Tucked away at the end of a bumpy dirt road, China Ranch Date Farm is the type of destination that's worth the detour. Although located just outside Death Valley, the farm feels like a desert oasis, complete with towering cottonwoods and meandering streams. The farm is not a resort or tourist development, but a real, working farm. Still, they welcome visitors to make the drive to check out China Ranch and enjoy the tranquility. Explore the hiking trails, enjoy a fresh-baked item, and be sure to take home some dates!

A lush oasis in the forbidding Mojave Desert near Death Valley, China Ranch is a family-owned and operated date farm that's worthy of a desert detour.

Finding this little slice of paradise in the desert isn't a casual task. It requires a long, winding drive on a lonely desert road. However, if you make the effort, you'll be handsomely rewarded by the sight of towering cottonwood and willow trees, wandering streams, and a historic atmosphere that'll make you feel like you've stumbled back in time.

China Ranch is a real, working farm, but they welcome visitors to make the trek out here to enjoy what they have to offer. Of course, the century-old farm sells a wide variety of dates and date products. Take home bread, syrups, cookies, and boxes of dates. And don't forget to try one of their famous date milkshakes!

After getting your fill of delicious, farm-fresh dates, you can take your time exploring the farm and its surroundings. It's an incredible area, complete with rusting historic structures, abandoned mines, and an old railroad bed. You can practically feel the history of China Ranch, as it's the site of what was the Old Spanish Trail.

Not to mention, adventures are abundant in this corner of the desert. You'll love exploring the area's geology, plant life, and wildlife via the farm's surrounding hiking trails. Hop on one and see where it takes you. Waterfalls and so much more await!

The property is also home to a modest museum filled with artifacts from the past. There's also a gift shop that boasts an eclectic collection of souvenirs, memorabilia, crafts, and canned items. You don't want to leave empty-handed from this unique destination.

Who would've thought that an oasis of baked goods, history, and hiking was hiding all the way out in the desert? Plan a trip to China Ranch to see what you've been missing! Visit the farm's website for more information.

Have you been to China Ranch Date Farm? Doesn't this desert oasis look amazing? It's definitely worth the drive it seems! Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.