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How Much Time---Death Valley


travelinbob

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I think that the answer to your question is highly dependent on how much hiking, etc, you wish to do while there. The park is huge, beautiful, desolate, etc. Since Scotty's Castle is probably still closed because of flood damage, the actual "sights" within the park can probably all be seen in a day or two, but you could probably spend multiple days photographing the desert landscape if that is your thing. But as Jim posted, it does get pretty hot there and you are in a communications "black hole" in most of the park which does make you feel kind of isolated. The good news is that it's easy to get satellite TV! :D

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Some love it others could care less. You will need to decide for yourself how much time you want to spend. It is a fascinating place. If you are into photography this is a great place. It is a geologic marvel. Hiking is as much as you want. Flat land to mountain hiking makes this a hiking paradise. Interested in Native American culture? You will find excellent examples here. My recommendation is to visit any time except Summer. <G> Interested in astronomy? The night time views are second to none! Enjoy whatever course of action you decide on. Dennis

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We spent a week there last year, and it wasn't nearly enough! If you like the desert as we do, I'd suggest 2 weeks minimum, ideally up to a month.

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Agreed! It's really easy to "loose yourself" if you're in to that type of countryside. Days can pass in a heartbeat. I'm not a photographer in any sense of the word, but that's one area I wouldn't skimp on your time frame.

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Scotty's Castle is a highlight of the park. We took the tour a few times. However, it is currently closed due to a flood earlier in the year. If you have a 4x4 vehicle, there are some neat roads to travel. If you don't do either of those then probably 4 or 5 days would suffice. We really like Mesquite Springs campground.

 

Here's the park's link and information about the flood closings:

 

http://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm

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Too bad about Scotty's Castle. I still remember a visit with my parents many, many years ago when I was around 10 or 12. We stayed in the castle and Scotty was still alive. We sat around the fire at night while he told stories. Also, my mom was an organist and he let her play the organ. It's one of my few memories from that long ago.

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Too bad about Scotty's Castle. I still remember a visit with my parents many, many years ago when I was around 10 or 12. We stayed in the castle and Scotty was still alive. We sat around the fire at night while he told stories. Also, my mom was an organist and he let her play the organ. It's one of my few memories from that long ago.

What fun memories!

 

The Castle itself wasn't damaged, fortunately. Many of the outbuilding were damaged and the flood took out the entire electrical, water, and sewer system. So it'll be awhile before the place is opened up to the public again.

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We just came back from a 4 day trip there, it is my 4th so far, 3rd with an RV. I still haven't seen everything. It is one of my favorite places, the desolation only adds to the beauty of the place. If you have an off road capable vehicle, there is alot of exploring to do off the roads. Do yourself a favor and stay at the Furnace Creek Ranch, the dry camp area called Fiddlers Campground is about the same price as the NPS parks (other than the free ones further out in the boonies) and you have access to the spring fed outdoor pool which is awesome.

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