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Death Valley Trails
Death Valley's seldom-traveled backcountry offers a variety of unique hiking opportunities for the active traveler: narrow, labyrinthine slot canyons cut through polished marble and limestone, hidden oases frequented by desert bighorn sheep and challenging mining trails that climb to remote desert summits. Our scenic campsite is in a secluded wilderness location - sometimes just getting to camp is an adventure! The camp, at the foot of the Funeral Mountains, will act as our base for the entire week allowing us to spend more time exploring and less time packing up and moving. Our schedule allows for hiking excursions to many of the park’s geological highlights and our temperate springtime departures are timed to catch Death Valley's cacti and wildflowers in bloom.
Voted as one of Outside Magazine's "25 Trips of a Lifetime" - March 2002.
Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance.
Death Valley Trails Itinerary:
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Day 1
Your trip begins today in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fly to Las Vegas, arriving at McCarran Airport in time for the 11 a.m. group rendezvous at a nearby hotel. We recommend arriving the night before if possible, to allow for some relaxation time and to avoid any problems with delayed luggage. From Las Vegas, we take a 3-hour van ride to Death Valley National Park and our secluded Funeral Mountain campsite where we’ll enjoy dinner under the desert sky and talk about the upcoming week’s itinerary. Dinner only included.
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Day 2
After breakfast and a short drive, we set out on our first hike through the multicolored badlands of Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch. We start below sea level and climb through a maze of canyons to a viewpoint overlooking the Death Valley saltpan. Our guides take the time to point out the landscape’s fascinating geological features and enlighten us on the natural history of this unique ecosystem. Hiking: 6 miles. Terrain: partly on-trail, partly along gravel wash bottom. 850’ elevation gain. All meals included.
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Day 3
Today we drive one hour to Mosaic Canyon, 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 takes us around an unclimbable 25’ dry waterfall. The rim trail is the gateway to a deep, twisted gorge and another tall, dry fall and grotto. We follow the rim trail high above Mosaic Canyon back to the main canyon, stopping to take in the expansive view across Mesquite Flat and Death Valley. This afternoon, showers will be available at Stovepipe Wells Village before we head back to our wilderness camp. Hiking: 5 miles. Terrain: primitive hiking trail and gravel wash bottom. 900’ elevation gain/loss. All meals included.
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Day 4
We’ll head to the southern end of the Park today for a backcountry loop hike filled with surprises. We’ll hike crosscountry up a nameless gravel wash, stopping along the way to explore cool, narrow side canyons containing hidden passageways and arches. After climbing over a ridgetop, we’ll drop into a neighboring canyon carved deep into the bedrock of the Black Mountains, where we’ll cool our feet at the base of a 40’ waterfall, a wondrous sight in this desert environment. Hiking: 6 miles, entirely crosscountry, some rock scrambling required. 1,400’ elevation gain/loss. Driving distance: 35 miles each way. All meals included.
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Day 5
A drive of 50 miles over a mostly-paved road transports us to Titus Canyon, where we descend (by van) over 5,000' through the Grapevine Mountains to Death Valley proper. Along the way, we climb Thimble Peak (6381'), scrambling up a rocky ridge for an incredible view of the surrounding desert, then hike the Titus Canyon narrows—an impressive, deeply entrenched slot canyon. We end the day with a barefoot hike out onto the Mesquite Flat sand dunes for a sunset picnic dinner. Showers again available at Stovepipe Wells Village en route back to our camp. Hiking distance: 5 miles over primitive hiking trail and trail-less ridge-tops, rock scrambling required for optional Thimble Peak summit climb. 1,800' elevation gain/loss. All meals included.
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Day 6
We end our exploration of Death Valley appropriately with a visit 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 quite possibly the hottest spot on earth during the summer months. Nearby, the short, jagged salt pinnacles clustered together to form the Devil’s Golf Course shape a bizarre landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see. After returning to the van, we say our goodbyes to this awesome national park and set out on our 3-hour ride back to Las Vegas. For those flying home today, please do not schedule a flight out of Las Vegas prior to 7 p.m. Breakfast, lunch included.
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to insure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate the trip.
If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will assign a tentmate if one is available. As we practice minimum impact camping on all of our adventures, we encourage tent sharing whenever possible. If you specifically desire a single tent or we are unable to assign a roommate, we will do our best to provide you with a single tent for a minimal additional fee.
Meals as noted in the daily itinerary; roundtrip transportation from/to designated Las Vegas hotel; van support; expert guide leadership; group camping gear including tents (bring your own sleeping bag/pad) and park entrance fees.
Airfare, sleeping bag and pad, insurance of any kind, excess baggage charges, airport taxes, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, guide gratuities and items of a personal nature.
This trip is rated as Moderate [3] and we encourage you to arrive in good physical condition. The terrain we hike over can be rugged and may require some rock scrambling to negotiate. We generally hike at least 3 - 6 hours per day. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest beginning a regular exercise regimen at least 2 - 3 months prior to departure. Recommended exercises include hiking, jogging, cycling and/or swimming. The better shape you are in, the more fun you will have. Get out on those hills if possible! Note: We are in the backcountry and will not have access to flush toilets or showers on a daily basis. We will have a "shower stop" at least twice during the trip. We will also be stopping at a small market with groceries, soft drinks, film, flush toilets, etc. at least every other day.
Even in spring, daytime temperatures at lower elevations can reach 90°- 100°F. While we do spend time exploring the warmer valley floor, our campsite and some of our hikes are above 1,500' where temperatures generally range from 50°- 90°. Nighttime temperatures are usually in the 40s-60s but can occasionally drop as low as 30°. Spring weather in Death Valley is unpredictable so please arrive prepared to experience a wide temperature range. Very little rainfall can be expected but suitable raingear is essential nonetheless.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Death Valley Trails
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff. Although the name Death Valley conjures images of extreme heat in many people's minds, springtime in the desert can bring a variety of weather conditions including some rainfall and, at higher elevations, even snow! These extremes should prompt you to pack some warmer clothing in addition to the lightweight clothing already on your list. A fleece jacket and long pants are generally indispensable during early morning hours and at dinnertime when temperatures often drop below 50° F.
Weather
Even in spring, daytime temperatures at lower elevations can reach 90°-100° F. While we do spend some time exploring the valley proper, both campsites and most hikes are above 1000'-3000' where temperatures generally range from 50°-85° F. Nighttime temperatures are usually in the 50s - 60s but can occasionally drop as low as 30°. Very little rainfall can be expected, but suitable raingear is essential nonetheless.
Gear Checklist
- Tents
- Stoves and fuel
- Cooking and eating utensils while camping
- Water filter
- Airline tickets
- Photo identification
- Duffel bag, large or extra large
- Daypack, 1500-2500 cu. in. to carry your camera, water bottles, extra clothing and lunch
- Sleeping bag with stuff sack (rated to 30°), lightweight and compressible
- Sleeping pad (Therm-a-Rest or foam)
- Bring a few lightweight, easily washable items for travel wear
- Midweight fleece or wool sweater
- Lightweight thermal underwear top and bottom, synthetic or wool
- Hiking pants, synthetic, quick-drying
- Hiking shorts, synthetic, quick-drying
- Long-sleeve shirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear
- Hiking socks
- Liner socks
- Casual socks
- Sun hat
- Wool or fleece hat
- Bandana
- Thin liner gloves
- Swimsuit (for pool at shower facility)
- Rain jacket (waterproof and breathable)
- Rain or wind pants (waterproof and breathable)
- Sturdy hiking boots, waterproof, lightweight, broken-in, aggressive tread
- Camp shoes such as tennis shoes or sandals
- Two or three one-quart water bottles or hydration system
- Flashlight or headlamp and spare batteries/bulb
- Pocket knife or pocket tool
- Watch with alarm or travel clock
- Hand sanitizer gel
- Sunblock and lip balm
- Toiletry kit
- Small washcloth and small towel (towels are not provided at shower facility)
- Baby Wipes (very handy!)
- Personal first-aid kit
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Several Ziploc plastic bags
- Large, heavy duty plastic trash bags
- Camera, film and spare batteries
- Small binoculars
- Ear plugs
- Compass
- Whistle
- Spare contact lenses or glasses
- Small freestanding flashlight/lantern for use inside your tent
- Reading and writing materials
- Knee supports
- Travel pillow
- Hiking staff or trekking poles
Things to Consider
- Please remember to always pack essential items such as appropriate identification, money, eyewear, a change of clothing, hiking boots and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
- Although Death Valley is known for its hot and dry climate, our departures take place in springtime when temperatures can be quite cool, particularly at higher elevations. Please be sure to pack a warm jacket (midweight fleece or similar) and consider lightweight thermal underwear for additional comfort should temperatures drop into the 30s-40s.
- Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene®, MTS® and Thermax®.
- Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
- Make sure boots are broken-in. Bring moleskin for foot treatment. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. The liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
- Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes/colors to differentiate contents.
- Bring a garbage bag to line your duffel bag and keep your gear dry should inclement weather be encountered.
- Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores or Direct Sales (800-426-4840) are happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI's website at www.rei.com. The Expert Advice section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.