Scotty's Castle

Visiting Scotty's Castle in Death Valley

Scotty's Castle
Death Valley National Park
(760) 786-2392

• Hours: Hours vary, call for current hours
• Reservations: Tour spots are sold first-come, first served and lines can get long, so go early
• Cost: Admission fee, children under 5 free
• Location: North side of Death Valley, driving directions below
• How Long: Allow one to three hours, depending on whether you take both tours
• Best Time to Visit: Any time it's open

It's not a castle and Scotty never owned it. Its formal name is Death Valley Ranch, but everyone calls it Scotty's Castle.

Death Valley Scotty, born Walter Scott, a former rodeo cowboy and wild-west-show performer, claimed to own a gold mine in Death Valley. Albert Johnson, president of Chicago's National Life Insurance Company. Johnson, invested in it, but grew suspicious and went west for a visit, starting a lifelong friendship between the unlikely pair.

Johnson's health improved in the desert climate, and he built a vacation home here. Johnson visited occasionally, and Scotty took up residence in the house, claiming he built it with proceeds from his gold mine and calling it Scotty's Castle.

Scotty's Castle Review

Two guided tours of Scotty's Castle are given. The Living History Tour is led by park rangers in period costume who take you through Scotty's Castle as if he were still living there. The Underground Mysteries Tour explores the Scotty's Castle basement, utility tunnels and power house.

Scotty's Castle Museum, on the grounds, features exhibits with special emphasis on Scotty and Albert Johnson.

You'll also find a small snack bar and a gas station at Scotty's Castle.

Getting to Scotty's Castle

Scotty's Castle and Museum is located on Scotty's Castle Road at the north end of Death Valley, 53 miles from Furnace Creek. Take Hwy 190 north to Hwy 267 and turn right. Scotty's Castle will be on the left.