Star Wars: The Force Awakens doesn't open for another two weeks, but in the meantime you can indulge your inner nerd with a trip to Death Valley to see filming locations from the original trilogy.
The Furnace Creek Resort in Death Valley is sharing a free map of Star Wars filming locations including Dante's View, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Desolations Canyon, Artist's Drive and Golden Canyon.
Filmed in 1977, Episode IV - A New Hope was shot in several locations, including Tunisia and Guatemala. But these Death Valley spots, which helped create the Tatooine desert among other scenes from the film, are a much more feasible way to fangirl or fanboy within driving distance of LA (budget about 5 hours of travel each way).
Star Wars wasn't the only piece of entertainment history filmed in the National Park: Over the years Death Valley has been a popular shoot location, including two episodes of The Twilight Zone and the 1924 silent film Greed.
January's highs in Death Valley average around 67 degrees, making it one of the more reasonable times to visit the park. Lucky for you, geeks! Safe travels, and as always, may the Force be with you.
Courtesy: Death Valley National Park