Death Valley 49ers Encampment

October 31-November 2, 2025

Encampment at Stovepipe Wells

deathvalley49ers.org

Wagon train viewing

There are two opportunities for the public to see the wagons. One is on Wednesday, October 29 on Westside Road at Eagle Borax camp. The other location is from Desolation Canyon on Friday October 31, heading down Hwy 190 to Sunset Campground. They will pass in front of the Ranch at Furnace Creek as in previous years due to impassable, deep sand along Harry Wade Road.

The Death Valley '49ers (primarily supported by membership dues) sponsors the Annual Encampment each November to celebrate this pioneer spirit and this special place called Death Valley. Affordable membership (around $25) gives you access to all Encampment activities.

The annual Death Valley Encampment is held the first full week of November. The event is sponsored by the Death Valley 49ers, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Death Valley. Special recognition is given to the California bound pioneer wagon parties of 1849-50.

These five days are filled with events including old-time and western-style music, an Invitational Western Art Show, craft shows, golf and horseshoe tournaments, a pioneer costume contest, 4X4 tours, wagon train and horse parades, community breakfasts and our annual Worlds Lowest 1849 Poker Tournament.

Art Show

October 25-November 2, 2025

 The Art and Vendor Show at Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel next to the Stovepipe Wells General Store in Death Valley National Park features original art works with Western and historic themes, as well as the great outdoors.

Entertainment

Western Music originates from roots in English, Scottish, Irish, and Welsh ballads, as well as musical influences from the European countries of immigrants who "went west".

Earnie Neagle, Scott Tonelson, Greg Khougaz and Buffalo Bryan Marr, musicians from the International Western Music Association.

 Tony Argento, Cowboy Poet

Camping & Lodging

Camping is available in Death Valley National Park

Past info not confirmed for 2025:

Events & Contests: Wheelbarrow Race, Gold Panning, Pioneering Costume Contest, Prospector's Race and Pampered Pet Parade
 
Fiddling & Picking Contest: The Grassy Green Pickin' and Fiddlin' Contest has taken place at Furnace Creek Ranch for more than 25 years. Through this contest the Death Valley '49ers strive to preserve the historic fiddling culture and tunes.
Wagon Train & Horseback Riders: Death Valley Wagon Train commemorates the first wagon train that passed through Death Valley in 1849 on their way to the gold fields.
Golf Tournament
Poker Tournament
Photography & Craft Show
Southwest Lapidary & Craft Show
Quilt Raffle
 

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.