Itinerary
- Day 1
Las Vegas to Death Valley
Your shuttle picks you up from your Las Vegas hotel early morning for the 2.5-hour drive across the Mojave Desert into Death Valley. Once inside the park, you'll see the striking volcanic-colored hills of the Badlands right away. Head to Zabriske Point first for initial views of Death Valley and the Panamint Mountains stretching out. After stopping at Furnace Creek Visitor Center, you'll tackle the Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch loop, a classic 5-mile hike that takes you deep into the Badlands. Lunch happens on a hilltop with panoramic views all around. By evening, you'll settle into your lodging and have dinner at the historic dining room.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Hilltop lunch with panoramic views), Dinner (Fine dinner at historic dining room of Inn at Death Valley)
Included Activities
- Scenic drive across Mojave Desert to Death Valley
- Hike to Zabrskie Point with views of Death Valley and Panamint Mountains
- Visit Furnace Creek Visitor Center
- Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch hiking loop (5 miles, 680 feet elevation gain/loss)
- Hilltop lunch with panoramic views
- Dinner at historic dining room
Optional Activities
- Stop at historic points of interest near Furnace Creek
Landmarks/POIs Zabrskie Point Golden Canyon Furnace Creek Visitor Center Badlands - Day 2
Death Valley
After an early breakfast, you're driving 3 hours into the Panamint Mountains to hike the challenging 9-mile route up 9,000-foot Wildrose Peak. The trailhead starts at the historic Charcoal Kilns, those enormous stone domes left from Old West mining operations. You'll climb through juniper and piñon forest on the east slopes, gaining 2,000 feet of elevation throughout the day. The physical effort is worth it though because from the summit you get views of Death Valley below, Panamint Valley, and the snow-covered Sierra Nevada on the western horizon. This is a demanding day so pace yourself.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Early breakfast), Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Drive to Wildrose Peak trailhead (approximately 3 hours)
- Visit historic Charcoal Kilns
- Wildrose Peak hiking loop (9 miles, 2,000 feet elevation gain/loss)
- Summit views of Death Valley, Panamint Valley, and Sierra Nevada Range
Landmarks/POIs Wildrose Peak Charcoal Kilns Panamint Mountains Sierra Nevada Range - Day 3
Death Valley
This is a lighter day following yesterday's climb. You'll drive about 5 hours west past Devil's Cornfield to reach the peaceful Mesquite Sand Dunes, where a quiet hike offers sweeping mountain views. From there, continue west to Darwin Falls, which is a spring-fed waterfall and quite a sight in the driest place on Earth. The 2-mile hike to the falls is easy going, and this waterfall ranks among Death Valley's most notable features. After you finish exploring, head back to Furnace Creek for a nice dinner and rest up.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Splendid dinner)
Included Activities
- Drive past Devil's Cornfield (approximately 5 hours)
- Hike on Mesquite Sand Dunes with views of multiple mountain ranges (4+ miles, 635 feet elevation gain/loss)
- Hike to Darwin Falls (approximately 2 miles easy hike)
- Dinner at lodging
Landmarks/POIs Mesquite Sand Dunes Darwin Falls Devil's Cornfield - Day 4
Death Valley to Las Vegas
On your final day, you'll choose one of four canyon hikes in the Amargosa Range: Desolation Canyon, Sidewinder Canyon, Virgin Spring Wash, or Kaleidoscope Canyon. Each one gives you different scenery and you're looking at 4 to 7 miles with 200 to 500 feet of elevation gain depending on which you pick. Pack lunch for the trail or, if timing works out, stop at Dante's View, the best overlook spot in Death Valley, where you can celebrate wrapping up your trip. Then it's the 2.5 to 3.5-hour shuttle ride back to Las Vegas.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch on trail or at Dante's View)
Included Activities
- Choice of canyon hike: Desolation Canyon, Sidewinder Canyon, Virgin Spring Wash, or Kaleidoscope Canyon (4-7 miles, 200-500 feet elevation gain/loss)
- Lunch on trail or at Dante's View overlook
- Visit Dante's View overlook (optional depending on time)
Landmarks/POIs Dante's View Amargosa Range Desolation Canyon Sidewinder Canyon Virgin Spring Wash Kaleidoscope Canyon
