๐บ๐ธ Death Valley, United States of America
Furnace Creek Airport (L06) serves as an extraordinary general aviation gateway to Death Valley National Park in California, located 0.75 miles west of Furnace Creek within the boundaries of one of Earth's most extreme desert environments. The airport covers 40 acres with a single runway positioned at 282 feet below sea level in North America's lowest, hottest, and driest location, where the world record air temperature of 134ยฐF was recorded on July 10, 1913, and ground temperatures have reached 201ยฐF.
The facility provides basic terminal services and aircraft parking for private pilots, charter operations, and specialized desert aviation tours accessing Death Valley National Park's mesmerizing badlands, salt flats, and geological formations spanning the vast Mojave Desert landscape. While no commercial airlines operate from the airport, it serves as a unique and memorable aviation experience for pilots and passengers seeking direct access to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, and the park's spectacular desert wilderness.
Operational considerations include extreme heat management procedures, aircraft performance calculations for desert conditions and high density altitude effects, and coordination with Death Valley National Park services for visitor transportation and emergency operations. The airport provides an unparalleled opportunity for aviation enthusiasts to experience landing in one of the world's most challenging environments, offering access to scientific research activities, photography expeditions, and adventure tourism in this remarkable desert ecosystem that attracts visitors from around the globe seeking to experience Earth's most extreme terrestrial conditions.
Furnace Creek Airport (DTH), also known as L06, is a unique general aviation facility serving as the primary gateway to Death Valley National Park. For travelers connecting through DTH, the most important tip is its extraordinary geography; at 210 feet below sea level, it is the lowest airport in the United States. It is critical to understand that DTH hosts no scheduled commercial airline services. For most visitors, the primary commercial 'connection' is made by flying into Harry Reid International (LAS) in Las Vegas, about 120 miles away, and completing the journey via rental car. If you are flying privately into DTH, a vital connection tip for ground transportation is the free shuttle service provided for guests of The Oasis at Death Valley (Inn and Ranch).
Upon landing, use the dedicated telephone located near the airport restrooms to request a pickup. For non-resort guests, there are no taxis, rideshares, or rental cars available at the terminal; you must pre-arrange all transport. The airport is strictly for daytime operations only (VFR) as there are no runway lights. Another critical tip for pilots is that there is no fuel available at DTH; the nearest aviation fuel is at Beatty (BTY) or Stovepipe Wells (L09).
Due to the potential for intense desert winds, pilots must bring their own tie-downs as the airport does not provide them. The terminal facilities are minimal, consisting of a basic shelter and restrooms. Because summer temperatures frequently exceed 120ยฐF (49ยฐC), staying hydrated and planning your arrival for the early morning hours is essential for safety. For those seeking direct access to the mesmerizing salt flats and badlands, DTH offers an unparalleled entry point that requires meticulous self-reliance.
โข Check latest schedules when connecting through Furnace Creek Airport.
โข Furnace Creek Airport is the gateway to Death Valley National Park.
โข At 210 feet below sea level, it is the lowest airport in the United States.
โข DTH has no scheduled commercial airline service.
โข Most visitors use Las Vegas, then drive about 120 miles to Death Valley.
Minimum domestic connection:
45 minutes
International connections:
90 minutes
Interline transfers:
120 minutes
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Last updated: April 2026 | Data Source: IATA and other airline sites and resources