Death Valley National Park is one of the most beautiful places in the United States. Granted, it’s located in the Mojave Desert in California. It’s h-o-t in the summer, and it doesn’t cool down much in the winter. Still, it’s a magnificent place to visit. Geological formations, sailing rocks, big horn sheep, oceans of wildflowers and more await you.
Here are five places to stay near or in Death Valley. Each place is unique, and has special attractions nearby. You can make reservations by email, mail or online at each one.
Stay at the Inn at Furnace Creek, located inside the Death Valley National Park. Their address is Highway 190, Death Valley, California, 93555. Their reservation line is (800) 236-7916.
There are more things to do than just sweat- go horseback riding, play 18 rounds of golf or go swimming in spring-fed pools. When the feeling to travel hits, you’re only 120 miles from Las Vegas, Nevada.
They have a fuel station at the resort, including aviation fuel for the small plane airstrip nearby. That’s convenience.
The Panamint Springs Resort has it all. Their address is, amazingly Highway 190, Death Valley National Park, California 93555, and their telephone number is (775) 482-7680.
They have a full resort with rooms just waiting for you. If you are determined to camp in a tent just to say you did it, this is the place. If you want to bring your RV, full hookup with 50 amp service is available, as are “water only” sites. They also have a gas station and a full restaurant. Pets are welcome with a minimal extra fee.
You’re close to nearby geological formations, ghost towns, biking and hiking trails as well. Bring your ATV’s and have a blast on the trails, or go four-wheeling in your vehicle.
If you have AAA or AARP membership, or are a travel agent, be sure to request your 10 percent discount upon arrival.
The Atomic Inn, is located at 350 First Street in Beatty, Nevada, 89003, the Gateway to Death Valley. Their phone number is (775) 553-2250.
Only 12 miles from Death Valley National Park, it is convenient to Las Vegas as well. Tour Scotty’s Castle and Titus Canyon, the most dramatic entrance to Death Valley.
Don’t forget a tour of Area 51, also nearby. You won’t be allowed inside the gates, but keep your cameras ready- you might just catch an alien on camera. You’re not far from the old nuclear testing sites, but bombs haven’t gone off since the 1990’s. I doubt you’d glow in the dark, but sleeping in the hotel is better than the hard ground of the desert.
Stay at the historic Amargosa Opera House and Hotel, just 30 miles from Death Valley National Park. Their address is 608 Death Valley Junction, 92328. Call (760) 852-4441 for reservations.
Watch live theatre in the Opera House, stroll through the town of Death Valley Junction, built during the Roaring 20’s. Las Vegas is 92 miles away- a two hour trip- if you follow the speed limit. You’re centrally located for all the fun, no matter where you decide to tour.
The hotel was originally built for The Pacific Coast Borax Company, from 1923-1925, but the adobe building was abandoned during the depression. It was purchased and restored by Marta Becket in 1967. You have to see the full scale murals of the opera house to appreciate her work. The hotel and town are listed in the National Historic Registry.
For the best off roading vacation in Death Valley, stay at the Beatty RV Park in Beatty, Nevada. Their address is 3 Miles North Highway 95, Beatty, Nevada, 89003. Their phone number is (775) 553-2732.
You’re only minutes away from taking your ATV or four-wheeler into the Death Valley Canyons and trails. Free wi-fi, showers, laundry, both 30 amp and 50 amp service, and propane is sold on site. Bring your own RV so you and your special someone can enjoy your privacy. Check out the ghost town of Rhyolite- perhaps you’ll take a picture of a “former resident” and get a spot on Ghost Hunters. Of course, Death Valley has it’s rumored “residents,” too. Don’t forget your camera.
During the Beatty Days festivities, watch Old-West shootouts, chili cookoffs and much, much more.
Although Death Valley sounds like a foreboding place, it’s spectacular in scenery, geological scenes and much more. While some hotels or resorts may close during parts of the year, most are open all year long.
