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Death Valley and Joshua Tree
Destination: Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Parks
| Activities: Hiking
A Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Park hiking tour is the perfect antidote to the winter blahs and one of the best warm winter vacations in the United States! In March 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 guides will help us understand. We'll visit Rhyolite Ghost Town with its deserted ruins; see deserted mines; a saltwater river in the desert; a desert oasis home to the famous pupfish, hike at the lowest point in the whole US; along the rim of a volcano and through surreal geologic formations. 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 mystic status for many of us. By the end of the trip, you'll have higher Vitamin D levels and a whole new appreciation of this unique landscape. Maximum group size: 12
Highlights
- Learning all about the fascinating geology, flora and fauna of Death Valley & Joshua Tree NP
- Visiting both a low and high desert National Park
- Hiking across badlands, through canyons, around an old volcano and through ancient rock formations
- Stargazing in one of the darkest skies you'll ever see
- Visiting a ghost town, desert oasis, abandoned mines and enjoying the company of other like-minded travelers
Departures and Prices
| February 21 to February 28, 2023 |
| $3395.00 - FULL |
| Join Waitlist |
Inclusions
- 1 - 2 experienced AGC guides based on group size
- Seven nights of double occupancy accommodation
- All meals from dinner as outlined on the itinerary
- Transportation from Las Vegas to Death Valley, Death Valley to Joshua Tree and transportation to Palm Springs hotel
- National Park entry fees
Trip Documents
Trip Info
This trip is designed for any active woman who wants to explore Death Valley. This is an excellent trip for novice hikers: the hikes, while providing both variety and challenge, are moderate in length, and the guides will provide tips and instruction so that by the end you will be a confident hiker. A rating of 2 is suitable for any woman who regularly walks at a brisk pace 3 to 4 days a week for 35 - 45 minutes. Rating: 1 [2] 3 4 5.
On this trip we combine hiking with learning about the unique geology and fascinating human history of the area. In addition to hiking, you'll explore the very different geology of Golden Canyon, Ubehebe Crater, Skull Rock, Wonderland of Rocks and 49 Palms. A visit to Rhyolite, Barker Dam, Hidden Valley will give you insight into the human drama and mining history of Death Valley.
We'll start with one night at a hotel in Las Vegas and then spend three nights at Oasis at Death Valley. We will be staying in the deluxe rooms, which have French doors leading to small patios adjacent to the park/pool area, two queen beds, air conditioning, hair dryers, in-room coffee makers, TV, phone, full private bath and mini refrigerator.
When we visit Joshua Tree we will stay at the historic 29 Palms Inn, located on a 9,000 year old oasis surrounded by the Mojave Desert. We will stay in wood framed adobe cabins each with a unique configuration. We'll spread out over the grounds here, with most participants getting their own rooms and own bathroom. All rooms will have beautiful desert views. On the last night of the trip we will stay in Palm Springs at a hotel with easy access to the airport.
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
4.7
(22 reviews)*These are the unfiltered reviews of women who have been on this trip in answer to the question "What made this trip special for you?". We take reviews very seriously and often tweak itineraries based on feedback. Please feel free to contact us about any questions you have.
The only reason I did not give it an excellent had nothing to do with AGC, the weather was very cold and effected how I felt about the vacation (trying to get away from cold Ohio). And it meant that once the sun went down, it was too cold to enjoy any outside walking or being outside, again nothing that AGC can control.
Besides all the basic needs being met and the beauty of the area, what made this trip special to me was the leadership. Both guides were full of knowledge of the area, their enthusiasm for the area and all the sights were contagious. Most of all it was very evident that they like each other, they worked well together and that made the trip fun for myself.
Guide, other participants and food
Great leaders. Just right amount of hiking. Perfect weather!
Our guides were great and everything was handled very professionally and efficiently. I enjoyed the variety of the activities during each day and from day-to-day. Whoever heard of an opera house in the desert? Crazy.
I thought both guides were top notch. The hikes and accommodations were great. Also, I like exploring areas I have never visited before.
Everything on the itinerary we did
The trip was a well curated way to get to experience the highlights of two very large national parks. The long drives were broken up with stops that were quirky and entertaining. The guides, Debra & Chris, were wonderful -- cheerful, fun, informative and always working hard to ensure everyone had a good experience.
Again 4.5
The description and rating were appropriate
I wish we would have had more time at Bad Water Basin. I liked the Salt Creek Interpretive Trail, but maybe we could have missed that in order to spend more time at Bad Water Basin. So many highlights: Ubehebe Crater hike, Bad Water Basin, seeing the Joshua trees, 49 Palms Oasis hike, Golden Canyon hike, sunrise at Zabriskie Point, Mesquite Sand Dunes
Loved Death Valley, Joshua Tree not so much. Guides were knowledgeable and informative. Since I had trouble keeping up, Chris or Debra did stay behind with me. I really appreciated knowing I was as valuable to them as the other hikers.
I liked doing a number of hikes every day and breaking up the driving with stops to hike, enjoy visitor centers, eat lunch, etc. I'm pleased with how much of the area we saw and hiked. Our group was top notch, with everyone interacting with everyone else and enjoying each others company. Excellent experience.
The well organized leadership, the diversity of hikes, the effort of AGC trip leaders to meet all participants needs as they arose during the trip.
I have been taking a winter hiking trip in the Southwest for four years now, different trip each time. I always enjoy getting out of the gray winter days in the Ohio River Valley. The women on the trip were nice and fun, the hiking was interesting, the road trip days included very interesting stops. I really loved getting to see Furnace Creek and the Inn at 29 Palms. Often I feel better and stronger each day of a trip (effect of more sunlight, or a training effect, I don't know) and that was the case this time.
- Where do we eat?
Breakfasts and dinners will be in restaurants where you can order off the menu. Lunches will either be packed lunches (guides will put out lunch fixings in the morning) or picnic style. -
What dietary preferences or restrictions can you accommodate on this trip?
We can accommodate vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-intolerant although we can not guarantee a completely gluten-free diet, if we know well in advance. If you’re severely allergic or if you have other significant dietary restrictions, please call the office before you register. If you’re vegan, you may want to bring some additional protein bars. -
I will be coming by myself. Do I need to pay a single supplement?
You only need to pay a single supplement if you want to guarantee you have your own room. Otherwise we’ll pair you up with someone and then switch roommates every time we switch lodging.
