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Furnace Creek Airport (DTH) is a small general aviation airfield located in Death Valley National Park, California, sitting at approximately 210 feet (64 m) below sea level, making it one of the lowest-elevation airports in the Western Hemisphere. The airport primarily serves visitors to the historic Furnace Creek resort area and the surrounding Mojave Desert landscape. It features a single asphalt runway and operates without a control tower, serving as a gateway for tourists, park staff, and emergency services.
💡 Local Tip
Park rangers recommend flying in during cooler morning hours between November and March, as Death Valley's summer temperatures can exceed 120°F (49°C) on the tarmac, posing risks to both aircraft performance and personal comfort.
🚖 Getting There
Renting a car in advance is essential, as the airport is remote and there is no commercial transportation hub nearby. The drive to Furnace Creek Resort takes only a few minutes, but other park destinations like Stovepipe Wells or Badwater Basin require longer drives through the desert. Fuel availability is limited, so plan refueling stops accordingly, especially in summer months.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Furnace Creek Airport primarily used for?
A: The airport serves general aviation traffic, tourism flights into Death Valley National Park, and occasional emergency or park service operations.
Q: Does Furnace Creek Airport have a control tower?
A: No, the airport is uncontrolled and pilots use a common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) to coordinate arrivals and departures.
Q: What are the airport's operating hours?
A: The airport is open to public use during daylight hours and has no scheduled commercial service, so it operates without set hours typical of larger airports.
Q: Can you fly commercially into Furnace Creek?
A: No, there is no scheduled commercial airline service. All flights are private or charter general aviation operations.
AI-generated content · Generated Jun 27, 2026 · MiniMax-M3