Death Valley Lodge-Based Hiking Tour 

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Las Vegas, where towering mountains and endless desert stretch out before you. Upon arrival in Death Valley, we’ll dive straight into one of the park’s most iconic hikes. The Golden Canyon to Red Cathedral, Zabriskie Point, and Gower Gulch Loop is the perfect introduction to this land of contrasts. The trail winds through golden-hued canyon walls, up to the stunning Red Cathedral, and then onward to the breathtaking views from Zabriskie Point, where endless badlands roll out beneath your feet. From there, we descend into the Gower Gulch, a beautiful and less-traveled path, completing this unforgettable loop. Expect colorful rock formations and dramatic landscapes at every turn.

Hiking Distance & Elevation: 7 miles, 1,000 feet elevation gain

Drive Time: 2.5 hours from Las Vegas to Death Valley

Get ready for a rewarding challenge as we summit Wildrose Peak, one of the park’s most spectacular hikes. This strenuous but exhilarating trail climbs through pinyon-juniper forests, eventually leading to panoramic views from 9,064 feet. As we reach the summit, you’ll be greeted with sweeping vistas of Death Valley, the Panamint Mountains, and even views of Telescope Peak in the distance. The feeling of accomplishment as you stand above the desert expanse is unmatched, making this one of the most memorable days of the trip. 

Hiking Distance & Elevation: 8.4 miles, 2,200 feet elevation gain

Drive Time: 1 hour from the lodge to Wildrose Peak Trailhead

Start your morning exploring the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, where golden sand stretches endlessly, forming graceful, ever-shifting ridges. Wander the dunes, climb to their crests, and take in the quiet, expansive beauty.

Next, we head to Mosaic Canyon, a geological masterpiece hidden within the mountains. This moderately challenging hike takes you through narrow, polished marble passages and along unique mosaic rock formations, giving the canyon its name. The smooth walls and intricate textures are a stunning display of nature’s artistry.

To top off an extraordinary day, we visit one of the park's most famous landmarks: Badwater Basin. As the lowest point in North America, 282 feet below sea level, the salt flats here create a vast and otherworldly landscape that seems to stretch on forever. A short, easy walk provides a sharp contrast to the dunes and canyons, offering a dramatic end to a day filled with Death Valley's diverse wonders.

Hiking Distance & Elevation: Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: up to 2 miles, minimal elevation gain; Mosaic Canyon: 4 miles, 800 feet elevation gain; Badwater Basin: 1-2 miles, minimal elevation gain

Drive Time: 30 minutes each way to Mesquite Flat and Mosaic Canyon from the lodge; 45 minutes from Mosaic Canyon to Badwater Basin

Our final morning begins with a peaceful hike through Desolation Canyon, a hidden gem nestled within Death Valley’s vast wilderness. This quieter, lesser-known canyon offers a serene escape with its colorful rock layers and towering, narrow walls. As you hike through the canyon, you’ll be surrounded by vibrant geology and unique formations, making this a perfect reflective hike to close out your desert adventure.

After the hike, we embark on a scenic drive along the famous Artists Drive, a stunning 9-mile loop that showcases some of the most vibrant and colorful landscapes in Death Valley. The highlight of this drive is Artists Palette, where the hillside is painted in shades of pink, green, purple, and yellow due to the oxidation of different metals. It’s a true geological wonder and a photographer’s dream.

This scenic drive provides a memorable final experience in the park, capturing the full beauty of Death Valley’s diverse and surreal landscape. Afterward, we begin our journey back to Las Vegas, where we’ll arrive by 4 p.m., leaving you with lasting memories of this extraordinary desert adventure.

Hiking Distance & Elevation: Desolation Canyon: 3.6 miles, 600 feet elevation gain

Drive Time: 30 minutes for Artists Drive, 3 hours from Death Valley to Las Vegas

• All lodging (double occupancy) for the duration of the trip.
• A professional, licensed and medically trained guide
• Use of day pack & trekking poles
• All meals from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on the last day + trail snacks
• Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Las Vegas, NV
• Park entrance fees

• Transportation to/from Las Vegas, NV
• Lodging the night before/after the trip
• Clothing, raingear, and footwear
• Personal toiletries, sunscreen
• Water bottles/hydration bladder
• Guide gratuity (suggested ~15% of trip cost)

*Upon booking you will receive a detailed trip information packet

Most trips in Death Valley will accommodate 6 people plus one guide. On occasion, a group may be as large as 10 people plus 2 guides.

Children under the age of 12 are generally not permitted on regularly scheduled trips. This restriction may be negotiable on private tours. Please contact us with any questions regarding this policy.

In order to confirm a reservation, we require an initial deposit of $250 per person, with the final balance due 90 days prior to the trip’s departure. If you book a trip within 90 days of the trip’s scheduled departure, then full payment is due at the time of booking.

Once we confirm availability, you will be provided with an online registration link. Your deposit is payable online by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or ACH transfer.

This trip will begin/end in Las Vegas, NV and you will need to spend the night prior to your trip’s scheduled departure in Las Vegas. You will want to fly into Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran Airport) and shuttle services are available throughout Las Vegas.

Your guide will pick you up at your Las Vegas hotel the morning of your trip’s scheduled departure, at a pre-determined time. Most trips depart between 6:00am and 8:00am. We strongly recommend staying at the Tuscany Suites & Casino the night prior to departure, where we have arranged discounted rates for our guests.

You will receive an orientation email approximately 5 days prior to your trip’s departure with last-minute details and helpful information.

We will provide all transportation to/from trailheads for the duration of the trip. We will pick you up at your hotel in Las Vegas and return you there at the trip’s conclusion. Guests staying at the Tuscany Suites & Casino (recommended) can leave their cars at the hotel, as long as you have booked accommodations for the night prior to the trip’s departure and the night of the trip’s conclusion. The hotel cannot store any extra luggage for you so you will want to plan accordingly.

Expect to be back in Las Vegas by 4:00pm at the latest on the last day of the trip. Many trips will return earlier but we cannot make any guarantees. In general, it is recommended that you do not plan to fly home on the same day your trip finishes. Since each trip has slightly different logistics, feel free to contact us with specific questions related to the expected return time for your trip.