Special Events in Death Valley National Park
The Death Valley 49er's annual encampment takes place the first weekend in November. The encampment draws thousands of campers to programs, sing alongs, art shows, square dances, and backcountry tours.
Death Valley National Park is open year round. There is much to see in Death Valley where most of it's valley floor is below sea level and saltpan, a vast accumulation of salt were nothing can grow. In its surrounding mountains, you can find spectacular wildflower displays as well as snow covered peaks, breath taking sand dunes, abandoned mines and industrial structures. You can experience all of this while in the hottest spot in North America.
Death Valley is at its most spectacular in the morning and evening hours. Sunrises and sunsets are awe-inspiring and stargazing is an experience to remember.
Junior Ranger Programs
The Death Valley Junior Ranger program workbook is available to children ages 6 and under to 11 and over. The workbook is normally available at the park visitor centers, and since the workbook projects are directly tied to the child's personal observations in Death Valley the workbook is not mailed out. Ask for the workbook at the visitor center front desk.
There are 15 projects and several special credit activities presented in the workbook. Children 6 years of age and under should complete at least 4 projects. Children 7 through 10 should complete 6, and children 11 and older should complete at least 9 of the listed projects.
Upon completion of the required number of activities, the child is presented with the Death Valley Junior Ranger Badge. The badge is a very nice replica of the National Park Service Badge with features appropriate to Death Valley! Time permitting, a small ceremony presenting the badges may be undertaken by the Park staff.
For more information on Ranger led activities, check at the Visitor Center