Palm Springs & the Deserts - California - page 1682

beehive-shaped structures historically used by miners to make fuel for smelting silver and
lead ore. The landscape is subalpine, with forests of piñon pine and juniper; it can be
covered with snow, even in spring.
Panamint Springs
About 30 miles west of Stovepipe Wells, on the edge of the park, Panamint Springs is a
tiny enclave with a motel, campground, pricey gas station and small store. Several often
overlooked, but wonderful hidden gems are easily accessed from here. Father Crowley
Point ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ) , for instance, peers deep into Rainbow Canyon, created by
lava flows and scattered with colorful volcanic cinders. In spring DIY adventurers attempt
the 2-mile graded gravel road, followed by a mile-long cross-country hike out to Darwin
Falls ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ) , a spring-fed cascade that plunges into a gorge, embraced by
willows that attract migratory birds. You could also take roughshod Saline Valley Rd out
to Lee Flat , where Joshua trees thrive.
Scotty's Castle & Around
About 55 miles north of Furnace Creek, Scotty's Castle ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ;
877-444-6777; www.recreation.gov ; tours adult/child from $15/7.50; grounds 7am-4:15pm, tour
schedules vary) is named for Walter E Scott, alias 'Death Valley Scotty,' a gifted tall-tale
teller who captivated people with his fanciful stories of gold. His most lucrative friendship
was with Albert and Bessie Johnson, insurance magnates from Chicago. Despite knowing
that Scotty was a freeloading liar, they bankrolled the construction of this elaborate
Spanish-inspired villa, complete with red-tiled roofs, bell towers and swimming pool (now
empty). Restored to its 1930s glory, the historic house has sheepskin drapes, carved Cali-
fornia redwood, handmade tiles, elaborately wrought iron, woven Shoshone baskets and a
bellowing pipe organ.
There's no charge to enter the grounds, but entrance to the house is by tour only. Cos-
tumed guides recount Scotty's apocryphal story in colorful detail on the Living History
Tour ( 10am-3pm) and the more technically minded Underground Tours ( Nov-Apr, as
staffing permits) . Ranger-guided hiking tours to Scotty's cabin at Lower Vine Ranch
(adult/child $20/10; as staffing permits) operate on a more limited schedule.
Advance tickets are recommended at least one day before your visit. On tour days, tick-
ets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis at the Scotty's Castle visitors center. Waits of