.
If you need to urinate during the night, don't go outside in the cold. Just go on the floor inside the shelter. The urine will seep down through the snow, there will be a stained crater left but you can just cover that with some snow.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park has more than 3.3 million acres of spectacular desert scenery, interesting and rare desert wildlife, complex geology, undisturbed wilderness, and sites of historical and cultural interest. Bounded on the west by 11,049 foot Telescope Peak and on the east by 5,475 foot Dante's View, Badwater is the lowest point (-282 feet) in the western hemisphere.

Phone
Visitor Information - (760) 786-2331
Commercial Permits - (760) 786-3241

TRAVEL BASICS

Operating Hours, Seasons
Death Valley National Park is open year round.

Getting There
PLANE - There is a small public airport at Furnace Creek. Fuel is available by calling the Furnace Creek Chevron Station at 786-2343.

CAR - Death Valley National Park is transected from east to west by California Highway 190. On the east in Nevada, U.S. Route 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 and Death Valley Junction with connections to the park on State Route 178 from Shoshone and connection with California Highway 190 at Death Valley Junction.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - At this time, there is no public transportation available to Death Valley National Park.

Weather & Climate
Death Valley is generally sunny, dry, and clear throughout the year. The winters are mild with occasional winter storms, but summers are extrenely 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.

Accessibility
All of Death Valley's visitor centers, contact stations, and museums are accessible to all visitors.

The campgrounds with the exceptions of Texas Spring and the outlying campgrounds at Wildrose, Thorndike, and Mahogany Flat all have accessible sites.

The grounds at Scotty's Castle are accessible to all visitors and the guided tour of the main house has provisions for a wheel chair lift to the upper floors.

Getting Around
California Highway 190, the Badwater Road, The Scotty's Castle Road, and paved roads to Dante's View and Wildrose provide access to the major scenic viewpoints and historic points of interest. More than 350 miles of unpaved and 4-wheel drive roads provide access to wilderness hiking, camping, and historical sites.

There are hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulties, but most backcountry areas are accessible only by crosscountry hiking. There are literally thousands of hiking possibilities.

FEES/PERMITS

Entrance Fee
1 - VEHICLE ENTRANCE FEE
$10.00 for 7 Days
This permit allows all persons traveling with the permit holder in one single private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van) to leave and re-enter the park as many times as they wish during the 7-day period from the date of purchase.

2 - INDIVIDUAL ENTRANCE FEE
$5.00 for 7 Days
This permit allows an individual traveling on foot, horseback, motorcycle, or in a vehicle owned by a non-profit organization to leave and re-enter the park as many times as they wish during the 7-day period from the date of purchase.

3 - COMMERCIAL TOUR (1 - 6 PASSENGERS)
$25.00 + $5.00/person for 7 Days
This permit is for commercial tour vehicles with a passenger capacity of 1 to 6. The permit includes a $25.00 commercial fee and a $5.00 per passenger entrance fee.

4 - COMMERCIAL TOUR (7 - 15 PASSENGERS)
$75.00 for 7 Days
This permit is for commercial tour vehicles with a passenger capacity of 7 to 15.

5 - COMMERCIAL TOUR (16 - 25 PASSENGERS)
$100.00 for 7 Days
This permit is for commercial tour vehicles with a passenger capacity of 16 to 25.

6 - COMMERCIAL TOUR (26 OR MORE PASSENGERS)
$200.00 for 7 Days
This permit is for commercial tour vehicles with a passenger capacity of 26 or more.

Activity Fee
SCOTTY'S CASTLE TOUR FEE
$8.00 for One Time
Entrance fee for the guided living history tour of Scotty's Castle.

Special Use Permits
APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT
$210.00 for One Time
On your request for a special use permit for commercial filming or other special uses, you will be sent an application. There is a onetime application fee of $210.00. This fee is necessary to process your application and is nonrefundable. Please go to the highlighted link to the right for specific information on types of special use permits, fees for the permits, and ideas for commercial filming areas.

Local Passport
DEATH VALLEY ANNUAL PARK PASS
$20.00 for Annual
This pass allows all persons traveling with the passholder in one single non-commercial vehicle or the passholder and his/her family (spouse, children, parents) traveling by means other than single private non-commercial vehicle unlimited entry to the park for 1 year from the month of purchase.

CAMPING

Emigrant
Open All Year
Located at 2,100 feet, Emigrant is designated for Tents Only and has 10 sites with water, tables, and flush toilets. No fires are allowed. Emigrant is a Free campground.

Furnace Creek
Make Reservations by Phone at 1-800-365-CAMP
Open All Year
Located 196 feet below sea level, Furnace Creek has 136 sites with water, tables, fireplaces, flush toilets, and dump station. Furnace Creek is $16 per night during the winter season and $10 a night during the summer.

Mahogany Flat
Mahogany Flat is located at 8,200 feet in the Panamint Mountains and is accessible to high clearance vehicles only. Depending upon road conditions, 4-wheel drive may be necessary. The campground has 10 sites, tables, fireplaces, and pit toilets. Mahogany Flat is free.

Mesquite Spring
Open All Year
Located at 1,800 feet 3 miles from Scotty's Castle, Mesquite Spring has 30 sites with water, tables, fireplaces, flush toilets, and a dump station. The fee is $10 a night.

Stovepipe Wells
Located at sea level, Stovepipe Wells has 190 sites with water, some tables, some fireplaces, flush toilets, and dump station. $10.00 per night.

Sunset
Located at 190 feet below sea level, Sunset has 1000 sites with water, flush toilets, and dump station. NO Fires Allowed. Sunset is $10.00 per night.

Texas Spring
Located at sea level, Texas Spring has 92 sites with water, tables, fireplaces, flush toilets, and dump station. Texas Spring is first come first served with self registration. From March 17th through April 15th, Texas Spring is designated primarily for tent camping with a limited number of RV sites. The fee is $12.00 per night. For the summer, reservations for the two Texas Springs campground group sites are available by calling (760) 786-3247.

Thorndike
Thorndike is located at 7,400 feet in the Panamint Mountains and is accessible to high clearance vehicles only. Depending on road conditions, 4-wheel drive may be necessary. Thorndike has 6 sites, tables, fireplaces, and pit toilets. Thorndike is free. ATTN: Due to extreme fire danger, campfires are prohibited at Thorndike Campground until further notice!

Wildrose
Open All Year
Located at 4,100 feet in the Panamint Mountains, Wildrose has 23 sites, with tables, fireplaces, and pit toilets. Drinking water is available during the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Wildrose is a free campground.

LODGING

Furnace Creek Inn
Open All Year
The private Furnace Creek Inn provides first class resort accomodations in the Furnace Creek area. Further online information and reservations are available at www.furnacecreekresort.com.
For More Information on this lodging please call (760) 786-2361

Furnace Creek Ranch
Open All Year
The private Furnace Creek Ranch provides motel accomodations in the Furnace Creek area. Further online information and reservations are available at www.furnacecreekresort.com.
For More Information on this lodging please call (760) 786-2345

Panamint Springs Resort
Open All Year
The private Panamint Springs resort offers resort accomodations and camping. Further information can be found on the Internet at www.deathvalley.com.
For More Information on this lodging please call (775) 482-7680

Stovepipe Wells Village
Open All Year
The Stovepipe Wells Village concession offers resort accomodations and limited recreational vehicle camping with full hookups in the Stovepipe Wells area.
For More Information on this lodging please call (760) 786-2387

FACILITIES

Museums
SCOTTY'S CASTLE & THE GAS HOUSE MUSEUM
Open All Year 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Phone - (760) 786-2392
Location - Scotty's Castle and the Gas House Museum are located at the north end of Death Valley National Park 53 miles from Furnace Creek and approximately 45 miles from Stovepipe Wells Village. From U.S. Route 95, 154 miles north of Las Vegas, it is 26 miles to Scotty's Castle on Nevada State Route 267.
Special Programs - The highlight of a visit to Scotty's Castle is the 50 minute long guided living history tour of the interior of the main house. The tours are first come first served on the day of the tour and the first tour starts at 9:00 a.m. Tickets are available at the Castle Ticket Office during the winter months and at the Gas House Museum during the summer. The last tour for the day starts at 5:00 p.m. and the grounds close for the day at 6:00 p.m. During the winter season, November through April, rangers present daily "grounds talks" on a variety of historical topics. Check at the Castle Ticket Office for titles and times. A self-guiding tour of the Castle grounds, including the Gas House, is available. Check at the Castle Ticket Office for information and guide booklet.
Exhibits - The Gas House Museum contains a new exhibit of artifacts from the Castle Collection. Exhibits cover the facinating history of the Castle with special emphasis on the two personalities Death Valley Scotty and Albert Mussey Johnson.
Available Facilities - During the summer season, from April through October, the Gas House Museum is the ticket office for guided tours of Scotty's Castle. The Death Valley Natural History Association operates a book sales outlet in the Gas House Museum. The Association makes available books and information on the story of Scotty's Castle and general information on Death Valley. Amfac Parks & Resorts operates a sandwich shop and curio shop on the Castle grounds, and also operates a gasoline station during the day.

Ranger Stations
STOVEPIPE WELLS RANGER STATION
Open All Year
Phone - (760) 786-2342
Location - Stovepipe Wells is located in the center of Death Valley 24 miles from the Furnace Creek resort area to the south and 80 miles from the town of Lone Pine on Highway 395 to the west.
Available Facilities - Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station provides general information and backcountry camping/hiking information and permits. Park entrance fees are collected here and there is a branch outlet of the Death Valley Natural History Association that provides useful informational books and maps.

Visitor Centers
BEATTY INFORMATION CENTER
Open All Year
Phone - (775) 553-2200
Location - Beatty Information Center is located in the town of Beatty, Nevada on the U.S. Route 95 approximately 120 miles north of Las Vegas. Beatty is one of the eastern portals to Death Valley National Park.
Exhibits - The Beatty Information Center has exhibits about Death Valley natural history, cultural history, and scenic highlights.
Available Facilities - The Beatty Information Center has general information on all aspects of Death Valley and visiting Death Valley. There is an outlet of the Death Valley Natural History Association providing a wide range of materials on park history, wildlife, and scenic highlights.

FURNACE CREEK VISITOR CENTER & MUSEUM
Open All Year 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Pacific Time
Phone - (760) 786-2331
Location - The visitor center is located in the Furnace Creek resort area on California highway 190. Furnace Creek is 30 miles from Death Valley Junction to the east, and 24 miles from Stovepipe Wells Village to the north and west.
Special Programs - A 12 minute long introductory slide program is shown every 30 minutes. During the winter season, November through April, rangers present a wide variety of walks, talks, and slide presentations about Death Valley cultural and natural history.
Exhibits - The visitor center has displays dealing with the geology, climate, wildlife and natural history of the park. There are also specific sections dealing with the human history and pioneer experience.
Available Facilities - The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is the main visitor information source for the park. There is a fully staffed information desk with information on all aspects of the park and it's operation. The Death Valley Natural History Association maintains a well stocked book sales outlet specifically geared towards the natural and cultural history of the park.

STEEL WIRE		You can do a lot of repairs with some steel wire.
FIRST AID KIT		It's good to have a first aid kit in case someone has some type of accident.
COOKING POT		A little cooking pot for boiling water and doing some light duty cooking is very important to have, especially if your water filter stops working.
FIRE TOOL		Pocket lighters are cheap and light, and fire is very important on a cold winter night. Bring at least three of them just in case one or two stop working. If your lighter gets jammed with snow it may not work until you remove the snow and dry it, so make sure your lighters are in a place where they don't get directly exposed to snow. Don't use matches, they run out quite quickly, and once they get wet they'll never work again.
WATER		A lot of people are switching to those hydration systems that have a bag of water with a hose that you drink out of, I would never trust my life on that, too many things that can break. Just use a sturdy plastic bottle such as a plastic US Army canteen or similar, they cost around 1 dollar and are absolutely perfect.
CAMPSTOVE		As far as I know there's not a single stove on the market that can compare to the Trailstove. The Trailstove weighs less than a pound, it burns wood that you gather on site so you don't have to carry any fuel, it has no moving parts. The design is extremely simple, it's a stainless steel cone with some holes in all the right places for air to go in and out and a screen for the wood, and a hose that you blow air into by mouth when you start it up. I think the big guys that are selling us fancy brand name stoves for big bucks would be embarrassed to make something as simple as this, but the simple truth is that the Trailstove that sells for about 20 bucks is a much better choice than any $200 ultra-light stove in the world.
TARP		As any hiker knows, a tarp is incredibly useful. You can make a simple shelter with it to sleep under. I normally don't bring a tent with me, I just sleep under the stars. But once in a while the weather turns ugly and then that tarp is real good to have around.