FAQs

What does “off grid” mean? How do you get your power & water?

Panamint Springs Resort operates completely off grid, which means we do not have access to public utilities. All of our electricity is produced by a diesel generator that runs 24 hours per day. There are also no phone lines here so our only phone is made possible by a triangulation of a digital cellular signal from miles away. Our water comes from Darwin Falls. It is piped 5 miles to Panamint Springs Resort where we treat the water and distribute it throughout the property. Our internet is via satellite provider.

Do you have cable television and internet access?

All but one of our rooms do NOT have televisions. Most of our guests appreciate our remote location, and our lack of television service enhances the experience.  The only room with a satellite TV is our Cottage with 2 bedrooms. We do enjoy a good satellite internet connection and are happy to share it with our guests via wi-fi.

Sometimes nobody answers when I call. Why?

Panamint Springs is so remote that we have to depend a triangulated cellular telephone signal. Unfortunately, we often suffer service interruptions. Otherwise, we strive to answer the telephone on as few rings as possible.  If your call goes unanswered, please try again later or email us.

Does your motel have air conditioning?

All of our rooms are cooled with swamp coolers, which is an evaporative cooling system that works quite well in the desert. The cool air comes in through a vent on the ceiling. There is no thermostat for this. We have several rooms that have their own air conditioning units in addition to the swamp coolers. The rooms with 3 beds, the cottage, and several rooms with 2 beds have a/c. If you would like one of these units you’ll have to make a special request when you make your reservation.

Do you have a swimming pool at Panamint Springs?

No, we do not have a pool, but have plans to develop one in the near future.

Is there digital cell phone service in Death Valley National Park?

Digital cell service is very limited in Death Valley National Park. There is cell service at Furnace Creek and a few other specific locations, depending on your provider. There is no digital cellular service at Panamint Springs Resort.

Is there a payphone at Panamint Springs Resort?

Since Panamint Springs Resort is completely off-grid, we do not have land lines. Our only phone is our reservation line. This is only available for emergencies and is $2.50 per minute with a $5 connection fee. Our phone is not always reliable, so there may not be service when you need it. Please plan ahead and make your calls before you arrive at Panamint Springs Resort. We do have free Wi-Fi, but we have limited bandwidth so please do not use Skype or other voice-over IP services on our internet.

Why are your gas prices so high?

The main reason is our high operating costs. We operate entirely off-grid and produce our power via diesel generator. The second reason is our high delivery costs due to our remote location. Our gas is usually more expensive than Stovepipe Wells, as this is a park concession operated by the federal government. Stovepipe Wells only has 87 octane, no higher grades or diesel. Furnace Creek is generally the same or more than our gas. We recommend filling your tank before you enter the park. There is gas inRidgecrest, Olancha, and Lone Pine, CA. If you are coming from the south, please be advised that there is no longer gas in Trona, CA. We have gas as a public service because there are no other gas stations in this valley. We regret the high cost, but would not be able to operate otherwise.

Can I pay my park entry fee at Panamint Springs Resort?

No, you cannot pay the park entry fee here. There is no pay station on the western side of the park. We are privately owned, and are therefore not affiliated with the park service. The closest pay station is at Stovepipe Wells. You can also pay the entry fee at the Furnace Creek visitor center.

How do I get to Darwin Falls from Panamint Springs Resort?

Darwin Falls is very easily accessible from Panamint Springs. You can reach the falls with a regular passenger car.  Drive ¾ of a mile west on highway 190 from Panamint Springs Resort. Take a left on the dirt road (there a small wooden sign that reads “DarwinFalls” on the right side of the road). Drive on the dirt road for 2.5 miles until you reach a small turnout on the right side of the road. *(If you see a sign that reads “4-wheel drive only” this means you have gone too far. Turn around and go back a short distance.) Park in the turnout area and follow the trail one mile to Darwin Falls. The hike is relatively easy. You will have to cross the stream a few times and there are muddy areas. The pay-off is spectacular…a 20 foot waterfall in Death Valley National Park!