Furnace Creek Inn Hot Springs

## Overview Furnace Creek Inn Hot Springs is a natural hot spring located in the heart of Death Valley, California, near the historic Furnace Creek area. Situated at approximately 36.457°N, 116.866°W, this geothermal spring has long been associated with the iconic Furnace Creek Inn (now known as The Inn at Death Valley), a luxury resort that has operated in the region since 1927. The spring's warm waters have historically been channeled to supply the resort's famous spring-fed swimming pool, one of the most celebrated amenities in all of Death Valley National Park. Death Valley sits along an active tectonic zone where deep faulting allows groundwater to circulate far below the surface, picking up geothermal heat before rising back to the surface. The springs in the Furnace Creek area emerge from the Furnace Creek fault zone and are fed by ancient aquifers within the surrounding Funeral Mountains. Water temperatures at the source have been reported to be notably warm, consistent with the geothermal activity that characterizes this part of the Basin and Range Province. The Furnace Creek area holds deep cultural significance for the Timbisha Shoshone people, who have inhabited the Death Valley region for centuries and historically relied on the area's water sources for survival in one of the harshest desert environments on Earth. The name "Furnace Creek" itself reflects the extreme heat of the surrounding landscape, where summer temperatures regularly exceed 120°F (49°C). ## Directions 1. From Las Vegas, NV, head northwest on US-95 North, then take NV-373 South / CA-127 South toward Death Valley Junction. 2. Turn right (west) onto CA-190 and continue into Death Valley National Park (entrance fee required). 3. Follow CA-190 west for approximately 30 miles through the park until you reach the Furnace Creek area. 4. The hot springs are located near The Inn at Death Valley (formerly Furnace Creek Inn), which sits on a bluff above the main Furnace Creek Visitor Center area along CA-190. 5. GPS coordinates: 36.4573, -116.8658. Use these coordinates for precise navigation, as cell service is extremely limited throughout Death Valley. *Note: These directions are based on the GPS coordinates provided and general knowledge of the area. Confirm current road conditions with the National Park Service before visiting, especially during summer months or after flash flood events.* ## What to Expect The Furnace Creek Inn Hot Springs area is located within Death Valley National Park, one of the most extreme and awe-inspiring landscapes in North America. The spring emerges in the vicinity of The Inn at Death Valley, perched on a hillside overlooking the vast salt flats of the valley floor. The surrounding terrain is stark desert — alluvial fans, barren mountains, and dramatic geological formations stretching in every direction. Visitors should be aware that access to the spring source itself may be restricted, as it is closely associated with the resort property. The spring-fed pool at The Inn at Death Valley is generally available to resort guests. It is worth checking with the resort or the National Park Service for current access policies before planning a visit specifically to see the spring. Death Valley's climate demands serious preparation. Summer temperatures are among the hottest recorded anywhere on Earth, and dehydration can set in rapidly. The best time to visit is between November and March, when daytime temperatures are more moderate (60–75°F / 15–24°C). Always carry ample water, sun protection, and a full tank of gas, as services are sparse throughout the park. The Furnace Creek area itself offers a surprising oasis in the desert, with date palms, the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, a general store, campgrounds, and the historic resort buildings. The contrast between the lush spring-fed greenery and the surrounding barren desert is striking and unforgettable.