If you've always wanted to stay at the Furnace Creek Resort at Death Valley National Park, there are some specials running through mid-May that can soften the cost of a room a bit.

Surrounded by four mountain ranges, the resort feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere, yet it is only a 2½-hour drive from the Las Vegas Airport.

“Most of our first-time visitors tell us that getting here is fun too,” said Phil Dickinson, director of sales and marketing for the resort. “No matter which direction you come from, drivers are treated to a rugged desert landscape that inspires visitors to relax and drink in the beauty of the Mojave Desert.”

The Furnace Creek Resort is comprised of the Inn at Furnace Creek, a classic 66-room lodge built in the 1920s for a genteel-yet-adventurous clientele; and the Ranch at Furnace Creek, with 224 rooms and an Old West feel. There are also two mineral-fed pools, three restaurants – including a fine dining restaurant and a steakhouse – saloon, lounge, gift shop, general store, golf course, tennis courts, children’s play area, museum, bicycle rentals, horseback trail rides and Jeep rentals. The Ranch is open year-round, and the Inn is open through May 12 and then reopens in mid-October.

Spring is prime time in Death Valley. The area is known for its soaring summer temperatures, but in the spring temperatures are still moderate and comfortable. And activities like Jeep touring, hiking, golfing and cycling can be experienced all day long; in the summer, the National Park Service recommends visitors limit activities requiring exertion to early-morning and evening hours. 

“For those of us who work here year-round, spring is the best season of the year,” said Mr. Dickinson, an avid golfer. “The temperature is comfortable all day and evening, so it is an especially nice time to golf or cycle.”

Rates at the Inn range from $345 to $465 per night through May 12 when the Inn closes for the summer. The cabins at the Ranch range from $156 to $167 through April 30 and $134 to $139 May 1 through Oct. 4. The lodge rooms at the Ranch range from $188 to $219 through April 30 and $167 to $193 May 1 through Oct. 4. All rates are based on double occupancy and vary by the day of the week. 

Furnace Creek Resort offers three spring-season packages and a special deal for travelers over the age of 60. Package rates vary based on room type selected and are priced per couple based on double occupancy. Additional guests may share the room and join the activity for an extra fee. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.

The Death Valley Explorer package includes two nights at the Ranch at Furnace Creek; one full day Jeep rental including trail maps, driving tips and operating instructions; ice chest with ice and water; box lunch for two people, resort fee and tax. Drivers must be at least 25 years old and possess a valid driver’s license, credit card and auto insurance. The rate for this two-night package through May 12 ranges from $604 to $708. To reserve this package online, guests should use the promotional code JEEP. Reservations must be made five days in advance.

The Mountain Bike Adventure package includes two nights at the Ranch; all-day use of a mountain bike for two people, including helmets, snack packs of water and maps; tax and resort fee. This two-night package rate ranges from $532 to $572 per couple through April 30 and $468 to $510 May 1 through May 12. This package is available again in mid-October. Promotional code MTNBIKE. Reservations must be made two days in advance.

The Scenic Downhill Bicycle Tour includes two nights at the Ranch; a guided 2 ½-hour downhill bicycle tour from Hells Gate for two people including bikes, helmets, van transfers, guide and snack pack; tax and resort fee. Guests must be 18 years or older. This package ranges from $543 to $583 per couple through April 30 and $475 through $518 May 1 through May 12. The package is again offered in mid-October. Promotional code DOWNBIKE. Reservations must be made two days in advance.

The year-round Stay & Play package includes one night at either the Inn or Ranch, one day of unlimited golf, 18-hole cart rental and club storage. Through Apr. 30, the rates at the Ranch range from $261 to $281. The rates drop and range from $190 to $200 per night at the Ranch from May 1 through Oct. 11. The rates at the Inn range from $410 to $470 through April 30 and then from $410 to $450 from May 1 through May 12. The package will again be offered at the Inn in mid-October. Promotional code GOLF.

Guests over the age of 60 receive a 10 percent discount off the standard published rate for a one-night stay, a 20 percent discount for a two-night stay and a 30 percent discount off a three-night stay. Promotional codes are SENIOR for the 10 percent discount; SENIOR20 and SENIOR30.

To reserve any Furnace Creek Resort package or for more information visit www.furnacecreekresort.com or call toll-free 1-800-236-7916 or 1-303-297-27