Death Valley National Park Hiking and Yoga Tour

Distance: 2 miles

On the morning of Day 1 we’ll meet for an orientation and short stretching practice, before we escape the city limits and head to Death Valley National Park. We’re headed to the amazing sand dunes near Stovepipe Wells. Here we’ll participate in an introduction to breathing for stress relief, and have time to explore the area before returning to the newly renovated Ranch at Death Valley, where we’ll spend all five of our overnights. In the evening we’ll hold an optional breathing and meditation session.

Distance: 5 miles

Early morning of Day 2, we’ll meet for a yoga session, then enjoy the resort’s breakfast spread. Today we shuttle south beyond Badwater to the fringe of the Black Mountains that rise from the valley floor. We’ll walk through the wash that leads to Willow Canyon, and continue up-canyon along the stream that has emerged from the canyon’s rocky floor. We’ll follow that stream’s cascading course to an unlikely ribbon waterfall. Amid the warmth of the slot canyon rocks, with the soothing waterfall as a backdrop, we will practice walking and breathing techniques from the renowned author of “Learning to Breathe, Learning to Live”. We won’t miss a visit to the salt flats at Badwater on our way back to the oasis.

Distance: 6 miles

We’ll head north toward the Funeral Mountains on Day 3, 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. You may be inspired to describe today’s adventure through a journal exercise – our activity of self care for the day. On the drive back to the oasis, we will take the time to stop at a couple smaller trails that highlight the diversity of the area.

Distance: 6 miles

Day 4, we’ll once again head south from the Oasis to the Badwater region. We’ll 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. Adopting an attitude of gratitude, we’ll practice some self-care techniques throughout the day.

Distance: 4 miles

Day 5, we’re headed for the northern reaches of the park. We’ll hike along the rim and into the bowels of both Little Hebe and Ubehebe craters, reminders of Death Valley’s volcanic legacy. As with most of our days, there will be time to enjoy the pool and other amenities at the oasis in the late afternoon. After our evening meal, a guided relaxation practice will be offered.

Distance: 4 miles

We’ll make a leisurely departure from Death Valley on Day 6, after enjoying a last meal at the oasis, and shuttle to Red Rock Natural Area west of Las Vegas. With stunning views of the park’s massive red rock formations along the way, our hike along First Creek will give us an opportunity to fine tune the techniques we have learned throughout our week. We will let nature envelope us before our return to Las Vegas where our Death Valley Hiking and Yoga Tour concludes.