Shake off winter and swap gray skies for desert sun on this all-women hiking adventure across two of California’s most iconic national parks! We start low, in the sun-scorched badlands and salt flats of Death Valley, then climb into the boulder-strewn high desert of Joshua Tree, where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet. Along the way, we wander a ghost town, a spring-fed oasis, and the rim of an old volcanic crater, with wide-open skies for stargazing after dark. With a group of no more than 12 and guides who know the geology and history inside out, it’s easy to feel at home fast.
This eight-day, women-only road trip links two of California's most dramatic national parks with moderate, guide-led hikes and comfortable lodging along the way. Starting in Las Vegas, we work through Death Valley's canyons, crater, and dunes before crossing the Mojave into Joshua Tree's boulder-strewn high desert, finishing in Palm Springs. Expect up to 11 km (7 mi) of hiking on the busiest days, with plenty of stops for geology, history, and photos in between. Seven nights of accommodation are included, from a historic ranch to adobe cabins on a private oasis, along with all meals from the first dinner through the final breakfast. No technical hiking experience is required, just a regular walking habit and a taste for wide-open desert.
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In order to join this hiking tour, good fitness is required, though no technical hiking experience. The most you’ll hike within a day is up to 11 km (7 mi), with up to 366 m (1,200 ft) of elevation gain.
This trip is designed to be approachable for novice hikers: you should be comfortable walking briskly for 35 to 45 minutes, three to four days a week, and ready for uneven, rocky, or sandy desert terrain with some short, steeper sections. Guides give hiking tips and support throughout, and your luggage travels by vehicle between hotels, so you’re never carrying more than a daypack on the trail. Keep in mind that desert weather can swing from warm afternoons to cold mornings and evenings, which can make some days feel tougher than the mileage suggests.
Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more hiking adventures in US National Parks here!
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Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
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Death Valley and Joshua Tree are both home to more wildlife than the stark scenery might suggest. In Death Valley, keep an eye out for roadrunners, desert bighorn sheep, jackrabbits, kit foxes, and the rare pupfish species that live in a handful of desert springs and oases—including the ones at Ash Meadows on day 2. Joshua Tree is home to desert tortoises, coyotes, bobcats, and owls, among other high-desert residents. Sightings aren’t guaranteed, since these are wild animals in a vast landscape, but your guides know where to look.
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The price for this Death Valley hiking tour to Joshua Tree is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout. Please note that single occupancy depends on availability.
Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.
The starting point of your Death Valley hiking tour to Joshua Tree is Las Vegas, Nevada. To get there, most people fly into Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). From there, you can take a shuttle service, taxi, or rideshare to reach the group hotel. You will meet your guide at 5:30 pm in the lobby of the designated Las Vegas hotel on Day 1. The trip ends in Palm Springs, California. Depart any time on Day 8 and arrange ground transportation to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP).
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
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Interested in Geology and the trip was awesome! The hiking guides were knowledgeable about everything in the National Park and the weather was wonderful.