Death Valley is located in California, in the Mojave Desert. Desert sand meets mountain ranges in this dry, dusty land. It is also a geological wonderland. You can enjoy most of it and never have to leave the comfort of your car. But there are magnificent places to explore that can only be reached by foot. Visitors can hike, camp and climb. Possibly the biggest attraction is the quiet, lonely beauty.

Places to Stay and Dine

Visitors can have their choice of places to stay when visiting Death Valley. There are the traditional hotels, such as Best Western, or smaller more intimate places to stay. One of the best places to settle in for a few days is also the perfect place for families visiting the area. The Furnace Creek Ranch is very family-friendly. Visitors stay in what was once the crew’s quarters for a Borax Company. But, now there is general store, golf course close by, playgrounds for the kids and lots of amenities including a pool. If you prefer, you can camp out on the ranch’s campgrounds. The restaurant there has family-style dining.

The Furnace Creek Inn is another good choice for an extended stay. It is a nice adobe, stone and brick lodge. Here you will find lots of regional foods, such as crispy cactus and rattlesnake empanadas served alongside good old fashioned grilled steaks.

Things to See and Do

When visiting Death Valley National Park you will want to check out the Artist’s Palette. Artist’s Palette is a magnificent and colorful area of volcanic deposits. And after you have spent the day hiking in the hot sun go over to the oasis at Furnace Creek. There are warm springs, palm trees and cottonwoods that will make you forget you are even in a desert.

To get into Death Valley National Park you will need to pay a $10.00 fee per vehicle or $5.00 per person traveling on foot or by bike.

Interesting Facts

Death Valley is a very low desert. It is almost 300 feet below sea level. It has the lowest point on the Western Hemisphere. Contrastingly, just a few miles away is Telescope Peak with an elevation of 11,049 feet. The park is open all year long.