Pedal Power in Death Valley

There are 785 miles of roads in California’s Death Valley National Park, and most of them can be pedaled.

Furnace Creek Resort offers mountain bike rentals as well as two bike packages that make it easy for visitors to get out of the car and into the fresh air while taking in the other-worldly desert landscape of this 3.3-million-acre park.

Furnace Creek Resort offers bike rentals as well as two packages that include rentals and accommodations at the Ranch at Furnace Creek, one of the resort’s two lodges. One package features a guided 10-mile downhill ride from 2,200 feet above sea level back to the resort some 200 feet below sea level; the other allows visitors to explore the park on their own. The packages are available Feb. 10 through May 12 and again Oct. 12 through Dec. 19. Bike rentals are available year-round, but Furnace Creek Resort advises summer-season visitors to limit cycling to early morning hours to avoid the daytime heat.

“Cycling on the park’s paved and dirt roads provides our active visitors with virtually endless ways to see the park’s strange and stunning landscapes,” said Phil Dickinson, director of sales and marketing for Furnace Creek Resort. “There is a road to suit everyone’s adventurous sensibilities, from short routes on flat, paved roads to incredibly challenging routes on hilly, dirt and gravel roads.”

The National Park Service offers a complete list of suggested easy, moderate and difficult routes on its website.

Dickinson said he always reminds visitors to be safe by drinking plenty of water — at least a gallon a day — being aware of weather and temperature, traveling with companions and paying attention to car and bus traffic. “Cycling is a relatively safe and fun activity, but visitors should remember they are in the wilderness, and they should be as prepared as any Boy Scout for emergencies and unpredictable situations,” he said. “Talking with a National Park Service ranger about current conditions and safety tips can make a huge difference and we always suggest travelers stop at the NPS Visitor Center before embarking on a cycling adventure.”

Bikes can be rented at the Ranch at Furnace Creek. Rates are $10 per hour, $34 for up to five hours and $49 for up to 24 hours. Children’s bikes are available for $5 per hour.

The Scenic Downhill Bicycle Tour package features two nights of accommodations in a standard or deluxe room at the Ranch at Furnace Creek, use of specially designed Worksman bicycle equipped with dual drum brakes, helmet, transportation to drop-off point, guide, water and energy bar. The 2½-hour tours depart daily from the Furnace Creek Resort at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and proceed to the start of the ride at “Hells Gate.” This package is only available to guests 18 years and older, and departure times are subject to change. Starting rate for this package with a standard room is $543 per couple Feb. 10 through May 12 and $495 Oct. 12 through Dec. 19. Guests should use the promotional code DOWNBIKE when reserving this package.

The Mountain Bike Adventure package features two nights of accommodations in a standard or deluxe room at the Ranch at Furnace Creek, helmet, bicycle equipped with 24 speeds and hydraulic disc brakes, water and energy bar. The helmet and bicycle may be used from dawn until dusk. Children’s bikes are available for an additional fee. Starting rate for this package with a standard room is $543 per couple Feb. 10 through May and $484 Oct. 12 through Dec. 19. Guests should use the promotional code MTNBIKE when reserving this package.

Some blackout dates apply to both packages. Rates include taxes and resort fee.

Furnace Creek Resort also offers the Death Valley Explorer package, featuring Jeep rentals, accommodations and more; and the Stay & Play golf package, with accommodations, unlimited golf, cart rental and club storage.

To reserve any Furnace Creek Resort package or for more information visit www.furnacecreekresort.com or call toll-free (800) 236-7916 or (303) 297-2757.

Death Valley National Park is the largest national park in the continental United States, with more than 3.3 million acres. Only 2 percent of the park is developed leaving huge areas open for exploration. There are several hundred miles of unimproved roads that can best be accessed by four-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicles. Vehicles are not permitted to drive off roads within park boundaries.

The Furnace Creek Resort has been welcoming guests since the 1930s. Open from mid-October through mid-May, the Inn at Furnace Creek is an AAA Four Diamond-rated property featuring 66 rooms and two suites with a full array of amenities, fine dining, tennis courts and a spring-fed pool. Open year-round is the Ranch at Furnace Creek. Situated adjacent to the golf course, the Ranch features 224 rooms in a casual setting, general store, spring-fed swimming pool, tennis courts, horseback riding and the Borax Museum.