Death Valley to host Scotty’s Castle Days event

DEATH VALLEY – Death Valley National Park will be hosting Scotty’s Castle Days on Oct. 7-8, officials announced.

“Everyone is invited to attend this free two-day event at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, Death Valley National Park,” the National Park Service announced Wednesday.

The event will feature virtual reality tours of Scotty’s Castle, and will include ranger programs and children’s activities.

Scotty’s Castle has been closed since a flash flood heavily damaged the area in October 2015.

Cleanup and removal of mud and flood debris has been completed and planning is underway to repair damaged roads, utilities and buildings with the goal of reopening Scotty’s Castle in 2020.

The event will feature an opportunity to “visit” Scotty’s Castle through a virtual reality experience.

“Shortly after the flood, Gold Creek Films developed a virtual reality tour of Scotty’s Castle with funding from the Death Valley Conservancy,” Superintendent Mike Reynolds said in a statement.

“Visitors will have an opportunity to put on the goggles and travel through the Castle in simulated three dimensions,” Reynolds said. “I’ve taken the tour myself, and it’s an incredible experience.” Rangers will be on hand to tell tales of Scotty’s Castle, describe the incredible flood event that closed the castle and provide updates on repairs and restoration work.

Ranger talks begin at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The public will have an opportunity to provide comments on environmental assessments for the Bonnie Clare Road reconstruction and the Scotty’s Castle flood rehabilitation plans.

A photo booth will provide visitors the opportunity to take a selfie with a Scotty’s Castle backdrop, and children’s activities will be available.

All activities are free, open to the public and do not require registration, the park service said.