Joshua Tree & Death Valley

Day One

Arrive at the Palm Springs Airport today and transfer to your hotel with some free time to relax, freshen up and explore Palm Springs. This evening, join the group for a fun welcome dinner with a view as you take a scenic ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the worlds largest rotating tramcar, transporting riders to the pristine wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. Once you reach the Mountain Station, at an elevation of 8,516 feet, take in the view, then enter the Peaks restaurant for a culinary experience above the clouds. After dinner, return to the valley floor and your hotel for overnight.

Day Two

Depart Palm Springs and travel to the Coachella Valley where you will learn about the conservation efforts to preserve the fragile desert habitats. Arrive at the Thousand Palms Preserve for a walk on the McCallum Trail through the Palms Oasis to Simone Pond. Next travel to Joshua Tree National Park and take a short walk on the Bajada Trail to learn more about the plant life found in the park. Then arrive at the Cottonwood Visitors Center for more information on the park. A picnic lunch is included today. Enjoy hiking on the Mastodon Peak Loop Trail. It's an easy scramble to the top of Mastodon Peak where you are treated to panoramic views of the desert and mountains. The second half of the hike passes the abandoned Mastodon Mine on your way back to the trailhead. There will be additional exploring at the guide's discretion. In the afternoon, return to Palm Springs.

Day Three

This morning, return to Joshua Tree National Park for a day of exploring the North side of the Park. With many trails in the area, there will be plenty to see and explore. As time allows, hikes may include the Split Rock Loop Trail, Skull Rock Trail and the Ryan Peak Trail to name a few. A picnic lunch will be included today. After a wonderful day in Joshua Tree, return to Palm Springs with theevening free on own.

Day Four

Depart Palm Springs early this morning and travel north through the Mojave Desert with a stop in the Mojave National Preserve to view the Kelso Sand Dunes, also known as the singing or booming sand dunes. Arrive in Baker and stop for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, arrive at Death Valley National Park and begin your exploration at Dante's View with a commanding view of the valley. Then stop at Zabriskie Point. Next travel on the Badwater Road to view The Devils Golf Course and Badwater Basin. Late this afternoon, arrive at your hotel in Furnace Creek with the evening free for dinner on own.

Day Five

Today enjoy exploring more of Death Valley National Park. Start the day with one of Death Valley's most popular hikes, Golden Canyon to Red Cathedral. A labyrinth landscape of golden colored hills and winding narrow canyons create a wonderful hiking opportunity. Next visit the Harmony Borax Works for a walk on the interpretive trail. The paved loop takes you back in time as you learn the stories of Death Valley borax and the 20 Mule Teams. Interpretive panels along the way explain details of the borax processing, the story of the Mule Skinner, life in Harmony, and more. A picnic lunch will be included today. Travel north with picture stops along the way including Devils Cornfield. Then arrive at Mosaic Canyon for your final hike of the day. From the parking area, proceed up the rocky wash and into the canyon. Within the first 0.25mi (0.4km), the canyon abruptly narrows as the smooth marble walls of Noonday Dolomite take shape around you.The passing of grit-laden flash floods have scoured the narrow canyon and polished the smooth marble walls to a beautiful finish. The full hike is 4 miles but you can choose how far into the canyon you hike today. What a fun way to conclude your experience in Death Valley! This evening, join the group for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant before heading outside for a stargazing event to finish out this wonderful adventure.

Day SIx

After breakfast and your final sunrise inside the park you will transfer to the Las Vegas Airport for your departure flight home. We will be able to drop off at the airport at 10 am and you can book any flight after 12 pm.

FB=Full Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner