down the trail Sept. 18th, 2010 Board Meeting, Ridgecrest, CA Nov. 7th-9th, 2010 Pre-Encampment Nov. 10th-14th, 2010 61st Annual Death Valley '49ers Encampment View Calendar stay connected     site map Death valley '49ers encampmenT NOVEMBER 10th-14th, 2010 Join us this November for the 61st Annual Death Valley '49ers Encampment! During the Park's most attended special event thousands of participants come to celebrate the spirit of the 1849 gold rush wagon trains that crossed Death Valley. This five day event includes old-time and western-style music, an Invitational Western Art Show, craft shows, cowboy poetry, golf and horseshoe tournaments, a pioneer costume contest, 4X4 tours, wagon train and horse parades, community breakfasts and much more. History, heritage & educatioN The Death Valley '49ers started as a non-profit organization in 1949 with members from Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. They worked in connection with California's State Centennial Celebration to produce an authentic historical pageant in Death Valley glorifying the spirit of the 1849 California pioneers. Today the Death Valley '49ers remain dedicated to increasing public awareness of Death Valley National Park and its resources. The group sponsors historical conferences, publishes books and organizes the annual encampment which funds an Educational Fund and Scholarship program for Death Valley area students. Keep history alive and join us today!