Best time to visit
Aim for opening (around 5 pm) or later evening to dodge the dinner rush. Weeknights are generally calmer than weekends. If you want patio seating, cooler months make it comfortable; bring a light layer after sunset.
Overview
About The Last Kind Words Saloon
Set inside The Ranch at Death Valley, Last Kind Words Saloon leans hard into its Western theme—think wanted posters, antique firearms, and taxidermy—making dinner feel like a step onto a movie set. It’s a central, lively spot near Furnace Creek and one of the more memorable sit‑down meals you can get without leaving the park.
Why stop
- Immersive Old West decor and atmosphere
- Full bar and hearty American menu
- Outdoor seating in the heart of The Ranch
Heads up
- Pricey for what you get
- Can have long waits at peak dinner hours
Map
Where it is
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Full mapLocal know-how
Tips for visiting The Last Kind Words Saloon
Reserve ahead for prime dinner hours; walk in right at 5 pm to skip waits.
If searching, try both names: Last Kind Words Saloon and Oasis at Death Valley Saloon.
Expect resort pricing—scan the menu before you sit if budget matters.
Burgers and ribs draw the most consistent praise; pasta gets mixed reviews.
Use The Ranch parking; it’s usually ample and close to the entrance.
Plan your stop
Before you go
Best time to visit
3 active Death Valley alerts
- ClosurePark roads closed or hazardousPlan around multiple closed roads and use extra caution on damaged routes. - Paved roads: North Highway and Beatty Cut-off are closed due to flooding and debris from the October 22 storm.Official details
- ClosureSaline Valley Lower Springs closed after wildfireLower Springs at Saline Valley Warm Springs remains closed after the September 15 wildfire; stay out because the fire left safety hazards, including potential hazardous chemicals.Official details
The highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.
Death Valley Tour Guide
Your drive to The Last Kind Words Saloon, narrated.
Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Death Valley National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.
See the Death Valley audio tourRecorded for this place
Furnace Creek: The Heart of Death ValleyListen
“Looks like you're heading into Furnace Creek, which is basically the central hub for all of Death Valley. This is your main stop for gas, lodging, and supplies from the General Store.”
Plays as you drive up to The Last Kind Words Saloon in the Parkwolf Death Valley Tour Guide.
More stories near here in the app
- Furnace Creek Visitor Center Area
- The World's Lowest Golf Course
- Timbisha Tacos: A Taste of Local Culture
- Furnace Creek Campground: The Park's Central Camp
- 130 audio storiesacross Death Valley’s roads, triggered by GPS as you drive
- Wildlife heatmapsfor Bighorn Sheep, Desert Tortoise, Coyote, and 13 more
- Works offlinemaps, 36 trails, 114 places, and audio download before you lose signal
- CarPlay readysimple controls built for the drive
“Fantastic app with many points of information… It’s great to just turn on while you’re driving and it gives you an audio tour of the national Park. We love it!!!!”
Guide
More about The Last Kind Words Saloon
Food & DrinkThe menu hits classic American comfort: steaks, burgers, ribs, pasta, salmon, and chili, with…
The menu hits classic American comfort: steaks, burgers, ribs, pasta, salmon, and chili, with vegetarian options in the mix. Portions are hearty and the full bar pours beer, wine, whiskey, and cocktails. Highlights called out by diners include burgers and ribs; pasta gets mixed notes, so order with your eyes open.
AtmosphereCasual, cozy saloon energy with a bustling dining room, TVs at the bar, and patio seating when…
Casual, cozy saloon energy with a bustling dining room, TVs at the bar, and patio seating when weather cooperates. The decor is half the fun—worth a look even if you’re just in for a drink.
PracticalitiesThis is a dinner operation with current hours around 5–9 pm, and it does get busy.
This is a dinner operation with current hours around 5–9 pm, and it does get busy. Reservations are accepted, but you may not need them outside peak times. Expect resort pricing. Parking is straightforward in The Ranch complex.
WildlifeYou won’t come here for wildlife, but around the grounds you might spot roadrunners or lizards…
You won’t come here for wildlife, but around the grounds you might spot roadrunners or lizards in passing.
Wildlife
Wildlife in Death Valley
71 sightingsBighorn SheepMost seen around 6 PMSighting map
101 sightingsDesert TortoiseMost seen around 8 AMSighting map
458 sightingsCoyoteMost seen around 6 PMSighting map
28 sightingsFeral BurroMost seen around 5 PMSighting map
30 sightingsMule DeerMost seen around 7 PMSighting map
62 sightingsKit FoxMost seen around 7 PMSighting mapSighting maps show where each species has been reported across Death Valley. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.
