But even in this unrelenting oven, there is a paradise. A lush, luxurious sanctuary known as The Oasis at Death Valley. Here, two spring-fed swimming pools shimmer like a mirage. Soft shade pools beneath towering date palms. And an Ice Cream Parlor offers frosty delights just begging to melt against the unforgiving heat of the desert.

It’s a contrast like no other. Extreme heat and tranquil luxury, side by side. But what makes Death Valley so hot, and why is The Oasis the ultimate refuge from its fiery grip? Here’s what you need to know.

Understanding Death Valley’s Heat

Death Valley didn’t earn its ominous name for no reason. It is, after all, one of the hottest places on Earth.

Geography of an Oven

Death Valley’s location is the main culprit behind its legendary heat. At 282 feet below sea level, it lies in a basin surrounded by steep mountains, creating a perfect “heat trap.” Hot air sinks into the valley and is trapped by the surrounding ranges, while the dry, barren ground quickly absorbs the sun’s rays and radiates heat back into the air. It’s a relentless cycle of baking and broiling.

Adding to this, the desert has virtually no moisture. Water vapor in the air can moderate temperature swings, but in Death Valley’s bone-dry climate, there’s none of that. This allows the sun’s energy to heat the air directly and more intensely.

Record-Breaking Temperatures

Death Valley holds the record for the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth: a staggering 134°F (56.7°C) at Furnace Creek in 1913. To this day, temperatures regularly soar above 120°F during summer months, making shade, hydration, and creative cooling absolutely essential for visitors.

Despite its hostile climate, Death Valley draws adventurers, nature lovers, and photographers eager to experience its dramatic landscapes. But survival here isn’t just about bravery. It’s about balance. And that’s where The Oasis at Death Valley takes center stage.

The Oasis at Death Valley: A Cool Escape

Amidst the oppressive heat of Death Valley, The Oasis at Death Valley is precisely that — a lush, refreshing retreat where luxury meets the wild. It’s as though someone peeled back the sun’s fierce grip and carved out a haven of shade, water, and leisure.

Amenities That Redefine Desert Luxury

At the heart of The Oasis are two gleaming, spring-fed pools. These pools aren’t just about cooling off; they’re an experience. Imagine slipping into naturally heated, mineral-rich waters under the shade of towering date palms. Whether you’re taking a dip to escape the desert sun or floating peacefully under the stars, these pools epitomize tranquility.
And when those triple-digit daytime temperatures leave you craving a sweet reprieve? Head to the Ice Cream Parlor, where creamy, frosty confections melt the edge off the fiery heat outside.

Winding through the property, date palms provide both respite and beauty, their gently swaying fronds dappling sunlight onto cobbled pathways. It’s a stark contradiction to the barren wilderness around you, a sweet reminder that you’re nestled in a pocket of luxury amidst one of the harshest environments on the planet.

Activities and Amenities to Savor

While The Oasis at Death Valley promises comfort, it insists on adventures too. It combines relaxation with recreation in a way that’s utterly captivating.

Two Hotels, One Unforgettable Destination

Choose between two distinct hotel experiences. The AAA Four Diamond Inn at Death Valley offers timeless elegance with modern luxury, complete with breathtaking views of the desert sands and mountains beyond. Meanwhile, The Ranch at Death Valley delivers a more casual, family-friendly vibe with charm to spare.

The Lowest Golf Course on Earth!

Yes, really. Tee off at The Furnace Creek Golf Course at Death Valley, the world’s lowest-elevation golf course at 214 feet below sea level. Surrounded by rugged desert beauty, this 18-hole, par-72 course is a golfer’s dream. Plus, thanks to its unique position, you can boast that you’ve played golf in one of the most extraordinary places on Earth!

Other Activities

If golf isn’t your thing, there’s still plenty to explore. Hike through surreal salt flats, bike along scenic desert roads, or stargaze into one of the darkest night skies in the country at this Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park. The contrast between searing daylight and the cool serenity of an evening under the stars is truly unforgettable.

Planning Your Desert Escape

With its closest major cities being Las Vegas (2 hours) and Los Angeles (4 hours), The Oasis at Death Valley is ideally positioned for a weekend retreat or an extended stay. Whether you’re planning a whirlwind adventure or a relaxing getaway, Death Valley offers something for everyone.

Need help building your itinerary? Here’s an idea:

• Day 1: Check into The Inn or The Ranch and unwind by the spring-fed pool. End the evening with a meal at The Inn Dining Room — the perfect way to celebrate making it to this true American Oasis.
• Day 2: Take an early morning hike through Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and catch the sunrise before it gets too hot. Enjoy lunch at The Ranch’s casual dining spot, the Wild Rose Tavern, then play an early evening round of golf capped off by an ice cream at the Ice Cream Parlor.
• Day 3: Explore Death Valley’s must-see spots like Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, and Dante’s View. Return to The Oasis for a soothing swim and then lunch at The Last Kind Words Saloon to end your trip.

Where Heat Meets Luxury

Death Valley is a land of extremes. The sun blazes like nowhere else on Earth, and the landscape feels like a different planet. It’s stark, wild, and unforgiving. And yet, The Oasis at Death Valley offers a harmony that’s hard to describe. It’s the cool against the heat, the calm against the intensity.

If you’re an adventure seeker, a desert dreamer, or someone who simply needs a serene escape, there’s no place quite like this. High temperatures and higher luxuries combine to create an experience that’s uniquely Death Valley.

Make your reservation at The Oasis at Death Valley today, and discover how wonderful contrast can be.

The post Why It Gets So Hot in Death Valley (And How You Can Cool Off at The Oasis) first appeared on The Oasis at Death Valley.

Looking for a family getaway that’s both exhilarating and enriching? Look no further than The Oasis at Death Valley! This unique national park is brimming with outdoor activities and experiences that are perfect for the whole family. Death Valley’s nearby ghost towns, curious wildlife, and rugged terrain are sure to inspire a sense of wonder and excitement in children and adults alike. And, if you’re looking for a break from screens, this park provides the perfect opportunity to unplug and experience the world around you first-hand. So why settle for virtual reality when you can experience the real thing? Whether you’re exploring the dunes or stargazing at night, a trip to Death Valley promises not only fun but also the chance to learn and grow together as a family. Here’s a look at three days of family fun in the lower-48’s largest national park.

Day 1: Morning

Discover Desert Denizens

The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, a 30-minute drive from The Oasis at Death Valley, are a wonderland for early risers. The early morning is the best time of day to look for tracks etched in the sand by an assortment of Death Valley creatures: kangaroo mice, sidewinder snakes, coyotes, and desert kit foxes. Plus, kids love sliding down the soft dune slopes! On the way back, take a detour for the easy walk along the Salt Creek Interpretive Trail’s boardwalk to look for rare desert pupfish. During the spring mating season, these energetic little fish put on quite a show as they scuffle for territory and look for partners.

Breakfast at The Inn Dining Room

When it comes to breakfast, there’s no better place to gather together than The Inn. You and your family can expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere with some of the tastiest treats around. And one in particular stands out: date bread. Admittedly, young children may initially balk at what appears to be wrinkled fruit of indeterminate origin. But one bite of date bread fresh from the bake shop or a Belgian waffle topped with Deglet Noor date butter may convert even the most finicky of eaters to the sweet uses of these delicious desert fruits grown on the premises.

Afternoon

Hang Out by the Pool

Following your morning explorations, the afternoon is a perfect time to chill out at The Ranch’s pool. With natural springs providing a steady flow of warm water–an always pleasant 87 degrees–you’ll be able to unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The kids can splash around to their hearts’ content, while parents can take a moment to bask in the sun and recharge. When you’re ready for a quick bite, head over to The Ice Cream Parlor for a delicious selection of refreshments to satisfy any craving. It’s the perfect way to cap off a morning of adventure and recharge for whatever the rest of the day has in store.

Saddle Up!

The Furnace Creek Stables offers one and two hour guided trail rides, suitable for riders of all levels. The one-hour horseback ride takes you into the valley floor where you will get a true taste of the desert. The two-hour ride travels into the foothills of the Funeral Mountains and offers extraordinary views of the valley below. Explore Death Valley as the ’49ers did over 160 years ago!

Evening

Gaze at the Night Sky

With its clear, dry air and distance from urban light sources, Death Valley became the third (and largest!) U.S. national park to earn Gold Tier status as a Dark Sky Park from the International Dark Sky Association. After dinner, drive just a short distance from The Ranch to find a big expanse of sky to introduce your family to the wonders of stargazing. Binoculars and a star chart will help you pick out individual features but the smear of the Milky Way across the blackness will be unmistakable. In winter and spring, park rangers host several stargazing events within the park.

Day 2: Morning

Walk Along a Volcano

The geological history of Death Valley is truly fascinating, and there’s no better place to introduce kids to it than at Ubehebe Crater. This crater was formed about 2,100 years ago when a volcano erupted, creating an 800-foot deep divot in the Earth’s surface. While some of Death Valley’s geological processes may be difficult to comprehend, the power of the blast that formed Ubehebe is impossible to ignore. Walking along the 1 ½-mile trail that follows the crater’s rim is an unforgettable experience, as you gaze down into the massive hole in the ground and ponder the sheer force of the volcanic explosion. For kids who love nature and are fascinated by the power of the Earth, Ubehebe Crater is a must-visit destination.

Afternoon

Explore Badwater Road

Head down south from the Ranch at Death Valley to explore some of the national park’s most distinctive landmarks. Your kids will love the short, one-mile hike to see Natural Bridge, a stunning eroded rock span that connects two sides of a canyon. The famous Devil’s Golf Course is also a must-see destination. Be sure to tell the kids to keep quiet for a few minutes, so everyone can hear the popping sounds that the salt crystals make as they expand and contract. The boardwalk at Badwater is another must-stop, so your kids can claim bragging rights about walking on the very bottom of North America. At 282 feet below sea level, it’s quite an accomplishment! As you look west towards the Panamint Range, your eyes will be immediately drawn to the towering peak of Telescope Peak, which stands at an impressive 11,049 feet – the highest point in the entire park. Gazing up at its sheer size and magnitude, you’ll feel in awe of the natural beauty that surrounds you. On your way back to the ranch, it’s worth taking a nine-mile detour along Artist’s Drive, which will take you on a journey through the breathtaking badlands of the Black Mountains. The drive eventually leads to the park’s most colorful natural formation – Artist’s Palette. Here, you and your kids can marvel at the incredible hues that adorn the rocky hills, with a spectrum of reds, greens, and purples that look like they’ve been painted onto the landscape. For the best view of these magnificent colors, make sure to catch Artist’s Palette in the late afternoon, when the setting sun illuminates the colors in all their glory.

Evening

Dinner at The Inn Dining Room

The relaxed elegance of The Inn’s Dining Room makes it a comfortable spot for families. The curving banquettes are ideal if you have a larger group, though t’s hard to beat a table out on the veranda. Even after dinner is through, the dining room has more to offer. Parents and kids alike can take a moment to observe the classic art pieces that adorn the walls, providing a historical perspective on the once wild and rugged landscapes of the West.

Day 3: Morning

Enjoy a Commanding View

Death Valley National Park boasts of being the largest national park in the United States, apart from Alaska. It’s a vast expanse filled with fascinating geological features and captivating scenery that draw visitors from all over the world. If you’re looking for the best place to take in the sprawling beauty of the park, 5,475-foot Dante’s View is where you want to be. This viewpoint, nestled in the Black Mountains, offers a panoramic view of the valley for miles on end, with Badwater and the salt flats far below. The trails along the ridgeline offer a range of views that will take your breath away, and the perfect opportunity to snap some unforgettable photos of your family’s time in this other-wordly environment.

Afternoon

Visit a Ghost Town

Take a drive up Daylight Pass Road and cross the Nevada state line to explore Rhyolite, the region’s largest ghost town. Once a city of 10,000 people, Rhyolite boomed after a nearby discovery of gold. Today, you can still see the shell of a three-story bank building and a house made out of bottles. And if you’re up for an adventure (and have a high clearance vehicle), the slow-going 27-mile drive through rugged Titus Canyon takes you back through a dramatic chasm of towering cliffs. Along the way, you’ll also pass the ghost town of Leadfield and may spot desert bighorn sheep at Klare Spring

Evening

Sip a Sarsaparilla

A close relative of root beer, sarsaparilla was a popular soft drink in the Old West. You’ll find sarsaparilla over at The Last Kind Words Saloon at The Ranch at Death Valley. With its historic photos, wagon-wheel chandeliers, and Navajo rugs, the saloon brings alive the world of the Wild West. And while the kids can enjoy their sarsaparilla, parents can savor it in craft cocktails like The Last Kind Word (High West Prairie Bourbon, sweet vermouth, lemon juice, sarsaparilla, and bitters).

Or Enjoy the Ice Cream Parlor

The sweetest addition to the historic Ranch at Death Valley’s Town Square, the Ice Cream Parlor brings the old-timey soda fountain and ice cream parlor of your youth to Death Valley. Harkening back to a simpler time, the Ice Cream Parlor’s retro interior complete with stained glass windows, classic counter, and mirrored ice cream bar conjures up memories of milkshakes from those idyllic childhood memories you thought you had forgotten. Invite the kids to experience old time favorites, like a banana split, with a touch of good old-fashioned Americana.

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The post Family Fun! Death Valley Inspires Awe and Wonder first appeared on The Oasis at Death Valley.

Play a memorable round of golf

Not only is there a championship golf course in Death Valley, but it is also recognized by Golf Digest as one of “America’s 50 Toughest Courses.”

This 18-hole, par-70 course was designed by the renowned golf course architect, Perry Dye. Four sets of tees enable players of all skill levels to participate. But with water features on 9 holes, even the most experienced players will find something to challenge them on this course.

Since the bottom of Death Valley boasts the lowest elevation in North America, The Furnace Creek Golf Course at Death Valley also has the distinction of being the lowest golf course in the US. It sits 214 feet below sea level. It’s also one of those clubs where you can boast you played the game and bought the T-shirt…in the well-stocked Pro Shop.

Enjoy trail riding through spectacular desert

Visit Furnace Creek Stables, where you can join their fantastic 1 or 2-hours guided horseback trail rides through Death Valley National Park. Choose from a ride into the desert at the base of the valley or a longer ride into the foothills of the ominously named Funeral Mountains.

On a clear day, you can see over 100 miles from the foothills. This is a perfect way to reenact the journey through Death Valley followed by pioneers and gold and silver prospectors. And if you prefer to be driven rather than ride, Furnace Creek Stables also offers evening hay wagon and carriage rides.

Hike through breathtaking scenery

There are few mapped trails through Death Valley National Park, but well-trodden paths thread through the valley. Recreational walkers can follow such informal trails into Mosaic Canyon (4 miles), Golden Canyon (3 miles) or visit the Harmony Borax Works historic site (0.4 miles).

For hiking April through October, you need to take care when you’re out under the sun. Take plenty of bottled water and apply sunscreen. Wear wide-brimmed hats, too. Even in winter, the dry air in Death Valley means you need to stay hydrated.

If you want more of a challenge, the steep 14-mile path up to Telescope Peak in the Panamint Range makes for a challenging all-day hike. At 11,043 feet above sea level, the peak is the highest point in Death Valley. However, be warned. Despite the pleasant temperatures below, these mountains get their fair share of snow in winter. So, for a hike into the mountains, you’ll need to carry layers in your backpack you can add as you ascend.

Smell the flowers

You might be shocked to discover that Death Valley is a great place to admire wildflowers. Between mid-February and mid-May, spring showers often paint the valley floor in a blaze of colors.

If you’re visiting Death Valley in spring, head for Jubilee Pass near The Inn at Death Valley. There you might find blazing star, desert gold, Encelia, evening primrose, mimulus, phacelia, poppies, verbena, and, of course, flowering cacti.

In late spring and early summer, you’ll see plenty of wildflowers at higher elevations as you hike into the Panamints. However, you’ll find different flower species at higher elevations when compared to the valley floor, such as the endemic Panamint daisies, paintbrush, lupine, Mojave wild rose, rabbitbrush, and mariposa lilies.

Learn how to relax

In all the classic B-Westerns, the heroes check into the hotel above a saloon to soak in a hot tin bath and wash off the trail dust. Although The Inn at Death Valley is a historic inn, you’ll find that things have changed a little over the years. Today, The Inn features a spa with a trained masseuse exclusively for the use of guests.

So, if you want to pamper yourself with a relaxing spa day, check into The Inn at Death Valley. Rather than an antique tin bath, expect to find brand new spa rooms with services such as aromatherapy, salt scrubs, hot stone massages, and reflexology. And if you want a swim to wake you up, The Inn at Death Valley boasts a spectacular spring-fed pool.

Explore a saloon from the Old West

If you dream of treading your cowboy boots into a saloon from the Old West, check out the recently added The Last Kind Words Saloon, located at The Ranch at Death Valley. This Western-themed restaurant and bar is an aesthetically pleasing tribute to one-horse-town saloons of a bygone age.

The menu follows the theme. You can look forward to a spicy chuckwagon chili, Dante’s chicken wings, Tomahawk bone-in ribeye, game of the day, tasty steaks, and wild Alaskan salmon. Vegetarians aren’t neglected, with delicious grilled flatbread, 1849 penne, and poblano macaroni and cheese. And, of course, the classic selection of whiskeys and beers you’d expect in any Wild West saloon…as well as some fine wines you might not!

Gaze at the stars

Because Death Valley National Park is so far away from civilization, the park is designated a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park. From Furnace Creek, you can enjoy unobstructed views of the night sky that make Death Valley an excellent, year-round destination for keen astronomy enthusiasts.

In fact, The Ranch at Death Valley hosts regular Star Parties in conjunction with the Las Vegas Astronomical Society. Death Valley is close enough to LA and Vegas for city dwellers to come for a getaway weekend of stargazing but far enough away that the city light pollution does not interfere with the local night sky.

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The post How to Spend A Weekend In Death Valley, CA first appeared on The Oasis at Death Valley.

The fact is that The Oasis at Death Valley can transform special occasions into unforgettable ones. A world-famous desert getaway, with its two hotels, fine dining, and diverse collection of event venues, can accommodate gatherings of all kinds — from executive retreats to lavish weddings.

Granted, when you hear the name Death Valley, you may think rough-and-ready, not rest-and-relaxation. But with the resort’s unique facilities and a dedicated events team to help with planning, The Oasis at Death Valley is the place you’ll want to be. Here are a few reasons why.

The Middle of Nowhere is Closer Than You Think

While much of Death Valley National Park is designated federal wilderness, the area can easily be reached by guests traveling from around the country, or even from distant parts of the globe. McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, which is just two hours from the resort, has direct service from numerous U.S. cities, as well as hubs in Asia and Europe. And from Los Angeles International Airport, it’s a beautiful drive of less than five hours through the California desert to the resort.

Under the Desert Sky

The Inn’s outdoor event spaces let you take full advantage of the valley’s wonderful weather and the desert’s incomparable starry nights in the country’s largest International Dark Sky National Park.

Part of the resort’s $250 million renovation, the Mission Gardens, a romantic and verdant space for outdoor weddings and other larger gatherings, was created from an unlikely source. The whitewashed stone walls that enclose the gardens date to the 1920s and were originally part of an adobe building that served as The Inn’s laundry facility. The building burned down in 2014 but the walls were salvaged and restored, and together with palm trees, fountains, and colorful bougainvillea give the Mission Gardens an atmosphere that evokes Old California.

Another great venue for a wedding, especially if you’re hosting a smaller party, is the lawn area below the main hotel and adjacent to the 22 Spanish-style casitas that were added to the property during the renovation. Or for cocktail receptions and other group functions, you can take your pick of two other outdoor areas: Stargazer’s Terrace, with its wraparound views of the valley and the surrounding mountains, and the Panamint Deck, which overlooks the valley and the hotel’s palm gardens.

The Gold Rush Room

More Venues: The Great Indoors

With distinctive indoor event spaces, The Inn at Death Valley can handle group occasions of all kinds and sizes. Ranging from the intimate boardroom, an ideal place for executive off-sites, to the 1,400-square-foot, 120-person capacity Gold Rush Room, which has two wood-burning fireplaces and overlooks The Inn’s famous spring-fed pool, you’ll find choices that combine a historic ambience and a distinct sense of Death Valley.

Several of the rooms feature vintage stonework, and in the Oasis Foyer and the Big Horn Room, the ponderosa pine ceiling timbers were once part of railroad trestles used by trains hauling borax out of the valley. No uninspired hotel ballrooms with giant room dividers here.

The Last Kind Words Saloon

Distinctive Dining

Maybe you’re planning a wedding rehearsal dinner or just want to get together for a special meal with a group of friends during a weekend getaway. But whatever your plans, The Oasis at Death Valley’s restaurants let you dine in style.

The elegant Inn Dining Room blends a Southwest décor that features historic paintings of the American West with a contemporary menu of desert-inspired dishes to create a culinary experience that is truly of Death Valley. Favorites include the Wagyu ribeye and the blue cheese-stuffed date appetizer.

As beautiful as the main dining room may be, for a truly memorable meal, there’s nothing like dining beneath the starry desert sky out on the restaurant’s terrace. And next to the dining room, The Inn’s elegant lobby bar is the place to catch up with friends over a nightcap.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, that is, The Ranch at Death Valley, The Last Kind Words Saloon has added an informal and atmospheric dining option to the resort. Meticulously designed with historic artifacts, Western artwork, and Native American crafts, the restaurant brings alive the world of a classic Old West saloon. It’s the perfect spot for a high-spirited gathering where everyone can don jeans and cowboy boots and dig into such classic Western fare as a bison strip loin or barbecue baby back ribs. And when it’s time for a toast, take your pick from the saloon’s impeccable collection of small-batch and boutique American whiskies.

The Furnace Creek Golf Course at Death Valley

Fun in the Sun

While Death Valley is justly famous for its desert hiking trails, the resort offers all sorts of activities if you want to host group outings during company retreats, family reunions, and weddings.

Saddle up for guided rides onto the floor of the desert or into the foothills, as well as memorable sunset adventures, with Furnace Creek Stables. Families also love the carriage and hay wagon rides. Organize your own tournament at the challenging and beautiful Furnace Creek Golf Course at Death Valley, the world’s lowest-elevation course at 214 feet below sea level. Or treat your maid of honor and best man, to a massage and a body wrap at The Inn’s Wellness Sancturary.

Then again, nothing beats just hanging out poolside with friends, family, or colleagues at the resort’s two spring-fed swimming pools, both of which stay consistently in the mid 80s. The Inn’s pool has cabanas and deck-side wood-burning fireplaces, which everyone will appreciate on one of Death Valley’s surprisingly chilly nights.

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The post Celebrate Your Special Occasion in Death Valley! first appeared on The Oasis at Death Valley.

While you can definitely get a nice workout at The Inn at Death Valley’s new and improved exercise room (or in the spring-fed pool), it’s no secret that walking is an essential part of any fitness regimen. Whether you’re out for an easy stroll or a more rigorous hike, walking is the perfect way to get your heart pumping without putting too much stress on the joints. Not only is it beneficial to the body, enhancing cardiovascular fitness and limiting weight gain, walking is good for our minds too.

So during a stay at The Oasis at Death Valley, challenge your body and give your brain a workout, too, on hikes that lead to close-up looks of Death Valley’s remarkable geology and incomparable panoramas of the country’s most dramatic desert landscape.

Here are five hikes that show off the diversity of Death Valley’s terrain. Be sure to carry adequate water and snacks for each hiker and before heading out, check at the National Park Service’s visitor center for current conditions.

Wake Up and Walk the Badlands

One of the highlights of any Death Valley trip is to catch sunrise at Zabriskie Point, the famed overlook less than 10 minutes south of The Oasis at Death Valley.

Once you’ve watched the starkly beautiful badlands turn violet, pink, and gold with the dawn, it’s time to go down and explore this dramatically eroded terrain. The 2.7-mile Badlands Loop descends from the point and leads through a labyrinth of water- and wind-carved sediments, originally laid down as part of an ancient lakebed (yes, Death Valley was once covered by water). The slopes are virtually devoid of vegetation but especially under the soft morning light, this is one of the national park’s most stunning places for a hike.

A Canyon With Polish

The hike into Mosaic Canyon leads through areas of exposed marble and breccia (the mosaic-like embedded rock fragments in breccia give the canyon its name). While not super hard, these rocks are far more substantial than the loose sediments of the badlands below Zabriskie Point.

The hike begins at the end of an unpaved road just beyond Stovepipe Wells and about 30 miles from The Oasis at Death Valley. There’s no formal trail but just follow the footprints through the wash and the route soon narrows down to an area of rock polished to a remarkable smoothness by gravel and small stones that course through the canyon during flash floods. You can head about two miles into the canyon by either climbing or working your way up or around a few dryfalls along the way. Eventually you’ll reach a dryfall that’s impassable; turn around from here for a roughly four-mile round-trip hike.

Sunrise colors on Telescope peak reflected in pond at Badwater

Valley Low, Mountain High

Although many tourists come to Death Valley to visit Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level, most of them have no idea that the park also encompasses high-country areas that climb to more than 11,000 feet.

But that prominent snow-capped summit that you can see across the valley from the inn is 11,049-foot Telescope Peak, the park’s highest point. You won’t want to hike Telescope Peak in winter. However, once the snow melts, the challenging 14-mile round trip to the summit is a bucket list-worthy experience.

The trail begins from Mahagony Flat Campground, a good 2-1/2 hours from the inn (like we said, this is a big park). The route ascends 3,000 feet through both forested areas and exposed, unshaded slopes on the way to the peak. The payoffs for all of your efforts are many and varied: incomparable views of Death Valley, glimpses of ancient bristlecone pines (among the world’s oldest living things), and bragging rights. After all, you’ve made it to the top of a mountain more than two miles above the valley floor.

Atop the Volcano

You don’t have to be a geology nerd to understand and appreciate Ubehebe Crater, about 75 minutes north of the resort. With its round shape and defined rim, not to mention the half-mile-wide crater’s craggy, 600-foot maw, you would never mistake Ubehebe for anything other than a volcano.

Part of a field of 13 craters in the northern part of the park, Ubehebe was created about 2,100 years ago as rising magma came into contact with groundwater and set off a massive steam eruption that sent debris over a 15-mile area. A 1-1/2-mile trail follows the rim, offering great views into the crater’s depths and of the surrounding desert terrain.

No Mirage: A Desert Waterfall

Although it’s a good 60 miles from the Oasis at Death Valley, Darwin Falls in the park’s Panamint Springs area on State Highway 190 is well worth the drive. After all, there aren’t many places in the Mojave Desert where you can see a waterfall.
But fed by a spring, this modest cascade flows year-round, plunging down a mossy rock face and into a most undesert-like grotto fringed by willows. The waterfall that you can see is actually just a small section of a much taller waterfall that begins higher up. The two-mile round-trip hike isn’t especially challenging but does involve several crossings of the shallow, narrow stream.

How to Explore

The Oasis at Death Valley is situated in a lush oasis surrounded by the vast and arid desert of Death Valley National Park — just 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas and 275 miles northeast of Los Angeles. The resort encompasses two hotels — the historic AAA Four Diamond, 88-room Inn at Death Valley and the family-oriented, 224-room Ranch at Death Valley. The entire resort went through a complete renaissance with an extensive renovation in 2018. It includes natural spring-fed pools, an 18-hole golf course, horse and carriage rides, world-renowned stargazing, and is surrounded by Death Valley National Park’s main attractions. For information and reservations, visit The Oasis at Death Valley or call 800-236-7916.

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The post 5 Death Valley Hikes That Should Be on Your Bucket List Now first appeared on The Oasis at Death Valley.

Death Valley is fantastic; this is like a dream come true for me. It’s everything I love. I love nature, I love the changing light, I love the desert air here. The rocks, and the water. The spring that feeds this resort is just phenomenal.

Even on a chilly November morning, as an early winter storm moves across Death Valley National Park, a mix of serious photographers and selfie-seeking tourists gather before dawn for sunrise at Zabriskie Point. Drizzle drifts through the air as the rising sun fights through the overcast and begins to light up the valley and the snow-dusted summit of 11,043-foot Telescope Peak in the Panamint Mountains. A rainbow forms over the mountains and the cameras click away.

There’s a familiar face in the crowd at the overlook: 6-foot-11-inch-tall basketball Hall of Famer and broadcaster Bill Walton. After discovering the area 2 decades ago, the two-time NBA world champion and twice a national champion at UCLA, has become an acolyte of all things Death Valley, as well a regular at The Inn at Death Valley. No way would he miss sunrise at Zabriskie Point. And, despite the blustery conditions, later in the morning, he would go on a long bike ride along Highway 190 toward Dante’s View.

“This is the life that I love,” says Walton. “I do not spend my days sitting on the couch and watching television and waiting for the telephone to ring. I’m out there. It’s all about the possibilities. Death Valley epitomizes my biggest dream in life, which is all I want is more. Here I am — 66 years old, healthy, madly in love, and in Death Valley. What more could you ask for? I’m the luckiest guy in the world.”

Now a college basketball analyst with ESPN and the Pac-12 Network, the garrulous Walton is renowned both for the depth of his hoops knowledge, as well as an infectious, unorthodox approach to broadcasting. Not only is Walton one of basketball’s all-time greats, he’s also a Hall of Fame talker, who never met a superlative that he didn’t like. Or love.

So we sat down with Walton over date shakes at the 224-room Ranch at Death Valley to better understand his deep connection with Death Valley. “This is just heaven on Earth,” he says. “We try and come out here as often as we can.”

Discovering the Desert

Our family culture was one of curiosity, exploration, and experimentation. My dad loved the outdoors and loved California — my dad is a California native — but he did not like the desert. He grew up in the Central Valley and liked the running water. He liked the ocean.

We did not have enough money to stay in a hotel, so we were campers. And I love camping. We spent our youth and childhood, every summer on both sides of the Sierra Nevada and on the coast. Northern California and the rivers. Lake Tahoe. And the mountains with the big rivers — Lassen and Shasta.

But then I went out on my own, when I was 16 or 17, and I just fell in love with the desert. In the early days, Palm Springs and the mountains there. Mount San Jacinto and the Santa Rosa Mountains, and then Joshua Tree.

His First Visit to Death Valley

It was 17 years ago after I had my second ankle fusion. I was riding my bike and someone just came up to me and said, “Hey man, there’s going to be a big group ride in Death Valley. You should go, it’s going to be really cool.”

So I came up here and we stayed for four days that first time. Before we left, we made a reservation at the hotel for the next year. For two weeks. Then we came back the next year for two weeks. And before we left that year, we made a reservation for a month. Then we came every year for a month.

It’s fantastic, this is like a dream come true for me. It’s everything I love. I love nature, I love the changing light, I love the desert air here. The rocks, and the water. The spring that feeds this resort is just phenomenal. The quality of the water. You been in the pool yet? The water’s 85 degrees every day. And they’ve got those fireplaces going right next to the pool.

The Inn’s spring-fed pool at night

Why He Loves The Inn at Death Valley

They took paradise and they made it better. It’s better than perfect. Every time I come here, it’s such a healing place, it’s such an inspiring place. An empowering place, an enabling place. And the people who come here, people who are here for the first time, their eyes light up and they say, ‘Oh my gosh, I just had no idea.”

The quality — you look at all of the things that Philip Anschutz (owner of The Oasis at Death Valley) does. And you look at all of the things that his company AEG does. And what (his travel company) Xanterra does. You look at all of the projects that they have going on. All of them epitomize quality.

Now they’ve made the hotel even nicer while maintaining the culture and the tradition and the history. The architecture and the stonework. And then what tops it off are the people who work here.

This hotel has everything: the pool, the restaurant, and we stay in the same room every year, 227. Perfect access for the bike rider. You’re on the ground level, so you can go straight out.

This is a land of extremes and you’re out there on your bike all day. But you’re also in the pool, early morning or evening. You just get healthy and feel so good that you say, “I can do anything.”

The Meaning of Death Valley

It’s a very spiritual place, a place of enlightenment. A place of passion. A place of imagination and creativity. Death Valley heals every part of my being. Physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, psychologically.

It’s also a place of empathy. Because when you’re here, you get an incredible grasp of how fragile everything is and how tenuous everything is. The need — while we enjoy the risks of living on the edge — the need to be cautious and not to get too close to that edge. Because this is a place that anything can, does, and will happen. Death Valley teaches you a lot of lessons. And one of those lessons is the power of nature.

You’re just awestruck by the magnificence and the grandeur of nature in Death Valley. Every aspect of it is here. I’m so glad that the people who are visiting for the first time got to see the rain this morning. That they got to see the rainbows. Because for so much of the time, it’s pure sun.

Ubehebe Crater

Favorite Death Valley Places

We have four children, so I try not to get into ranking and rating favorites. There are so many different places to see in Death Valley. Whether it’s Ubehebe Crater or Marble Canyon, whether it’s Golden Canyon, Scotty’s Castle when it’s open.

And then the bike riding. The bike riding is superb. There are endless and dizzying possibilities for what to do here, whether it’s the bike ride you took to Badwater or Mormon Point. Jubilee Pass, Salisbury Pass. Towne’s Pass. Death Valley is Mother Nature’s greatest sports arena. And how appropriate that this whole resort is from Phil Anschutz — Mr. Sports Arena.

There are countless, fantastic adventures and experiences. And you just keep going. The days — there’s sadly never enough time. You want to be back by dark so you can get in that swimming pool. Work it all out, scrape the day off, get a hot shower and then go into the dining room. Because the food is spectacular!

For more travel experiences available from Xanterra Travel Collection® and its affiliated properties, visit xanterra.com/stories.

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With wagon wheel chandeliers and a ceiling made from ornate stamped tin panels, The Last Kind Words Saloon resembles a saloon straight out of a classic Western.

Every desert oasis needs a good watering hole. And The Oasis at Death Valley has a watering hole that rivals the very best bars and restaurants in America’s national parks, The Last Kind Words Saloon.

With wagon wheel chandeliers and a ceiling made from ornate stamped tin panels, The Last Kind Words Saloon resembles a saloon straight out of a classic Western. Walk through the swinging doors and you enter a soaring space where a balustraded wooden staircase leads to a loft that wraps around two sides of the interior. Authentic Navajo rugs and saddles dating to the 1920s hang along the railings, while longhorn skulls peer out from above the bar.

The Last Kind Words Saloon

The saloon’s design emerged from the vision of owner Philip Anschutz, the famed entrepreneur and historian of the West whose holdings include Xanterra Travel Collection®, the parent company of The Oasis at Death Valley. He brought in the Englewood, Colorado, firm of Johnson David Interiors, headed by Cynthia Johnson and her husband David Fritz, which has also worked on The Broadmoor, Anschutz’s landmark Colorado Springs resort.

“He has a very deep passion for the American West. His art collection certainly speaks to that,” says Johnson.

As part of the reinvention of the 224-room The Ranch at Death Valley, Anschutz wanted to create the atmosphere of a classic Western town. And what’s a Western town without a saloon?

“Many people that come here are Europeans who are doing the Grand Canyon and the whole Western circuit,” says Johnson. “He wanted them to have the experience of an Old West saloon. And that was our directive. So that everyone would have a good understanding of what a true, authentic Western saloon felt like.”

With three arched alcoves, two with big screens typically tuned in to sporting events, the large cherry wood bar is The Last Kind Words Saloons’ visual centerpiece and main gathering place. Belly up to the bar, set your cowboy boots along the brass rail, then take your pick of craft beers on tap, small batch American whiskies, and signature cocktails, some featuring that that Old West favorite: sarsaparilla.

Tomahawk Steak, one of the signature dishes

The dinner menu is every bit as Western as the décor. There’s a bison New York strip loin and the Tomahawk, a giant 36-ounce bone-in ribeye. Other entrees incorporate ingredients from the desert, including salmon with prickly pear butter and baby back ribs in a prickly pear barbecue sauce.

The Last Kind Words Saloon gets its name from Larry McMurtry’s 2014 novel about Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. You’ll see quotes on the wall from McMurtry, as well as his singer-songwriter son James, although you just might miss their words. That’s because the saloon is so richly decorated.

It’s an absolute visual feast of old maps, signage, historic photographs, and Western artwork, including a painting depicting one of Death Valley’s iconic 20-mule teams hauling borax. While several works come from Anschutz’s art collection, the mule team painting previously hung in the ranch’s Corkscrew Saloon. “When we saw that painting, we told them to absolutely make sure they didn’t throw it away,” says Johnson.

Promotional posters and advertisements appear prominently.

You’ll also see wanted posters and authentic Western apparel, from white riding gloves embroidered with red roses to a pair of flouncy bloomers. In tribute to Death Valley’s long mining tradition, there are gold pans, lanterns, pick axes, and shovels, as well as a set of framed mule shoes. “He wanted the walls full, he wanted them very full,” says Johnson. “Not just full of his paintings and taxidermy, but also to show the history of the Old West.”

From the time Anschutz first outlined his vision, it took three years for the saloon’s décor to come together. Johnson and Fritz found many of the 1,200 items adorning the walls themselves but there were plenty of surprises when crates arrived from Anschutz’s collection.

“When we opened up the crates from the owner, we really didn’t know what we were going to get,” says Johnson. “We had a good idea of what paintings were coming from him but when the crates arrived with the taxidermy, it took about five days to install all of those things on the wall. Even with lifts in there, some of them were not easy to hang. Like the moose (head). It took five guys to hang that. But the team definitely had a whole lot of fun on this project.”

For more travel experiences available from Xanterra Travel Collection® and its affiliated properties, visit xanterra.com/stories.

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Imagine being a guest at this hotel in the absolute middle of nowhere and seeing Hollywood royalty.

Back in the golden age of Hollywood, the Furnace Creek Inn (the original name for The Inn at Death Valley) became a getaway for celebrities. A day’s drive from Los Angeles and hours from Las Vegas, which in those days was still just a dusty rail town with a population under 10,000, The Inn afforded a measure of solitude and surprising luxury in one of the world’s most dramatic desert settings.

Many stars discovered the hotel while filming movies in the area. “The studios would put them up at The Inn and a lot of them came back on their own,” says Death Valley historian David Woodruff and author of the book, Magnificent Oasis at Death Valley, who worked at the resort as the assistant director of food and beverage for nearly 20 years until 2011.

Clark Gable and Carol Lombard spent part of their honeymoon at The Inn, and some of Hollywood’s biggest stars also stayed here, including James Cagney and Bette Davis while filming The Bride Came C.O.D. Imagine being a guest at this hotel in the middle of nowhere and seeing Hollywood royalty.

As Donald Hough wrote in Esquire magazine in 1941, “We got there, coming in out of the sunset, just before time for dinner, and we made for the Furnace Creek Inn bar for cocktails. After a while Miss Davis just in from location, joined us. I was introduced to her, and she sat at the bar and ordered a whiskey and soda.”

In 1948, legendary director John Ford, acting icon John Wayne, and character actor Ward Bond ventured into the California desert to look for locations for the film 3 Godfathers, then spent time at The Inn during the movie shoot.

Ford loved the remoteness of Death Valley and the distance it gave him from intrusive studio execs. He played dominoes with the cast and crew, including Wayne, according to cowboy actor Harry Carey Jr., who says Ford sometimes cheated during those games. Meanwhile, Bond and his pals hung out by The Inn’s spring-fed pool — a perfect spot on a hot May day in Death Valley.

In 1949, Jimmy Stewart stayed at The Inn when he served as the narrator for a lavish pageant marking the centennial of the Death Valley ‘49ers, the pioneering gold seekers who endured brutal hardships as they passed through the area. And not all of the luminaries at The Inn were movie stars.

Woodruff conducted an interview with Robert Pratt, a bellman during a few seasons in the 1930s, who said he remembered bringing out Ernest Hemingway’s luggage as the Nobel Prize-winning novelist checked out. “Yes, he was pretty friendly,” said Pratt. “Liked to drink at the new bar we had just put in. He was a pretty good tipper too.”

Pratt also recalled that a manager at the hotel, a Miss Ronan, emphasized the utmost discretion while dealing with notable guests. “Miss Ronan would always tell us to not give them any extra attention,” he told Woodruff in 1998. “Leave them alone and no autographs. I know we had some movie stars, but I didn’t always know who they were. I didn’t go to the movies all that much.”

For many celebrity guests, The Inn was almost a home away from home. Anthony Quinn hosted a number of family reunions here, and Marlon Brando, who likely discovered the resort during the 1959 filming of One-Eyed Jacks, frequently retreated to the hotel, always staying in Room 107. Brando so loved Death Valley that a portion of his ashes were scattered here.

More recent generations of celebrities have also come to The Inn (one of two hotels at The Oasis at Death Valley resort along with The Ranch at Death Valley), including Goldie Hawn, Martin Sheen, Matt Damon, and Diane Keaton. In addition to her Academy Award-winning acting career, Keaton is also a prominent architectural preservationist and co-authored the book California Romantica, which celebrates notable examples of Spanish Revival architecture in the state. No doubt she appreciated The Inn’s vintage Mission-style design, a classic of the genre.

During his tenure at The Inn, Woodruff saw his share of famous guests come through the hotel. He described basketball Hall of Famer Bill Walton, a regular visitor, as “an incredibly generous man” but Woodruff incurred the wrath of the notoriously surly English rock band Oasis in the 1990s.

At the time, the dress code at The Inn Dining Room didn’t allow blue jeans. When the band learned of the rule as they checked into the hotel, one of the musicians took off his jeans in the middle of the lobby and waved them at Woodruff, who was staffing the restaurant’s dining host podium.

“They ordered room service,” he says.

But Woodruff says the restaurant made an exception for comedian Flip Wilson, who would come to dinner in his bathrobe, explaining that he suffered from “a condition” that didn’t allow him to wear tighter fitting clothing.

First Lady Laura Bush also stayed at the hotel and Woodruff says that Secret Service agents thoroughly scouted the dining room before her meal. They wanted a table where the First Lady wouldn’t be surrounded by other guests, and the agents remained on high alert as she dined.

The Inn Dining Room was rather warm that day and someone opened the doors in the rear of the restaurant to increase the circulation. “Then the doors slammed shut when the wind blew or something, and they made a really loud noise,” says Woodruff. “Eight different guys jumped out of their seats. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone move so fast.”

Nor was Laura Bush the only occupant of the White House to stay at the hotel. Long before he hosted the television series Death Valley Days and nearly 40 years before he was elected president, Ronald Reagan stayed here. A recently auctioned personal check made out to The Furnace Creek Inn and signed by the future president shows that he spent a week in March 1948. The cost? A grand total of $133.50.

For more travel experiences available from Xanterra Travel Collection® and its affiliated properties, visit xanterra.com/stories.

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Winter cabin fever? Need a warm weather escape? Want to stay in the US? Do something different and fun?

Well, there’s a new destination to be discovered that is two hours from Las Vegas, four from Los Angeles and it’s toasty, sees almost no rain, has abundant sunshine, pristine waters, lush gardens, date palm groves and boasts more to do than you can imagine.

It’s The Oasis at Death Valley (formerly Furnace Creek Resort), a rare true American oasis in the middle of the 3 million acres of Death Valley National Park. Known to the Hollywood elite and savvy travelers since the late 1920s, this unique resort just completed a $100 million renaissance.

It’s also one of the best-kept secrets as a U.S. hot spot. Check the list:

• It’s very sunny.
• The water (large natural spring-fed pools) is always 85 degrees.
• It’s wonderfully warm (average high is 73 in February, 82 degrees in March, 90 in April).
• Rain is rare. It’s a desert. (February .15 inches/March .30 inches and April .12 inches)
• It’s one of the only sanctioned Dark Skies in the U.S., where you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye.
• It has a USGA golf course (the lowest on Earth).
• It’s a great outdoor destination (bike, horseback, Jeep tours, photography, ghost towns, hiking trails, ghost towns, etc.).
• There is almost no humidity.
• It’s not crowded – a vacationer’s hidden gem only two hours from Las Vegas and four hours from LA and a spectacular drive in both directions.
• Its historical, beautiful and home to some of the original Star Wars locations, filmed down the road (bring your costumes for 2019 holiday cards).
• Clark Gable, Ronald Reagan, George Lucas, they have all been here.
• The Inn is from the 1920s and the property just received a $100 million renaissance
• It has restaurants, a general store, saloon, spa treatments, private casitas, family-style accommodations, large open grass lawns and gardens to play and wonder in.

Gorgeous sunsets are the norm at The Inn’s pool

There is no doubt that just as the Native Americans, the ‘49ers of the California Gold Rush, the legendary Borax 20 Mule Teams and Hollywood all discovered the true American oasis in Death Valley, so will the 21st-century vacationer looking for something truly authentic and experiential.

Want to see more, click here for recent photos of The Inn at Death Valley and click here for The Ranch at Death Valley.

For additional information, call 760-786-2345 or visit www.oasisatdeathvalley.com.

Media Contact: Media Contact: René A. Mack / rmack@percepture.com Samantha Chapman / schapman@percepture.com

The post The New Winter Hot Spot in the US: Sun, Warmth & No Rain Almost a Given first appeared on The Oasis at Death Valley.

With a little planning, you can catch many of the park’s highlights while leaving yourself enough time to bask in the silence of the desert and pamper yourself at the resort.

So here you are, staying for a long weekend at The Oasis at Death Valley, a world-class resort surrounded by Death Valley National Park. A vast expanse that’s bigger than two states and the District of Columbia, Death Valley is the lower 48’s largest national park, and you’ll no doubt want to explore as much of its diverse and rugged desert terrain as possible. But you probably also hope to kick back and relax on the grounds of the resort’s two recently renovated hotels: the luxurious and historic Four Diamond Inn at Death Valley and the family-friendly Ranch at Death Valley.

The reality is that it would take a lifetime to see all of Death Valley, a park that ranges in elevation from Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level, to the snowcapped heights of 11,049-foot Telescope Peak in the Panamint Range. There are expansive salt flats and intimate, serpentine canyons, plus geological features from volcanic craters to sand dunes. And given the right conditions, Death Valley can put on spectacular displays of spring wildflowers.

That’s a lot of ground to cover. But with a little planning, you can catch many of the park’s highlights while leaving yourself enough time to bask in the serenity of the desert and pamper yourself at the resort. Here’s how:

Day One

Morning

Less than a 10-minute drive from the resort, Zabriskie Point might just transform even the most stubborn of night owls into a morning person. That’s because this overlook offers the definitive sunrise view in the park as the badlands below the point come aglow with the first light of day and the Panamint Range across the valley fires with pinks and reds.

Watch the display and then take a short drive on an unpaved road (suitable for standard vehicles) through the jagged badlands of nearby 20 Mule Team Canyon. From the end of the one-way road, it’s a quick hop back to the beautifully restored Inn Dining Room, where you’ll find historic Western art and a breakfast menu of regionally inspired specialties — from huevos rancheros to 49’er flapjacks served with Deglet Noor date butter.

Over at the national park’s Furnace Creek Visitor Center, you can learn about the region’s natural and human history and also catch a beautifully produced 20-minute film narrated by actor Donald Sutherland that illuminates Death Valley’s grandeur. For more history, stop at The Ranch to visit the Borax Museum. Housed in the valley’s oldest structure, which dates to 1883, the museum exhibits an impressive mineral collection and looks at the role that borax, a mineral used in ceramics and a host of cleaning supplies, played in Death Valley’s development. Behind the museum, you’ll also find historic mining equipment, wagons, and locomotives on display.

While you’re at The Ranch, pick up a cup of coffee and enjoy the park-like setting of its reimagined town square. Built in a Spanish Colonial Revival style with beautifully landscaped gardens, the square is lined by newly constructed buildings that house the resort’s general store, a Western-style restaurant, a brand new tavern, and The Last Kind Words Saloon.

Lunch

Hang out by The Inn’s landmark spring-fed pool, which maintains a steady temperature in the mid-80s, and enjoy the serene setting as you dine on sandwiches, crudité, and cheeseboards at the Inn Pool Café in a beautiful cabana with spectacular views.

Afternoon

Head south from the resort for the classic drive down Badwater Road. Take your pick of short hikes just off the road, including the easy 1-mile round trip to Natural Bridge, an eroded stone formation that spans a narrow canyon. For a slightly longer trek, explore the starkly beautiful terrain of Golden Canyon, where a 3-mile round trip leads to Red Cathedral, a spectacular ruddy-hued natural amphitheater tucked into a side canyon.

Most people make the drive to visit Badwater Basin for the novelty of visiting the continent’s lowest point. For perspective on how low Badwater actually is, look up on the towering cliffs opposite the parking lot for a small sign that marks sea level. And give yourself time at Badwater to walk out on the boardwalk that traverses the salt flats.

Try to time your return drive to the resort for late afternoon. That’s the best time of day to take a detour along 9-mile Artist’s Drive to see the most colorful spot in the entire park: Artist’s Palette. With red, pink, purple, and turquoise hues coloring the rock, this remarkable formation definitely lives up to its name.

The Inn Dining Room

Dinner and Evening

Savor an elegant dinner at The Inn Dining Room, where you’ll face tough decisions not only between such entrees as port-braised prime beef short ribs and grilled salmon in a yuzu soy reduction, but also about where you want to sit. While the Southwest-style dining room certainly has a relaxed and romantic elegance, a table out along the veranda on a perfect Death Valley night with beautiful views is positively unforgettable.

Day Two

Morning

Along with sunrise at Zabriskie Point, the other classic Death Valley morning experience is a walk in the billowing Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes near Stovepipe Wells. The morning light paints the sands with delicate golds and pinks and also accents the ripples etched into the slopes by the wind. It’s also fun to look for animal tracks pressed into the dunes by an assortment of Death Valley creatures including coyotes, desert kit foxes, and kangaroo rats.

On the way back to the resort for breakfast, take a detour for a walk along the boardwalk at the Salt Creek Interpretive Trail. Look into the spring-fed creek’s waters, where, especially during the spring mating season, you’ll see tiny Salt Creek pupfish, rare creatures that survive from the days when water covered Death Valley.

Afternoon

After lunch at The Wild Rose Tavern, the newest dining option at The Ranch at Death Valley, head north to see three classic Death Valley sites.

Reopened after a nine-year safety-related closure, the restored Keane Wonder Mine off the Beatty Cutoff preserves a major gold mining operation that dates to the early 1900s. In addition to seeing remnants from mining days, you can follow a trail that steeply climbs past the towers of the mostly intact aerial tramway.

Back on the main Death Valley road, drive up to Ubehebe Crater in the northern reaches of the park for your chance to walk along the rim of a 600-foot-deep volcano that erupted about 2,100 years ago.

Dinner and Evening

Before enjoying dinner at The Inn Dining Room or at The Ranch, savor every last minute of the day on a sunset or moonlight horseback ride along the valley floor with Furnace Creek Stables. For a nightcap, the lobby bar at The Inn is an elegant spot to toast another great Death Valley day.

Day Three

Morning

The panorama is positively heavenly from Dante’s View, an overlook about 40 minutes south of the resort. At 5,475 feet in the Black Mountains, Dante’s View is literally more than a mile above the salt flats and takes in a spectacular vista looking north across the full sweep of the valley. Hike along the network of trails to get different perspectives for photographs.

The morning is also an ideal time to test your game on The Furnace Creek Golf Course at Death Valley, the world’s lowest-elevation golf course at 214 feet below sea level. The challenging course earned a spot on Golf Digest’s list of America’s Toughest Courses. And not only are there birdies, but there are also birds: The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System designated the eco-friendly course as a certified natural sanctuary.

Afternoon

After lunch, you’ll have to decide just how ambitious you want to be. By this time in the trip, you’ve no doubt spent time behind the wheel. If you’d rather leave the driving to someone else and still get out to some of the park’s more rugged and remote destinations, Farabee’s Jeep Tours leads guided outings to such spots as Racetrack Playa.

Of course, you also have the option of indulging in a little rest and relaxation. For the ultimate in pampering, settle into a poolside cabana at The Inn and treat yourself to a desert hot stone massage in one of the spa’s two treatment rooms overlooking Xanadu Gardens.

Evening

Enjoy your final dinner at The Inn Dining Room, then find a spot away from any lights for stargazing and you’ll soon discover why Death Valley earned recognition as the country’s largest International Dark Park from DarkSky International. You won’t need any special optics (binoculars are fine) to bear witness to the brilliance of the Death Valley sky. But in winter and spring, park rangers and experts from local astronomy organizations conduct stargazing events with high-powered telescopes.

For more travel experiences available from Xanterra Travel Collection® and its affiliated properties, visit xanterra.com/stories.

Written by: Matt Jaffe

Specializing in California, the Southwest, and Hawaii, Matt Jaffe is an award-winning former senior writer at Sunset magazine and contributes to a variety of publications, including Los Angeles, Arizona Highways, and Westways. His books include The Santa Monica Mountains: Range on the Edge and Oaxaca: The Spirit of Mexico.

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