Need Help with Death Valley Trip
 

Folks,

I need your help with travel plans. What do you think of the following Itinerary?

Arrive Thursday morning in Las Vegas

Friday – Drive to Scotty’s Castle after stopping at Red Rock Canyon and Bonnie Springs.

Bunk down for the night at Stovepipe Wells Village or do you suggest someplace in Beatty?

Saturday -Go to Furnace Creek for breakfast and stop at the visitor center.
Drive South on 178 stopping to see the sites and do some short hikes
Have dinner - (Need some suggestions)

Bunk down at Armogosa and attend the Opera

Sunday- Head to San Diego in time to have Easter Dinner with my 80-year-old aunt

Monday - Return to Washington DC

cnn, check your other post. Thanks

Pat,

I'm taking your suggestion and crossing Red Rock Canyon off the list.
Thanks

Our room at Furnace Creek was fresh and inviting, but not so at Stovepipe Wells.

happytrailstoyou, did you stay at Furnace Creek Inn or Furnace Creek Ranch? We loved our stay at the inn.

cnn-I'm headed to Death Valley this Friday for the first time, so my advice comes with no experience whatsoever. But, I've read it's more interesting/scenic to enter the park via 178, because you start out relatively high and just keep dropping until you hit Badwater. I realize that's true of every road given Badwater's elevation, but it sounds like 178 has a more wide-open view of the valley. Those who've been there could comment on that, but I thought I'd throw it out there for consideration.

If you do it that way, how about doing Scotty's Castle on Saturday instead, and exiting the park via 190 (which would take you to the Opera House)? Doesn't seem like there's anywhere to eat there, but there's Longstreet Casino about 7 miles away on 373. My preference would be to pack something to eat and have a picnic while watching the sunset.

From what I've read, Stovepipe Wells isn't real great. The reviews I read convinced me to stay in Beatty. Doesn't sound like there's anything special there either, but at least I'm not spending $100+/night like I would at Stovepipe.

I'll try to find this thread next week when I get back and let you know if I have any great ideas then.

We stayed at the Ranch--the Inn wasn't opened when we were there. Our room was newly decorated--like a typical, good motel room.

Hilary, staying IN death Valley is a great experience

Is there a big difference between staying in Furnace Creek Inn and Furnace Creek Ranch besides a big price gap?