While in Las Vegas, someone encouraged me and my husband to drivw over to Death Valley for a day to enjoy this resort. Would the 4 hr. rt. be worthwhile?? We would not stay there -- maybe just have breakfast or lunch.

I don't think so - 8 hours drive for lunch? The point of Death Valley is to see all the various sights and sites. There really is masses to see - a quite unique world sight. We stayed a night at the Furnace Creek - it's very nice for an overnighter. But for lunch, no.

Take time to at least drive through part of Death Valley with the map they provide. We've started in the south and gone up to Furnace Creek area, and we've started from the north with a tour through Scotty's castle. Take a walk up a canyon, or on the Devil's golf course, or see the sand dunes, or the lowest spot in the US. It's a fascinating spot...and to think our pioneers took covered wagons across. Our adult kids thought I was crazy when we went the first time, but loved it once we got there. Just take LOTS of water, no matter what time of the year it is. But it is hot there now!

Glad to see the positive comments about Furnace Creek and Death Valley. We're going next week (with 2 kids ages 8 and 13) for 2 days (after staying in LA for 5 days). I thought something "real" after seeing "glitter" in LA might be refreshing. We're going back home out of Las Vegas though - I thought it would be a 2 hr drive from Death Valley to Las Vegas (not stopping in Las Vegas).

It is supposed to be a 2 hr. drive from Las Vegas to Death Valley -- the 4 hrs. mentioned is round trip.

It is about 170 miles from LV to Death Valley. It is going to be close to a 4 hour drive.

It's actually about 120miles from Las Vegas to Death Valley, so it will take about 2hrs to drive.

It is a long haul from LV to Death Valley and for one day, I would not do it. However, we were there for a too short time in Feb. We drove there, leaving LV at noon and drove straight to Scotty's Castle on the north end of Death Valley. We got there in time for the last tour, 5pm and that was well worth it. It was about 7:30 when we arrived at Furnace Creek. Had a great dinner and our room was fine too. Up the next a.m. for breakfast and toured the whole area...very fascinating, but needed alot more time to see the sights. It is all definitely worth a trip for couple of days. I don't know about driving there during summer, sounds too hot for me.

Death Valley, while well worth the trip from LV, is probably not advisable during August--temps can reach almost 120 degrees. Before you go, check out the temperatures there. Then, make sure you have plenty of water (both for yourselves and your auto) and your car is in excellent condition.

Stay away from Death Valley in August. 120 degree temperatures will not allow you to hike to the gorgeous wonders that this park offers. If you are going with small children they will be miserable in that kind of heat. We visited Death Valley in December several years ago - the night sky was the most beautiful we have ever seen. The sights were awesome. My question: Are the hotel rates at Furnace Creek Hotel reasonable?

You will not "enjoy the resort" in August. The reason to go to Death Valley is to see the remarkable terrain, Dunes, salt pools, Zabriski Point, etc. But a 120° or more you won't be getting out of the car - and to drive to Furnace creek just for lunch isn't very practical. In Dec, or March I MIGHT recommend doing this fast day trip (you really should spend a little more time) But not in August. The heat can actually be deadly.

Only a fool would drive to Death Valley in August from Las Vegas for lunch! I was in Las Vegas yesterday and the temp was a "comfortable" 99!! If you like touring from your car, then you could go there, but please be sure your car is in good shape (rentals sometimes aren't) Furnace Creek is a great resort and a recommendation for a December holiday.