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California/Nevada

Hiking Death Valley National Park and the Valley of Fire

Program No. 7608RJ
Death Valley isn't as scary as it sounds. Join experts to learn about unique rock formations, local ecology and ancient petroglyphs as you hike and explore these two stunning parks.
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National ParksWalking/HikingOutdoor AdventuresSmall GroupNature & Environment
Length
7 days
Rating (4.91)
Activity Level
Starts at
3,099

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7 days
6 nights
17 meals
6B 5L 6D
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Las Vegas, NV
2
Hiking Valley of Fire
Las Vegas, NV
3
Death Valley National Park, Badwater Basin, Natural Bridge.
Death Valley National Park
4
Titus Canyon, Mesquite Sand Dunes, Mosaic Canyon
Death Valley National Park
5
Ubehebe Crater, Salt Creek Marsh, Golden Canyon, Star Gazing
Death Valley National Park
6
Zabriskie Point, Gower Gulch, Borax Works
Death Valley National Park
7
To Las Vegas, Program Concludes
Las Vegas, NV
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At a Glance

Tread the sands of time to discover Mother Nature's diverse palette of colorful rock formations in this stunning corner of the desert Southwest. Study geology, ecology and human history through lectures, daily walks and hikes with geologists and other experts in their fields. Travel in our own comfortable Road Scholar 30-passenger bus with an upgraded video/audio system allowing our instructors to teach while "on the go."
Activity Level
Varies by date
Varies by date. OUTDOOR: NO SWEAT - Hiking up to two miles per day over varied terrain. Elevations up to 5,500 feet. OUTDOOR: SPIRITED - Hiking up to five miles per day over varied terrain. Elevations up to 5,500 feet.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Learn why the sunlit rocks inspired the park's name, "Valley of Fire," as you view fascinating petroglyphs.
  • Find a world of sand dunes, rugged canyons and landscapes carved from primeval rock in Death Valley.
  • Hike Badwater, White Dome, Mouse Tank, Golden Canyon, Gower Gulch and more.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Darrell McMahon
Darrell McMahon has worked in natural resource management for more than four decades and has extensive experience as a wildlife and habitat biologist, entomologist and botanist. Darrell has spent many years hiking thousands of miles through this wild landscape and has pinned his soul in the high plateaus and deep canyons of the desert southwest. Darrell has discovered many secret places in the desert southwest and loves to share these places and his knowledge with his best friends and Road Scholar participants.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Darrell McMahon
Darrell McMahon View biography
Darrell McMahon has worked in natural resource management for more than four decades and has extensive experience as a wildlife and habitat biologist, entomologist and botanist. Darrell has spent many years hiking thousands of miles through this wild landscape and has pinned his soul in the high plateaus and deep canyons of the desert southwest. Darrell has discovered many secret places in the desert southwest and loves to share these places and his knowledge with his best friends and Road Scholar participants.
Profile Image of Paula McMahon
Paula McMahon View biography
Paula McMahon has spent a lifetime camping, hiking, backpacking and canoeing in the mountains and deserts of the American West. She feels honored to share her love and passion for these special places with participants on Road Scholar programs, which she has been doing for almost a decade. Paula has also worked for 18 years as an educational paraprofessional with autistic and deaf children and is a sign language (ASL) interpreter.
Profile Image of Phil Moore
Phil Moore View biography
Phil Moore is currently an adjunct professor of Geology at Dixie State University. He has been involved with the Southern Utah University Geology Field Camp for several years. Phil taught Earth science for public schools in Hurricane, Utah for 28 years, he is also a semi-professional musician along with his wife Lori, who is also a Road Scholar Group Leader.
Profile Image of Heidi Loveland
Heidi Loveland View biography
Heidi Loveland is a native of St. George, Utah. A graduate of Weber State University, she has worked as a wildland firefighter with the Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service. She loves traveling the world and has visited every continent except Antarctica. She is passionate about the outdoors, and loves yoga and kayaking with her German Shepard.
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