Women’s Death Valley Basecamp Tour
Camping Hiking Tours
4 Days, 3 Nights
17-24MI / 27-39K
Description
This Women’s Death Valley Camping Tour is an opportunity to explore one of America’s most unique national parks on foot in the company of other female guests and guides. We set up camp in or near Death Valley National Park and embark on a series of day hikes that explore the other-worldly nature of its deserts, canyons, mountains and sand dunes. We’ll visit craters, canyons with a rainbow of colors created by volcanic deposits, a lush desert oasis, a towering mountain peak and much more. Each evening we’ll return to camp where your guide(s) will prepare home-cooked meals while we relax and discuss the wonders of the area.
This tour includes roundtrip transportation from Las Vegas, NV; all meals from breakfast the first day through lunch the final day; all camping gear; backpacks and trekking poles; professional female wilderness guides and more. Join us for a journey through a timeless and fascinating landscape in Death Valley National Park!
Trip Details
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Trip Type
Camping Hiking Tours -
Trip Length
4 Days, 3 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
4-9 mi -
Group Size
2-10 Guests
What's Included
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Top-of-the-line tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and day pack -
Use of trekking poles
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All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
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Shower and pool passes at the wonderful Furnace Creek Ranch warm springs pool (walking distance from our camp of approximately 3/4 mile)
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Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
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Comprehensive, roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Las Vegas and back
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All necessary entrance fees and permits
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Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
What's Not Included
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Clothes, raingear, and footwear -
Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
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Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
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Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Day 1
Shuttle to Death Valley: 2.5 hours
Hiking Mileage: 5 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 680 feet
Accommodations: Campground at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, or Emigrant Pass
This Women only Death Valley hiking tour starts with pick up from the Tuscany Inn and Suites in Las Vegas, Nevada. From Las Vegas, we’ll shuttle across the iconic Mojave Desert, famous for its towering, desert mountain ranges punctuated by vast basins. We will enter the Park and almost immediately enjoy views of “the Badlands,” which are sharp, razor-shaped hills with beautiful colors created by their composition of volcanic metals. At the border of the Badlands, we will hike to the tip of Zabriske Point where we’ll enjoy initial views of Death Valley and the soaring Panamint Mountains, whose highest point is 11,053′ Telescope Peak.
After a brief visit to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, we’ll continue on to the trailhead of our first real hike: a classic Death Valley trekking loop that leads us far into the Badlands of the Amargosa Mountains. After a scenic picnic lunch with 360° views, we’ll head down into the water-scuplted Gower Gulch which takes us out onto an angled desert landscape at the edge of Death Valley itself.
If time and desire is abundant, we will stop at one of several historic highlights near Furnace Creek before making our way to our campsite. After setting up our basecamp, we’ll congregate for a wonderful, camp-cooked supper and then sink in to our camp chairs by a cozy camp fire as the Milky Way lights up the sky (stunningly vivid night skies are a highlight of this trip for some guests!)
Day 2
Drive Time: 80 minutes
Hiking Mileage: 9 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2088 feet
Accommodations: Campground at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, or Emigrant Pass
Today’s hike up Mt Perry will be the most challenging but also the most rewarding. The guests will hike a rocky route along Dante’s Ridge in the Black Mountains, offering jaw dropping views 5,000′ straight down into Badwater Basin and as far away as Mt Whitney and the Sierras. Depending on time and the group, the guide may serve lunch at the summit or may elect to return to the vehicle and head to a picnic spot back at Dante’s View. The day will finish in the afternoon.
Day 3
Drive Time: 1 hour
Hiking Mileage: 6 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1400 feet
Accommodations: Campground at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, or Emigrant Pass
Today is a welcome easier day after yesterday’s peak ascent. Today’s hike takes us onto the peaceful Mesquite Sand Dunes and to a miracle in the desert — the stunningly beautiful 1-mile out-and-back hike (2 mi total) hike to the highest Mesquite Sand Dune. Then we’ll enjoy a 4-mile hike through Mosaic Canyon, into Death Valley Wilderness. This canyon is filled with breccia – a type of rock made of broken fragments of minerals and rocks cemented together by a fine grained matrix, creating a mosaic-like display. It’s absolutely gorgeous!
Day 4
Hiking Mileage: 4-7 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 200-500 feet
Shuttle to Las Vegas: 2.5-3.5 hours
For our last day in Death Valley National Park, we’ll hike one of multiple canyons of the Amargosa Mountain Range. Options include Sidewinder, Desolation, or Kaleidoscope Canyons, or Virgin Spring Wash. Each option offers its own unique aspects of Death Valley, and we’ll make our selection based on the desires of the group. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch on our hike or, if we have time, at Dante’s View—the most dramatic overlook of Death Valley. Finally we enjoy a relaxing drive back across the desert to Las Vegas, where we’ll drop you off at your hotel of choice and say our fond farewells.
Itinerary Note
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
Packing List
IMPORTANCE OF BEING PREPARED
Your safety and enjoyment will depend on your level of preparedness. It is your responsibility to arrive with the items listed below. Our Gear Guide is a resource to find more information about these items and links to online options. If you have additional questions about what to pack, please ask your guide during the pre-trip contact (~10 days prior to the trip start date) or call our Adventure Consultants 7 days a week at 928-223-HIKE (4453).
STANDARD CLOTHING CHECKLIST
The following items are required for your trip unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed.
STANDARD CLOTHING CHECKLIST
(GG) Gear Guide: see for more info and links to product options
Supportive, lightweight, well-drained shoe or sport sandal for creek crossings and/or for camp comfort (Camp Shoes GG)
One pair for every two days of your trip, plus an extra pair to sleep in. Hiking-specific padded socks, no cotton please! (Socks GG)
( Note: wearing thin liner socks under your hiking socks can help prevent blisters )
Wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo (Sun Hats GG)
at least 2 short or long sleeve shirts, these retain moisture and will help to cool the body down in arid desert environments
non-cotton, breathable short sleeve and/or long sleeve shirts (Hiking Shirts GG – Sun Hoodie GG) (Note: long sleeve shirts provide better sun protection)
Mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material such as merino wool, fleece or polypropylene (Mid Layers GG)
Nylon pants AND shorts, zip-offs or leggings (Shorts GG – Pants GG)
waterproof jacket, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon (Rain Jackets GG)
comfortable clothes and shoes for evenings off the trail
small duffel bag, suitcase or backpack – for extra hiking clothes and casual clothes. (Duffels GG)
ADDITIONAL CLOTHING (OCTOBER – APRIL)
Lightweight beanie and light-to-mid weight fleece or wool gloves (Hat/Gloves GG)
Down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, heavy-weight fleece jacket (Mid Layers GG)
1 pair of wicking tops and bottoms that are lightweight to midweight, synthetic wicking materials such as polyester, polypropylene, merino wool…etc. (Base Layers GG)
waterproof pants, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. Look for side zippers that will allow you to pull them over your boots. (Rain Pants GG)
Important Note
Important Note : Please, no cotton hiking clothes with the exception of the “Cotton T-shirts” section above. Feel free to call us if you have any questions or you can reference our Gear Guide .
GEAR CHECKLIST
3+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system and an additional water bottle (Hydration Bladders GG) ( Note: We recommend always having a bottle with 1 liter of capacity as a back-up in case of a hydration system failure and to use while in camp )
preferably with an L.E.D. bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries (Headlamp GG) ( Note: always test your headlamp before trips, travel/pack without batteries in device, and for longer trips (4+ days) consider a spare bulb and 1 set of spare batteries )
if you wear contact lenses, please also bring a pair of glasses – your contacts are likely to become dirty and may be difficult to clean
please inform your trip leader of any medications you are taking
small amounts, travel sizes and/or just what you need for the trip (important that they are small!)
for any shopping you would like to do and for consideration of tipping your guide
( Note: industry tipping recommendation is 10-20% of the trip cost based on your level of satisfaction )
OPTIONAL ITEMS
As a Wildland guest, you can enjoy a 20% discount off Leki trekking poles (reservation number required.) Click here for discount. Trekking poles are provided for guests who do not bring their own. (Trekking Poles GG)
only if swimming is an option on your trip, some guests prefer to swim in quick drying hiking clothes, sports bra, etc…
various sizes for better organization of clothing & gear, and/or to help create a camp pillow, etc.
( Note: A lightweight waterproof stuff sack can be extremely useful in wet conditions )
consider bringing any joint braces that may be currently needed or from past injuries (i.e. knee, ankle, elbow, etc…)
lightweight paperback book, magazine or small notebook/pen for journaling
for camera, headlamp or other electronics
Small, lightweight devices to recharge electronics (Power Bank GG)
lightweight, compressible and packable – bandanas also work (Camp Towel GG)
DO NOT Bring
– per our terms and conditions no firearms or other weapons are permitted, including knives with blades longer than 4 inches
– including marijuana, which is illegal on federal lands and in national parks
TRAINING
Training is extremely important for you to maximize your enjoyment! The more physically prepared you are, the more fun you’ll have! Click below to read our training recommendations.
TRAVEL, TRANSPORTATION, MEETING & LODGING
MEETING TIME & PLACE
This trip originates in Las Vegas, Nevada. Your guide will be in contact approximately 10 days before the trip start date to coordinate the pre-trip orientation, which will be at 5:00 PM at the Tuscany Suites and Casino in Las Vegas. Your guide will then pick you up at the Tuscany the next morning for transport to the trailhead. For Private Death Valley Tours your guide will meet you at your hotel in Las Vegas at an agreed upon time.
TRIP CONCLUSION
This trip will conclude at approximately 5:00 PM on the last day.
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE DATES
Travel to and from the trip starting point (Las Vegas, NV) is not included in the cost of our trips. Please plan on arriving in time for the orientation meeting the day before the trip leaves and departing the day after getting back from the field.
GATEWAY CITIES:
Las Vegas, Nevada
These trips begin and end in Las Vegas, Nevada. Harry Reid International Airport(LAS) has frequent, direct flights from over 100 cities.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION TO THE HOTEL
The Tuscany Suites and Casino (where we recommend staying) is a short distance from the airport. It does not have an airport shuttle, but Uber, Lyft and taxi are easy, affordable options to reach the hotel from the airport.
TRANSPORTATION DURING THE TOUR
We will pick you up at the Tuscany Suites and Casino in Las Vegas on the morning of the first day of the trip, and provide transportation back to your hotel in Las Vegas on the final day.
STORAGE OF PERSONAL ITEMS & VEHICLES
If you’re staying at the Tuscany Suites and Casino, they will store your luggage while on the trip. If staying elsewhere, we recommend checking with your pre- and post-trip hotel(s) to inquire about luggage storage. Most of the time hotels are happy to accommodate. You’re also welcome to leave your luggage in the company vehicle; however, we don’t take responsibility for its safety.
PRE & POST-TRIP RECOMMENDED LODGING
Tuscany Suites and Casino (location of pre-trip orientation and Day 1 pick-up; clean, off-the-strip hotel)*
Website / 702-893-8933
* Due to the unpredictable nature of Las Vegas traffic, and long distances between areas of the city, it is very difficult for our guides to provide transportation from other hotels to/from the Tuscany for your pre-trip meeting or for pick-up on the morning of Day 1. If staying at another hotel, we recommend using Uber, Lift or a taxi to get to the Tuscany.
Trip Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance. We designed our terms and conditions with trip insurance in mind. When you register for a trip, your spot is no longer available to other guests. Therefore, if you discover that you are unable to travel, no refund is available past a certain point. With trip insurance, your payment to Wildland may be covered, but also your flights, hotels and other travel costs can also be insured.
Read more about our trip insurance recommendations.
Pack Weight & Contents
You will be hiking with a light day pack that we provide. You’re also welcome to bring your own. The contents will be what you need for the day – rain gear, an extra layer or two, snacks, water, sunscreen…etc.
ESTIMATED PACK WEIGHT: 10-15 POUNDS
Check The Weather Forecast For Your Trip
We recommend using NOAA’s website (www.weather.gov) for the most accurate 5-day weather forecasts. We recommend checking 2 forecasts for this area:
Death Valley encompasses an area with extreme elevation and climate variations. It is home to the lowest point in the United States: Bad Water Basin at 282 feet below sea level. Its highest point, Telescope Peak, is 11,049 feet high, a 11,331 ft difference!! Most of our trips focus on the lower elevations, and feature comfortably moderate winter temperatures, and warm-hot Spring/Fall temperatures. To be fully prepared, please follow the recommended clothing list closely (this list comes as part of your trip packet when you register). Read below for average high and low temperatures in the lower sections of Death Valley:
| Average Temperatures (Fahrenheit) | ||||||
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Month
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Low
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Hi
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January
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40°
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67°
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February
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46°
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73°
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March
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55°
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82°
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April
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62°
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91°
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October
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62°
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93°
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November
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48°
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77°
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December
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38°
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65°
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Guide Shifts
Guides are required to take 10-12 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal time, take rest breaks…etc. and be uninterrupted for a minimum of 8 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.
Tipping Your Guide
Tipping your guide is greatly appreciated! Wildland guides, and outdoor/backcountry guides in general, do much more than lead guests down the trail. Although supported by amazing in-town staff, they often work independently in the field due to permit and logistical constraints. The guide is responsible for the group’s safety, menu planning (including dietary restrictions), cooking for the group, prepping and taking care of the gear, handling livestock (on stock-supported trips), driving, complying with government regulations, ensuring guest satisfaction, and generally making sure the tour runs smoothly. They wear many hats and are extraordinary at what they do!
The industry standard tip amount for hiking and backpacking guides is between 10% and 20% of the tour cost per person, depending on your level of satisfaction. If you have any questions about tipping, feel free to call us 7 days a week at 800-715-HIKE (4453)!
Group Travel
Please take the time to clearly understand the trip you’re registering for, and select a tour that matches your ability level.
It is possible there will be a discrepancy in fitness levels on your trip. Consider that the trip may be a once in a lifetime opportunity for your fellow travelers and it is important to respect each guest’s individual condition, needs and desires.
Finally, guided groups are required by land management agencies to stay together on the trail. Hiking together can require patience and flexibility. If hiking at a very specific pace is extremely important to you, you may want to consider booking a private trip.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.
Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.
The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.