When people think of Death Valley, the name alone conjures up images of scorching heat and desert landscapes. But in the middle of this extreme is the Oasis at Death Valley, a stunning green haven with Furnace Creek, the lowest golf course in the world. It sits 213 feet below sea level, just one foot above the boiling point of water.
Death Valley National Park attractions
Despite its ominous name, Death Valley National Park is a global tourist draw for many reasons. The area’s stunning topography makes it a photographer’s paradise, with iconic locations such as Zabriskie Point, Artist Drive, and the vast Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 meters below sea level. Astrologers or astrologers will also be in for a treat. Dante’s View is a fun, winding hike to the summit at 5,475 feet, where sunsets timed by the full moon rising over the desert, are a spectacular sight. Rooftop telescopes light up the Inn at the Oasis and the Dark Skies Festival in February always sells out.
The golf experience at the Oasis
Adjacent to Badwater Basin is Devil’s Golf Course, not a golf course but an atmospheric name for the salty borax crystal fairways. The balls placed in the breaking holes, usually the size of golf balls, are not swing shots but more photo ops. The limited amount can be permanent. But the highlight for golfers at The Oasis is the Furnace Creek Golf Course. Established in 1927 as a three-hole course, it is now a full 18-hole, par 70 course. How low can you go, in points and heights? Despite being one of the driest places in the world, the course remains incredibly green, thanks to the aquifer that provides the irrigation water. Shady Tamarisk trees line the beautiful avenues that provide a breathtaking view of the mountain. White road runners or coyote cutouts mark the 150-yard lines, and those living creatures are often seen again.
Accommodations at The Oasis
Hospitality is served in old western style at The Ranch at Death Valley, opened in 1933, built by the Borax Company. The Oasis has undergone significant renovations under new ownership by Anschutz Corporation. Stay in upgraded Ranch Rooms near the course, or in cozy new cabins on palm-lined streets, magically illuminated by the moon, stars and lights at night. Front deck chairs help to relax and engage with other guests. Behind the row of oleanders are stables for riding the dirt track. Bring your kerchief, hats and boots in season because the horses go home during the warmer months. There is something for everyone in the border town with shops, restaurants and authentic ice cream. Much of the Anschutz Collection of Western Art is displayed throughout the Oasis. You can dine at The Last Kind Words Saloon, enjoy classic dishes and cocktails surrounded by vintage movie posters and taxidermy, or relax at The Ranch 1849 restaurant while surrounded by historic paintings.
For a more luxurious stay, The Inn at Death Valley, up on the hill, reopened in 2018, offering refined accommodations and unparalleled views of the surrounding desert. The Inn’s bedrooms have exclusive amenities and balconies while the 11 Inn Casitas are cozy bungalows for gathering with friends and families inside or outside on the community lawn with patios and pools for reflection and socializing. Hollywood icons such as Clark Gable, Elvis Presley, and Marlon Brando once visited this retreat, and modern-day celebrities still visit today.
The Inn Dining Room is an elegant affair with attentive staff ready to serve delicious food paired with premium drinks and wine. Among the characters of The Inn, you can find Gary telling the story of the “famous cats” who have visited, as he has done for 30 years. Lisa can help plan a “Until You Die” wedding or other event. His coach and Executive Director of Sales and Marketing, Randy Wilcott, brings guests to know how from the recent, Mandarin Oriental in Las Vegas. Oasis has a winning team to ensure the best times.
Leisure Activities at The Oasis
The Oasis pools are supplied with fresh spring water from the local aquifer, providing a cool and chemical-free experience, at a constant temperature of 80 degrees. The Inn’s gardens are a tranquil setting, with cobblestone paths, cascading waterfalls, and lush palms—matching the surrounding desert.
Explore Beyond the Oasis
Beyond the Oasis, you can explore the expansive Death Valley National Park or take day trips to nearby destinations. Scotty’s Castle, a 1920s Spanish-style mansion, once home to a colorful wild west character, is slowly reopening after 2015 flood damage.
Arrival at the Oasis
Getting to this desert gem is easy. Take one of the zillion flights to Las Vegas and drive or take a two hour drive to the great desert. Or fly your charter plane straight into Death Valley’s small airport.
Be careful, if you try to wander there in the summer and run out of water, you may die in the heat. However, from fall to spring, the Oasis at Death Valley is a thriving, interesting gathering place. Yes, even though we went through death valley, we are looking forward to coming back to play golf and stuff. For a limited time, book any room at the Inn or stay in one of the new cottages at The Ranch and get a free round of golf to see how low you can go. www.oasisatdeathvalley.com
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