Encampment - Events

A large variety of family-friendly Events take place during this time. (Pre-Encampment: November 6th-8th, 2011).

art events : contests : historic arrivals/wagon train : music : photography & craft show : southwest lapidary & craft show : special events : tours : vittles

The 2011 Death Valley '49ers Invitational Western Art Show will be held Thursday, November 10th through Sunday, November 13th.

Artists interested in participating in the Art Show can read our guidlines or download an artist application by visting our Art Show page.

Artist Quick Draw and Auction: Each of the Quick Draw Artists are challenged to complete a masterpiece in only 45 minutes. Nationally renowned auctioneer, Steve Orcutt auctions the artwork. Scholarship applicants will assist at the auction and proceeds benefit the ’49er Educational Programs.

People's Composite and Auction: Paint with various artists throughout the day on a piece of art to be completed by artist Barbara Jean Emerich. The completed piece of artwork will be auctioned Saturday morning at the ‘Breakfast with the Artists’.

Breakfast with the Artists and Auction: Find out if the art you voted for won the competition as the winners are announced in each of the five categories, and see Plein-Air competition artwork and judging. The completed Artists’ Composite, two Peoples Composite paintings and the Plein-Air competition will be auctioned. Proceeds benefit the ‘49er Educational Programs. The coveted Sid Burns Award for Artists’ Artist and the award for the best First-Time Artist will be presented. Auctioneer Steve Orcutt will MC. The public is invited.

At the Death Valley '49ers Encampment you will find many events that the whole family can participate in. We've got Contests, Tournaments, Parades, Races, and even Juried Shows.

Membership is required to participate in all contests and tournaments so don't forget to wear your BUTTON.

Costume Contest: A popular annual event, the Pioneer Costume Contest is family friendly and fun for all. Dress up as your favorite character and join the fun competing for awards & ribbons. Past participants have come as Harvey girls, shifty-eyed snake oil salesmen, rugged mountain men, military soldiers, cowboys, lawmen, and pioneers.

Golf Tournament: The tournament will consist of two days of 2 Person Scramble and one day of Stroke Play using handicaps. Entry fee includes Cart and Green fees. Death Valley '49ers Membership is required to participate. Reduced green fees will be given for the week of the Encampment with a Death Valley49ers Membership. Prizes include golf outings, golf packages, casino overnights, golf equipment, etc. If you are interested in participating please fill out the Registraion form or sign up at the Furnace Creek Pro Shop during the Encampment.
			Death Valley ‘49ers 2011 Golf Tournament Champion Gary Hanson

Gold Panning: If you want to participate in a truly hands-on event, our Family Gold Panning Event & Contest offer a historical experience for the entire family. Come join the fun and pan for gold just like the '49ers! The panning area is located behind the Southwest Lapidary & Craft Show.

Horseshoe Contest: Horseshoe pitchers from across the West gather for fun, fellowship and friendly competition at the annual Death Valley '49ers horseshoe tournament. Qualifications and the Tournament take place during the pre-Encampment so be sure to arrive in Death Valley early!

Old Time Pickin' & Fiddle Contest: The Grassy Green Pickin' and Fiddlin' Contest has taken place at Furnace Creek Ranch for well over 25 years, and is known for its friendly competition and good old-fashioned fun. If you are interested in participating please visit or Pickin' & Fiddlin' Contest page.

Pampered Pet Parade: Dress up your pet and come join the fun at Stovepipe Wells. Costumes can be homemade or store bought. If you have a story to go with your Pet be sure to share; it always makes for more fun! We always have great entertainment for the event – either Tom Leftwich, Rick Hartmaann or both! This event takes place during the pre-Encampment (Nov. 7th-9th) so be sure to arrive in Death Valley early!

Prospector's Race: Come join in on this wonderful event brought back by popular demand. Located south of Ol' Dinah at Furnace Creek Ranch.

Wheelbarrow Race: Join the fun and test your skills by racing through an obstacle course with a wheelbarrow full of water!

Wagon Train: Each Encampment the Equestrian Trails Inc. Corral 14 Wagon Train travels from Wade Monument to Furnace Creek in Death Valley. They stop along the way at Saratoga Springs, Ashford Junction, Salt Tanks, Tule Springs, and Desolation Canyon.

MC Richard Elloyan, Chaparral and friends will entertain as the wagon train makes its way from Furnace Creek Inn to the Ol' Dinah Stage at Furnace Creek Ranch. Plan to visit the wagons after they circle for the night near the Furnace Creek Fiddler's Stage.

Our 2009 Encampment Keepsake highlights

Corral 14 and how they help us to celebrate the 1849 gold rush wagon trains that crossed Death Valley.

Trail Riders: MC Richard Elloyan welcomes the Equestrian Trails, Inc. trail riders as they complete their annual Desert Trail Ride (125 miles in 5 1/2 days). Trail bosses lead the riders through the desert from Ridgecrest, Ca. over portions of the famed 20-Mule Team route.

When the sun goes down, you can listen to Chaparral and friends sing of the bygone era of wagon trains and pioneers around the campfire at the Furnace Creek Ol' Dinah Stage.

The 2011 Death Valley '49ers Photography & Craft Show will be held at Furnace Creek Motel, Room 406, from Wednesday, November 9th to Saturday, November 12th. Entries range from Black & White photography to needlework and wood carving. Click the link above for more information.

The Southwest Mining, Mineral, Lapidary and Craft Show is held at Furnace Creek Ranch behind the Borax Museum. Only original handmade/machinery made work will be for sale in the booths. There's something for everyone at the many booths; from turquoise and silver jewelry to hand-dyed clothing and glass beads. Each Vendor is carefully selected for quality of work and variety. Click the link above for more information.

Educational Talks: Death Valley National Park Superintendent and NPS Park Rangers present interesting programs every evening during the Encampment. Come hear about all the good things happening in Death Valley National Park.

Chris Langley, Executive Director of the Lone Pine Film History Museum, will talk about Death Valley's very unique film history. You will see historic photographs from many of the films working on location and learn the inside stories of Death Valley's daring and independent film makers.

Park employees and venue Directors share their stories and historical information. In 2009 Denny Reismeyer, Director of Furnace Creek Inn and Ranch presented “Meanwhile Back at the Ranch”. In 2008 Scotty's Castle employees gave a talk in full 1849 costume!

Parade: Representatives from all of the Encampment activities will participate; E. Clampus Vitus, Costume Contestants, Red Hat Society Ladies, Hikers, Trail Riders, Wagons, Special Vehicles & lots more are in the parade. If you have an entry come join us at 9:00 A.M. at the corral area on Furnace Creek Ranch. The Parade will take place along the main road through the Date Grove.

Shoshone's Old West Celebration: This event takes place during our Pre-Encampment and includes: Old West Musical Festival, Deep-Pit BBQ, Crafts, Gem & Mineral Show, Cowboy Poetry, Native American Dancing, Trail and Wagon Rides.

Sunday Morning Sing: Join MC Richard Elloyan, Chaparral, Belinda Gail and others at the Furnace Creek Golf Course for hymns, gospels and other songs to warm the heart. We also offer a Gospel Sing with Tom Leftwich and Old Valley Gold at Stovepipe Wells.

Veterans Tribute: Join us at the Fiddler's Stage as we honor all veterans. Service conducted by ‘49er Jan Pickering. Music will be; Ray Parish and Friends.

Video & Slide Presentations: Producer and Writer/Director Ted Faye presents his Weird Tales series of films; taking you on a journey into Death Valley's stange side. You can also learn about the famed Tonopah & Tidewater Railroad in his film The Great Railroad Race.

Guided Backcountry Hikes: Join Doug “Digger” Shearer on hikes to beautiful and historical sites in the Park.

4X4 Tours: Join '49ers Cal Steibel and Dave Stomps as they take you on fun and educational tours of the backcountry! Back by popular demand, ‘49er Cal Steibel will lead you on a 4X4 tour to the unique Cottonwood Canyon.

NEW this year, Advanced 4x4 Tour!! Henry, Pat, Norm and Chuck will guide a moderately difficult 4WD trip through Echo Canyon. Enjoy the Inyo Mine ruins, petroglyphs, great scenery, and maybe a bighorn sheep!

Scenic Drives: Join '49er Jim Hoke on a drive through Titus Canyon. Vehicles in good condition, good tires and a full tank of gas! This is a seventy mile round trip.

Author's Breakfast: Have a relaxing breakfast and meet an influencial author or two poolside at Stovepipe Wells. In 2009 Steve Green, author of Death Valley Book of Knowledge and Exploring Wild Death valley, had some great stories to tell! Musical entertainment provided.

Hootenanny Breakfast: Enjoy the music of MC Richard Elloyan along with Chaparral, Belinda Gail and friends at the Furnace Creek Golf Course.

Chuck Wagon Lunch & Old Time Music: Enjoy a great Stovepipe Wells hamburger or hot dog while top Western Fiddlers and Pickers entertain. MC ‘49er Bill Whitfield presides.