One of the hottest, driest, and least (apparently) hospitable places on Earth, Death Valley National Park is all about extremes. Its famous Badwater Basin is the lowest point in the United States at 282 feet below sea level, and its summertime temperatures regularly climb higher than 120 F -- in fact, the park’s Furnace Creek saw the world record highest air temperature of 134 F back in July of 1913. But despite the harsh realities of this landscape -- or perhaps because of them -- Death Valley National Park draws thousands of visitors each year, eager to experience this uniquely amplified environment. Brave explorers take to the desert’s severity to hike, bike, horseback ride, and birdwatch.
Death Valley is famous for its extreme weather, with daytime temperatures often presenting actual, physical danger. Although the park sees less than 2 inches of rain per year -- which is much less than what many other deserts experience -- violent late summer rain storms present the risk of flash floods. Spring and winter bring milder temperatures that only rarely dip below freezing, but high winds and cloud cover are common. The park varies tremendously in elevation, and higher areas are much cooler than lower ones; the National Park Service estimates that temperatures drop 3 to 5 F with every thousand vertical feet of elevation gain.
Straddling the California/Nevada border, Death Valley is fairly remote; visitors should ensure they have ample supplies (and fuel!) before they enter the property. However, there are some services available at the small communities within the park, such as Stovepipe Wells and Furnace Creek; you can also find facilities at area towns like Beatty, Nevada. For a bigger city excursion, the park is also within relatively easy driving distance of Las Vegas.
Looking for hotel rooms in and around Death Valley? View available hotel deals and book your room directly.
Traveling to Death Valley? Find a condo or vacation rental home and enjoy more space during your golf trip.
Planning a golf trip to Death Valley or looking to golf while traveling?
From Las Vegas, NV: approx 120 miles / ~2 hours drive via NV-160 then CA-190.
From Ridgecrest, CA: about 120 miles / ~2 hours west into Death Valley.
From Pahrump, NV: ~60 miles / ~1 hour drive via CA-190 into the park.
The Inn at Death Valley is a luxury historic resort with golf packages.
The Ranch at Death Valley offers more casual family-friendly lodging, also with golf access.
Casitas and ranch cottages are available within the resort grounds with varied pricing and amenities.
An Insightful Interview With Jon Skaggs, PGA Golf Professional
In his latest adventure, Erik travels to a place where finding shade is just as important as finding your ball. Adventures in Golf Season 3, presented by United, heads to the appropriately named Furnace Creek Golf Course in Death Valley, California. At 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level, Death ...
120 miles northwest of Las Vegas is home to the lowest elevation golf course on Earth in Death Valley National Park. The par 70 18-hole course sits at -214 feet below sea level in one of the most arid parts of the world. Yet natural springs flow through the property to provide a surprisingly lush go...
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Submit ReviewClosest Airport(s): Find Flights
Furnace Creek Airport (DTH)
Stovepipe Wells Airport (L09)
