Aptly Named
Located within the 3.4 million acre Death Valley National Park, the palm trees and greenery of The Oasis is a welcoming respite from the seemingly endless, sparse desert surrounds. About a 2 hour drive from Las Vegas and literally appearing out of nowhere – I can’t think of a more appropriate name than The Oasis at Death Valley.
The Oasis is actually comprised of two properties – The Inn (above) and The Ranch (below). Separated by less than a mile, the two properties are distinctly different. Built in 1927, The Inn underwent a massive $100M+ renovation in 2017 that included adding one bedroom casitas to the property. With its AAA four-diamond rating, The Inn offers unexpected luxury with breathtaking views.
The Ranch is also aptly named and includes a saloon, general store, ice cream parlor, stables and, most importantly for PIG readers, a golf course. You simply don’t expect to find acres of green grass in such a harsh environment. And literally a decent tee shot away is the Death Valley NP Furnace Creek visitor center. I’ll delve more into both properties, but first a look back.
History
So how did this privately owned oasis come about? Back in 1872 borates (inorganic salts that contain boron and oxygen) were discovered in Nevada and then, in 1881, in Death Valley in California. Pacific Coast Borax established camps to mine the mineral and used 20-mule teams to haul borate 164 miles across the Mojave Desert. If you’ve never heard of 20 Mule Team Borax, ask your parents or grandparents – it was a hugely popular brand. In 1894 a railway was built and the mules were retired, but mining went on. To make the railway more profitable, the Furnace Creek Inn was built in 1927 in hopes of attracting tourists to the rugged yet impressive landscape. In 1933 Death Valley National Monument was established to protect the area and, as you probably have concluded, The Inn and some adjacent lands were carved out to remain privately owned. It wasn’t until 1994 that Death Valley became a national park.
The Inn Today
If you’re a fan of grand old hotels, The Inn at Death Valley will knock your socks off. The distinctive Spanish Mission style exudes opulence without boasting of it.
Rooms are large with all the modern conveniences you expect in today’s world, but maybe not in the middle of the desert. My room had a balcony that overlooked towering palm trees and the desert valley below. The restaurant was outstanding – think fine dining with a more casual atmosphere.
For relaxing, The Inn has a beautiful spring-fed pool that’s always a naturally comfortable 87°.
Pro tips: enjoy the mine shaft tunnel from the parking lot, sit at one of Mike’s tables for dinner, and seek out Gary, the delightful historian.
The Ranch
The former working ranch has been welcoming guests since 1933 and also recently received a $25M+ refresh. The more family – and budget – friendly Ranch offers hotel accommodations and 80 new cottages (below), plus a campground.
What I enjoyed about the cottages was the separate cozy living room, large porch, and central location. Just steps away was the main town square where I could find a morning coffee, basic groceries, and abundant souvenir choices.
The Ranch at the Oasis has several options for meals, including the new Ice Cream Parlor. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the all-you-can-eat 1849 Restaurant is your quintessential buffet. The Wild Rose Tavern is a great sports bar with plenty of big screen TVs, plus wonderful views of tamarisk trees and distant mountains. My favorite for dinner was at The Last Kind Words Saloon. It may have been the 100° heat of the day talking, but that cold IPA was outstanding – as was the NY strip steak. Adorned with western relics and taxidermied animals, The Saloon was an unexpected treat, and a must in my book.
The Ranch has plenty to do beyond sleeping and eating. Unsurprisingly, my favorite activity was playing golf at the Furnace Creek Golf Course. You can read Matt Saternus’s full take HERE, but let me just say, this was my lowest round ever. Also on site you’ll find a large spring-fed pool, sports courts, playground, stables, and even 4×4 Jeep rentals. Oh, and let’s not forget the largest national park in the lower 48 states.
Death Valley National Park
Having the visitor center right next door was wonderful. The knowledgeable staff directed me to some key destinations, taking into account a weather front that was heading our way. Ever present was the reminder that temperatures in Death Valley can be unforgiving.
With winds expected to kick up later in the day, I began my exploration at the Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes. The Sand Dunes are just as you imagine – but way bigger. The dunes were impressively tall and went on seemingly forever. I chuckled to myself pondering how many wedge shots it would take to get back to my car after a short hike.
Next up was Badwater Basin – the massive salt flats and lowest point in North America. I expected the salt flats to be an amazing sight, but the surreal landscape left me in awe. Along my travels I also drove through the visually stunning Artists Palette, and took a stroll at the Harmony Borax Works. Although I only covered a small area of the park, using The Oasis as a home base is ideal for hitting the highlights.
Pro tip: stop at Zabriskie Point on the way to or from The Oasis at Death Valley. It’s right along the main road, and the views are amazing.
Conclusion
As Matt Saternus and I started our drive from Las Vegas, we both commented that we weren’t sure what to expect on this trip. Coming over the final ridge into Furnace Creek we realized The Oasis at Death Valley was aptly named. The architecture, statuesque palm trees, and flowering bougainvillea made a dramatic statement amongst the natural, yet rugged beautiful surroundings. I began to wonder if this was a getaway or a hideaway. Driving back to the airport I recalled the tagline I had read on The Oasis at Death Valley website: “In The Middle of Nowhere You’d Rather Be.” So true I thought, so true.
Exclusive offer: Book your stay at the cottages at The Ranch or at The Inn by December 31, 2024 and travel by March 31, 2025 to receive a free round of golf and Oasis golf towel simply by showing them this article at check in.
Visit The Oasis at Death Valley HERE
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