Saddle up partner – we are off to discover the Ranch at Death Valley. The former working ranch has been transformed into the family-friendly heartbeat of The Oasis at Death Valley hotel complex and the perfect home base for exploring the Death Valley National Park.
The Ranch at Death Valley has been welcoming guests since 1933, and just underwent a multi-million dollar restoration. Visitors will find new Cottage-style accommodations, a town square built in the style of mission California architecture, a brand new (and delicious) ice cream parlor, a General Store and grocery, and a restaurant and saloon that feels like it’s straight out of a Western movie.
The resort also has a gigantic spring-fed pool (that’s kept at a warn 84 degrees), basketball and tennis courts, the nation’s lowest elevation golf course, and an on-site riding stable. You couldn’t ask for a better place for families while exploring Death Valley. Read on as we discover this Ranch oasis in the desert.
Where to Stay – Ranch at Death Valley
New Cottages – The Ranch at Death Valley
The new Ranch Cottages are the newest addition to The Oasis at Death Valley’s multi-million dollar restoration, and they are stunning. The eighty brand-spanking-new (they Just opened in February 2022) cottage-style accommodations come in either two queen or one king options and are within walking distance of The Ranch’s Town Square.
Artfully designed and beautifully appointed, each cottage has a separate living room with a couch and chair, television, coffee maker, and refrigerator. Our bathroom had a large walk-in shower and mission-style sink, a washer and drier in the unit (yes, really!), and a separate large bedroom with two queen beds. Our favorite part of the room was the covered porch with a set of rocking chairs. The generous layout and design detail made the unit feel like a luxury apartment. We loved it and would stay there again. There are other accommodations besides the cottages. The standard rooms are located in the two-story buildings at the back of the property, near the golf course. Each offers either a patio or balcony.
What to See – Ranch at Death Valley
Town Square
As you are pulling up to the Ranch you know it’s going to be a special experience. Towering palm trees invite visitors into the lush resort from the desolate desert, a true visual depiction of an Oasis. Visitors check-in at the Town Hall, recently restored in the style of mission Californa architecture The Town Hall sits adjacent to a grassy courtyard with a sparkling 3-tier fountain. Surrounding the square are the other main buildings – including a brand new Ice Cream Parlor, General Store, Saloon, and more. Be sure to stroll through the square in the evening, and grab a seat by the fountain. The twinkling lights against the palms and buildings make for a magical scene.
Ice Cream Parlor
The charming dessert shop will be a favorite stop for your family. The Ice Cream Parlor is famous for its shakes, banana splits, and fun ice cream flavors. Hungry? It also offers food items such as hotdogs and burgers for lunch and dinner. Dine in at the retro barstools or eat outside on the Verdana overlooking the square. The Ice Cream Parlor is a very busy place- expect a line, especially in the evening (it’s a popular dessert stop after dinner). Don’t worry – the line moves faster than you think, and the delicious treats are well worth the wait.
General Store
The charming (and gigantic) store will be your must-stop to stock up on essentials for your death Valley explorations. Stop by for a wide selection of souvenirs, and then pick up some snacks and sandwiches for your desert adventures in the afternoon. The General Store also has a variety of groceries (everything from loaves of bread, frozen meals, and fresh fruits and vegetables) and necessities such as sunblock and toiletries. It has everything! We visited the General Store daily for snacks and freshly brewed coffee. Tip: The General Store carries (nicely priced) galloons of water for desert exploring – pick up a few jugs and keep them in your car’s trunk for emergencies.
Last Kind Words Saloon
We let out a collective gasp walking into the stunning Last Kind Words Saloon; it felt like we had walked into a Western movie set. A swinging salon door opens to a room filled with antlers, wagon wheel chandeliers, and walls adorned with fun western paraphernalia. The small yet curated menu includes delicious options such as pesto pasta and BBQ ribs. Be sure to sip a Sarsaparilla during your visit – a close relative to rootbeer and a popular soft drink in the Old West. Tip: Let the kids enjoy a Saparella straight up while you cool down with an ice-cold beer or craft cocktail (well deserved after a day exploring in the desert sun!).
What to Do – The Ranch at Death Valley
Saddle up – Furnace Creek Stables
Saddle up for a desert adventure! Little Cowboys and Cowgirls will love the guided horseback outings at Furnace Creek Stables. The Stable offers a variety of 1-2 hour adventures. The most popular ride is at sunset – when you trot on horseback out to the foothills of the Funeral Mountains, where you can see the Valley’s color change with the sunlight position. The stables are typically open mid-October through the end of April and then close for late Spring and Summer (when the temps become too dangerous for the horses). Minimum age requirement depending on the ride. Kids are required to wear a helmet. Tip: Rides book way in advance (especially for the sunset rides) – call and make your reservation as soon as possible.
A Hole in Fun – Furnace Creek Golf Course
Have a little golfer? Head out to Furnace Creek Golf Course! The USGA sanctioned 18-hole legendary course has the lowest elevation golf course in the world. The course is open to the public and known for the perplexing act that golf balls don’t travel as far at 214 feet below sea level as they do on land. Be on the watch for coyotes that like to one-way fetch golf balls! If you worked up an appetite on the greens – head over to The 19th Hole, an open-air grill that serves casual food overlooking the golf course. The restaurant has a full bar and is known for its excellent hamburgers and salads. We loved watching the golfers from our table and ate here twice during our visit.
Make A Splash – Ranch at Death Valley Pool
While Death Valley is notorious for its scorching temperatures, many don’t realize that it can get chilly in the winter (evening temps can drop to the low 30s in January and February!). Whatever the weather – The Ranch at Death Valley has a large swimming pool for guests available year around. Fed by natural springs, the waters remain spa-like, hovering around 84 degrees Fahrenheit.
Play On – Sports at the Ranch at Death Valley
In addition to the pool- the Ranch at Death Valley has multiple sport courts – including an outdoor basketball, volleyball and tennis court, and even a small putting course. There are also horseshoe pits and corn hole games scattered across the complex. Small children will love the large playground adjacent to the pool, complete with slides, swings, and more.
Seeing Stars – Stargazing at the Ranch at Death Valley
Ready for an out-of-this-world experience? Take a little stroll to the outskirts of the property (where there is no light) and simply look up – I promise that you have never seen a starry sky like this before! Designated a “dark sky park” by the International Dark-Sky Association – Death Valley is one of the best places in the country for stargazing. Our tip: download a (free) phone app such as Sky View and aim it to the stars in the night sky, it will blow your kid’s mind. As the star view is so crystal clear, the app will easily locate fun constellations and give you information on the planets overhead. It’s a moment you will never forget.
Other Tips for Your Visit:
- At the time of writing, reservations are not required for dining at any Ranch restaurant (all seating is first-come, first-serve).
The other Oasis property, the Inn at Death Valley (approximately 1-mile down the road), offers fine dining in the Inn Dining room. Reservations are necessary.
The 1849 Buffet is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offers a rotating array of items from baked goods and pizza to a full salad bar and carving station. We grabbed a meal here, brought it outside to the courtyard, and ate under the stars. - The Ranch at Death Valley is home to the (small, but efficient) Death Valley Post office. Swing in for stamps or any of your mail needs.
Temperatures in Death Valley get chilly at night during the winter and can drop to the low 30s. Be sure to pack a jacket and sweaters accordingly.
The Ranch offers communal fire pits are on the property (read: smores!).
Bonus: The Ranch is adjacent to the National Park Visitor Center. Don’t forget to stop by and take in the Junior Ranger program. Children will receive a free activity book to complete during their trip. Return to the Visitor Center with pages filled in, and kids will receive the National Park ranger badge.
Important Info – The Ranch at Death Valley
Location:
PO Box 187, Death Valley, California 92328 Physical: Highway 190, Death Valley, CA
Two hours west of Las Vegas and four hours northeast of Los Angeles
Hotel Reservations:
Website: https://www.oasisatdeathvalley.com/
Toll-free within the U.S.: (800) 236-7916
Outside the U.S.: (303) 29-PARKS (303-297-2757)
Golf Reservations:
Furnace Creek Golf Course: The World’s Lowest Golf Course. Open to the public!
Call (760) 786-3373 or click here for reservations.
Sincere thanks to The Ranch at Death Valley for sponsoring our visit. As always, all reviews and opinions are our own
