• visiting the hottest, driest, and lowest National Park- and finding it way more than we imagined
• hiking across badlands, through canyons, and around an old volcano with a professional geologist
  
• visiting Scotty's Castle, the Borax Museum, and Zabriskie Point
• stargazing in one of the darkest skies you'll ever see
  
• relaxing by the pool and being glad it isn't July

Death Valley is the perfect antidote to the winter blahs! In February the skies are clear and sunny (but not too hot!) and the hiking is excellent. In addition to unique ecology and engaging human history, there is fascinating geology that our professional geologist will help us understand. We'll visit Scotty's Castle, a complete anomaly in this landscape; the lowest point in the whole US; and an old volcanic crater. If you long to put away your down jacket and put on your shorts, feel warm sun on your deprived skin, and be totally immersed in a place that has a mythic status for many of us, join us for five days as we explore one of our newest National Parks.  By the end of the trip you'll have higher Vitamin D levels and a whole new appreciation of this unique landscape. This trip is currently full. Please contact us if you would like to be on the waiting list.

any active woman who wants to explore Death Valley. The hikes are moderate and designed to explore the fascinating geology and history of the area.  Rating: 1  [2]  3  4  5

• three nights at Furnace Creek Ranch
• one night at a hotel in Las Vegas
  

• experienced guides, including a professional geologist
• four nights of double occupancy accommodation
• all meals from dinner on Sunday to lunch on Thursday, except for one dinner
• round-trip transportation from Las Vegas and during the trip
• National Park and Scotty's Castle entry fees

arrive Las Vegas (LAS) anytime before 6 pm on February 13

We will be back at the Las Vegas airport by 3:30 pm on February 17 and you can fly out anytime after 4:45 pm

you can download the complete trip information here

February is typically excellent hiking, with temperatures in the high 70s. The following itinerary may be adjusted because of weather, availability of ranger talks, group wishes, etc.

Saturday: Out trip starts today in Las Vegas.  Arrive anytime before 6pm. We will meet at our hotel at 6pm for a trip orientation and then go out to dinner. (D)

Sunday: Today we will make our way to Death Valley National Park, a drive that takes about 2.5 hours. We'll start our exploration with the Gower Gulch Hike, a perfect introduction to the geology of the area. This 4.5 mile loop trail first takes us through colorful Golden Canyon (there is also an interpretative trail here), over badlands to below Zabriskie Point, and down Gower Gulch. We'll then go to our lodging, Furnace Creek Ranch, where we'll spend the next three nights. Overnight Furnace Creek Ranch. (B, L, D).

Monday: This morning we'll hike 2 to 4 miles into Mosaic Canyon, so named because of its polished marble walls. Millions of years ago this area was covered by a vast sea, resulting in limestone formation. Add magnesium and other sedimentary rock, and lots of heat and pressure, and over the years the limestone metamorphosed into today's marble. On this out and back hike we may even see bighorn sheep. As long as we're in the Stovepipe Wells area, we'll also visit the Sand Dunes where we can walk cross-country to 100 foot high sand dunes. If you want some time on your own during this trip, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to do as you choose. For example you might want to fit in lounging by the outdoor swimming pool that is naturally heated by warm springs that keep the pools' temperature at a comfortable 82 degrees. Alternatively you can join your guides in a visit to the Borax Museum, which is focused on the history of Death Valley; and checking out the National Park Visitor Center. Dinner is on your own tonight. Overnight Furnace Creek Ranch (B, L).

Tuesday: Death Valley is a huge park, a fact we'll appreciate more fully with today's visit to the northern part of the Park. We'll start with a tour of Scotty's Castle, a Spanish-style mansion that was built in the 1920s and is completely out of place in this environment. From there we'll drive to the 600-foot deep Ubehebe Crater, the remnants of a massive volcanic explosion 300 years ago. We'll hike along the west rim of the Crater to Little Hebe and several other craters, before continuing around the rim for a total of 1.5 miles. If we have time on the way back, we'll also stop at the Salt Creek Interpretative Trail. An easy boardwalk takes us to the Creek, a stream of salty water that is the only habitat of the endangered pupfish. We'll finish the day with a drive to Artist's Palette to watch the sunset before returning to the ranch. Overnight Furnace Creek Ranch  (B, L, D)

Wednesday: Want to pack in as much as possible? Then join your guides for a drive to Zabriskie Point to watch the sunrise. Need more rest? Then sleep in and join us for breakfast. Whichever you choose, we'll pack up after breakfast and then go visit Badwater Salt Flat. It could be a high point of your visit, but it's definitely the lowest point in the entire United States. We'll walk at least a half mile to the edge, and perhaps further if we're so inclined. We'll also walk on the Natural Bridge Canyon Trail, an easy walk through a narrow canyon to a natural bridge. After a final picnic lunch we'll return to Las Vegas. We'll have you back by 3:30 and you can either plan to fly out after 4:45 or stick around and try your luck. (B, L)