Scotty's Castle Death Valley Road Trip
	by Matthew Martz.

Scotty's Castle Death Valley California

The Underground Mysteries Tour explores the basement of Scotty's Castle, utility tunnels and powerhouse. It’s a fascinating look at the technology, which at the time was very advanced. You will also be able to see modern technology that the National Park Service is using to preserve the Castle. The tour will lead you through part of the tunnel system that runs beneath the Castle, ending with a demonstration of the water wheel used to generate electricity for the site. This tour is completely separate from the house tour and lasts about an hour. If you have not visited Scotty's Castle before, visit the main house first. Ranger guided hiking tours are available at Lower Vine Ranch on a seasonal basis, so call ahead. The tour is 2½ hours over a two-mile walk on a dirt road. This is not a suitable trip for the handicap or those who tire quickly. Tickets are $15 per person. Written tour translations are available in multiple languages and English versions are available for hearing impaired visitors. There are no restrooms at the Lower Vine Ranch so be sure to make a pit stop at Scotty’s Castle or at the Grapevine Ranger Station. On the day of your tour be sure to wear good comfortable shoes. Cameras are allowed to take lots of pictures. Death Valley is a dry zone, so bring bottled water, sunscreen and insect repellent. There is a small snack bar available on site. Small children tend to become restless on a long tour, so consider that when bringing young ones.

Scotty's Castle courtyard

Death Valley California

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Several events are held each season. Scotty’s Castle Organ Concert benefits the Theatre Organ and Chimes Tower Maintenance fund. It features a Welte-Mignon theater pipe organ with 1121 pipes, a grand piano, xylophone, chimes, orchestra bells, and a drum and cymbal assortment. Pipe organs like the one in Scotty’s Castle were used to accompany silent films. Castle grounds and picnic areas are open from 7 am to 6pm. The Castle Museum exhibit area opens at 8:30 am to 5:10 pm and features exhibits with emphasis on both Scotty and Johnson. The Natural History Association Bookstore opens 8:30 am to 5:10 pm as well. There is no lodging at the castle, with the nearest inside the park at Stovepipe Wells and Furnace Creek. Nevada has full services sixty miles from Scotty's Castle. Mesquite Spring Campground is five miles south of the Castle. The nearest gas stations are at Stovepipe Wells 45 miles south, Furnace Creek 53 miles south and Beatty, Nevada 60 miles. Scotty’s Castle is located approximately five hours drive from Los Angeles, and six from San Diego.

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