fbpx

Hiking in Joshua Tree and Death Valley

Hiking in Joshua Tree and Death Valley

From $ 3,415 AUD

Description

Hike some of North America’s most iconic National Parks on a five-day adventure which travels from the bright lights of Los Angeles to Joshua Tree and Death Valley and on to the Badwater Basin. On this trip you’ll venture to Skull Rock, hike through a wonderland of desert landscapes deep in Joshua Tree National Park and discover one of the best views in the whole of Death Valley. Add a booming dune or two in Mojave National Preserve, and it’s nothing but aces to Las Vegas. This tour delivers a breath of fresh air and some of the most dramatic scenery in the country.

Trip Name
Hiking in Joshua Tree and Death Valley
Last Updated
2023-09-06
Days
5
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Explore Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Parks on foot – hike some most iconic and classic treks under a watchful eye of our expert guides.
  • On the Willow Hole trail you'll discover your own rocky wonderland at the aptly named Wonderland of Rocks.
  • Hike to the famous booming dunes on the Kelso Dune Trail in Mojave National Preserve.
  • Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America. Join your guide as they take you around and explain how this magnificent place came into being.
  • Golden Canyon Trail in Death Valley offers some of the best views of the National Park. Hike to Zabriskie point for unforgettable photo opportunities.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Joshua Tree National Park
Meet your group at 9am for a Welcome Meeting then make your way to Joshua Tree National Park for your first hike of the trip. Keep an eye out for wildflowers such as cat’s claw acacia, desert almond and oak woodlands among the boulders as you stroll along this easy and accessible trail which leads to the famous Skull Rock. After the walk, settle in at your accommodation and spend the afternoon and evening at leisure before tomorrow's hikes.
Day 2 - Joshua Tree National Park
Tuck into a hearty breakfast, pick up a packed lunch and then head out for one of Joshua Tree's best hikes. The Willow Hole Trail will take you to the aptly named Wonderland of Rocks with its towering cliffs, winding canyons, and smooth rocky domes. This trail is a favorite among photographers so keep your eyes peeled for that perfect shot. Tonight, don't forget to look up and admire the carpet of stars overhead. Joshua Tree National Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park and famous around the world for its incredible stargazing opportunities.
Day 3 - Death Valley National Park
Today is an early start as we make our way to Death Valley National Park. First, we'll stop at Mojave National Preserve for a walk along the Kelso Dunes Trail to listen to the booming dunes which really do boom! The strange and eerie sound is deep and rumbling and produces a vibration that you can feel. Want to make a really loud boom? Get your group together on the crest of a dune which hasn’t been walked on for a while and try to shove off as much sand as possible at the same time. Don't forget to stop and smell the unique perfume of the creosote bushes along the trail, and you'll also see beautiful wildflowers along this trail if you're visiting between October until May. Continue to Death Valley and explore Badwater Basin along the way, the lowest point in all of North America. Tonight you’ll stay in Death Valley.
Day 4 - Death Valley National Park
Today it’s time for one of Death Valley’s most iconic hikes to the Golden Canyon. The choice of route will depend on the group’s abilities and willingness to hike in the heat as Death Valley is hot, hot, hot. It’s possible to get a glimpse of the canyon from the parking area but walking between the yellow walls of the canyon is well worth the effort to marvel at the wildlife, towering walls, colourful side canyons, and ripples formed by ancient water which have now turned to stone. If the group is feeling adventurous, a longer hike to Zabriskie Point, one of the most photographed lookouts at Death Valley National Park, is highly recommended. Lunch is included in your adventure today. Tonight, you can relax at your hotel or you may like to head out for an impromptu dinner with your group.
Day 5 - Las Vegas
After breakfast, it’s time to make our way to Las Vegas. Before we enter the town, we’ll stop for a hike in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Who knew Las Vegas had such incredible hiking right at its doorstep? See for yourself on the Ice Box Canyon Trail which leads to a narrow canyon that rarely sees sunlight. You'll be amazed by how much cooler it is in the canyon than the open desert. After the walk, we'll travel to Las Vegas where your trip will come to an end around 5 pm.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
10-11-202314-11-2023AUD $ 3,415-

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map