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Palm Springs · California · United States
7-Day Expedition: Discover Death Valley & Joshua Tree
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From $3,549.00 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
Our guided tour to Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in two of the most iconic desert landscapes in the United States. Witness the stark beauty of the Mojave Desert, where towering Joshua trees stand as silent sentinels against a backdrop of rugged granite boulders. Explore the otherworldly landscapes of Death Valley, the hottest place on Earth, where sand dunes stretch as far as the eye can see and ancient salt flats shimmer beneath the desert sun. Discover the fascinating history of these regions, from the Native American tribes who called them home to the pioneers who sought their fortunes in the harsh desert environment. Our expert guides will lead you on hikes through hidden canyons, reveal the secrets of the desert's unique flora and fauna, and share captivating stories of the people and events that have shaped this extraordinary region.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Death Valley National Park
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway & Peaks Restaurant
- Dark Sky Astronomy Experience
- Mojave National Preserve
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Palm Springs
Arrive at the Palm Springs Airport today and transfer to your hotel with some free time to relax, freshen up, and explore Palm Springs.
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This evening, join the group for a fun welcome dinner with a view as you take a scenic ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world's largest rotating tramcar, transporting riders to the pristine wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. During your approximately ten-minute journey, tram cars rotate slowly, offering picturesque and spectacular vistas of the valley floor below. Once you reach the Mountain Station, at an elevation of 8,516 feet, take in the view, then enter the Peaks Restaurant for a culinary experience above the clouds.
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Palm Springs
After dinner, return to the valley floor and your hotel for the overnight.
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Hotel
Day 2
Los Angeles
Nature Walks at Joshua Tree National Park. Depart Palm Springs and travel to the Coachella Valley, where you will learn about the conservation efforts to preserve the fragile desert habitats. Arrive at the Thousand Palms Preserve for a walk on the McCallum Trail through the Palms Oasis to Simone Pond. Next, travel to Joshua Tree National Park and take a short walk on the Bajada Trail to learn more about the plant life found in the park. Then, arrive at the Cottonwood Visitors Center for more information on the park.
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Palm Springs
A picnic lunch is included today.
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Palm Springs
Hiking. Enjoy hiking on the Mastodon Peak Loop Trail, which starts as a sandy wash, then hike up stairs carved in the stone to the base of Mastodon Peak. It's an easy scramble to the top of Mastodon Peak, where you are treated to panoramic views of the desert and mountains. The second half of the hike passes the abandoned Mastodon Mine on your way back to the trailhead. There will be additional exploring at the guide's discretion. In the afternoon, return to Palm Springs with free time to relax and enjoy the many fun shops and restaurants found in Palm Springs.
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Hotel
Day 3
Los Angeles
Hiking at Joshua Tree National Park. This morning, return to Joshua Tree National Park for a day of exploring the North side of the Park. With many trails in the area, there will be plenty to see and explore. As time allows, hikes may include the Split Rock Loop Trail, Skull Rock Trail, and the Ryan Peak Trail, to name a few.
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Palm Springs
Leisure. After a wonderful day in Joshua Tree, return to Palm Springs with the evening free on your own.
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Hotel
Day 4
Palm Springs
Depart Palm Springs early this morning and travel north through the Mojave Desert with a stop in the Mojave National Preserve to view the Kelso Sand Dunes, also known as the singing or booming sand dunes.
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Palm Springs
Arrive in Baker and stop for lunch on your own.
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Sightseeing at Death Valley National Park. In the afternoon, arrive at Death Valley National Park and begin your exploration at Dante's View with a commanding view of the valley. Then stop at Zabriskie Point. Next, travel on the Badwater Road to view The Devil's Golf Course and Badwater Basin. Late this afternoon, arrive at your hotel in Furnace Creek with the evening free for dinner on your own.
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Hotel
Day 5
Palm Springs
Hiking at Death Valley National Park. Spend the day exploring the dramatic landscapes of Death Valley National Park, one of the most iconic desert destinations in the American Southwest. Your adventure begins with a scenic hike through Mosaic Canyon, a popular Death Valley trail known for its striking geology and narrow marble walls. From the trailhead, follow the rocky wash into the canyon, where, within the first 0.25 miles (0.4 km), the canyon dramatically narrows. Here, smooth, polished walls of Noonday Dolomite marble rise around you—shaped over time by powerful, grit-laden flash floods that have carved and sculpted this natural corridor into a stunning geological showcase. The full out-and-back hike is approximately 4 miles, with the flexibility to turn around at any point based on your comfort level.
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Palm Springs
After your morning hike, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, included as part of today’s tour.
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Nature Walks at Death Valley National Park. In the afternoon, continue your Death Valley sightseeing along Badwater Road, stopping at some of the park’s most famous landmarks. Walk among the rolling Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, marvel at the jagged salt formations of Devil’s Golf Course, and take in the vibrant, mineral-rich hills of Artist’s Palette, weather permitting.
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Hotel
Day 6
Palm Springs
Photography at Death Valley National Park. Begin the day with sunrise inside Death Valley National Park, where you’ll take in the park’s dramatic early-morning colors from Zabriskie Point or another scenic overlook. This is one of the best times of day for photography and for appreciating the otherworldly landscape shaped by erosion and mineral deposits.
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Meal: Breakfast
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Hiking at Death Valley. After breakfast, set out to explore one of Death Valley’s most iconic hiking routes, the Golden Canyon to Red Cathedral trail. This moderate hike winds through a maze of golden badlands and narrow, sculpted canyons, offering an up-close look at the park’s striking geology and vibrant rock formations.
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Palm Springs
Enjoy lunch on your own at The Ranch at Death Valley.
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Palm Springs
Hiking at Death Valley. After lunch head back into the park for an afternoon hike on the Badlands Loop. This trail provides sweeping views across the rugged terrain and highlights the layered textures and colors that make Death Valley so unique.
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Palm Springs
Later in the afternoon, return to Furnace Creek to relax and refresh before gathering for a farewell dinner.
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Traditional Outdoors. As night falls, conclude the day with a stargazing experience beneath Death Valley’s famously dark skies, where clear desert air reveals a brilliant display of stars and constellations.
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Hotel
Day 7
Palm Springs
Meal: Breakfast
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Las Vegas
After breakfast and your final sunrise inside the park, you will transfer to the Las Vegas Airport for your departure flight home. We will be able to drop off at the airport at 10 am, and you can book any flight after 12 pm. If you have extended your stay in Las Vegas, we will drop you off at your hotel or resort for you to continue your adventure through the weekend.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Services of a Southwest Adventure Tours tour director Comfortable transportation on Mercedes Sprinter Vans or similar Park entrance fees Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Gratuities for included meals
Not Included
Airfare Items of a personal nature (alcohol, room service, etc.) Meals (other than listed in the itinerary) Hotel baggage handling Gratuities for the Southwest Adventure Tours tour director
What to Bring
Clients should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain for an average of 1 to 3 miles at a time. Elevation gain and loss averages between 50 ft and 400 ft throughout the areas visited during this tour. Touring and overnight locations are above -282 to 8000 ft above sea level
Restrictions
This tour is only available in March, next availability is March 2027.
Meeting & Pickup
Arrival Location: Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) Arrival Time: By 2:00 PM on Day 1 Departure Location: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) Departure Time: After 12:00 PM on Day 6
Languages Offered
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Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Manual By Business
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