Scotty’s Castle

Like a mirage rising off the desert floor, Scotty’s Castle beckons visitors traveling to Death Valley National Park. The trip out to Death Valley can be pretty desolate – nothing but scrub brush and endless desert scenery. So when visitors pull up to the Castle, it is as if they discovered a true desert oasis.

Scotty’s Castle dates back to 1922. Walter Scott, a legend around these parts, was a gold prospector. He convinced several business men to invest in his supposed gold mines around the Death Valley area. However, when the gold did not materialize, one investor decided to go out to California and look for it himself. Scotty took his investor, Albert Johnson, on a harrowing adventure trying to find the gold. Of course, the gold was never found. But Mr. Johnson fell in love with the area, developed a friendship with Scott, and began construction on the Castle. Scott claimed he actually owned the castle, and Johnson went along with his story, only adding to the legend.

The Castle became quite the attraction in the mid 1930’s and early 1940’s. Hollywood starlets, reporters, and tourists came to catch a glimpse of the famed (but dubious) gold prospector, his famous castle, and a taste of adventure. Today, Scotty’s Castle is still a big attraction.

When you visit, you have the chance to step back in time, circa 1930’s, and hear some of the tallest tales in the West. The National Park Service operates the property and offers daily guided living history tours. As you tour the Castle, you will be told of the great parties held here and some of the more famous visitors. Your guide, who still believes it is the 1930’s, will take you through the property showing you the living room, dining area, kitchen, and bedrooms. Most of the furnishings are the original ones the Johnson’s used during their time here. Guests will also be treated to the sounds from a 1,121 Welte Pipe Organ.

The only way to see inside the castle is to take a guided tour. Tours are limited to 19 people and last around 50 minutes. Tickets are required, but cannot be purchased in advance. Ticket prices range from $6 to $11 and agency pass holders are given a discount. Prepare to arrive as early as possible to decrease your wait time.

The Park Service also operates an Underground Tour. The technology used at the Castle was quite advanced for its time. The tour will take you deep below the castle and show you the elaborate tunnel system below the main house and the Pelton Water Wheel, which was used to generate electricity. A separate ticket is required. Scheduled tours are only available in the winter, which is their busy season. Summer tours may be offered based on staff availability.

For more information about tours, ticket prices, and Death Valley, visit www.nps.gov/deva.