Compare Death Valley Inn-based Tour by Wildland Trekking vs Western USA National Parks Loop by Intrepid Travel

Day 1

Shuttle to Death Valley: 2.5 hours

Hiking Mileage: 5 miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 680 feet

Accommodations: Inn at Furnace Creek (Premier) or Ranch at Furnace Creek (Casual)

This multi-day Death Valley hiking trip begins with a morning pick up from your Las Vegas hotel. We’ll depart Vegas and embark across the fabled Mojave Desert’s basin-and-range landscape. Upon entering Death Valley National Park, we will be treated to morning views of the Badlands: jagged hills dazzlingly colored by volcanic metals. At the edge of the Badlands, we will walk to the top of Zabriske Point where we’ll first gaze upon Death Valley and the towering Panamint Mountains.

After a quick stop at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, we’ll head to the trailhead of Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch: a classic Death Valley hiking loop that takes us deep into the Badlands of the Amargosa Mountains. After a hilltop lunch with panoramic views, we’ll hike down into the water-carved Gower Gulch which will spill us out onto a slanted desert landscape at the edge of Death Valley itself.

Time allowing, we may stop at one of many historic points of interest near Furnace Creek before settling in at our lodging where we’ll enjoy a fine dinner at the historic dining room of the Inn at Death Valley.

Day 2

Drive Time: 3 hours

Hiking Mileage: 9 miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 2000 feet

Accommodations: Inn at Furnace Creek (Premier) or Ranch at Furnace Creek (Casual)

After an early breakfast, we’ll head deep into the very spine of the park, the tree-clad Panamint Mountains, where we’ll take-on the 9000-foot Wildrose Peak. This rugged mountain hike offers a heart-pounding physical challenge with an equally rewarding summit. At the trailhead are the historic Charcoal Kilns: enormous stone domes used for smoking out wood fuel for Old West mining operations. With surprisingly cool temperatures, our hike will take us into a rich juniper and piñon forest as we climb the east slopes of Wildrose Peak. At the summit, we’ll have absolutely breathtaking views of Death Valley, Panamint Valley, and the snow-streaked Sierra Nevada Range on the western horizon.

We’ll finish our day’s exploration at the Mesquite Sand Dunes, where you’ll have chance to roam one of America’s most stunning dune fields—at the foot of the very mountain range we just hiked—before a relaxing restaurant meal.

Day 3

Drive Time: appx 3 hours

Hiking Mileage: 3-5 miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 400-1200 feet

Accommodations: Inn at Furnace Creek (Premier) or Ranch at Furnace Creek (Casual)

Today’s unusual hike will take us through a unique volcano group in the remote northern reaches of Death Valley. We’ll explore the astonishing Ubehebe Craters, often considered a trip highlight by guide and guest alike. These impressive geologic formations and lava fields—some of which erupted a mere 800 years ago—reflect Death Valley’s rich volcanic history. Our loop trail will take us along volcano rims and, if time allows, to the bottom of the largest Ubehebe Crater.

For the final evening of our trip, we will explore the iconic Badwater Basin. After a sunset stroll into the very heart of Death Valley at 282 feet below sea level—the lowest point in North America—we will enjoy dinner next to the white glow of its vast salt flats.

Day 4

Hiking Mileage: 4-7 miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 200-500

Shuttle to Las Vegas: 2.5-3.5 hours

For our final day in Death Valley, we’ll hike one of several mountain canyons of the Amargosa Range. Desolation Canyon, Sidewinder Canyon, Virgin Spring Wash, and Kaleidoscope Canyon each offer their own taste of sublime Death Valley wilderness. We’ll have lunch on the trail or, if time allows, atop the expansive vista of Dante’s View—the best overlook of Death Valley itself—while celebrating and reflecting on our amazing journey.

Day 1 Las Vegas / Zion National Park

Welcome to Las Vegas! The real wild west is home to some of the USA’s most incredible scenery. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 8 am. Then, you’ll hop aboard a private van. Get to know each other over a picnic lunch, then venture into the stunning landscapes of Zion National Park. Join your leader for a guided hike, then spend the night in Springdale – known as the gateway to the park.

Day 2 Bryce Canyon National Park / Page

After breakfast this morning, it’s time to make tracks for Bryce Canyon National Park – make sure your camera is ready to go, as some of the views you’ll come across today are truly out of this world! Take a short drive in your private vehicle, then spend the morning hiking through the epic landscapes of the park. Walk along the canyon rim and marvel at hundreds of unique sandstone towers, known as hoodoos, that jut out from the natural amphitheatre. Relax while you enjoy a picnic lunch and take in your magnificent surroundings, then hike down into the canyon for a closer look at the fascinating hoodoos. Then, drive on to the town of Page, where you’ll spend the night.

Day 3 Lake Powell / Horseshoe Bend

Journey south this morning, driving through more spectacular scenery before arriving at Lake Powell. This gorgeous reservoir is certainly a sight to behold from the shore but to really appreciate it, you’ve got to get on the water. Jump in a kayak and paddle across the water’s surface, weaving your way through remarkable rock formations while your leader regales you with stories of the lake’s history. Back on dry land, set out for a gentle walk along Horseshoe Bend, taking in beautiful views with every step. This afternoon there is an option to visit Antelope Canyon before returning to Page for the evening.

Day 4 Monument Valley / Grand Canyon

Start the day with a drive to Monument Valley – one of the world’s most iconic sights. If this landscape dotted with towering sandstone buttes looks familiar to you, it’s no surprise – Monument Valley has been the filming location for many famous Western films. More importantly, this is the native land of the Navajo. When you arrive, you’ll transfer from your vehicle to a 4WD and enjoy a Navajo-guided tour of Monument Valley, where you’ll have the chance to learn more about their rich culture and history in the area before sitting down to a traditional homecooked, family-style Navajo lunch. Continue your journey onto the iconic Grand Canyon for some awe-inspiring walks along the rim.

Day 5 Route 66 / Las Vegas

This morning it's time to return to Las Vegas, but first we'll make a stop along Historic Route 66. You’ll arrive back in Las Vegas at approximately 4 pm where your adventure will come to an end.