Seniors Seek Out the “Other Side of California”

Inyo County is where senior travelers will find Death Valley National Park. Let’s face it, there are not a lot of cities to visit in the area except for Badwater, Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells and Scott’s Castle. With names like those many just want to stay away from Inyo County. But that could be a big mistake.

Inyo County is on the east side of the Sierra Nevada and southeast of  Yosemite National Park. Inyo County was created by an act of legislature approved in 1866. Today, two people per square miles and just over 10,000 square miles, it’s a super place for enjoying what is called “Ecotourism.”

Death Valley, the largest national park in the lower 48 states (3,3 million acres), is a fascinating study in topographic contrasts. The park makes up over half the county area. Marvel at Telescope Peak towering 11,049 feet, while Badwater, North America’s lowest point, sits at 282 feet below sea level.

Death Valley is a popular destination during the spring desert wildflower bloom. Amazing to me is the fact that it is not all flat. You will discover lots of hills and some mountains as well. In the Valley summer temperatures can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit. I just love the fact that there is a Death Valley Chamber of Commerce that provides lots of information on the desert as well as things to see and do in the area. It’s a great site with maps, night sky activities, destinations and itineraries.

Bicycling is an extremely popular activity in the Death Valley region, allowing active senior travelers to explore the region in a silent, engaging, low-impact manner on their own or while participating in one of Death Valleys’ annual cycling retreats, century rides, or ultra-distance bicycle races.

Seniors Discover Magnificent Natural Diversity

Furnace Creek is the heart of Death Valley and the best place for senior visitors to begin your visit to this incredible natural wonder. Experience the 1800s with a visit to the Furnace Creek Ranch, including the Borax Museum, 49er Café, Wrangler Steakhouse, and Corkscrew Saloon. The four-diamond Furnace Creek Inn resort opened in 1927, and every detail comes with a story. Seniors, do you remember that old series on TV with the Twenty Team Borax Wagon?  This is the place.

Inyo County is a land of magnificent natural diversity.  Close by Mount Whitney is the highest peak in the lower 48 states. Death Valley is the lowest point in the U.S., and the Great Basin bristlecone pines are the oldest life forms in the world.

 Check out Wikitravel before you venture out into Inyo County and enjoy each of the cities and the natural landscape. Once inside the National Park you’ll see Dante’s View, Zabriskie Point, Badwater, Artist’s Drive, Artist’s Palette and Golden Canyon. When you are there, enjoy all of Inyo County.  jeb