Deep in the heart of California’s Mojave Desert, in between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, rests the vast, adventurous Death Valley National Park.
Home to an average annual temperature of over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, Death Valley is a great place for people looking to escape cloudy, rainy days and the bitter cold months of winter.
When hearing the words “Death Valley”, many people think of nothing but dirt and the seemingly always scorching temperatures (a world record 134 degree Fahrenheit air temperature was recorded here in 1913).
There is a surprising amount of things to do in and near Death Valley, however. Most of it seems to start at a desert oasis called Furnace Creek Resort.
Furnace Creek Resort
Furnace Creek Resort has a little bit everything, whether you want to stay active or kick back and get much needed R&R, you’ll definitely leave this desert gem as a satisfied guest.
You’ll probably even want to extend your stay.
Golf
Furnace Creek Golf Course, the worlds lowest golf course (214 feet below sea level), is 18 holes of pure paradise. Renovated in 1997,
the course has palm trees lining the lush fairways and monstrous snow-capped mountains providing your backdrop.
This is destined to be one of the most scenic and unique courses that you’ll ever golf on.
It is definitely a must for both the hardcore and recreational golfer alike. You’ll want to bring your best game, too.
Golf Digest named this course in their list of “America’s 50 Toughest Courses”.
Looking to just have a little bit of fun or practice your short game rather than golf a full 18? The kids will love the addicting on-property putting green. It can keep everyone busy for hours.
Other sports
There are plenty of other healthy activities to get the heart pumping, for those of us who prefer a little more action than golf.
The resort has on-site basketball and volleyball courts, multiple tennis courts and a nice sized exercise room.
You can drop the kids off at the children’s playground while you’re playing, too.
Hot Springs
The time will inevitably come when you’ll need to take a break from the sizzling summer temperatures.
The picturesque pools looks amazing from the outside, and once you take the plunge you won’t want to hop out.
They are both naturally heated by the nearby hot springs, which keeps the light blue water at a pleasing temperature for the entire year.
Outdoors
You might get the urge to get away from the resort and go see the nation’s hottest national park. There are plenty of nearby activities for you to take advantage of.
There is an abundance of rock climbing, hiking trails, horseback riding, and lots of amazing stargazing. Death Valley makes it incredibly easy for visitors to enjoy its natural beauty.
With the mixture of historical sites (there are great local museums), athletics, adventure and awesome lodging, Death Valley should be–if it’s not already–very high on everyone’s traveling priorities.
The wide variety of activities will certainly keep you and your party occupied for your entire stay, however long it may be.
Vincent Stokes is a freelance writer and avid traveler. With years of experience travleing thoughout US national parks, he likes to give advice to would be travelers.
If you are looking into making a trip to Furnace Creek, he suggests checking out some of the local lodging such as Furnance Creek Inn.