Join the Sidewalk Astronomers on their yearly trip to Death Valley National Park and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  We arrive in Death Valley on Dec 26th and set up our telescopes outside the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. During the day we have sun scopes and each evening after the ranger talks, we have public observing.  On the evening of Dec. 27th, John Dobson will give a general astronomy talk which has always been one of the most popular talks given at Furnace Creek.

There are lots of things to see and do in Death Valley National Park when you're not at the eyepeice. Hiking, horseback riding, and photography are just a few of the activities and if you have an interest in geology, Death Valley is definately the place for you. There is lodging in Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, Death Valley Junction, Shoshone and at the Nevada State Line. Camping is available at Furnace Creek, Stove Pipe Wells, and Death Valley Junction. Winter is their busy season, so you should book lodging as early as you can. We've stayed in Furnace Creek at the Ranch, its really nice and we've stayed at the Opera House, its pretty old but if you like atmosphere you'll like it, and the people are really friendly and its clean. Longstreet Inn is new, looks like a Comfort Inn or something and I have no idea about Shoshone Inn or Stovepipe Wells. If you camp at Furnace Creek, you can shower there for $2 I think and there are bathrooms and fires are allowed. Camping at the Opera House is only $2 a night but there are no facilities and no reservations. There is an RV Campground at Longstreet. I've included links and photos below.