DEATH VALLEY -- In the fall of 2006 and this past spring, Death Valley National Park offered several weekends of special tours of Lower Vine Ranch, part of the Death Valley Scotty National Historic District.

With the success of last spring's events, this winter and spring Death Valley National Park will be offering several additional special weekend tours of Lower Vine Ranch.

Lower Vine Ranch was the primary residence of Walter Scott, also known as "Death Valley Scotty," miner, con-man and entertainer.

The redwood ranch house and outbuildings were constructed in the 1920s by Scotty's friend and benefactor, Albert Johnson, at the same time that Scotty's Castle was being built as the Johnsons' primary vacation home in Death Valley.

Lower Vine Ranch is normally closed to the public, so these special programs are a rare opportunity to see this unique historic property.

Tours are scheduled for Nov. 2, 3, 4, 30 and Dec. 1, 14 and 15.

Two tours will be offered on each of these days, the first at 10:30 a.m. and the second at 2 p.m. They involve a two-mile walk over uneven ground.

Tours are limited to 15 participants, and advance reservations may be made using a credit card for these special programs by calling 760/786-2392 x226.

Cancellations must be received one day prior to the tour to avoid having your credit card charged. A limited number of first-come, first-served tickets may be available. Tickets are $15 per person, and all proceeds will benefit the interpretive and education program at Scotty's Castle.

Additional tours for 2008 will be announced in the coming months.

Individuals with reservations should visit the Scotty's Castle ticket office between 30 to 60 minutes in advance of their tour time on the day of their program to pick up their tickets and receive a map. Tickets will only be available at the ticket office, not at the trailhead from the tour guide.

After purchasing tickets, visitors should drive to the trailhead to meet the ranger. All visitors should bring water for themselves and wear sunscreen and insect repellent. Cameras are permitted.

Afternoon tour attendees may also want a flashlight. Each tour will take approximately two and a half hours and will involve a two-mile hike.

Be advised: Lower Vine Ranch is not handicapped accessible, and access is by foot over a rough dirt trail.

Restroom facilities are not readily available at Lower Vine Ranch. Ticketed visitors are encouraged to use restrooms at Scotty's Castle or Grapevine Ranger Station prior to their tour time.

For more information about these special programs or to make reservations, please call 760/786-2392 x2.