Cynthia's Safaris

We did the lost world ATV tour with Matt and it was amazing. We were the only ones doing that tour that day so it was even more special. We had never done ATVing before and Matt explained everything in detail and let us go at our own pace. The trail and way he planned the trip was thoughtful and very good. You get to see an old mining location, view beautiful mountains, go fast, go slow, and experience different types of driving. He also takes you to the China Ranch Date Farm so I recommend bringing money for a date shake which was excellent! It was such a unique experience I really recommend this if you’re in the area. We did this while visiting Death Valley. He gives you a face cover and goggles , plus helmet so you’re covered from the dust. I recommend older clothes because you WILL get dusty. 100% try this out and you won’t regret it!!

I had a terrific time the other day at Cynthia’s. I visited with my mum from Canada and this was a surreal experience. I’d really have to say that doing this tour with Cynthia’s offers an unparalleled perspective of a beautiful and historic land. The vehicles are next level and the paths are really accessible and fun for newcomers. Most importantly, the service was amazing. We went with Matthew who is a true gentleman - really kind, intelligent, and fun individual who elevated our experience so much more. He went out of his way to have really nice conversations with my mum and I and he had really great stories about the land and the local community, and showed us the local hotspots in a really professional and knowledgeable way. I think expected to have fun, but this was such a highlight I am really really going to remember and mention to my friends back home. Kudos to this operation for their professionalism, hospitality, and hosting a great time

Went on a 3 hour ATV tour with Matt and it was an amazing experience! Checked out an old mine, a date farm with delicious date smoothies, and tore it up on desert trails!

Lovely place in the middle of nowhere. House very clean and comfortable. The host Cynthia was very welcoming, gave us tips and showed us some nice places around. We also had such good meals cooked by herself. At night we could watch millions of stars on the chair deck in the middle of palm trees.

Anyone of any age, who is looking for a unique adventure in the Mojave Desert MUST take a four-wheeler tour with Matthew of Lost World Tours. With Cynthia's Basecamp as the point of departure, you will travel to abandoned mine sites, rock formations, and views that would be otherwise inaccessible. Matthew is an engaging and informative guide - he is also mindful of safety and provided a through briefing. Just don't forget the phenomenal date shake when you stop at China Ranch! Can not recommend this experience more enthusiastically.

During my stay I felt very welcomed and at home; the prepared meals were amazing, the night view of the stars was spectacular and the accomodations made my stay in Death Valley infinitely more comfortable!

This is what I wanted, a dessert escape from the rush of the city and crowds yet I still wanted that home away from home stay and that's what Cynthia's delivered. Perfect spot to get away and go exploring off road into the mountains or on bike. Cynthia pointed out various spots of interest and made sure we had everything we needed to enjoy our stay. I stayed in the tipi, and it was a charm!! Was able to use nearby trailer for showers and some light cooking. Pictures posted (check them out)!! Be sure to ask for off roading adventures, she can set that up for you on-site (let her know in advance!). Totally worth it :-)

Cynthia's is a nice place to stay near Shoshone. The proprietor (Cynthia) will make you feel welcome and the lodgings are clean and comfortable. While it's not overly glamorous, you'll sleep well and enjoy your time.

We spent 3 nights at Cynthia's in one of the 3 tipis that she has in the middle of a date farm in the middle of nowhere. We used the location as our base for covering Death Valley and absolutely loved it! You check in at Cythias and then they lead you, by car, to the tipis by leaving the road and driving through a small canyon that opens out into the China Ranch Date Farm. The tipis are amongst the date palms next to the house which contains kitchen facilities if you wish to prepare food for yourselves. The tipis have air conditioning and heating if you need it while maintaining the pleasures of sleeping under canvas. There are no meals available at Cynthia's but there are several reasonable places to eat and one superb restaurant that is truly a surprise in this location. Talk to Cynthia about the places to eat and you won't be disappointed. There is also a local bar that bees its own beers from some non-traditional ingredients and the ones we tried during our stay and they were excellent. One of the benefits of being far away from built up areas is the the nighttime sky. The stars feel as if they are pressing down on you. Cynthia has an astro safari where Chad can answer any questions you have about the night skies. Chad has a massive astronomical telescope through which he will show you the farther reaches of our galaxy and galaxies beyond. We can really recommend this safari with the combination of pristine clarity and a passionate and knowledgable guide in Chad. We stayed at Cynthia's prior to the availability of the desert safaris. We would like to go back to Cynthia's and take advantage of these excursions. Cynthia loves Death Valley and know is intimately. There is so much to explore with limited time.

Nice little stop on our road trip. We stayed in the Bella Vista room at Cynthia's on a three state road trip and it was amazing. Cynthia was a great host! The room was comfortable and the wifi was very fast despite being in the middle of nowhere. The place was very easy to find as well. I'm sad that we had to leave as early as we did to get back on the road.

I spend a night at youth hostel. It is great place for a group to hang out. This place is about 10-15 miles away from nearest town Shoshone; where gas station, grocery & restaurant are located. Hostel is an old trailer with one private room, a dorm for 4 & a well equipped kitchen. Bring your own food, water, etc as it is little expensive at store. Great place to view stars. They have a viewing tower for it. Only cons, it is 1 - 1 1/2 drive to badwater basin. So it is a great place to make a stop. If i have to spend few days in Death Valley, I will live at stovewells pipe or Furnance Creek. Gas is very expensive. I will definitely recommended this place.

Ok, long review but I hope it's helpful. This place is quirky, odd and I love it. An oasis? Nope. Glamping at its finest with excellent hiking? Absolutely. When you see this 5 star review ,think five star camping not resort. Cynthias is in the middle of nowhere and you have 2 options for lodging: 1. Old trailer homes (yes single wide mobile homes cut into thirds) or tipis located on land about 2 miles away. We choose the room in the mobile home: 1. Heat (we stayed in December. They have air conditioning too) and 2. Bathroom attached to room. The amenities include electricity, 2 towels, hot water and a tiolet you don't have to walk to. Bring shampoo, conditioner, lotion, snacks. No fridge or microwave no coffee pot. We bought one at Target for $14. Best decision ever (bring cups). The tipis are located down the road on a functioning date farm. They share a large, cozy common area where you can cook in the full kitchen and shower. Nicer than common areas in camp grounds. Plus the tipis seem really cool (but are more expensive). There are 3 restaurants within 30 miles, so bring food. But if you don't want to cook try the new place that just opened (Dec 2016) with the sign that reads Steaks and Beer. I was shocked at the quality of our meal considering the location. This place is located on the old Spanish Highway (make a left out of Cynthia's and drive about 2 miles). It's at the intersection of hot springs road and old Spanish Highway. The indoor seating in slighted (2 table, seating 6 people and 2 bar stools) but the outdoor seating is huge. The menu is small but Eric (the guy that owns it, cooks and serves) can really make a steak. Steaks and Beer'sign menu has a salad, 2 pasta dishes and a few Steaks. Desert is avaliable. Plenty of beer. We have a lovely salad with berries and home made salad dressing. The pasta dishes was served with generous amounts of Buffalo mozzarella and prosciutto in a mildly spicy sauce. The thick filet was cooked to perfection and served with local salted veggies (that vary depending on the season) and some kick ass mashed potatoes. Back to Cynthia's. Right behind the tipis there is some mild (but aesthetically pleasing) hiking. Cynthia can give you the lay of the landay. She's super helpful and kind. I appreciate that. The resident astronomer is available for hire and I highly suggest you secure a time because the night sky is stunning. Google folks, you really are in the middle of nowhere and if you want luxury, reserve a room at one of the fancy places inside death valley. However. If you want to avoid huge throngs of people, meet a few interesting folks with a lot of local knowledge and enjoy the great desert, stay here!

I'm honored to write Cynthia's first review- and a little shocked that no one else has rated it. Should you be in the area, may I suggest staying at one of the guest trailers? Or, if you are on a budget, traveling with friends or family, a night at the Tipi's or hostel? Cynthia converted a formel hostel to a veru cozy abode, and runs it pretty informally, but is always around. Usually driving back and forth between the China Date ranch but makes herself available. We stayed in the "Bella Notte" room for around $98 night. The grounds have a neat star tower you can climb to check out the gorgeous desert sky. Its a nice respite from Furnace Creek in Death Valley where we have stayed in the past. Its close to Tecopa and Shoshone which has limited but good dining options. Also, make a trip to China Ranch Date Farm for a date shake and hike the premesis. Highly recommended. If you can, chat with Cynthia- she's a gem in the desert!

A Rough Gem in the Desert We'd been looking for a place from which to explore the Mojave Desert and trying to avoid staying in a crappy casino hotel in Primm. Cynthia's has the vibe of a bed & breakfast without the breakfast. The rooms are in trailers and/or tipis (wish I'd checked out one of those), and so are a bit rustic but very comfortable and reasonably appointed. Good shower, comfortable bed, excellent wifi, nice sunset view, absolutely zero cell service. But what makes this place one I'd return to is Cynthia. She was incredibly helpful, with food and activity recommendations, but also with a luggage hiccup with our stay at the Inn at Furnace Creek (if only they'd been so helpful!). And she should absolutely charge extra for her wonderful sweet pets! I was a little leery of staying in Tecopa, since it seemed too far from the Mojave preserve, but am SOOOO glad we did. The Amargosa River makes this area worth its own visit.

An absolutely wonderful and charming place to stay. Cynthia was an amazing hostess, full of knowledge and warmth. The decorating was beautiful! The desert air was what we needed. And the animal companions really made our stay enjoyable. My only regret? That we only stayed one night over the Memorial Day weekend. Next time...next time we'll stay longer! We stayed in the Bella Vista room, which was lovely. If you're coming to this area and are expecting a 5 Star resort, you should keep driving. This entire area is for those who enjoy the desert life, the remote locations, the quiet nights, the true "get away from it all" get away. No WiFi, no TV, no phones. Heaven. Looking forward to staying here again. And Cynthia, thank you so very much for your hospitality and for creating this haven. Yours, Lisa & Jim

Our stay at Cynthia's was a highlight of our trip. While not for everyone, the stay in the teepee was really fun. They are cooled, and have nice beds inside. The property is unique and secluded and within a short drive of Death Valley. If you are looking for something different with a bit of adventure, stay in a teepee!

My second trip back to Cynthia's and this time I brought some chums. We stayed one night in the tipi and had a soak in the nearby mineral baths then some stargazing back at Cynthia's. Breakfast and great conversation the next am. Mark that works with Cynthia knows a great deal of history on the area. The only downfall is i missed her dog Bob. That's okay though, Bob an