Meetings and events can largely benefit from a venue with a little something special to offer, whether it be a stellar backdrop, delicious culinary experience, or memorable team-building activity. In California, there are two that make a name for themselves due to their locations and offerings: The Oasis at Death Valley in Death Valley and Greenhorn Ranch in Quincy.
The Oasis at Death Valley is located in the largest national park in the Lower 48—Death Valley National Park, known for its desert landscapes and record-high summer temperatures, and provides guests with a welcome respite from the dryness and heat. The resort encompasses two hotels, lush gardens, spring-fed outdoor swimming pools, the world’s lowest-elevation golf course, several meeting venues, and unparalleled stargazing opportunities due to the park’s designation as the largest Dark Sky-certified national park by the International Dark Sky Association. The Inn at Death Valley, one of the property’s two lodging options, was first built in 1927 and today features 66 guest rooms and 22 private casitas; The Ranch at Death Valley features 195 guest rooms and 80 one-bedroom cottages.
The Oasis at Death Valley’s largest gathering space it its Mission Gardens, which spans 12,675 square feet in size and can accommodate up to 280 attendees theater-style. Additional meeting spaces include the Gold Rush Room, the Stargazer’s Terrace, the Big Horn Room, and others.
To the north in Quincy—located just northwest of Lake Tahoe—is Greenhorn Ranch, a property that dates to 1962 and sits on 608 acres of land surrounded by mountains and forests. Its operating season is from May through October during which visitors can stay in one of its 16 rustic cabins or 12 guest rooms in the main lodge. Groups can take advantage of its indoor event space options, which include the Saloon and Bar Deck for up to 120, the lodge for up to 50, the Chuck House and Patio for up to 70, or its Tac Room and Patio for up to 15. Outdoor gathering spaces include wide-open grassy lawns, a bonfire pit, a serene trout pond, and others.
Most notably, event planners should consider any of the ranch’s stellar activities to add to the agenda, which include horseback trail rides, fly-fishing, hiking, electric mountain biking, archery, and much more.