Death Valley’s Scotty’s Castle reopens for limited tours 11 years after flood
Death Valley National Park has begun offering limited exterior tours of the historic Scotty’s Castle, 11 years after a major flash flood caused extensive damage. Full restoration of the site is ongoing and expected to take at least two more years.
Why it matters
The reopening marks a significant milestone in the long-term recovery of a major cultural and historical landmark affected by extreme weather.
More than a decade after a devastating flash flood forced one of Death Valley National Park’s best-known historic sites to close, visitors are getting another chance to see Scotty’s Castle. The National Park Service is offering limited guided exterior tours of the historic estate beginning October 10. Tours are scheduled for most Saturdays and Sundays through April 17, while private weekday tours can also be arranged for small groups. The castle itself remains under restoration and is not yet reopening for regular interior visits.The limited access marks another step in a recovery effort that has stretched for more than 10 years and is expected to continue for at least another two.A 2015 flood changed everything at Scotty’s CastleScotty’s Castle has been closed since October 2015, when an extraordinary storm hit the northern part of Death Valley.On October 18, the area received 2.75 inches of rain in about five hours, roughly…
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