Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: California Deserts Joshua Tree & Death Valley Hiking Lodge Based
Day 1 Welcome to the merging of deserts
3 hour private van transfer
7.4 miles hiking with 1,056' elevation gain and loss
Welcome to the gateway of adventure as we meet amidst the lush surroundings of the oasis of Palm Springs. Our first steps into the wilderness lead us along the Lost Palm Hike, where towering palms and rugged landscapes hold secrets of hidden waters and bygone eras. We continue our exploration at the Cholla Garden Trail which beckons with its prickly surreal beauty, showcasing the resilience and diversity of life in the desert. As the sun dips below the horizon, we arrive at the charming Pioneertown Motel, where rustic charm meets modern comfort, and our guide will set the stage for the rest of our adventures that lie ahead. Lunch and dinner included.
Accommodation: Pioneertown Motel
(L, D)
Day 2 Exploring Joshua Tree NPs, mazes, dams & epic views
1.5 hours private van transfer
6 miles hiking with 509' elevation gain and loss; 1-2.7 miles hiking with 118' elevation gain and 217' loss
The tantalizing aromas of a local favorite restaurant help us awaken and prepare us for the day's adventures. Our journey continues with the Maze Loop hike, where winding trails lead us through a labyrinth of geological & natural wonders, each turn revealing new marvels carved by time, and we get our first up close view of the enigmatic Joshua Tree reaching towards the heavens. Barker Dam offers a glimpse into the ingenuity of early settlers, its tranquil waters in stark contrast to the harshness of carving out a life in the desert, but providing an essential life sustaining oasis. At Key's View, we stand in awe as panoramic mountain & valley vistas stretch before us, offering a breathtaking perspective of this diverse region. As the day draws to a close, we return to the comfort of Pioneertown Motel, where the warmth of enveloping hospitality awaits amidst the rugged landscape. All meals included.
Accommodation: Pioneertown Motel
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Journey to Death Valley via the booming Kelso dunes
5 hours private van transfer
3 miles hiking with 463' elevation gain and loss
Today, we embark into the heart of the Mojave Desert as we journey towards the untamed beauty of Mojave National Preserve. Our first adventure awaits at Kelso Dunes, where the shifting sands create an ever-changing landscape that captivates the imagination, and if we are fortunate, we will hear and feel the deep eerie rumbling sounds the dunes are famous for. In Baker, we enjoy a break and a quirky piece of Americana, the towering edifice of the world's tallest thermometer. Continuing our odyssey, we arrive at the stark majesty of Death Valley, and Zabriskie Point where the fiery hues of sunset illuminate its otherworldly landscapes. Our haven for the night awaits at the Ranch at Furnace Creek, nestled amidst the stark beauty of the desert, offering respite under a canopy of twinkling stars. All meals included.
Accommodation: The Ranch at Death Valley
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Hiking Below Sea Level in Gold Canyon & Badlands
30-minute private van transfer
5.8 miles hiking with 1,037' elevation gain and loss
Awaken to the gentle embrace of the desert dawn as we prepare to delve deeper into the wonders of Death Valley. Our day begins with a return to Zabriskie Point where we will begin our exploration of this alluring multihued landscape by climbing down below sea level into Gold Canyon & the Badlands. Next, we journey to the mesmerizing Mesquite Sand Dunes where the wind-sculpted sands create an ever-shifting landscape of timeless beauty. No booming here, but if you listen closely, you may just hear them sing! All meals included.
Accommodation: The Ranch at Death Valley
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Hiking in the sky to vistas of Badwater
3 hours private van transfer
6.1 miles hiking with 1,621' elevation gain and loss
Today, we rise with the sun as we set out for the remote reaches of Death Valley. Our adventure begins with a stop at Stovepipe Wells for a hearty breakfast, lifting our spirits for the challenge ahead. Wildrose Peak commands the skyline on the western slope of Badwater Basin and the hike up it's ever rising slopes rewards us with breathtaking views of the rugged landscape of Death Valley below. After hiking, we explore the historic Charcoal Kilns, gaining insight into the region's rich mining heritage and the resilience of those who once toiled in these remote mountains. As the day draws to a close, we return to our sanctuary for a celebratory dinner, savoring the flavors of the desert and reminiscing about all we have accomplished, learned, and experienced. All meals included.
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Inspirational Artists Palette & Dante’s View
3.5 hours private van transfer
1.5 miles hiking with min. elevation gain or loss; 1 mile hiking with 247' elevation gain and loss; 1.7 miles hiking with 524' elevation gain and loss
As the first light of dawn teases the horizon, we bid farewell to our comfy beds to savor the quiet beauty of a desert at sunrise, an experience that should be on every adventurer's bucket list. After breakfast amid the wakening desert on the playa, our journey continues along Artist's Drive to witness the vibrant hues of Artist's Palette, where nature creates a mesmerizing tableau of color amidst the stark wind sculpted hills. We take time for a short hike here to explore the land made famous by Star Wars! A quick stop back at our hotel to pack and quickly freshen up and we are off to Dante's view as we prepare to enjoy our last meal here, and culminating our visit to the Valley of Death. A short after lunch hike will bring us to our spectacular farewell vistas. Our journey concludes in the vibrant energy of Las Vegas, where we bid farewell to the wilds of the California deserts and embrace the contrast of the city, our hearts enriched by the experiences of the past days. Breakfast and lunch included.
(B, L)
Vacations by Lisa Scrimger
