Father Crowley Vista Point – A Visitor’s Guide
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Father Crowley Vista Point – Introduction
Father Crowley Vista Point is a stunning overlook in the western section of Death Valley National Park. Located along Highway 190, this viewpoint offers dazzling panoramic vistas of the sprawling desert plains and colorful hillsides.
Named after Father Thomas Crowley, an early priest who led Catholic services in the area, visitors can enjoy sweeping views from here to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. From this vantage point, one can take in the vastness and beauty of Death Valley National Park without having to leave the comfort of their car.
On our first trip to Death Valley National Park, we entered from the west on Highway 190, which provides excellent access to this famous overlook. This was our first stop in Death Valley, starting our fascination with a magnificent national park.
Read on for Father Crowley Vista Point highlights to help you plan your stop at this famous overlook.
Where is Father Crowley Vista Point?
Father Crowley Vista Point is located on the western outskirts of Death Valley National Park in California. It can be accessed by taking Highway 190 to Father Crowley Road and continuing until you reach the overlook. There are also signs along the way that will lead you there. A dirt road leads you to the endpoint of the vista, which is open most of the year.
The View at Father Crowley Vista Point
When you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views. It is just a short ¼ mile walk from the parking area to Padre Point. You’ll find the Padre Crowley Vista marker in the parking area.
Sitting about 4,500 feet above sea level, the overlook has two viewpoints.
Close to the parking area, Rainbow Canyon is visible with its striking colors formed by ancient volcanic activity.
Another half mile to the east, a dirt road takes you to a breathtaking overlook of the northern Panamint Valley. You can leave your car in the main parking area and walk to this section. That will also save your vehicle from the bumpy dirt road.
Geography of Father Crowley Point – Rainbow Canyon
Father Crowley Point sits just above Rainbow Canyon on the western edge of Death Valley National Park. Rainbow Canyon sits between Owens Valley to the west and Panamint Valley to the east. The canyon provides drainage for the western slope of the Santa Rosa Hills and the eastern slope of the Inyo Mountains.
The canyon was cut from the Darwin Hills volcanoes’ basalt lava flows and lapilli beds millions of years ago. Granite and marble formations are found under the lava in the canyon’s deepest parts. The materials created the colors we see today in the canyon – reds, greys, and pinks. Deep in the canyon are hundreds of petroglyphs from the Coso people who were once inhabitants of the area.
Rainbow Canyon is a stunning natural wonder. This iconic desert landscape has cliffs and towering rock formations around the narrow canyon. It’s one of the best places to catch a colorful sunset or sunrise, and adventurous souls can explore the canyon on foot or by ATV.
Star Wars Canyon
Rainbow Canyon is also referred to as Star Wars Canyon. Some say the canyon’s colors are reminiscent of the fictional planet Tatooine.
Others say the place bears the name Star Wars Canyon due to the military fighter jets that practiced their low-level flights in this area. The canyon is part of the R-2508 Complex, which the military has used since the 1930s.
However, on July 31, 2019, a crash occurred in the canyon during one of the flights, killing the pilot and injuring several spectators. That put an end to the military flights above this canyon.
Who was Father Crowley?
Father John Crowley (1891-1940) was a Catholic priest who served the Catholic church in Inyo County. His travels for his ministry often took him by this area in Death Valley.
Known as the Desert Padre, he spent his time helping build churches, schools, and other buildings for the local people and served as a spiritual leader.
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A native of Ireland, Father Crowley was well-respected by the locals of Inyou County due to his dedication to improving their lives and providing care. The overlook, named after him, was one of his favorite places in this region. His efforts earned him the nickname “Father of Death Valley,” and it was in his honor that Father Crowley Vista Point was named.
In his church ministry, he was elevated to Monsignor by Pope Pius XI in 1925. Father Crowley died in an automobile accident in 1940 on the road named California State Route 14 today.
Today, visitors can still take in sweeping views of the valley from this spot as a reminder of Father Crowley’s contribution to the area. In addition to this famous overlook in Death Valley, Father Crowley’s name is attached to Crowley Lake and the plant Lupinus Padre-Crowleyi, commonly known as Father Crowley’s lupine, which grows in high elevation areas on the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Getting to Father Crowley Vista Point
Approaching from the west and Highway 395, turn east on Highway 190 at Olancha. You’ll continue on Highway 190 for about 37 miles. Then on the left-hand side of the road, a pull-out provides a route into a parking lot.
It’s a nice place to stop approaching Death Valley from the west. The views alone are worth the pullover.
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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
What is special about Father Crowley Point?
History buffs will enjoy the connection to Father John Crowley and learning about his legacy in the area.
Military jets once held practice flights over the canyon.
Ancient native inhabitants left hundreds of petroglyphs in the canyon area that are still visible today.
Does the military still use Rainbow Canyon?
Following an unfortunate crash on July 31, 2019, military flights were suspended over Rainbow Canyon. Most areas frequented previously by the public for viewing military flights have been blocked by the National Park Service.
Wandering into these restricted areas can result in a fine of several thousand dollars plus jail time.
Our information shows that military jets no longer fly through the Rainbow Canyon area nor overhead at Father Crowley Vista Point.
When is the best time to visit Father Crowley Vista Point?
The best time to visit Father Crowley Point is between October and May. Summer is too hot, so we recommend avoiding travel into the national park during the hottest months.
Even during Spring, you’ll want to check the weather forecast as temperatures over 100 can occur in April.
Father Crowley Point – Know Before You Go
✈️ Closest Airport: Las Vegas McCarren (LAS)
⏰ Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (GMT-8)
Gas Stations: Refer to our Death Valley Gas Stations Guide
- Father Crowley Vista Point is located off of CA-190 along the western edge of Death Valley.
- The location is approximately 160 miles north of Los Angeles and 260 miles west of Las Vegas
- Vault toilets are available in the parking area
- Access to the overlook is free
Where To Stay Near Father Crowley Vista Point
Read Our Guide – Where To Stay in Death Valley
Closing Thoughts on Father Crowley Vista Point
Whether you want to experience a breathtaking sunset or marvel at some of nature’s most incredible features, Father Crowley Vista Point is an unforgettable destination. It’s an area that was once a favorite stop of a solitary Catholic priest who traveled in the area.
Father Crowley Point is an often-overlooked gem at Death Valley National Park. Located on the park’s western edge, it’s a fantastic sight to behold and worth checking out if you’re visiting the park. Not only does it provide a great view, but Father Crowley Point also gives you an insight into the history and culture of the valley.
So much of our world has changed since the days of Father Crowley. However, at this place, you can still appreciate the serenity and silence of the Panamint Valley in much the same way as Father Crowley did nearly 100 years ago.
If you’re coming to Death Valley, stop at Father Crowley Vista Point.
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