Furnace Creek, CA
On our final day in Death Valley we decided to take it easy and just visit a couple of places in the Jeep. We first went south on Rte. 190 to drive a scenic loop road through Twenty Mule Team Canyon. The loop is just a couple of miles long on a one-way dirt road that is smooth enough for any vehicle.
Twenty Mule Team Canyon Road
The loop road showcased some of the multi-colored rock outcroppings and mountains.
Next we continued south on Rte. 190 to the road to Dante’s View. The road to Dante’s View is paved and thirteen miles long. At the parking area there is a great view of Death Valley over 5,600 feet below.
Death Valley from Dante’s View
We intended to hike a short distance to another viewing point and have lunch. But it was just a bit over 50 degrees and the wind was howling so we just enjoyed our lunch in the Jeep while checking out the view.
We returned to the motorhome in the early afternoon to begin packing for tomorrow’s departure. The park service operates three campgrounds in the Furnace Creek area but this is the only one with full hook-ups (Furnace Creek Campground). Their website states that the sites are gravel but, as you can see below, they have all been paved (including the no hook up sites in this park). We were told that there may not be any cell service in the park but found we had four bars (extended service for Verizon) and decent 3G data.
We have thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Death Valley. The beauty of the park was a surprise to us and the hiking was excellent. Next up is a visit to Lake Havasu.
More on that later . . .
Oh, the Places They Go! 
Wow, they paved the campground and you actually got Verizon signal…. impressive. Now I know we’ll be returning sooner rather than later.
We were quite surprised by the paved sites. I believe it was just completed recently. A nice perk for sure!
The strong cell service was also a surprise. We had read that we might get one bar but we had good 3G and four bars on the phone.
With the “old man” pass we saved $9.00 a night on the site but still had to pay the full $12 extra for the FHU’s. But $21 isn’t too bad.
My first thought when you said you were going to take it easy was, “Yeah, right. They’ll find some 10 mile hike up a vertical rock face that they can’t resist.” But you did it! You really did take it easy! 🙂 The campground looks much better than when we were there several years ago. Loved your tour of Death Valley! We can’t wait to go back.
Haha! Actually, Laurel, we started out for a hike to the Furnace Slots (we found this on birdandhike). But we realized it was at least 2 1/2 miles back to the slots, if we could find them. We had several other things we wanted to see, and I had laundry to do at home since we don’t have sewer here in Lake Havasu. So, we decided we better pass on the hike. It wasn’t easy for me to that.
The campground is in very nice now that everything is paved. You’ll have to come back and see:)
The sky looks so lovely there. Glad you two have a Jeep. You wouldn’t have near the fun you are having with a Volkswagon…hehe
Safe travels to LH. We just did a one day trip there. Looking forward to seeing the sites through your eyes.
Thanks, Marsha! We are now spending a week and half in Lake Havasu so we can get through the holiday. So I am sure we will have lots to share. I just picked up a big booklet on all the hikes. We are ready to do!!
We are also thrilled we have the Jeep. It has brought us so much fun.
We, too, were surprised at how much we enjoyed Death Valley. Your pics depict it beautifully. Safe travels!
Thanks, Cathy:)
I too have really enjoyed your time in Death Valley. You’ve really paved the way for me (pun intended) with this post which shows places poor Ruby with no 4WD can actually go to see these gorgeous sites. Your pictures are just fantastic. They look like paintings. What great weather you have had.
Yes, Sherry, there are a couple loop roads that any car can drive. We wanted to include those so people know that they can do some dirt roads.
Glad you enjoyed the photos. Thanks:) We did have perfect weather for our visit.
I always forget you can get that high in DV (elevation), and that view is amazing. You’ve had some great adventures – thanks so much for sharing your time here (there). Although few would be so bold even with FHU, it will be interesting to see how far a heavy rig will sink in that asphalt in the summer 😦
There are some major elevation changes in DV. As a matter of fact, Telescope Peak had snow on it and it stands at a little over 11,000 ft. It is a peak that you can hike but it is seven miles one way. Not my kind of fun.
The paving was new in the FHU area but the other sites have been paved for awhile so it must work. But I don’t think I would want to check it out first:)
Thanks for pointing out so many interesting sights in DV. It is great to have such enthusiastic tour guides. 🙂
Hope we gave you lots of ideas for a future visit, Lu:) It is such a beautiful place.