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Find your winter oasis at Death Valley National Park
A sunrise like no other
There are many places around our beautiful planet to watch a sunrise, but one of the most inspirational and world-renowned is the glorious sunrise at Zabriskie Point in Death Valley National Park. It’s the perfect beginning to a magical experience of discovering the resplendent beauty of Death Valley during the winter months, when the temperatures are cool and the desert shimmers under the winter sun.
Experience the lowest point in North America
Badwater Basin in Death Valley is famous as the lowest point in North America, with a depth of 282 feet below sea level. It's an amazing experience to walk out over the salt flats, which are actually dried-up desert lakes, and realize that you are standing far below sea level. Ironically, some 80 miles to the northwest you'll find another record-breaker, Mount Whitney, which at 14,505 feet is the highest point in the contiguous United States!
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The historic Oasis at Death Valley reopens in grand style
Originally built in 1927, the historic, four-diamond mission-style The Oasis at Death Valley had a grand reopening in November 2018 after a major $100 million dollar investment. The property, privately owned by Xanterra Travel Collection, features 66 elegantly updated rooms and 22 one-bedroom casitas. It's also home to a fine dining restaurant and cocktail lounge, health spa, opulent gardens, and a stunning spring-fed pool (naturally at 85 degrees) bordered by a new pool café and numerous cabanas.
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A true desert oasis
You’ll feel as if you've stepped back in time when you enter the lush landscape at The Oasis at Death Valley. Originally named Furnace Creek, it's a true American oasis where 80,000 gallons of ancient waters rise to the surface every day. Native Americans, prospectors, settlers and 49ers all knew about the water there.
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Relax in an historic spring-fed pool
The tiled pool at The Oasis at Death Valley is a welcome throwback to the times when it served as the premier winter getaway spot for Hollywood celebrities such as Clark Gable and Ronald Reagan who wanted to soak in the mineral waters. You, too, can soak in these historic spring-fed waters, sample the treatments offered in the hotel spa, and seek midday shade under the cabanas. If so inclined, step into the state-of-the-art fitness center and keep your exercise goals on track.
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Somewhere over the rainbow
Rainbows are quite rare in Death Valley, However, if you are lucky, as we were, a quick storm through the valley in the winter months will result in a seldom-seen rainbow that enhances the spectacular valley view.
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A hiker's paradise
Winter is the perfect time to hike the colorful canyons of Death Valley. The temperature can fluctuate greatly during the winter months, so be sure to dress in layers and bring plenty of water on your trek.
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Borax: Death Valley gold
The Harmony Borax Works, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, are located at Furnace Creek Springs in Death Valley National Park. Borax, a mineral with a wide variety of uses even to this day was discovered here in 1881. The iconic "Twenty Mule Team" of historic fame hauled borax from the desert to the closest railroad in Mojave, California. This mineral was worth its weight in gold during the 19th and 20th centuries.
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Star light, star bright
Death Valley is one of only eight designated "gold tier" International Dark Sky Parks in the United States where stargazers can actually see the Milky Way with the naked eye. If you're planning your trip specifically around night sky viewing, check the moon calendar. Stars are best viewed on moonless nights.
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Kid's corner
Parents with children may not immediately think of Death Valley as a family destination, but there are actually quite a variety of activities available for kids of all ages. Some of these include scaling the sand dunes, discovering natural bridges, trekking along hiking paths past spectacular scenery, experiencing a horseback ride, and visiting a crater. The Furnace Creek Visitors Center also offers hands-on exhibits of interest for children, so plan to stop by on your travels through the park for the opportunity to learn more about this fascinating region.
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Nature's palette
There’s a good reason this Death Valley canyon is known as the Artist’s Palette. The variety of rock colors, caused by the oxidation of different metals over millennia, has served as inspiration for artists and photographers who captured the ethereal beauty of this canyon in paintings, etchings and photos over the centuries.
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Make a date with a shake
If you’ve never tasted a date shake, don’t miss out on this delight during your visit to Death Valley. This is basically a traditional milkshake, only spiked with fresh sweet dates that grow in the abundant palm groves of the Southern California desert regions. You’ll be hooked after one sip!
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Yoga with a view
Finding your zen facing the backdrop of Death Valley's spectacular scenery is quite a unique yoga experience that doesn't happen every day.
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Plan an event to remember
Looking for a an event or wedding venue that is far from the ordinary? The Mission Gardens at the Oasis at Death Valley bring together the romance of Old California and the valley's natural beauty. Open to the desert skies and surrounding mountains, the gardens are enclosed by adobe walls, decorative fountains, and an unparalleled ambiance guaranteed to make any event truly unforgettable.
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Explore The Ranch at Death Valley for visitor options
The Ranch at Death Valley was originally a working ranch that was built in the 1930s. After an extensive renovation, it now offers 224 hotel rooms, cabins, and campsites for RVs and tent camping. With its true Western atmosphere, some liken it to a combination of a dude ranch and a national park lodge. New retail as well as food and beverage facilities create a central hub for entertainment and socialization by providing an ice cream counter, Western saloon, and a retail store.
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Tee off at the world's lowest golf course
Furnace Creek Golf Course at Death Valley, open to the public, is a USGA sanctioned 18-hole course located within the three million acres that is Death Valley National Park. Built in 1927, the legendary course and famous 19th hole recently underwent a massive renovation primarily focused on water conservation and the transition of 15 acres of maintained turf to desert with low-water-use native plantings.
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Desert cuisine for every taste
From country cooking to tasty barbecue to five-star gourmet, you can find any type of cuisine in this area of Death Valley National Park. Celebrating a special occasion? With stunning views of the majestic mountains from the dining room and outdoor terrace, guests at The Oasis at Death Valley can enjoy everything from a 36-oz rib eye steak to a wild Alaskan salmon.
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Take home a memory of your visit
If you’re looking for the perfect souvenir to take back to friends and family, be sure to visit the gift shop at The Ranch at Death Valley. The shop is filled with destination-specific items that include apparel, books, hats, toys, jewelry, pottery, golf items and local food specialties, such as the famous Medjool dates that grow in the area. No room in your luggage? No problem, as the gift shop will ship your selections via UPS or USPS.
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How the West was won
Located just off the town square, the beloved and authentic The Last Kind Words Saloon, which still has swinging doors straight out of an old Western movie, is one of the crown jewels of the revitalization efforts at the property. It is a testimony to the days of a bygone era and brings an authentic Old West atmosphere to Death Valley.
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Fiddlin' around
Authentic country music matches the Old West ambiance at The Last Kind Words Saloon. This talented fiddler encouraged all dancers, no matter what their skill level, to get up and do-si-do.
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About Joanne and Tony DiBona
Joanne and Tony DiBona know a thing or two about creating photo galleries to share their personal travel experiences around the world with their readers. Their articles have been featured on 10Best for the past decade, as well as in national and international print and online media. Their awards for photography and journalism fill up an entire wall in their office, the most recent being a top national award for their US and international galleries published on 10Best. Follow their travel adventures on their scenic photography website and travel blog. Have a question about travel? Contact them on their Instagram and Facebook pages.
Read more about Joanne and Tony DiBona here.
Connect with Joanne and Tony via: Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest
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