DONATE MEMBERSHIP SHOP
DVNHA
Join Us for a Guided Tour of Scotty’s Castle!
Tour Times: Select Sundays, January 4, 2026, through March 29, 2026
Tickets: $35 per person, plus a ticketing fee
Booking: Tickets must be purchased at least 48 hours in advance.
NO REFUNDS: All proceeds benefit the restoration and preservation efforts at Scotty’s Castle.
Upcoming DVI Programs
Sunday, January 11, 2026
Hike to Death Valley’s “Wild” River
Meet the wild and scenic river that ends its journey in the hot, dry depths of Death Valley!
Sat., Sun., & Mon., January 17, 18, & 19, 2026
Death Valley Highlights, Hikes, and Rocks
Choose one, two, or three days of relaxed-pace hiking with geologist Torrey Nyborg.
Wed., Thurs., & Fri., February 18, 19, & 20, 2026
Capturing Visions: 3-Day Photography Workshop
A 3-Day masterclass photo adventure with David Kingham and Jennifer Renwick.
Death Valley NP
North Highway, Artist Drive, and Other Roads Reopen
Several flood-damaged roads in Death Valley National Park, including North Highway and Artists Drive, have reopened over the past two weeks thanks to extensive repair work by park staff and assisting crews from other national parks. Flash floods in August, September, and November left heavy rock debris and damaged road shoulders across the park. While many popular routes are now open, some roads remain closed as repairs continue. An upcoming storm forecasted for December 24–25 may cause additional flooding and result in new road closures. Visitors are encouraged to check current road conditions at nps.gov/deva before traveling.
Record Rainfall in Death Valley NP
Death Valley NP experienced record-breaking rainfall this fall, with 2.41 inches from September through November and the wettest November on record at 1.76 inches, surpassing a 1923 record. While rainfall is an important factor for spring wildflowers, it is too early to know whether conditions will result in a superbloom like the one seen in 2016. The storms caused numerous road closures, with several paved roads covered in flood debris, though many popular sites such as Zabriskie Point, Dantes View, Badwater Basin, and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes remain accessible. Visitors should use caution on unpaved roads and check current conditions and road status at nps.gov/deva before visiting.
Ash Meadows NWR
Birding at Ash Meadows
Ash Meadows NWR supports migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway by providing fresh water and food in an otherwise dry landscape. During December, waterfowl such as the Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) use the refuge’s spring-fed pools and marshes for feeding and rest. Because these springs flow year-round, Ash Meadows NWR continues to provide resources even when surrounding desert water sources have dried up. This same water supply also supports resident species, including the Phainopepla (Phainopepla nitens), which can be observed year-round in nearby mesquite and shrub habitats. In the Winter, Ash Meadows NWR offers a rare combination of stability and activity, making it a key location for birds and a rewarding place for those who come to observe them.
DVNHA Store
Featured Products
Bring the spirit of the Death Valley region into your home this holiday season! One ornament features the iconic Death Valley National Park sign set against rugged badlands, while the other highlights the vibrant waters of Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.
Add one or both to your holiday display as a beautiful reminder of the desert’s charm!
Death Valley Natural History Association | dvnha.org
Education ● Preservation ●
Mission
Preserving and interpreting the natural and cultural resources of the Death Valley region in cooperation with our government partners:
Death Valley National Park and Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
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