Solar Field Tour at Furnace Creek Ranch

Make for the Death Valley destination and learn how they're harnessing the sun.

IT ISN'T ALL THAT OFTEN... that guests at a hotel get to peek at what goes on behind the scenes, in terms of how the property is run. Oh, a manager might let some visitors see the kitchen, or maybe a ballroom undergoing refurbishment, but as far as digging deeper in to a hotel's nuts-and-bolts-y side... Well, that just doesn't happen all that often. But it is about to, at Furnace Creek Resort in Death Valley National Park, and just in time for Earth Day, too. The planet-minded holiday lends the resort's special tour its general theme, for tour attendees will be getting an up-close look at the desert property's solar panels. As you might expect, Death Valley enjoys a notable amount of sunshine, and solar power is an important centerpiece to the stay-over destination. Ready to take a tour of the 1.2 megawatt facility, a spread that covers four acres? Then join the...

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION... at Furnace Creek. Beyond the solar panels, you'll peek at the gravity-fed water system, as well as the golf course that also doubles as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. A biodiesel demo is also in the works, if that's your jam. Sustainable eats are part of the party -- free tastes are on the schedule -- as is some live music and kidly activities. The Amargosa Conservancy, the Death Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the National Park Service are all partners in the energy-minded party. Ready to go deeper into how a resort procures some of its power? April 23 is your day, and do note this: That falls within National Park Week, which means your entry into Death Valley is free.

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