Palm Springs, Joshua Tree & Death Valley 2027

Welcome to Palm Springs, in the sunny Coachella Valley. An included transfer takes you from the airport to your hotel - we recommend you arrive by 14:00 at the latest. After some time to settle in and explore the area, we head out as a group in the early evening.

Get to know your fellow travellers as we ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating tramcar, ascending the cliffs of Chino Canyon into the pristine wilderness of Mt. San Jacinto State Park. At 8,516 feet, take in spectacular views before enjoying an included welcome dinner at a mountain-top restaurant. After dinner, we return to the valley floor and our hotel.

Please note: This tour involves extensive hiking on uneven terrain, covering an average of 5 to 8 kilometres at a time, but sometimes more. Elevation changes range from 50 to 1,000 feet, and both touring and overnight locations are situated at altitudes between 5,000 and 8,000 feet above sea level. Due to the physical demands of this itinerary, participants should be prepared for significant activity.

Palm Springs – Joshua Tree National Park – Palm Springs. Today, we venture into the Coachella Valley to learn about the fragile and protected desert ecosystems of the region.

Arriving in Joshua Tree National Park, we begin with a hike along the Mastodon Peak Loop Trail. Starting in a sandy wash, the trail climbs stone steps to the base of Mastodon Peak, where those who wish can scramble to the summit for sweeping desert views. Along the way, we also pass the remains of the historic Mastodon Mine.

We then visit the Cottonwood Visitor Center before enjoying a picnic lunch. This afternoon, we will explore more of the park’s unique landscapes with short walks through areas such as the Cholla Cactus Garden and around Cap Rock, offering insight into the region’s distinctive plant life. There may also be additional stops and walks at your guide’s discretion.

Later, we return to Palm Springs, where the evening is free to relax or explore the town’s shops and restaurants.

Palm Springs - Joshua Tree National Park - Palm Springs. This morning, we return to Joshua Tree National Park to explore the northern side of the park. With a variety of trails to choose from, there’s plenty to discover. Depending on time, we may hike routes such as the Split Rock Loop, Skull Rock Trail, or Ryan Peak Trail. A picnic lunch is included today. After a full day of adventure, we head back to Palm Springs, where your evening is free to spend as you wish.

Palm Springs – Mojave National Preserve – Baker – Death Valley National Park – Furnace Creek. We depart Palm Springs early this morning, travelling north through the Mojave Desert. Our first stop is the Mojave National Preserve, where we visit the Kelso Sand Dunes, known for their unusual “singing” vibrations.

Continuing to Baker, we stop for lunch before entering Death Valley National Park. Our exploration begins at Dante’s View, offering sweeping panoramas across the valley below. We then visit the Harmony Borax Works, where an interpretive trail brings to life the history of borax mining and the famous 20 Mule Teams.

We arrive in Furnace Creek in the late afternoon, with the evening free for dinner at your leisure.

Furnace Creek – Death Valley National Park – Furnace Creek. Today we continue exploring the dramatic landscapes of Death Valley.

We begin with a hike into Mosaic Canyon, where smooth marble walls, sculpted by centuries of flash floods, create a striking natural corridor. You can explore as much of the trail as you wish at your own pace.

Afterwards, we visit the Mesquite Sand Dunes, where rolling dunes stretch across the desert floor, offering excellent photo opportunities. Lunch is included today at a local restaurant.

This afternoon, we explore Badwater Road, with stops at highlights such as the Devils Golf Course and, weather permitting, Artist’s Palette, known for its striking mineral-stained hillsides.

We return to Furnace Creek later in the day, with the evening at leisure.

Furnace Creek – Death Valley National Park – Furnace Creek. Start your day early with the option to watch sunrise at Zabriskie Point or another scenic overlook, as the desert landscape comes alive with colour.

After breakfast, we head out for one of the park’s most iconic hikes, Golden Canyon to Red Cathedral. Wander through golden badlands and narrow, winding passages that showcase Death Valley’s striking geology.

Following some free time for lunch, we continue our exploration with an afternoon hike along the Badlands Loop, offering sweeping views across this otherworldly terrain.

Returning to Furnace Creek, there’s time to relax before we gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. As night falls, enjoy a final stargazing experience beneath Death Valley’s famously dark skies.

Furnace Creek – Las Vegas. After breakfast, an included transfer takes you to Las Vegas Airport for your onward journey. Drop-off is scheduled for approximately 10:15, so please ensure your flight departs no earlier than midday.

If you are extending your stay in Las Vegas, you can alternatively be dropped at your hotel or in the city centre—please speak with your guide in advance to arrange this.