TRIP IDEA

What to do around Furnace Creek

Death Valley National Park

A brick building with a covered path, and a large thermometer out front.
Topic(s) Ancient Seas, Canyons and Canyonlands, Geology, Mineral Deposits, Scenic Views, Roads, Routes and Highways, Photography, Rock Landscapes and Features, Trails, Asian American Heritage, Mining, Night Sky, Astronomy, Trains and Railroads, Westward Expansion
Activities Scenic Driving, Hiking, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Museum Exhibits
Parks Death Valley National Park
A women in a park ranger uniform stands behind a desk.
Friendly park rangers are available to help you plan your visit at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center.

NPS photo/Hoerner

Passing through Furnace Creek and limited on time? Curious what there is to see around your campsite or lodging choice? The Furnace Creek area is a main hub of the park. This "town" is home to the park's visitor center, two major lodging options, and depending on the season, up to three national park campgrounds. There are also restaurants, Timbisha Tacos, the post office, gas station and more! If you are looking for a bit of the "city life" in Death Valley- this is the place to find it!

Restrooms: Multiple options
Food/Water: Multiple options
Post Office: Near the Oasis at Death Valley- the Ranch
Gas Station: Limited services also available
Showers/pool: The Oasis at Death Valley- the Ranch (fee)
Laundry: The Oasis at Death Valley- the Ranch (coin operated)
Wifi: The Oasis at Death Valley- the Ranch (fee)
  • Death Valley National Park

    Visit Harmony Borax Works
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Self-Guided Tours - Walking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Harmony Borax Works parking area
    • Duration: 15–35 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Fall
    • Time of Day: Any Time
    An old wooden wagon train seen at night.

    Harmony Borax Works was the central feature in the opening of Death Valley and the subsequent popularity of the Furnace Creek area. The 1/4 mi (0.4 km) paved walking path leads you back in time as you explore the ruins of the plant and associated townsite, and how they played an important role in Death Valley history.

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  • Death Valley National Park

    Visit the Furnace Creek Visitor Center
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Museum Exhibits
    • Pets: No
    A large stone building with a white awning covering the entrance. A digital thermometer is outside.

    Stop by the visitor center to speak with park rangers and pay park fees and purchase national park passes. View the exhibits about Death Valley's history and natural wonders. Watch the park film, which is 20 minutes in length and plays throughout the day. Shop at the bookstore - light snacks/sandwiches/water are available for purchase. Become a Junior Ranger! Complete the activities in the booklet and earn a badge.

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  • Death Valley National Park

    Hike Colorful Desolation Canyon
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Fall
    A rainbow-hued canyon, viewed from above.

    Want to walk through a geologic rainbow? Enjoy the colors of Artists Palette without the crowds. Desolation Canyon is a great canyon to hike in the COOLER months but not recommended in the summer. From the parking area, the canyon is not visible, but you will find some familar views if you are a Star Wars fan. Look around you might notice a few views of Tatooine.

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  • Death Valley National Park

    Hike Golden Canyon
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Golden Canyon parking area
    • Duration: 5–180 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Fall

    A labyrinth landscape of golden colored hills and winding narrow canyons create hiking options ranging from easy strolls to strenuous adventures. The most popular routes can be combined with one another for longer adventures, up about 4.5 miles. Regardless which adventure is right for you, take the map and route description with you.

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  • Death Valley National Park

    Drive Twenty Mule Team Canyon
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Scenic Driving
    • Pets: Yes with Restrictions
    Highly eroded, multi-hued hills, contrasted in afternoon light.

    Take a drive along this beautiful unpaved road through colorful, eroded badlands. Enjoy scenic views along this 2.5 mile, one-way road. The unpaved road is good for most cars and drivers, but check road conditions before you travel. Afternoon and morning light will provide a delight of contrast, as the erosion in the hills becomes highlighted and shadowed.

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Tags: visitor center things to do winter DV

Last updated: September 27, 2018