GOING TO DEATH VALLEY

GETTING THERE:

Furnace Creek, the main resort area of Death Valley National Park, is about a 285-mile drive from downtown Los Angeles and 125 miles from Las Vegas. Gas up before leaving the interstate; gas stations are few and far between and most charge premium prices. Take lots of water. Cellphone service ranges from spotty to nonexistent.

WHEN TO GO:

Peak seasons are late fall and spring, when blooming wildflowers briefly transform the valley. Winter is comfortable; average highs in January are in the mid-60s, with the possibility of rain. Most summer days are over 100 degrees, but can bring monsoons. Some amenities close from approximately May to October.

WHERE TO STAY:

The two main hotels are the Furnace Creek Inn, which opened in 1927, and the nearby 244-room Furnace Creek Ranch, which opened in 1933. The 66-room Inn has a AAA Four Diamond rating. With a pool and spa, it is the more upscale hotel. The Inn (rooms from $469 in spring) closes from May to October. Furnace Creek Ranch (from $269 in spring, $159 late summer) is the more casual, family-oriented lodging, with a golf course and horse stables. The resort also has a campground. Reservations for all can be made at 800-236-7916 and furnacecreekresort.com. Other hotels: Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel (rooms from $140), north of Furnace Creek, deathvalleyhotels.com; and Panamint Springs Resort (rooms from $99 in spring), west side of park, panamintsprings.com.

INFORMATION:

www.nps. gov/deva