As a fitting beginning for our visit to a land of extremes, weโll assemble in Las Vegas, but escape the city limits relatively early morning ofย Day 1 as we head to Death Valley National Park. Weโll picnic for lunch at the Oasis, and then continue to the amazing sand dunes near Stovepipe Wells. Weโll hike among the dunes and then return to our lodging at the Ranch, where weโll spend all five of our overnights.
Early morning ofย Day 2, weโll shuttle south beyond Badwater to the fringe of the Black Mountains that rise from the valley floor. Weโll walk through the wash that leads to Willow Canyon, and continue up-canyon along the stream that has emerged from the canyonโs rocky floor. Weโll follow that streamโs cascading course to an unlikely ribbon waterfall that marks our turnaround point (five miles). Later that afternoon, weโll walk through the salt flats at Badwater and also visit Natural Bridge (three miles).
Weโll head north toward the Funeral Mountains onย Day 3, and then weโre off to Stovepipe Wells for a visit to Mosaic Canyon. If you have even the slightest interest in geology, you will be dazzled by the rock and color of Mosaic Canyon. The characteristic pinks and oranges of the predominant dolomite formation are offset by the intense polished white of the metamorphosed marble. Erosion has created a corridor of spectacularly narrow slots in Mosaic Canyon (three-four miles).ย On the return drive, we stop at Salt Creek to walk the interpretive boardwalk trail and view the Salt Creek Pupfish.
Day 4, weโll once again head south from the Oasis to the Badwater region. Weโll hike from the Golden Canyon Trailhead along, over, around and through the otherworldly labyrinth of Golden Canyon to the Zabriskie Point overlook for an awesome view of the vast and varied panorama of Death Valley.ย There is an optional side trip to Red Cathedral on the return. (six-seven miles).
Day 5, weโre headed for the northern reaches of the park. Weโll hike along the rim and into the bowels of both Little Hebe and Ubehebe craters, reminders of Death Valleyโs volcanic legacy (four miles). Later we will have a chance to visit the Devilโs Golf Course – no clubs required!
Weโll leave Death Valley on the morning ofย Day 6ย and shuttle to Red Rock Natural Area west of Las Vegas. Weโll hike along First Creek at Red Rock, with its stunning views of the parkโs massive red rock formations (four miles), and have lunch in Summerlin, prior to our return to Las Vegas where our Death Valley Hiking Tour concludes.
