Death Valley National Park covers over 3 million acres of wilderness, making it the largest national park in the Lower 48. It is a land of contrasts, home to the lowest point in North America and the driest place on the continent. Facts aside, the terrain is otherworldly and offers a variety of unique hiking opportunities for the active traveler: narrow, labyrinthine slot canyons through polished marble and limestone, hidden oases frequented by bighorn sheep, and challenging mining trails that climb to remote desert summits. Explore hidden narrows, traverse high ridge lines with expansive desert views, and experience the scenic Mesquite Flat sand dunes. While the days are action-packed, the evenings are spent kicking back at our campsite, enjoying colorful desert sunsets, and savoring the delicious meals prepared by our guides. A perfect long-weekend escape from daily life and a chance to forge new friendships with like-minded peers.
Death Valley National Park covers over 3 million acres of wilderness, making it the largest national park in the Lower 48. It is a land of contrasts, home to the lowest point in North America and the driest place on the continent. Facts aside, the terrain is otherworldly and offers a variety of unique hiking opportunities for the active traveler: narrow, labyrinthine slot canyons through polished marble and limestone, hidden oases frequented by bighorn sheep, and challenging mining trails that climb to remote desert summits. Explore hidden narrows, traverse high ridge lines with expansive desert views, and experience the scenic Mesquite Flat sand dunes. While the days are action-packed, the evenings are spent kicking back at our campsite, enjoying colorful desert sunsets, and savoring the delicious meals prepared by our guides. A perfect long-weekend escape from daily life and a chance to forge new friendships with like-minded peers.
Meet your fellow travelers and guides in Las Vegas early this morning. After a scenic three-hour van ride, we begin our first hike in Death Valley National Park. We reach Dante's View at 5,500', then hike along the spine of the Black Mountains with amazing views on both sides. To the west, we look down a vertical mile to Badwater and the Death Valley saltpan, with snow-topped Telescope Peak (11,049') directly across the valley. To the east, we overlook range after range of mountains spilling across the California-Nevada border. After the hike, we continue to Furnace Creek Campground where we set up camp and enjoy a homemade dinner and an evening under the stars. Lunch and dinner included.
Accommodation: Furnace Creek Campground
Activity: 5 miles hiking with 1,200' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 3 hours private van transfer
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Hike through the Funeral Mountains to colorful badlands
Day 2
After breakfast, we hike across the foothills of the Funeral Mountains to the multicolored badlands of Twenty Mule Team Canyon and Golden Canyon. We begin at 1,800' before descending below sea level through a maze of canyons to a viewpoint overlooking the Death Valley saltpan. Our guides take time to point out the landscape's fascinating geological features and enlighten us on the natural history of this unique ecosystem. After our hike we return to camp and enjoy dinner by the campfire. All meals included.
Accommodation: Furnace Creek Campground
Activity: 10 miles hiking with 300' elevation gain adn 1,900' loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore colorful marble narrows, hike a canyon rim trail, dine on the dunes
Day 3
This morning our destination is a deep, narrow canyon carved into polished marble and colorful mosaics of dolomite. We hike through several sections of narrows before scrambling out of the canyon to a rim trail that helps us bypass an unclimbable 25' dry waterfall. This rim trail is the gateway to a deep, twisted gorge and another tall, dry fall and grotto. We follow the rim trail high above the canyon back to the trailhead, stopping to take in the expansive view across Mesquite Flat and Death Valley. Dinner tonight is al fresco among the Mesquite Flat Dunes, the perfect place to stargaze in the country's largest designated Dark Sky National Park. All meals included.
Accommodation: Furnace Creek Campground
Activity: 5 miles hiking with 1,500' elevation gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit Badwater and Devil's Golf Course, hike Desolation Canyon, return to Las Vegas
Day 4
We finish our exploration of Death Valley appropriately with visits to Badwater and the Devil's Golf Course. Badwater, at 280' below sea level, is just a few miles from the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere and often the hottest spot on Earth in summer months. Nearby, short, jagged salt pinnacles cluster together to form Devil's Golf Course, a bizarre landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see. Afterward, we have time for one last adventure: colorful Desolation Canyon. We head back to Las Vegas this afternoon for return flights and goodbyes. Breakfast and lunch included.
Activity: 3.6 miles hiking with 600' elevation gain and loss
MT Sobek has been exploring US National Parks for more than 50 years, placing a strong emphasis on responsible travel practices that protect the natural environment.
We deliver this stunning Mojave Desert experience in just four days - the perfect hiking trip for the short-on-time traveler.
Accompanied by our expert local guides, explore the most beautiful hidden corners of the region, and learn about its incredible geology and diverse flora and fauna.
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Matt K.
Matt is an adventure enthusiast who enjoys engaging in nature and the great unknown as an experienced rock climber, mountain guide, and professional outdoor photographer. Based in Las Vegas, he enjoys having Red Rock Canyon in his backyard, where you can also find him cycling, trail running, and bird watching. Matt is a certified Wilderness First Responder.
Chris K.
John was born and raised in New Orleans, LA, where an appreciation of diverse cultures and cuisine comes with the territory. His interest in rock climbing drew him out west, where he discovered irresistible landscapes of all kinds and became an outdoor guide in 2022. If he’s not hiking desert trails, you might find him looking for wildlife in the Yellowstone area. He is excited to explore with you.
John S.
John Swafford was born and raised in New Orleans, LA, where he developed an appreciation of culture and cuisine. A passion for rock climbing brought him out West, where he picked up guiding in 2022. When John is not on the trail in the desert you can find him hanging out in the Yellowstone area looking for wildlife.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. You should be capable of hiking up to 10 miles (up to 6 hours) per day, while carrying a day pack weighing 10-15 pounds. The terrain can be rugged and may require some rock scrambling to negotiate. Some hikes have short sections of steep trail that have exposure. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 1
5 miles hiking with 1,200' elevation gain and loss
Day 2
10 miles hiking with 300' elevation gain adn 1,900' loss
Day 3
5 miles hiking with 1,500' elevation gain and loss
Day 4
3.6 miles hiking with 600' elevation gain and loss
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
An ideally located and comfortable campground, featuring picnic tables, fire pits, and access to restrooms and potable water.
Furnace Creek Campground, nestled in the heart of Death Valley National Park, offers a unique desert camping experience at 190 feet below sea level. Surrounded by striking landscapes of rugged mountains, salt flats, and sand dunes, the campground provides a convenient base for exploring the park's iconic attractions. With a mix of shaded and open sites, Furnace Creek features picnic tables, fire pits, and access to restrooms and potable water. The stunning night skies and dramatic sunsets make it a favorite spot for stargazers and adventurers alike.
Weather
Death Valley is known for the hottest temperature on record, but spring and fall temperatures average highs of 75-85°F and lows of 55-65°F.
Feb
Mar
Oct
Nov
Death Valley National Park
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Death Valley National Park
74
46
82
55
93
62
77
48
FAQs
How should I train for my California desert adventure?
The best training is hiking. Work up to hiking similar distances with your daypack loaded with the same weight and items you will be carrying on our day hikes.
Is there wildlife in the desert?
Yes! The desert is home to several mammals, reptiles, arachnids and in the direct path of migratory birds and home to over 300 bird species.