Pros & cons
PROS
- Purchases directly support park programs and research
- Best selection of Death Valley–specific books, maps, and souvenirs
CONS
- Popular items can sell out in peak season
- Prices may feel higher than a typical gift shop
Overview
This is the park’s official, nonprofit store run by the Death Valley Natural History Association. It’s where you’ll find the most focused selection of Death Valley books, maps, field guides, and park‑themed souvenirs—every purchase helps fund education, visitor services, and research in the park.
What You’ll Find
- Shelves of smart, place‑based titles—from traveler guides to canyon and ghost‑town histories—plus maps to plan the rest of your trip.
- Park‑branded mugs, shirts, patches, stickers, postcards, and plush for the kids.
- Handy grab‑and‑go snacks, water bottle refills, and parking right by the main visitor hub.
Why It’s Worth a Stop
If you want one quality stop for reliable maps and genuinely useful reads, this is it. The merch is Death Valley‑specific (not generic touristy stuff), and your dollars go right back into the park’s programs. It’s the most meaningful place to pick up a memento.
Tips for Visiting
- Shop early in your trip for the best selection—popular sizes and titles go fast in busy months.
- Consider joining the Association for member discounts and updates on events.
- Use the bottle‑filling station and grab a solid map before heading onto backroads.
- Prefer to travel light? You can browse the Association’s catalog online before or after your visit.
Best Time to Visit
- Weekdays and early morning see lighter foot traffic at the main hub.
- Midday is convenient if you’re pairing it with the nearby visitor info and exhibits.
- Photo folks: morning light is best if you want clean, shadow‑soft shots of any purchases or the area outside.
The Mission in a Nutshell
Operating since the 1950s, the Association uses store proceeds to support Death Valley’s education and science—so a quick shop here does real good beyond the souvenir bag.
Where it is
36.5020, -116.8713Death Valley Natural History Association Park Store
Tips for Death Valley Natural History Association Park Store
- 01Stop here first to grab maps and guides before long drives or hikes.
- 02Shop early in the day for the best size and title selection.
- 03Join the Association for a member discount on purchases.
- 04Refill water bottles at the station next to the shop.
Amenities
Near Death Valley Natural History Association Park Store
All places →All trails →
0.4 mi awayBlink24/7 Level 2 EV charger near Furnace CreekParking
1.5 mi awayHarmony Borax WorksCompact ruins that tell the 20-mule team borax storyTrailhead · Parking
1.6 mi awayHarmony Borax Works Interpretive TrailA bite-size, paved loop around the 1880s borax works ruins.Easy · 0.4 mi · 30 min
1.6 mi awayMustard Canyon LoopShort loop through glowing yellow hills beside Harmony Borax WorksEasy · 3.4 mi · 1.2 hr
2.7 mi awayFurnace Creek CampgroundCentral, reservable base camp with hookups at -196 feetRestroom · Parking
2.7 mi awaySalt Creek Interpretive SiteShort boardwalk to a rare desert creek with pupfishTrailhead · Restroom
5.8 mi awayGolden Canyon to Red CathedralGolden walls to a red-rock amphitheater with a fun, short scramble.Moderate · 3 mi · 1.5 hr
5.8 mi awayGolden Canyon and Gower Gulch LoopDesert classic: golden narrows, badlands, and big views in one loopModerate · 4.4 mi · 2.5 hr
