Plot Synopsis

This one-hour reality series follows five locals living off the grid in Death Valley -- one of the hottest, driest and deadliest environments on Earth -- as they brave the elements and perils of a lawless land in hopes of realizing their dreams of riches. Each episode of DEATH VALLEY features opposing worlds collide in The Gateway of Hell, as they live life on their own terms. But even as they search for legendary treasure-filled mines, protect their land from intruders or endure record-breaking heat, everyone in this unforgiving desert is motivated by one basic instinct: survival. The five individuals are: Rick 'The Viking' Allen, owner of the claim to The Congress Mine, a mine that was abandoned at the start of World War I that he is convinced is full of untold wealth in the form of gold and silver; Alroy Barlow, an elder member of Inyo County's Bishop Paiute tribe, who is deeply connected to the environment and does not agree with mindset of rock poachers and treasure hunters; Don Betts, a well-known and feared resident of the eerie town of Darwin, who spends countless hours braving the tortuous desert heat, searching for gold and turquoise, and building homemade weapons to protect his land and wife, Sarah; Roadkyll Roadrash Sagebrush, seen by some locals as a walking zombie, who had his name officially changed to embody the haunting existence he has led and was recently been let out of prison; and Jeff Smith, a Lone Pine resident, who at a young age was inspired by his grandfather to treasure hunt and is now usually accompanied by his friend, Doug. CMT aired the entire series as a four-night event, showing back-to-back episodes each night at 11pm ET/PT from Wednesday, October 1 through Saturday, October 4, 2014.