“We came in through the west entrance and absolutely love the location. It was within 1 mile of Mesquite Sand Dunes and Mosiac Canyon. It felt centralized to other great locations. Going south east, it was about 45 mins from Furnace Creek visitor center and about an hour from Badwater Basin. There many other great stops on the way there (Artist Palette, Natural Bridge, Golden Canyon, Harmony Borax Works, Desolation Canyon, and Zabriskie Point). Going north east, it’s about another 45 mins-1 hour to Ubehebe Crater. Less possible stops along the way (Fall Canyon, Titus Canyon) but the drive is scenic and got great views of the Sand Dunes and other beautiful geological landscapes.
The staff were great and very helpful. We took food for lunches but did breakfast and Dinner at the restaurant. The food at the restaurant is pretty good.
Didn’t have to go far for stargazing. Check the moon schedule.
I made this trip with my 9 year old son. He’s pretty athletic and was easily able to handle Day 1-Mesquite Sand Dunes (easy, depending how far you go); Day 2-Mosiac Canyon (moderate), Artist Palette (easy), Badwater Basin (easy), 1 slot at Sidewinder (moderate). Day 3-Ubehebe Crater Loop (moderate).
We wanted to do Racetrack Playa and Wildrose Charcoal Kilns but one of my tires gave out so we cut the trip a bit short.
If I ever make it back out there for some of the other places we missed (Natural Bridge and Golden Canyon), I will absolutely stay at Stovepipe Wells again. ”