scotty's castle

foodhoundBurbank_Ca

A castle in the middle of nowhere was as intriguing as the story behind it. Our affable tour guide tells us the serenity of Death Valley inspired a Chicago millionaire to build this magnificent structure in the 1920s. Also, the role a con artist named Walter Scott played. He pitched a non-existent gold mine and used his friendship with the millionaire to hustle business. What makes this a fun tour is where fact ends and fiction begins. The castle's ornate furnishings remind one of the Hearst Castle and the millionaire Albert Johnson's innovations are as interesting as the legend of Death Valley Scotty.

snowlover327

Well worth the time to tour. It's amazing how these structures were built in such a remote area, but then again, money can buy anything. The detailed woodwork, inventive engineering, and the china used were all quite remarkable.

JudyJ59

Most of the Death Valley "sights" are related to the geology of the area. This is a people story. We did the Castle and underground tours. Both were led by guides in period costumes from when this was THE Death Valley place. The guides were very knowledgeable and stayed in character throughtout the tour. Almost everything in the house is original. We could have spent more time looking at other exhibits but had to be on our way. If we didn't have National Park Golden Age passes, it would have cost $50 total for the two of us to take both tours, but the passes provided 50% discount. I would definitely recommend both of these tours.

vacation_addict_Ohio

This has two tour options: the house tour is pretty easy to get on, the underground tour was booked out a couple of hours in advance. Both tours are an additional $15. The house tour goes through quite a lot of the house and there is a lot of history of the Johnsons and Scotty. Quite worth it. There are picnic tables under the palm trees - so either bring some lunch or grab a sandwich in the visitor center while waiting for your tour to start.

Fechef

Very interesting! Take the tour and the guides are great. They know the history of the whole area and the castle is beautiful

519donh

This was the second to my last stop at Death Valley for the day and I was glad I took the 45 minute drive to get there (I've noticed really nothing is next to each other, everything is a 30-45 minute drive to each area). When I arrived, I was able to purchase a guided tour within 30 minutes of when I arrived, the tour lasted an hour, and it took us through just the house. There was an additional tour where you could go underground the castle which was referenced on the tour but I didn't go -- I would have if I had more time. The castle was amazing. Every part of the "castle" was designed with a stylist architect's touch from the family room, bedrooms, kitchen, study/reading room, and the entrance-way. The lady who did the tour was extremely knowledgeable, funny, and looked for ways to engage the folks on the tour (about 10 of us). Well worth the price of admission just to hear about the owners of the castle and their unique and interesting personalities.

dee-you08

Buy the combination ticket which gets you a castle tour as well as a tour of the underground workings of the castle (technically ahead of its time). A fascinating history told by guides that help bring the story to life. Allow yourself several hours for the tours and time to explore the grounds.

spidersuz

Fun spot with a nice gift shop. We did not take the tour inside - it was late in the afternoon and the weather had turned cold and rainy. The story is very interesting and the architecture is wonderful. It is also said that coyotes visit the area frequently in search of food and sure enough, one posed for us and waited expectantly to be fed. Worth a visit.

716genef

Our guide was a very good actress and made us feel a part of Scotty's and the Johnson's lives. Well worth the long drive to the North end of the park.

47helenar

Interesting stories told while exploring in and around the Castle. We did the tour, so glad we did. Highly recommend it. Then wander around freely visiting other areas not on the tour. Lots of picture opportunities. Take a picnic lunch or snack. Grassy area & tables, with friendly wild critters coming to visit.

261nancyn

I remember seeing the castle out in the middle of nowhere main father picking me up putting me on his shoulders and carry me around the castle it was awesome

emmyb2015

Maybe it's just because Scotty's Castle is in such a desolate place, but it was amazing to find a well spring of color and life in the surrounding castles. I especially loved the unfinished swimming pool with tiles lining the basement, ready to be finished. The tour was wonderfully historic and interesting, and the architecture was superb. Definitely worth a trip out.

lindapNewYork

The house was quite well preserved with lots to see, but the tour guide was annoying and silly, acting out a role that she was a friend of the owner and gabbing nonsense non-stop with a put on southern accent - awful!

ljlp55

We had previously done the tour of the house and this time did the underground one. Worth doing as the builder of the home was truly a genius in using the water from the springs.

wife777

This old unfinished castle has very interesting history. You do have to take the guided tour inside as it is full of original antiques made especially for the castle by the original owner. The extra fee to see inside is definitely worth the cost.