Things to do

Follow the Old Spanish Trail. Thousands of traders and settlers followed this historic route into southern California. In the nearby desert you can walk in tracks left by 19th century wagon trains and contemplate the awesome terrain they faced. Cynthia’s is an official Old Spanish Trail Host property.

Hiking. Trek miles of the maintained Amargosa River Trail or forge your own path through undeveloped tracts of wilderness. Destinations include old mines, slot canyons or even mountain trails if you drive up into the Kingston Range.

Bird-Watching. The Amargosa River Canyon is home to more than 300 species of birds. The spring and fall migrations are spectacular. Hawks, hummingbirds, egrets and quail are an everyday sight. Vagrant migrant species are not uncommon.

Stargazing. Isolation from city lights makes astronomical event watching out of this world! Full moon risings are glorious. The tipis on China Ranch have a singular advantage for stargazers -- one fast disappearing from even rural areas: though it has electric power, and lodging, as well as ample open space, there is limited outdoor lighting. The closest source of light pollution is Las Vegas, about seventy miles away.

Photography. Whether you like to shoot desertscapes or focus a long lens on birds, you’ll find subject matter everywhere you look.

Geology and Rock Collecting. Geology, in all its colorful glory, is on display in the Amargosa River Canyon, as well as the surrounding desert mountain ranges. Rock hounds who know where to look may find opals, amethysts and garnets in the desert areas near Cynthia’s.

Natural Hot Springs. Cynthia's will reserve your indoor private pool, where you will enjoy an invigorating 1-hour soak in Tecopa's Artesian Hot Spring. The pool is a pleasant and short 3-mile drive from Cynthia's. The bath house is rustic and was used by miners in the early 20th century. Water temperature is an average 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The natural minerals in the spring water will leave your skin smooth and refreshed. Cynthia's will provide bathing essentials which include bath robes, towels, lufas and a cleansing concoction of our local clay.

Add this package when booking your room

Visit China Ranch. A working date farm with a gift shop.

Mountain Biking. Follow the rim of Willow Creek Canyon to implausible overlooks and remote historical sites. Or ride from Cynthia’s into the Amargosa Canyon.

Road Excursions. Any vehicle can tour the nearby Kingston Mountain range. Springs, mines and historical sites abound in unspoiled surroundings.

Off-Highway Vehicles. These are not allowed in the canyon or in designated wilderness areas. However, there is easy access for many types of vehicles through the nearby Sperry Wash route to the Dumont Dunes, an area open to off- vehicles.

Rock Climbing. Several nearby peaks offer easy to challenging excursions.

Horseback Riding. Guests are welcome to bring their horses and ride the surrounding wilderness areas.

Wildflowers. After rainy winters, the desert can burst into bloom, carpeting hillsides and flats with bright color. Even in dry years, beavertail and other cacti produce brilliant blossoms.