Scotty's Castle
Hidden in the green oasis of Grapevine Canyon in far northern Death Valley.
Plan Around Scotty's Castle
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Scotty's Castle Details
Hidden in the green oasis of Grapevine Canyon in far northern Death Valley, Scottys Castle, officially known as Death Valley Ranch, is a striking Mission Revival mansion built in the 1920s by Chicago businessman Albert Mussey Johnson as a vacation home for himself and his wife, Bessie. The elaborate estate became famous thanks to Walter Scott, better known as Death Valley Scotty, a charismatic promoter who spun tales that he financed the castle with profits from a secret gold mine. Though Scotty never owned the property and actually lived nearby at Lower Vine Ranch, his larger than life stories gave the estate its enduring nickname. The two story home, along with its basement and underground tunnels, has long been accessible only through ranger led tours, making it one of the most popular attractions in Death Valley National Park. The Scottys Castle area is currently closed to visitors until further notice due to significant flood damage and subsequent impacts to roads and infrastructure. Access to the castle and Grapevine Canyon is prohibited except as authorized by the National Park Service. Status and reopening timelines are subject to change.
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Low
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Nearby Parks Around Scotty's Castle
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Nearby Points of Interest Around Scotty's Castle
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Scotty's Castle while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Scotty's Castle Visitor Center
Here's where you can buy tickets for the Ranger-led tours of Scotty's Castle.
0.1 mi away
Scotty's Grave
The final resting place of legendary Death Valley conman and character Walter E. Scott, a.k.a. "Death Valley Scotty."
0.2 mi away
Scotty's Stable
A short paved path leads to the former stables at Scotty's Castle.
0.2 mi away
Scotty's Grave
This half-mile (one way) trail to the top of Windy Point takes visitors to the gravesite of Death Valley Scotty.
2.7 mi away
Racetrack Road
Ubehebe Valley Road leads to the Ubehebe Crater area as well as the Racetrack Valley.
