Weekend in Death Valley, Calif., one of three ways: on a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Trip tips: Remote Death Valley is 3.3 million square miles of desert, oasis and mountains with only a few roads and no park shuttle service. A car is essential to explore the many sights. Death Valley park rangers host daily guided tours, ranger talks, guided walks and evening programs. Check current offerings: www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/tours.htm. If you choose to hit a trail on your own (see www.deathvalley.com for trail descriptions), advise a ranger of your route. Do not rely on cellphone service or your vehicle's GPS system in most parts of the park. Dress in warm layers and drink water regularly, even if you're not thirsty. Daytime January temperatures average 67 degrees; 73 in February and 82 in March. Higher mountain elevations can be 40 degrees cooler than the desert floor. Drivers may encounter snow in winter and spring.
Don't forget to look up! The park is a designated International Dark Sky Park where stargazers can see the Milky Way with the naked eye.
Note: An October storm caused extensive flash flooding in the Scotty's Castle area in northern Death Valley National Park. The historic structure is closed for repairs.
Getting there: The 120-mile drive from Las Vegas takes 2-2.5 hours. One-way rates to/from Las Vegas from $58 on Spirit Airlines; from $69 Frontier and from $159 Delta. All nonstop service.
BUDGET
Stay: Choose from motel-style guest rooms ($79-$114) or tent cabins ($35-$50) at Panamint Springs Resort, located about 55 miles west of Furnace Creek at the western end of Death Valley National Park. This family-run resort features a restaurant and bar and a gas station with general store services. A 15-minute drive west of the resort leads to spring-fed Darwin Falls in a lush, narrow gorge. 40440 Calif. 190, Darwin. 775-482-7680, www.panamintsprings.com.
Eat: The restaurant at Panamint Springs Resort is open from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. with hot breakfasts, starters to grilled entrees and a choice of more than 150 beers. $6.50-$18. 40440 Calif. 190, Darwin, 775-482-7680, www.panamintsprings.com.
Experience: Turn your smartphone into a narrated GPS audio tour of everything you'll see along the way in Death Valley (Internet access not needed); $4.99-$9.99, www.justahead.com. Begin with an exhibit and film orientation at the Visitor Center at Furnace Creek Resort, the hub of the road spokes. A drive-through itinerary suggests an 18-mile drive south to the salt-pan floor at Badwater (the lowest spot in North America) and to the scenic 9-mile Artist Drive loop road and to the mineral-colored rocks of Artist's Palette. Then head east on Calif. 190 to take in the amazing vistas from Zabriskie Point. Other picturesque feature film locations are a 20-40 minute drive from the resort, including Dante's View, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes (very close to Stovepipe Wells), Desolations Canyon, and Golden Canyon.
MODERATE
Stay: Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel is a motel-style lodge located about 25 miles west of Furnace Creek; 1.2 miles from Mosaic Canyon and 2.2 miles from the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. On site are a tranquil and historic inner courtyard, a general store, the Badwater saloon, a restaurant, and a heated swimming pool. Original Patio guest rooms (circa 1926) for two from $122 a night. Standard and Deluxe Western guest rooms, $150-$170. 51880 Calif. 190, Death Valley. 760-786-2387, www.deathvalleyhotels.com.
Eat: Choose from two dining options at Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel, the Toll Road Restaurant serving breakfast and dinner ($5-$25) and the Badwater Saloon for cold beers on tap, lunch ($6-$15) and light fare. 51880 Calif. 190, Death Valley. 760-786-2387, www.deathvalleyhotels.com.
Experience: At 214 feet below sea level, the 18-hole, par 70 course at Furnace Creek is the world's lowest elevation golf course. Palm and tamarisk trees frame the fairways, and majestic mountains are visible anywhere on the course. Water comes into play on nine holes, and four sets of tees suit all skill levels. Play 18 holes with a cart for $73.50; $60 walking. Nine holes of play with a cart is $38; $30 walking. Sun Downer rates lower (five hours before sunset). The course stages annual golf tournaments open to the public: the Invitational in January, and the Spring Fling in April. Calif. 190. 1-800-236-7916, www.furnacecreekresort.com.
SPLURGE
Stay: Furnace Creek Resort is an oasislike planet in the vast and arid desert. On site are an 18-hole golf course, four restaurants, a saloon, cocktail lounge, shops, a Borax Museum, two spring-fed swimming pools, tennis courts, horseback riding, horse-drawn carriage rides, a children's playground, massage therapy, hiking/walking/running trails and a service station. In celebration of the new "Star Wars" movie, the resort offers an exclusive map for guests leading them by car to the filming locations. Rates start from $119 at the family-friendly Ranch; from $339 at the luxurious, AAA Four-Diamond Inn at Furnace Creek. Calif. 190, Death Valley. 1-800-236-7916, www.furnacecreekresort.com.
Eat: The Inn Dining Room at Furnace Creek Resort has an eclectic menu of classic, continental, Southwestern and Pacific Rim influences. Starters, salads, $6.50-$13.50; entrees, $24-$38. Afternoon tea or Sunday brunch also offered. Calif. 190, 1-800-236-7916, www.furnacecreekresort.com.
Experience: Tour one of the largest and most scenic canyons in the park, Titus Canyon. A guided four-hour Jeep adventure climbs to 5,000 feet in elevation from the Rhyolite Ghost Town along Red Pass. The canyon's deep, narrow gorge is cut into the face of the Grapevine Mountains with numerous sedimentary layers. Guides provide the historical background for the sites on the tour, including the petroglyphs and wildlife. $145 all ages, including water and snacks. Daily 4x4 rentals available. Across from Furnace Creek Inn. 760-786-9872, http://farabeejeeps.com.
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