A True American Oasis: Furnace Creek, Death Valley National Park, California
Exotic. Romantic. Unique. Lush. Audubon Sanctuary. Sustains Wildlife. Dark Skies.
DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – January 19, 2016 – When Americans think of an oasis, they conjure up images of “Lawrence of Arabia” and Omar Sharif, or hum the tune “Midnight at the Oasis” by Maria Muldaur. These exotic, romantic, unique, lush and precious environments are almost mythical and the stuff of legend.
One of the most famous, and certainly most visual, is a true American oasis called Furnace Creek Resort, located four hours from Los Angeles and two hours from Las Vegas in the 3.3 million acres that is Death Valley National Park – the largest national park in the contiguous 48 states. It’s here that one million gallons of fresh glacial waters gurgle from the ground every day and create a lush, green stunning oasis complete with Deglet Noor date palm trees, flowering shrubs, a golf course, pools, a trading post and a jewel of a resort dating back to1927.
The Native Americans knew of the waters of Furnace Creek (and some members of the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe still live on a small reservation at Furnace Creek); the legendary ‘49ers stumbled upon it on their way to California; and the famed Borax Mule Teams used Furnace Creek as a base-camp. Today vacationers, outdoor enthusiasts, stargazers and golfers base camp at Furnace Creek, as well as travelers exploring the national park.
As is the definition of any authentic oasis, Furnace Creek is a natural haven for wildlife and is certified by the Audubon Society. In addition to the kit fox, dessert cottontail and coyotes, there are roadrunners and the cactus wren all living on or near the oasis. The resort is also one of the only gold-tier designated International Dark Sky Parks in the United States where stargazers can actually see the Milky Way with the naked eye.
In the 1930s a resort was built at Furnace Creek and today the destination features two distinct experiences, the luxurious, four-diamond, historic Inn at Furnace Creek and the family-friendly Ranch at Furnace Creek which offers food, water, gas, accommodations, a U.S. Post Office, etc.)
Distinct yet equally exceptional, both of the Furnace Creek properties encourage guests to engage with the iconic surroundings, offering outdoor adventure (day and night), extreme sports, scenic drives and guided tours that speak to the rich history of the destination. Resort guests can take advantage of hiking, cycling, horseback riding and legendary golf—at the world’s lowest golf course, 214 feet below sea level.
And it’s all about the water if you are at an oasis. From the ice in that gin and tonic to the outdoor swimming pools always at 84 ºF thanks to Mother Nature, Furnace Creek is not only a true oasis, but also a truly unique American vacation destination.
For information, details and reservations, access www.www.oasisatdeathvalley.com/ or dial 800-236-7916.