Death Valley's Scotty's Castle welcomes visitors after over a decade-long restoration

More than 11 years after a catastrophic flash flood forced the closure of Scotty's Castle, one of Death Valley National Park's most significant landmarks, authorities are preparing to welcome visitors back to the site. The National Park Service announced that limited exterior tours of the castle will commence from October 10, marking the first public access since the natural disaster struck in August 2015.

The flash flood caused substantial damage to the castle's infrastructure and surrounding areas, necessitating a comprehensive restoration initiative. Park officials have invested $71 million in the restoration effort, which has involved careful structural repairs and preservation work to maintain the historical integrity of the early 20th-century mansion.

Scotty's Castle, formally known as Death Valley Ranch, is a 25-room villa constructed in the 1920s and represents one of Death Valley National Park's primary visitor attractions. The castle gained its popular name from Walter Scott, a prospector and showman who played a central role in the property's history.

Initially, the reopening will be restricted to guided exterior tours as interior restoration work continues. Park officials have designed the phased reopening to allow visitors to experience the castle while ongoing preservation efforts proceed, with plans for expanded access as restoration progresses. Officials anticipate that the complete reopening, including interior access, will occur in phases as work nears completion.