Tour Death Valley

WHERE TO STAY

Furnace Creek Inn Glamorous 1927 lodge with 66 rooms; also has a spring-heated swimming pool. INFO: Open through mid-May; from $275; 888/297-2757.

Furnace Creek Ranch A mile down the road from the Furnace Creek Inn, the ranch has 224 standard motel-style rooms centered around a lawn and swimming pool. Though in high season the place can feel like a boisterous summer camp, in fall it's a great, affordable choice. INFO: From $120; 888/297-2757.

Camping Numerous sites with toilets and some with showers at Furnace Creek Campground, Mesquite Spring, and Stovepipe Wells. Emigrant Campground sites are tent only. INFO: Sites $12-$18 a night; all campgrounds except for Furnace Creek are first come, first served; recreation.gov or 877/444-6777 for Furnace Creek reservations.

WHERE TO EAT

Corkscrew Saloon Drinks, pizza, and hot dogs. INFO: $; at Furnace Creek Ranch, on State 190; 760/786-2345.

Forty-Niner Cafe Casual, filling meals all day. INFO: $$; at Furnace Creek Ranch, on State 190; 760/786-2345.

Furnace Creek Inn Dining Room The most upscale dining in the park. INFO: $$$; at Furnace Creek Inn, off State 190; 760/786-2345.

Wrangler Steakhouse Steaks and salad bar. INFO: $$$; at Furnace Creek Ranch, on State 190; 760/786-2345.

WHAT TO DO

Artists Drive A 9-mile scenic loop past vibrantly colored canyons. INFO: Off State 190, 10 miles south of Furnace Creek Visitor Center.

Badwater Basin A boardwalk and short trail lead to the salt flats (stay on paths). INFO: On Badwater Rd., 18 miles south of Furnace Creek Visitor Center.

Hiking Stunning hikes, but unlike in many national parks, few marked trails. Ranger stations have day-hike guides. Two moderate routes are Golden Canyon Interpretive Trail, a 2-mile round-trip journey to Red Cathedral (park in lot at trailhead off Bad-water Rd., 2 miles south of State 190), and Natural Bridge Canyon, a 2-mile out-and-back walk passing a dramatic rock bridge (park at trailhead at end of gravel road off Bad-water Rd., 13.2 miles south of State 190).

Mesquite Flat Dunes up to 150 feet high. INFO: On State 190, 2.2 miles east of Stovepipe Wells.

Scotty's Castle $11 for 50-min. guided tour of interior; on State 267, 53 miles northeast of Furnace Creek Visitor Center; 760/786-2392.

Zabriskie Point Park's most photographed spot. INFO: Off State 190, 5 miles south of Furnace Creek Visitor Center.