Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Burbank, California, to Furnace Creek, California
Burbank, California, is a city located in the southern San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles County. The city is in close proximity to several popular California attractions, including the Furnace Creek, which is situated in Death Valley National Park. A road trip from Burbank to Furnace Creek offers an opportunity to explore some of California's most fascinating sites. Along the way, you will encounter the Halfway Point at Randsburg, CA, which is a ghost town with a population of only 69 people. Here is a list of things to do on this exciting and adventurous road trip.
1. Explore the Red Rock Canyon State Park
The Red Rock Canyon State Park is located approximately 120 miles northwest of Burbank. The park features stunning geological formations and is an excellent location for camping, hiking, and birdwatching. Visitors can explore the park's scenic trails to experience the fascinating natural beauty of the Mojave Desert. The park also has several picnic areas and exhibits that showcase the park's geology, biology, and history.
Fun fact: The Red Rock Canyon State Park is home to over 80 species of birds, including the Golden Eagle and the California Condor.
2. Visit the Trona Pinnacles
Trona Pinnacles is a unique geological feature located in the Searles Valley, close to the city of Ridgecrest. The pinnacles are about 10 miles outside of Trona, California, and are a collection of over 500 tufa columns that rise from the bed of the Searles Lake. These pinnacles were formed underwater in the lake and remained standing even after the water disappeared. The pinnacles offer a unique landscape for hiking and photography enthusiasts.
Fun fact: The Trona Pinnacles have been a popular filming location for several science fiction movies, including Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, Battlestar Galactica, and Planet of the Apes.
3. Visit the Amargosa Opera House
The Amargosa Opera House is located in Death Valley Junction, approximately 40 miles east of Furnace Creek. The opera house was built in 1923 and was restored in the 1960s by Marta Becket, a ballerina who discovered the abandoned building while traveling through Death Valley. The opera house has become a popular tourist attraction and is famous for its murals and original artwork.
Fun fact: Marta Becket painted and performed in the Opera House for over 40 years until her retirement in 2012.
4. Explore the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are located in Death Valley National Park. These dunes are a fascinating natural wonder and offer a unique hiking and photography experience. The dunes are the result of centuries of wind erosion, and they cover an area of approximately 14 square miles. Visitors can explore the dunes on foot or by taking a guided tour.
Fun fact: The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes were used as a filming location for several popular movies, including Star Wars, The Mummy Returns, and Hidalgo.
5. Visit the Furnace Creek Visitor Center
The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is located in Death Valley National Park and offers an excellent starting point for visitors to the park. The center has exhibits that showcase the park's geology, ecology, and history. Visitors can also pick up maps and guides to help plan their Death Valley excursion.
Fun fact: The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is the primary gateway to Death Valley National Park and is the largest national park visitor center in the world.
In conclusion, this exciting road trip from Burbank to Furnace Creek offers a unique opportunity to explore the geological wonders of California. The trip covers a total distance of approximately 290 miles and takes approximately five hours to complete. The journey offers a fascinating mix of natural beauty, history, and culture, making it an excellent destination for anyone seeking an outdoor adventure.