Scotty's Castle - Death Valley National Park

Overview:

Hidden in the green oasis of Grapevine Canyon in far northern Death Valley, Scotty's Castle is a window into the life and times of the Roaring 20's and subsequent financial depression of the 30's. A beautiful Spanish-style house, the Castle was an engineer's dream home, a wealthy matron's vacation home and a man-of-mystery's hideout and getaway. Walter Scott, "Death Valley Scotty," convinced everyone that he had built the Castle with money from secret mines in the area. Albert Johnson actually built the house as a vacation getaway for himself and his wife, Bessie.

The main part of Scotty's Castle is temporarily closed due to a massive flash flood in October 2015, which washed away the road in Grapevine Canyon, the drinking water system, sewer system, and damaged several historic structures. The park hopes to reopen Scotty's Castle in 2019. However, nearby Lower Vine Ranch, which was Scotty's private retreat, is open on a very occasional basis to ranger-guided tours.

Tours meet at Grapevine Ranger Station. Grapevine Ranger Station is located in the north end of Death Valley National Park. Driving time from Furnace Creek (in Death Valley NP) is about one hour. Drive northwest on CA 190, then turn right (north) on Scotty's Castle Road. Driving time from Las Vegas is about three hours, and from Beatty, NV is about one hour. The entrance into Death Valley from US 95 is closed. From Beatty take US 374 into the park and turn onto Scotty's Castle Road and drive to the Grapevine Ranger Station. Drive time is about one hour.