Scotty's Castle, a prominent historic landmark in Death Valley National Park, will offer guided exterior tours to visitors this season while the National Park Service (NPS) continues its extensive repair and restoration efforts. These tours are scheduled for most Saturdays and Sundays from October 10 through April 17, providing a limited opportunity for the public to engage with the site, which has been closed since October 2015 due to flash flood damage. Private weekday tours are also available for small groups upon request.
The tours are designed to give visitors a chance to experience the distinctive Spanish Revival-style estate and gain insight into the ongoing restoration work. National Park Service rangers and guides from the Death Valley Natural History Association will lead these excursions. Tickets for all tours can be obtained through the Death Valley Natural History Association.
Scotty's Castle, situated in the northern part of Death Valley National Park, holds a unique place in the park's history. The estate was originally built in the 1920s by Chicago businessman Albert Johnson as a winter retreat for himself and his wife, Bessie. It gained considerable public attention and fame through Johnson’s friend, Walter “Scotty” Scott, whose colorful stories added to its mystique. Recognized for its unique architecture, dramatic desert location, and unusual historical narrative, Scotty’s Castle remains one of Death Valley National Park’s most cherished historic sites.
The site sustained significant damage in October 2015 when a flash flood impacted buildings, roads, utility systems, and the historic landscape. Since that time, the National Park Service has undertaken and completed substantial repairs to critical infrastructure, laying the groundwork for the site's eventual full reopening.
The next phase of construction is projected to commence in 2027. This upcoming work will focus on repairs to the parking lot, the historic Longshed, and the historic Gas Tank House. Furthermore, the Gas Tank House is planned to be adapted for future use as a small visitor contact station, enhancing the visitor experience once the site fully opens.
Following the completion of this construction phase, curatorial staff will begin the process of returning historic furnishings and museum collections to the Castle. This meticulous work is a crucial step in preparing the interior spaces for the resumption of tours inside the historic buildings.
Based on the current project timelines provided by the National Park Service, the earliest anticipated date for a complete reopening of Scotty’s Castle is November 2028. The park service has indicated it will continue to provide updates as the restoration work progresses, keeping the public informed about the rehabilitation of this significant landmark. The ongoing efforts reflect the National Park Service’s mission to preserve America’s natural and cultural places for current and future generations.
