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Death Valley:
Scotty's Castle Area
Places to see and things to do in the Scotty's Castle area of Death Valley
Scotty’s Castle
Prospector “Death Valley Scotty” claimed this elaborate Spanish-style mansion was built by gold from his fictitious mine. In reality, it
was the 1920s vacation home of his wealthy friends. Today, living history tours of the castle’s richly furnished interior are given by
costumed park rangers.
Ubehebe Crater
More than 3000 years ago the desert silence was shattered by a massive volcanic explosion caused by the violent release of underground
steam pressure. When the cinders and dust settled, this 600 feet deep crater remained. Although easily visible from the paved road, hikers
may want to circle the crater rim to see smaller craters.
The Racetrack
Rocks mysteriously slide across the dry lakebed of the Racetrack, leaving behind long tracks for visitors to ponder. A high-clearance
vehicle is needed to traverse the 27 miles of rough dirt road, but ask at a ranger station for current road conditions.
Eureka Dunes
Rising majestically nearly 700 feet, these are the highest dunes in California. Isolated from other dunes, they are an evolutionary
island, home to rare and endangered species of plants and animals. To give them extra protection, the dunes are off limits to sandboarding
and horseback riding.
Teakettle Junction
Elevation of 4,150 feet (1,260 m). Teakettle Junction is the junction of Hunter Mountain and Racetrack roads approximately 6 miles north of Racetrack Playa and 21 miles from Ubehebe Crater.
Lost Burro Mine
In 1907 Bert Shively's burro decided he'd had it and went to get himself lost. Bert caught up with him in a remote canyon and picked up a rock to get his attention.
Source and references: NPS and others
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Clickable Scotty's Castle Area Map
Click here to zoom out to the Death Valley Map
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