Desert Oases: Death Valley & Palm Springs

Surprising sights await on this tour of our beautiful Southwest deserts. We begin our journey in the Las Vegas area with a visit to spectacular Red Rock Canyon. We explore a wealth of geological wonders, awesome canyons, and mighty mountains in Death Valley National Park, which straddles eastern California and Nevada. Tour Joshua Tree National Park and enjoy highlights of Palm Springs during this scenic and serene desert experience.

 

Included meals are denoted: Breakfast: B, Lunch: L, Dinner: D

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DAY 1   

We begin our journey by traveling to Henderson, Nevada, where we stay for the night. Enjoy an independent evening upon arrival to the hotel and relax after a day of travel. 

 

DAY 2       B 

This morning we depart for Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Lying in the Mojave Desert, the area is known for towering sandstone peaks, Native American petroglyphs and other astounding geological features. Enjoy an independent lunch before venturing west to Death Valley. We lodge right inside the park at The Ranch at Death Valley for two nights. 

 

DAY 3        B,L 

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before exploring Death Valley National Park today. Encompassing over 3.3 million acres, there is much discover in this isolated region. Visit Ubehebe Crater—a large volcanic crater 600 feet deep and half a mile across, Zabriskie Point—the most famous viewpoint in the park overlooking colorful badlands, and so much more! While exploring, enjoy a picnic lunch. This afternoon, return to The Ranch to relax, swim in the spring-fed pool, and enjoy all that the property has to offer. 

 

DAY 4        B 

Enjoy more of the park and discover such sights as Badwater Basin—the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere, and Devil’s Golf Course—a unique area featuring halite salt crystal formations formed by the minerals of a past lake. We depart Death Valley and journey to Palm Springs, California, for a two-night stay.  

 

DAY 5       B,L,D 

Today we take a day trip to visit Joshua Tree National Park. Named for the region’s twisted, bristled Joshua trees, the park straddles the cactus-dotted Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert. Look out over the Coachella Valley from Keys View and explore the rugged rock formations and stark desert landscapes which were formed by the elements. Enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back toward Palm Springs. This afternoon, we visit a local date farm for a tour. Learn first-hand how dates are grown, their sustainability in desert environments and how new date varieties come about and are developed. This evening we take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the top of Mount San Jacinto where we enjoy an incredible farewell dinner with picturesque sunset views.  

 

DAY 6       B 

Today we depart Palm Springs and travel back to our own desert oasis called home.  

 

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ALL TIMES, ROUTING, AND DINING LOCATIONS ON THIS TOUR ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. 

Must be able to be on ones feet for up to 4 hours, walk a distance of 1.5 miles, and navigate rocky or uneven terrain.