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Best time to visit Death Valley

Scotty's Castle Road in Death Valley 2024-2025

The road reveals scenic landscapes of the northern part of the large national park

Best time: all year round (best in mid-October–mid-April)

Scotty's Castle Road is a 100-km (62 mi) paved road, located in the northern part of Death Valley National Park. The road leads to Scotty’s Castle historic house museum. Scotty's Castle, also calledw Death Valley Ranch, is a two-story villa built in Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival style. It was named after gold prospector Walter E. Scott. Scotty's Castle Road runs across the border between California and Nevada, overlooking beautiful landscapes.

The road is open year-round but if you travel in the summer, keep in mind that Death Valley is listed among the world's hottest places, with a record air temperature of 57°C (134°F). So bring plenty of water and if your car breaks down, avoid spending time outside in the heat. Also be cautious of rattlesnakes, scorpions, or black widow spiders—Death Valley has plenty of those. If you plan to go backpacking, you'll need a free back country permit from any visitor center. The best time to visit is still during the cooler season between mid-October and mid-April.

In 2015 Scotty's Castle Road was damaged by a major flood, so it was closed for repairs until 2020. Scotty's Castle museum was also closed since there was no access.

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