I’ve never chased winter camping. I don’t sleep well cold. I never have. And no amount of romantic language about “embracing the elements” changes the reality of a long night when the temperature drops and sleep comes in short, restless stretches. But winter still holds something I keep returning to. Some of my earliest outdoor … Read more
By Sierra Rec Magazine Staff With summer heat rapidly building in the desert, camping in Death Valley may not be the first thing on your mind—but that’s exactly why this news matters. As of late April 2025, Emigrant Canyon Road has officially reopened following extensive repairs from last year’s devastating August floods, restoring access to … Read more
As winter fades and spring temperatures settle into the Sierra and the California desert, it’s the perfect time to plan a trip to Death Valley National Park. With mild daytime temperatures, ideal stargazing conditions, and ranger-led programs, early 2025 offers visitors a chance to experience the park’s striking landscapes and night skies without the sweltering … Read more
An Interview with Withanee Milligan Co Author of Walk of Ages Today on the Sierra Rec Now podcast, host and Publisher Charlie Pankey welcomes Withanee Milligan, the co-author of Walk of Ages, an inspiring memoir that captures one of the most challenging yet meaningful adventures of her life. This extraordinary tale began as a tribute … Read more
Death Valley might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about a family camping trip, but it’s a hidden gem that has the potential to offer unforgettable experiences. Despite the less-than-appealing name, this vast desert landscape in California is known for its dramatic scenery, unique wildlife, and rich history. If … Read more
Most known for its extreme temperatures and arid landscape, Death Valley surprises visitors with refreshing spring escapes that showcase a different side of this unique national park. As temperatures start to rise across the country, Death Valley’s cool springs offer a welcome retreat for adventurers looking to explore nature’s wonders in a setting unlike any … Read more
Death Valley conjures images of scorching heat and endless stretches of cracked earth, but in 2024 Death Valley is a new discovery, as Rain and Regional Snow packs over the past two years have transformed this wild scarred land into a must see experience in 2024. From The return of Lake Manly to the rain … Read more
Emigrant Canyon, West Side, Ibex, Saratoga, Owlshead & more DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – The National Park Service (NPS) recently reopened 195 miles of roads in Death Valley National Park. Emigrant Canyon, West Side, Ibex, Saratoga, and Owlshead Roads had been closed since they were damaged by flash floods caused by the remnants of Hurricane Hilary. Contractors … Read more
DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – Explore the wonders of space from one of the darkest locations in the United States. This year’s Death Valley Dark Sky Festival will take place Friday, March 1 through Sunday, March 3. This popular event was attended by over 3500 people last year. Scientists and park rangers fill the weekend with 32 … Read more
Recent atmospheric river rejuvenated temporary lake in Badwater Basin DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – A temporary lake provides a rare opportunity to kayak in the driest place in the United States: Death Valley National Park. “You might think with no drain to the sea, that Death Valley would always have a lake,” says park ranger Abby … Read more
Forget the intimidating treks and rugged climbs. Death Valley, with its otherworldly landscapes and dramatic vistas, offers a surprising abundance of beginner-friendly hikes. Embark on a journey through golden canyons, navigate mesmerizing salt flats, and be dwarfed by towering sand dunes – all without breaking a sweat! This ain’t your typical desert stroll, though. Each … Read more
Additional areas of Death Valley National Park opening 12/23: North Highway, Ubehebe Crater, and The Racetrack DEATH VALLEY, Calif., December 23, 2023 – On Saturday, Death Valley National Park will reopen 95 miles of flood-damaged roads. Pockets of wildflowers and cool temperatures make this an ideal time to visit the park. It’s an ideal time … Read more
DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – Caltrans and the National Park Service (NPS) announced that parts of State Route 190 (CA-190) and Death Valley National Park are tentatively scheduled to reopen on October 15. The only access into the park will be from the west via Lone Pine, CA. This reopening date depends on several factors, including … Read more
DEATH VALLEY, Calif., October 16 – 2023 – The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public comments by October 25 on proposed fee changes for backcountry permits and campgrounds in Death Valley National Park. The NPS proposes to increase nightly campsite fees by $4 to $8. Some backcountry permits would become reservable in advance on … Read more
Death Valley Still Accessing and Cleaning up after Tropical Storm Hilary Death Valley National Park – August 31, 2023 – August 20th Tropical Storm Hilary laid waste to the mountains and roadways in Death Valley National Park. The National Weather Service rain gauge at Furnace Creek measured 2.2 inches (55.9 mm) of rain Sunday, August … Read more
Death Valley has once again in 2023 taken a significant blow from weather events. Remains Closed with major road damage. DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – Death Valley National Park remains closed after the remnants of Hurricane Hilary delivered a year’s worth of rain in one day. An estimated 400 residents, travelers, and employees are sheltering in place at … Read more
Joshua Tree national Park and Death Valley National Park Prepare for Flash Flood Dangers from Tropical Storm Hilary with Closures Joshua Tree National Park , Ca – August 19, 2023 – Due to Tropical Storm Hilary, Joshua Tree National Park today Closed the entire park until Monday August 21st and Death Valley National Park started … Read more
Environmental Disaster in Death Valley National Park being Cleaned Up by Responsible Party. DEATH VALLEY, Calif. –July 20, 2023 – A tractor trailer crashed in Death Valley National Park on July 17, 2023 releasing emulsified asphalt. Commercial trucks are prohibited on Mud Canyon Road, partially due to the steep grades. The truck’s brakes failed while … Read more
We Asked Chat GPT to Rank the Nine California National Parks and It gave us some surprising Results California is blessed with an abundance of natural wonders, and its national parks are a testament to the state’s diverse landscapes and breathtaking beauty. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, nature lover, or adventure seeker, these nine national … Read more
Seasonal Flooding has Closed many Visitor Favorites because of Damage DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – Badwater Road reopened on May 25 after National Park Service (NPS) employees moved dirt and rocks off the road and filled in unsafe drop-offs on road edges. Park rangers closed the road on May 20 due to safety concerns after flash … Read more
DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – The National Park Service (NPS) will only accept credit or debit card payments for camping and entrance fees in Death Valley National Park starting June 1, 2023. Last year the park collected $22,000 in cash, which cost over $40,000 to process. Cash handling costs include an armored car contract to transport … Read more
DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – Park rangers were dispatched to Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park around 2:30 am on the morning of March 24, 2023 to look for a woman reported missing by her companions. The woman returned around 8:20 am after hiking to a road and hitchhiking. The group had hiked onto the … Read more
DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – Alice ‘Happy Days’ Diminy, a miner and entrepreneur, said it best: “There’s a thrill. You don’t know what lays ahead, but you see yourself rolling in wealth.” A new exhibit supported by The Fund for People in Parks and Death Valley Natural History Association in the Furnace Creek Visitor Center tells … Read more
DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – Death Valley National Park recently reopened Mud Canyon Road and Racetrack Road. Both roads were closed since August 2022 due to flash flood damage. Mud Canyon Road is a paved road that links the park to Beatty, Nevada. A contractor rebuilt destroyed sections of the road, under a project administered by … Read more
Encourages visits, in spite of no ‘superbloom’ DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – Death Valley National Park opens North Highway, continuing its digging out from last summer’s historic flash floods. However, those intense summer rains do not seem to be triggering a hoped-for ‘superbloom.’ North Highway reopens On Thursday afternoon, the National Park Service reopened North Highway. … Read more
2023 Dark Sky Festival was a success Largest attendance in thirteen-year history of the event DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – Clear skies, telescopes, and engaging speakers combined for a stellar experience at this year’s Dark Sky Festival in Death Valley National Park. The programs had a total attendance of 5,568. Many people stayed for all three … Read more
Death Valley Dark Sky Festival is Feb. 10-12, 2023 DEATH VALLEY, CA – Mark your calendars! The annual Death Valley Dark Sky Festival will take place February 10-12, 2023. Explore the wonders of space from one of the darkest locations in the United States. Join scientists and park rangers to learn about the cosmos and how … Read more
DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – An elderly husband and wife from Las Vegas, Nevada were found dead in Death Valley National Park on January 13, 2023, according to law enforcement officials. Paul Fischer, 73, called the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office to report that he had just killed his wife, Mary Fischer, 72. Mr. Fischer stated his … Read more
Free permits required for roadside camping in Death Valley DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – Death Valley National Park opened Hole in the Wall Road and Echo Canyon Road on November 9, 2022. The National Park Service (NPS) road crew re-established these backcountry roads after they had been partially erased by flash floods. A free permit is … Read more
Campgrounds and some roads opening soon DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – October 18, 2022 – As temperatures cool, Death Valley National Park is opening campgrounds. The National Park Service (NPS) and Caltrans are making progress reopening flood-damaged roads. Free permits will be required for overnight camping along the park’s most popular backcountry roads and trails. Texas … Read more
AMARGOSA VALLEY, Nevada – Agency biologists are excited to report increased numbers of one of the world’s rarest fishes. Scientists counted 263 Devils Hole pupfish, which is the most they’ve observed in 19 years. This count came on the heels of a magnitude 7.6 earthquake in Mexico that caused 4-foot waves in Devils Hole on … Read more
CA-190 and Badwater Road temporarily closed in Death Valley DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – Storms fueled by the remnants of Hurricane Kay caused localized, heavy damage in Death Valley National Park on Saturday afternoon, September 10. California highway 190 (CA-190) is closed from CA-136 junction to Stovepipe Wells Village. Badwater Road is fully closed. Many other … Read more
DEATH VALLEY, CA –Update as of 8/10/22 – State Route 190 is open to the western portion of Death Valley National Park. The road remains closed from the Trona/Wildrose Junction in Panamint Valley through Death Valley Junction. Additional areas are expected to open no earlier than August 19 as work to clear debris and repair … Read more
DEATH VALLEY, CA – Rain this weekend was a historic event, with nearly a year’s worth of rain falling in three hours. The 1.46 inches of rain recorded at Furnace Creek is still preliminary data, and mere drops away from the all-time record of 1.47 inches. The rain caused widespread damage and closure of all … Read more
Flash Flooding and Extremely dangerous weather Close Access and Strand Visitors Death Valley National Park – August 5, 2022 – Advisory report – All Roads, Campgrounds and Services are now closed in Death Valley National Park because of extreme weather and flooding. The rains started on Friday and delivered a years worth of water in … Read more
DEATH VALLEY, CA – Park visitors found the body of David Kelleher on June 14, 2022 in Death Valley National Park. Kelleher appears to have been walking from Zabriskie Point toward Furnace Creek after running out of gas. On the morning of June 8, a park ranger noticed that there was only one vehicle in … Read more
Death Valley Search and Rescue Locate Missing Traveler DEATH VALLEY, CA, June 3, 2022 – Searchers located the body of John McCarry (69, from Long Beach) on June 1 in a remote section of Death Valley National Park. McCarry’s last contact with a family member was a text message sent on May 15 from Olancha, … Read more
International Dark Sky Week April 22- 30 Death Valley National Park – April 22, 2022 – April 22-30 is International Dark Sky Week! This week we will be doing a series of posts to celebrate night skies and to bring awareness to the light pollution which threatens our enjoyment of dark places. To kick things … Read more
Traffic delays in Butte Valley and Goler Wash in Death Valley DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – The National Park Service will be working with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to gather non-native burros from remote areas of Death Valley National Park from April 25 through mid-May 2022. Visitors to Death Valley National Park may experience … Read more
AMARGOSA VALLEY, NV – Fish biologists are excited to report increased numbers of one of the world’s rarest fishes. Scientists counted 175 Devils Hole pupfish, which is the most they’ve observed in a spring count in 22 years. This momentous count also marked the 50th anniversary of counting pupfish using SCUBA, dating back to April 6th, … Read more
