From ghost towns to hiking trails, this is the ultimate guide to Death Valley

  If you have ever driven to Las Vegas on Interstate 15 from Southern California, then no doubt you have stopped in or rolled by the small town of Baker, known as the Gateway to Death Valley. It’s also home to the World’s Tallest Thermometer and the Mad Greek, a great place to get some road food as well as fresh strawberry shakes. There are more and more new places opening, like Alien Fresh Jerky, but gas and food is the most there is to see.

After filling up your vehicle (best to get gas when you see it as it’s much cheaper here than in the park), head north on Death Valley Road (State Route 127) for about 50 miles of pristine two-lane desert highway that passes the Dumont Dunes before arriving at China Ranch Date Farm.

Located just south of Tecopa, the road to the farm winds down through desert cliffs for about a mile before a lush, green oasis appears out of nowhere. Open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., this family-run ranch has miles of hiking trails to the Amargosa River and abandoned mines, plus the Old Spanish Trail.

It also has an excellent variety of dates, including their own hybrid varieties that are some of the best there are. There is a museum and store full of handmade gifts as well as date shakes, muffins, date bread and cookies that are all made fresh daily.

Furnace Creek Visitor Center is the best place to start your Death Valley adventure. Here, you can pay your park fee and talk to a ranger, get maps, books and gifts, and learn about the history of the area. Death Valley is home to many ghost towns, mountain ranges, abandoned mines, sand dunes, craters and some of the most beautiful desert vistas you will ever experience. This is a must stop for all visitors to get the most up-to-date conditions of the park.

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