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California Joshua Tree & Death Valley Hiking Tour

Vast Landscapes & Mojave Desert Beauty


Discover the stunning and diverse Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Parks on this exciting hiking adventure, deep in the Mojave Desert. From Palm Springs' tranquil oases, journey to Joshua Tree with its whimsical namesake trees and twisted boulders, shaped by geologic forces. Then head to Death Valley, renowned for having the hottest temperature on record! Hike to Badwater Flats, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level, and explore volcanic craters, wind-sculpted canyons, and desert dunes. Enjoy the comfort of characterful lodges and spend nights stargazing under the Milky Way!

6 Days

From: $3,795

Discover the stunning and diverse Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Parks on this exciting hiking adventure, deep in the Mojave Desert. From Palm Springs' tranquil oases, journey to Joshua Tree with its whimsical namesake trees and twisted boulders, shaped by geologic forces. Then head to Death Valley, renowned for having the hottest temperature on record! Hike to Badwater Flats, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level, and explore volcanic craters, wind-sculpted canyons, and desert dunes. Enjoy the comfort of characterful lodges and spend nights stargazing under the Milky Way!

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Follow scenic trails in Joshua Tree and marvel at the Mojave Desert's wondrous plant life

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Delight in charming lodges and desert oases, and stargaze at two International Dark Sky Parks

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Highlights


  • Follow scenic trails in Joshua Tree and marvel at the Mojave Desert's wondrous plant life
  • Explore the craters and canyons of Death Valley, and visit the lowest point in North America
  • Delight in charming lodges and desert oases, and stargaze at two International Dark Sky Parks

California Joshua Tree & Death Valley Hiking Adventure

Start: Palm Springs, California   End: Las Vegas, Nevada

Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

Itinerary


  • Hike in Palm Springs Oasis & Joshua Tree National Park

    Day 1

    Welcome to Palm Springs, California. An MT Sobek representative will pick you up this morning from your pre-trip hotel. After an orientation meeting, embark on your first desert hike this morning; discover the sublime resilience of plants and animals that have adapted to the desert and visit a lush oasis. Marvel at cracks in the earth formed by the San Andreas Fault, and explore Indian Palms Canyon or the Coachella Valley Preserve (depending on conditions). Along the way your guide will provide interpretation and stories of local geology, native culture, and plant and animal life. This afternoon head to 49 Palms Oasis, a hidden paradise and one of the five oases found within the park.

    Accommodation: Campbell House Inn at 29 Palms

    Activity: 2-4 hours/3-5 miles hiking with 200' elevation gain

    Transportation: 1-2.5 hour private van transfer

    Meals: Lunch, Dinner

  • Explore Joshua Tree National Park

    Day 2

    Rise for a day of exploration in Joshua Tree National Park, covering 400,000 acres of designated Mojave Desert wilderness! The morning starts in Hidden Valley, dubbed the Wonderland of Rocks, where you will follow trails past monzogranite boulders and colorful petroglyphs. Along the way, learn the history of Barker Dam and see one of the best-preserved gold mills. Be wowed by native flora, including palms, yuccas, and the park's namesake Joshua trees. This afternoon, go deep into Joshua Tree National Park for a hike through natural rock formations in search of the abandoned Mastodon mine!

    Accommodation: Campbell House Inn at 29 Palms

    Activity: 5-6 hours/up to 7 miles hiking with 300' elevation gain (multiple trails - longest hike 3 miles)

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Head to Mojave Desert Preserve & Death Valley National Park

    Day 3

    After breakfast, journey through the Mojave National Preserve toward Death Valley National Park. On the way, stop for a morning hike at one of the oldest and most expansive dune fields before enjoying lunch in Baker - home to the world's tallest thermometer! After lunch, continue to Death Valley to hike the lowest point in North America at Badwater Salt Flats (282 feet below sea level) and be amazed by the palette of rock colors on Artist Drive. The best way to end the day is with stargazing! Death Valley has minimal light pollution to impede view of the stars and the Milky Way, and is a designated International Dark Sky Park.

    Accommodation: The Ranch at Death Valley

    Activity: 2-3 hours/4 miles hiking with 200' elevation gain

    Transportation: 4.5-hour private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Crater Hike in Death Valley National Park

    Day 4

    Start the day with a hike along the rim of the spectacular 600-foot Ubehebe Crater-created by a powerful volcanic explosion around 300 years ago. Hike into Mosaic Canyon, named for its beautiful water-polished marble rock walls, and finish the afternoon with a hike to the highest sand dune in Mesquite Flat Dunes. Marvel at the vast dunes and twisted Mesquite trees, which provide a habitat for desert wildlife. This evening is on your own to enjoy the amenities at the Ranch at Death Valley and Oasis resort.

    Accommodation: The Ranch at Death Valley

    Activity: 6-7 hours/6-7 miles hiking with 500-1200' elevation gain (multiple trails - longest hike 4 miles)

    Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  • Explore Death Valley National Park

    Day 5

    After breakfast, head out for a final day of exploration in Death Valley. Step into history with a tour of the Amargosa Opera House's richly painted interior and storied past. Next, explore a desert oasis at the China Ranch date farm. In the afternoon walk between towering walls and rippling walls shaped by long gone waterways at Golden Canyon, plus enjoy a special surprise. Enjoy a farewell dinner with the group tonight.

    Accommodation: The Ranch at Death Valley

    Activity: 5-6 hours/up to 6 miles hiking with 500' elevation gain (multiple trails - longest hike 3 miles)

    Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Sunrise at Zabriskie Point, Visit Dante's Peak & Head to Las Vegas

    Day 6

    Wake early to see the sunrise from iconic Zabriskie Point - an otherworldly experience above the rippling badlands. Our next stop is Dante's Peak, where stunning 360-degree views of the park await! Then it's time to head to Las Vegas, with a stop for lunch on the way. The evening is yours to catch an evening flight home or spend the night on your own in Las Vegas.

    Activity: 2 hours sightseeing

    Transportation: 2.5-hour private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Why Travel With Us?


  • MT Sobek has been pioneering adventure travel in North America for more than 50 years!

  • Our trips are designed for travelers who are looking for an authentic adventure, not a tourist experience - and this trip is no exception.

  • Hike with our local expert guides know the Mojave Desert's most beautiful hidden corners.

Dates & Prices


  • 2024
  • Go Private
  • Go Custom
  • Inclusions

2024

Scheduled Dates


The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.

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Go Private

Go Private


Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.

Call or email us to get the ball rolling.

*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.


Looking for a private family adventure?


This trip can accommodate guests with a
minimum age of 16.

Private Trip Pricing:


2023 Pricing

3 guests from $5,725 per person double occupancy

4 to 5 guests from $5,395 per person double occupancy

6 to 7 guests from $4,495 per person double occupancy

2024 Pricing

3 guests from $6,225 per person double occupancy

4 guests from $5,595 per person double occupancy

6 guests from $4,595 per person double occupancy

5 guests from $4,995 per person double occupancy

7 guests from $4,295 per person double occupancy

8 guests from $3,995 per person double occupancy

*Seasonal rates may apply.

Additional Costs:


Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.

*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.

Take Over One of These Dates


Make Your Own Dates in These Months


Go Custom

Create Your Very Own Adventure


Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.

When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.

*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.

Start Planning

Inclusions

Price Includes


  • Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
  • All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
  • All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
  • Snacks and water between meals
  • Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
  • Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
  • Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
  • Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
  • Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
  • Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
  • Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
  • Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Baggage transfers and porterage

Price Does Not Include


  • International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
  • Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
  • Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
  • Travel Protection Program
  • Personal expenses

Contact An Expert


800-974-0300

Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.

Your Guides


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.

Joel C.

Joel C.

There’s an old saying here in the desert,” I once heard Joel say. “What you see in the desert is a reflection of your own soul.” Never without his old battered hat, given to him by his grandfather, Joel has a passion for the wide-open spaces of the West. He has thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, the Appalachian Trail, the Arizona Trail, and charted his own cross-country trek across the Mojave Desert, a total hike of approximately 10,000 miles. Joel is an experienced guide with four years leading horse rides in Southern Utah, and ten years leading adventure tours throughout the West. Despite it all, Joel doesn’t think of himself as a hiker per se. “Walking is just a nice pace to see the world,” he says. Off duty you’ll find him on the tennis court, playing ping pong, volunteering, and reading Western history alongside a cup of coffee.

Brad Indy H.

Brad Indy H.

Growing up in the Adirondack region of upstate New York, Indy was embedded with the love of the outdoors and desire for exploration. Now married for over 30 years with two adult children out doing their own thing for nearly 5 years, he decided to change life plans and travel the country to look, learn, explore, and enjoy life on a new level. And level up he did! Indy has been able to hike all over the US including tackling the Appalachian Trail, take on class 5 whitewater rapids, and throws in marathons when he's able to. So far, he's completed marathons in 30 different states. Even with all these adventures, his desire to explore and journey to new places is continuously growing. Adding guests to his ventures only heightens the travel experience where he can share in his knowledge and love of the outdoors.

Alex Y.

Alex Y.

Alex graduated from the University of Minnesota, Duluth during the recession in 2009. The recession was a blessing in disguise. With layoffs happening in the corporate world, he stumbled upon guiding and the travel life and never looked back. Since then, he has spent 11 seasons guiding, three winters in the mountains teaching snowboarding, nine months backpacking Central and South America, five months in New Zealand with a van, multiple trips around Europe and Africa, and so much more. Currently Alex has "settled" (not really) at the South end of Lake Powell, the United State's second largest water reservoir. He uses this as a hub to access the surrounding beauty of the Colorado Plateau as well as guiding tours.

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After breakfast, head out for a final day of exploration in Death Valley. Step into history with a tour of the Amargosa Opera House\'s richly painted interior and storied past. Next, explore a desert oasis at the China Ranch date farm. In the afternoon walk between towering walls and rippling walls shaped by long gone waterways at Golden Canyon, plus enjoy a special surprise. Enjoy a farewell dinner with the group tonight.

[Breakfast] => 1 [Lunch] => 1 [Dinner] => 1 [Travel_Type] => 1.5-hour private van transfer [Quotation] => [Quotation_Attribution] => [Quotation_Location] => [Itinerary_Location] => [Latitude] => 36.431 [Longitude] => -117.265 ) [5] => Array ( [DayFrom] => 6 [DayTo] => 6 [Headline] => Sunrise at Zabriskie Point, Visit Dante\'s Peak & Head to Las Vegas [ActivityOverview] => 2 hours sightseeing [EstimatedLength] => [ActivityLevel] => [ItinBlock] =>

Wake early to see the sunrise from iconic Zabriskie Point - an otherworldly experience above the rippling badlands. Our next stop is Dante\'s Peak, where stunning 360-degree views of the park await! Then it\'s time to head to Las Vegas, with a stop for lunch on the way. The evening is yours to catch an evening flight home or spend the night on your own in Las Vegas.

[Breakfast] => 1 [Lunch] => 1 [Dinner] => 0 [Travel_Type] => 2.5-hour private van transfer [Quotation] => [Quotation_Attribution] => [Quotation_Location] => [Itinerary_Location] => [Latitude] => 36.220 [Longitude] => -115.123 ) ) [ActivityHighlight] => Hikes consist of several trails on most days that are easy to moderate. You should feel comfortable hiking 3 to 5 hours a day with multiple breaks and a generally good level of fitness. [Trip_Level] => 2 )

Activity Level


This trip is rated activity level 2. Hikes consist of several trails on most days that are easy to moderate. You should feel comfortable hiking 3 to 5 hours a day with multiple breaks and a generally good level of fitness.
Learn more about activity levels here.

Activity Snapshot

Day 1

2-4 hours/3-5 miles hiking with 200' elevation gain

Day 2

5-6 hours/up to 7 miles hiking with 300' elevation gain (multiple trails - longest hike 3 miles)

Day 3

2-3 hours/4 miles hiking with 200' elevation gain

Day 4

6-7 hours/6-7 miles hiking with 500-1200' elevation gain (multiple trails - longest hike 4 miles)

Day 5

5-6 hours/up to 6 miles hiking with 500' elevation gain (multiple trails - longest hike 3 miles)

Day 6

2 hours sightseeing

Accommodations


Modern and comfortable three-star properties in five-star settings.

Campbell House Inn at 29 Palms
Campbell House Inn at 29 Palms

This Historic Desert Inn sits on 25 secluded acres, surrounded by towering Washingtonia fan palms and lush gardens, the Campbell House property offers a peaceful retreat, where you can experience the quiet and calm of the open desert. This modern-day desert oasis began as a modest homestead property in 1925, established by Twentynine Palms homesteaders Bill & Elizabeth Campbell, and is truly unlike anything else you will find in the Mojave Desert.

This historic inn is now under shared ownership with the iconic 29 Palms Inn and guests can enjoy shared amenities between both properties, including health and wellness services, yoga classes, and guided walking tours.

The Ranch at Death Valley
The Ranch at Death Valley

This former working ranch has been transformed into the heartbeat of The Oasis at Death Valley and the perfect home base for exploring the largest national park in the lower 48 states - Death Valley National Park. Offering a classic mid-century feel, guest rooms are adjacent to the Furnace Creek Golf Course on sprawling lawns with easy access to the ever-refreshing 87-degree spring-fed pool, sports courts and children's playground. Many rooms open onto patios, while others have balconies overlooking the grounds.

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
Joshua Tree National Park 
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Joshua Tree National Park
63
38
71
42
81
52
69
43

Know Before You Book


Accommodation
The national park accommodations on this trip provide great access to the top activities in the area. However, they are simpler compared to what we usually consider comfortable lodgingâ€"the rooms being more basic. Some buildings date back to the early 1900s and have been minimally renovated to follow park regulations. Overall, the service might feel slower and meal quality and selection much more limited compared to other MT Sobek trips. Keep in mind that internet and cell phone service are very limited throughout the parks.

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 Joshua Tree and Coachella Valley are in the direct path of migratory birds and home to over 300 bird species.

When is the best time to go on this trip?

Death Valley is the hottest, driest and lowest national park in the US and is well known for its summer blistering temperatures. For that reason, we recommend mid-October to mid-May.

Who is this trip perfect for?

This adventure is perfect for anyone who enjoys hiking in stunning desert landscapes, geology buffs, photography enthusiasts, and those who love to gaze at the stars!

What is the minimum age for this trip?
The standard minimum age for this trip is 18, but check out our private trip options for families and groups with younger guests.

Guest Reviews


"Traveling with MT Sobek is like gaining a new set of close friends that have shared an incredible experience together."

Mark N.
MT Sobek Guest

"Exceptional trips! Go with MT Sobek!"

Mitch S.
MT Sobek Guest