Furnace Creek Resort in Death Valley is now powered by the sun

 

Xanterra Parks & Resorts has just completed one of the largest solar photovoltaic (PV) energy systems in the United States and easily the largest in the U.S. tourism industry. Covering 5 acres of Southern California’s Death Valley National Park – a 3.3 million-acre park that is the sunniest place in the country – the one megawatt system will generate more than 1/3 of the annual electricity needs of Xanterra’s operations in Death Valley, including the historic Inn at Furnace Creek, the Ranch at Furnace Creek, the Furnace Creek Golf Course, employee offices and housing.   

Over the next 30 years, the massive system, larger than five football fields, will eliminate the emission of more than 29,000 tons of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide, which are primary contributors to global warming, acid rain and smog. This reduction of pollution is equal to removing more than 5,100 cars from California's highways. The system will produce more than two million kilowatt-hours per year of clean renewable energy, enough to power more than 400 average-sized American homes for decades.

With operations at national and state parks and resorts throughout the country, Xanterra Parks & Resorts is recognized as a hospitality industry leader in sustainable operations. Read more about about Xanterra's environmental accomplishments and goals.

The Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resort in Death Valley National Park has been welcoming guests since the 1930s. The charming, upscale 66-room Furnace Creek Inn is a AAA 4-diamond-rated property, while the casual, 224-room Ranch at Furnace Creek is more family oriented. The resort has an oasis-like 18-hole golf course (the world's lowest course at 214 feet below sea level), 4 restaurants, a saloon, a cocktail lounge, retail outlets, a Borax Museum, spring-fed swimming pools, tennis courts, horseback riding, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a 3,000 foot airstrip.

More here on Death Valley National Park.

Springtime is the most popular time to visit Death Valley. Besides warm and sunny days, spring wildflowers are the big attractions. If the previous winter brought rain, the desert can put on an impressive floral display, usually peaking in late March to early April. Check here for wildflower updates.

Karen Misuraca is the author of several guidebooks to California, including Backroads of the California Wine Country; the new book, Backroads of the California Coast and others.