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Death Valley National Park Rangers Offer Special Paleontology Hikes

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Published Date

January 3, 2018

Love both Death Valley and paleontology? Enter a lottery today to land a spot on a January 27 hike to a remote area of the park to look into the prehistoric past/NPS

There are many secrets to Death Valley National Park, and one of them revolves around the rich paleontological resources in the park. Rangers lead special hikes to reveal this history, and if you're interested in the one scheduled for January 27, you need to enter the lottery for a ticket today.

These hikes take you to areas of the park that are usually closed to the public. Participants should be prepared for an all day, seven-mile round trip hike with 1,500-foot elevation gain on rugged, uneven terrain. This hike is considered moderately strenuous and is not recommended for anyone with mobility or breathing difficulties. The hike is appropriate for older children, age 10 and up. Participants should be regularly hiking at least four miles on uneven terrain in the weeks leading up to this hike.

This dramatic canyon features high cliff walls that open into a multi-colored basin. The stories here are millions of years old, when Death Valley's landscape and life forms appeared very different from the harsh desert of today. Participants will have a close up encounter with fossilized tracks of bird, horse, camel, and mastodon-like creatures.

Each hike is limited to 15 people. One individual is allowed to enter up to four people, counting themselves, into the lottery. Lottery entries are only accepted during the sign up period. Instructions for how to enter the lottery will be posted on this page during the sign up period. There is no fee for these day long guided hikes, but donations to support the program are welcomed and can be made through the Death Valley Natural History Association.

Currently, lottery entries are being taken today only for the Saturday, January 27 hike.

You can enter the lottery by:

Calling 760-786-3280 and leaving a message. Messages should include your phone number, email address, and number of people in the group (up to 4 people). Please speak slowly and clearly so we are able to return your call.

OR 

Using this contact form. You must include “January 27 Paleo Hike Lottery” in the subject line. Entries must include your contact information, phone number, and number of people in the group (up to 4 people).

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