The Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resort is situated in a lush oasis surrounded by the vast and arid desert of Death Valley National Park, California
The rooms were clean and comfortable. We weren't far from the general store or the only restaurant we could afford. It was really weird being in Death Valley with all the shade. We didn't ride horses, go for a moonlight carriage ride or swim. Didn't play golf either. We were in Death Valley, and that was more than enough for us.
Staying for 3 nights gave us plenty of time to see some of the local sights that we have neglected in the past. I enjoy sunrise at Zabrieski Point and finally took the opportunity to hike down from there through Golden Canyon. We took a nice drive through Artist's Drive to the Artist's Palette and a few other tourist hot spots. No big deal this trip, just wanted to hang out, take some time to ourselves and see if the whole Furnace Creek thing was as strange as I perceived it to be driving through on other trips -- It was.
Ain't nothing like sitting in front of the general store on the bench and giving out a big goofy grin and saying "Howdy," to everyone coming in. Most people smile and say 'howdy' back. Some hide their faces, slightly turn their head in and quicken their step. These folks are the ones I concentrate on. I suppose you may be thinking, 'Some people have nothing better to do.' Well, you are absolutely correct, I don't. I would spend about half an hour doing this each evening. I also met some very nice people from Holland, England, Belgium and Australia as well as a few a bit more local from Colorado, Oregon and even California.
Meals were all taken at the 49er Cafe. The food was great, the service excellent, as well as the staff and even other dinners friendly. In the morning we would tank up on coffee and head out for the day, returning for dinner and my nightly sit-in at the general store. We visited the local museum and one evening we drove around the little community counting coyotes (4, although we think we saw the same one 3 times).
The ranch was so quiet at night. I slept so well and deeply. The experience was very different from my other trips to Death Valley, one that certainly we will be doing again.
Furnace Creek Ranch
Highway 190, Death Valley, 92328
(760) 786-2345
We stayed in a cabin -- The one on the right.
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About the Reviewer Walter Feller has been eating and sleeping in places since he was a kid. He finds there is no special skill involved other than chewing with his mouth closed. Over the last 12 years he has been traveling mostly throughout the Mojave Desert, but goes other places also. He sleeps nearly every night, enjoying it immensely. He says he finds it "Rejuvenating." |
Furnace Creek is located right in the heart of Death Valley. A nearly self-contained little oasis with many points of interest within a few miles of the cabins.