October 23, 2024
I recently enjoyed a guided camping and hiking trip to Death Valley National Park. To my delight, the bliss I experienced hiking in a desert paradise with kindred spirits exceeded all expectations!
To begin my trip, I flew from Denver, Colorado into Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada. I spent a wonderful night at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Henderson South Las Vegas. I found the accommodations to be top notch, including the free airport shuttle, staff, suite, pool, and breakfast. Arriving on a Wednesday, I was delighted to enjoy happy hour and dinner in the hotel’s lounge. Rest came easy, despite my excitement for the following day.
October 24, 2024
Early the next morning, I met our trip guides and fellow hikers. We soon departed for a scenic three-hour drive to the park, which included a stop in Pahrump, Nevada at Albertsons (grocery store) for personal provisions. It’s difficult to put into words how thrilled I felt entering the park to experience its diverse landscapes!
A few minutes later, we parked and hiked up to Dante’s View. From here, we viewed Telescope Peak (highest park peak at 11,043 feet in elevation) to the west and Badwater Basin (salt flats 282 feet below sea level) below us. After pausing for photos, our group hiked about 1.5 miles further before stopping for a leisurely picnic lunch.
We hiked a total of four hours (4.7 miles and 1,279 feet in elevation gain) before hopping into our van and heading to the Furnace Creek Campground. The campground is just north of the Furnace Creek Visitor Center and The Ranch at Death Valley (a resort). Once our group established camp, we enjoyed a cozy campfire, delicious dinner, and scrumptious smores under the stars. Needless to say, I enjoyed a restful sleep after our first big day of exploring!
October 25, 2024
The next morning, we woke to an amazing breakfast. Fully energized from coffee and food, we departed at 9:00 a.m. for our next hike. This time, we headed northwest to the village at Stovepipe Wells, with a brief stop for gas. From there, we drove south a short distance to hike in the enchanting Mosaic Canyon, known for its Mosaic Canyon Breccia (namesake rock) and Noonday Dolomite (smooth marble). I found the gradual ascent on a sandy wash and through colorful canyon stone thoroughly enjoyable.
After lunch, our guide offered our group an alternative hiking return route. I opted for the challenge, feeling invigorated as I climbed high above the canyon and experiencing even grander views. We returned to our van after four and a half hours, having hiked 4.7 miles with 1,942 feet in elevation gain.
Departing Mosaic Canyon, we returned to the village at Stovepipe Wells. The village is an oasis in the desert, complete with lodging, a saloon and restaurant, gift shops, and gas station. I enjoyed conversation and cold refreshments in the Saloon with my new hiking friends. Afterwards, several of us spent a little time in the gift shops (there are two). As usual, I picked up a postcard and a holiday ornament.
Two hours later, our day got even better. We were delighted to journey a few minutes east of Stovepipe Wells to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. The dunes are a scenic wonder far from any water. We embraced the next hour trekking shoeless in the dunes, which seemed to go on forever. Our group then enjoyed a wonderful picnic dinner while viewing sunset over the mountains. I’ll never forget hiking in a desert paradise of sand dunes!
After traveling back to our campsite and showering at the ranch’s pool, we enjoyed fun conversations and refreshments around our campfire. I happily reflected on my satisfying day while climbing into my sleeping bag for yet another restful sleep.
October 26, 2024
Our guides had coffee, followed by a tasty breakfast, waiting when I exited my tent the following morning. A couple hours later, we were excitedly headed to hike in “Mars and Venus” landscapes. We began our venture at the Hole in the Wall along the Hole in the Wall Road. We progressed at a leisurely pace along flat rocky terrain, likened to the rough service of Mars. It was a pleasure to examine a multitude of rocks, some that included ancient sea-bed fossils.
After breaking for lunch, we crossed over Highway 190 to begin our “Venus” portion of the hike across Twenty-Mule Team Canyon. Our group trekked between and over yellow hills in a northwest direction to pause near Zabriskie Point with its breathtaking views. We continued through the Badlands, before experiencing the Black Mountains to our left and the Manly Beacon and the Red Cathedral to our right. I was grateful I’d brought hiking poles. At one point, we descended steeply; later, we hiked a narrow trail alongside a mountain side.
We were rewarded further for our efforts, eventually descending through the very scenic Golden Canyon and to our hike’s conclusion. It had been a warm day with mostly sun exposure. Fortunately, a soft cool breeze and spots of shade had provided respites during our seven-hour journey. Our group had hiked 9.73 miles with an elevation gain and loss of 852 and 1,200 feet, respectively. Consequently, we were happy campers to find our air-conditioned van waiting for us at the Golden Canyon trailhead parking area.
Back in camp, some hikers sought out cold refreshments at ranch’s restaurant, while others like me opted first for a shower. Our wonderful guides treated us to a Mexican food feast, with cake for dessert. After fun-filled fireside chats, I delighted in turning in for well-deserved rest!
October 27, 2024
I was grateful for hot coffee the next morning. Prior to breakfast, I walked around the adjacent The Ranch at Death Valley. Although we didn’t stay at the beautiful ranch, I felt grateful we had been able to enjoy some of the ranch’s amenities. On my next trip to Death Valley, I wouldn’t mind staying a night or two in one of the ranch’s cottages!
After another amazing breakfast, we broke camp and headed south on Badwater Road for two amazing stops. First, we enjoyed a visit to the Devil’s Golf Course with its jagged spires of rock salt. About an hour later, we experienced Badwater Basin, also a salt bed, at 282 below sea level. Our group happily frolicked about the salt surfaces one could easily take for snow!
We traveled back to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center before noon to shop and learn about the park’s history. Shortly thereafter, we enjoyed a picnic style lunch outside the center before leaving for our final outing.
Once again, we drove along Badwater Basin Road to the trailhead for Desolation Canyon. We spent the next hour leisure hiking 1.5 miles along this trail (which dead-ends) and the side spurs in this area. I believe everyone enjoyed relaxed conversation and walking pack-less on this final day.
During our return to Las Vegas, we stopped briefly for a group photo at the park entrance and in Pahrump for refreshments. As with my other national park trips, it felt bittersweet parting with newfound friends, once arriving back at Homewood Suites. Fortunately, I met up with three friends staying at the hotel for dinner at a nearby sports bar. It was fun to reminisce about hiking in a desert paradise!
October 28, 2024
I woke early for my swift trip back to Denver with United Airlines. While I always look forward to arriving home from my travels, a part of me was missing my Death Valley adventure. I had spent four blissful days hiking in a desert paradise, and I knew I would return one day to explore more!
Have you ever been to Death Valley National Park or are you planning to visit? I’d love to hear from you!