Death Valley Splendor

Day 1 – Welcome to Death Valley!

From our departure points this morning, we’ll travel aboard our deluxe motorcoach through the Mojave Desert making a rest stop and stop for lunch on your own in before entering Death Valley National Park this afternoon. Known as the hottest, driest, and lowest national park, Death Valley is a land of extremes and a remarkable natural treasure. From snow-capped peaks to sweeping dunes and vast salt flats, this place of unexpected contrasts is a collection of natural wonders that can’t be found anywhere else in the world! Our first stop in the national park will be at Zabriskie Point, the most famous viewpoint in Death Valley which provides unparalleled views of the Valley and the iconic Manly Beacon. Late this afternoon we’ll arrive at Furnace Creek and The Oasis at Death Valley, the lush oasis surrounded by the vast desert in the heart of the national park. We’ll enjoy a two-night stay at The Ranch at Death Valley, the western-themed resort that sits on land once owned by the Pacific Coast Borax Company and the now famous, Borax 20-Mule Teams. The ranch is part dude ranch and part national park lodge, creating a true western atmosphere. With a classic mid-century feel, the ranch accommodations are set in several two-story buildings arranged around broad lawns. The recently renovated rooms feature two beds and French doors leading to a patio or balcony so you can gaze upon the stars. Enjoy the balance of the afternoon and evening at leisure to visit the Borax Museum, take a swim in the spring-fed swimming pool that is always set at 87 degrees, play games on the large grassy lawns and sports courts and enjoy dinner on your own at the recently rebuilt restaurants which are now part of a re-imagined Spanish Colonial Revival town square with towering date palms and mission-style California architecture. Since Death Valley National Park is designated as a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park, the highest level awarded, and many celestial objects not visible elsewhere in the world can be viewed from Death Valley, later this evening, we’ll join a local guide for a star gazing orientation (weather permitting).

Day 2 – Death Valley National Park with Local Guide

After an included breakfast at the Ranch, we’ll be joined by a local guide who will bring to life the geology, flora, fauna, history, legends and hidden wonders within this incredible national park. We’ll visit the Death Valley National Park Visitor Center which features exhibits and photos of Death Valley’s history, culture and geological wonders. We’ll then continue south to lower Death Valley to visit the lowest point in the western hemisphere at Badwater Basin (282 feet below sea level). Here an expansive salt flat, devoid of obvious life, appears as a serene white blanket spanning for miles. An accessible boardwalk provides easy access to walk out to the salt flat. At Devil’s Golf Course we’ll admire the incredible landscape of crystalline salt rock that has been heavily eroded by wind and rain, forming jagged and erratic shapes on the valley floor where ‘only the devil could play golf on such rough links.’ We’ll enjoy an included lunch and time to explore the iconic Inn at Death Valley. Known as “Jewel of Death Valley,” this AAA Four Diamond hotel has been an elegant hideaway here since 1927. One of the National Park System’s premier hotels, the Inn features an expansive palm garden to stroll through. This afternoon we’ll visit Harmony Borax Works to learn how borax was discovered in this area, how 20-mule teams transported it and what importance borax still has to the world today. We continue to upper Death Valley and Ubehebe Crater – the largest in a series of craters found in the area. Around 6,000 years ago a powerful volcanic explosion created this crater which is half a mile in diameter and more than 600 feet deep! We return to the Ranch in the late afternoon with the balance of the evening at leisure. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 3 – Death Valley, Journey Home

Following an included breakfast at the Ranch, we’ll travel to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, the largest dune field in the park. This vast area features mountain-fringed rolling sand dunes reaching 100 feet in height. After a convenience stop in Stovepipe Wells, we’ll continue west making a stop for lunch on your own in Ridgecrest. We’ll make an afternoon rest stop and return to our drop-off points this evening with many fond memories of our time in Death Valley National Park surrounded by its flamboyant coloring, geologic phenomena and peaceful serenity. (Breakfast) Note that Death Valley is an ever-changing landscape that is prone to Mother Nature. While the National Park Service does its best to keep the roads open, our sightseeing is always subject to weather and road conditions. We thank you in advance for your understanding and flexibility.

While we make every effort to operate our tours as outlined in the itinerary, we ask for your patience, understanding and flexibility and to retain a sense of adventure while traveling with us. Situations may arise that necessitate changes to the itinerary. Should we need to adjust the itinerary either prior to or while on tour, these changes will be communicated to you and only done when absolutely necessary.