Ranger Programs

Park rangers have created a variety of talks and walks to help you better understand and explore the wonders of Death Valley National Park.

Daily programs are offered December - March. Please check the calendar or posted flier at Furnace Creek Visitor Center for scheduled dates, including special events and programs. Schedules are available approximately one week in advance but are subject to change/cancellation based on emergencies, inclement weather and park staffing.
 

Program Descriptions:

Badwater Ranger Talk
Explore the extremes of Death Valley below sea level!
Location: Meet at the Badwater parking area
Duration: 30-45 minutes

Harmony Borax Works Ranger Walk
Learn about borax and mining history. Walk is an easy 1/3 mile on a paved path.
Location: Meet at the Harmony Borax Works parking area
Duration: 30-45 minutes

Golden Canyon Hike
Hike with a ranger at Golden Canyon. Easy walk approximately 1 mile. Bring sun protection, water and hiking shoes.
Location: Meet at the Golden Canyon parking area
Duration: 45 minutes - 1 hour

Dunes Sunset Walk
Join a ranger for a sunset stroll at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
Location: Meet at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes parking lot
Duration: 1 hour

Family Programs
Join a park ranger for an interactive family-geared talk about the wonders of Death Valley! Topics will vary.
Location: Furnace Creek Visitor Center Courtyard (behind building)
Duration: 35 minutes

Night Sky Talk
Discover the wonders of Death Valley's incredible night sky with a park ranger.
Location: Furnace Creek Visitor Center back parking lot - park in the main lot in front of the visitor center and follow the red lights to the viewing location 
Duration: 45 minutes -1 hour
Optional items to bring: red light to protect night vision, binoculars, chair.
Note: arrive early to ensure parking and to allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness.

These ticketed ranger-led hikes occur on selected dates January-March and visit a remote part of the park, where participants will see the fossilized tracks of bird, camel, cat, and mastodon-like creatures.

This is a moderately strenuous, seven-mile round trip hike with 1,500 ft of elevation gain over rugged, uneven terrain (no trail); it is not recommended for anyone with mobility or breathing difficulties and children attending must be at least 10 years old. To prepare, participants should regularly hike at least four miles on uneven terrain in the weeks leading up to the hike.

Each hike is limited to 12 people and will last most of the day. Reservations can be made online at Recreation.gov (1-877-444-6777) starting two weeks (14 days) in advance, beginning at 7:00 a.m. PST. There is a $1/ticket reservation fee. Each individual can reserve up to 4 tickets. Donations to support the program are welcome and can be made through the Death Valley Natural History Association.

2026 Tours
These dates will be determined in December 2025.

Want to go on a tour, but can't make a scheduled program or event? Download the free NPS App to enjoy a self-guided tour (both audio and text). Be sure to "Save Park for Offline Use," as cell service is poor in Death Valley. App tours include a Park Highlights driving tour (approx 3 hours), a Star Wars Film Locations driving tour, and a Golden Canyon hiking tour.

We offer a number of different programs based on age and cirriculum standards. Please contact the Education Manager if you are a teacher interested in bringing your class to Death Valley for a field trip.

Each spring, Death Valley National Park holds a multi-day Dark Sky Festival, where the public can join scientists for free talks around the park and in the auditorium, visit hands-on booths at an Exploration Fair and view the cosmos through telescopes.