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Death Valley: Death Valley Basecamp

"Moonlight anywhere is a delight. But there's no moonlight in the world that can compare with the moonlight in Grapevine Canyon, our desert canyon, where the Castle stands."-quote by Mrs. Bessie Johnson from Death Valley Scotty by Mabel © 1932 Scotty’s Castle is in Death Valley

The Wildland Trekking Company, LLC

The Wildland Trekking Company is committed to delivering outstanding hiking adventures to the best desert and mountain regions of North America. Our commitment to this is reflected in our mission statement: To provide exceptional hiking adventures in North America’s most beautiful and wild landscapes, and to contribute significantly to the conservation of these special places. We have over 25 years experience leading unique journeys that have lasting positive impact on people's lives and, as importantly, on the regions and cultures we visit.- Brad, Steve & Scott

Unforgettable Hiking Vacations!

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Death Valley Basecamp With six mountain ranges and 93 percent untrammeled wilderness, Death Valley National Park—the largest national park in the contiguous United States—is best discovered in a pair of hiking boots. Discover narrow canyons, vast dune fields, ancient lava flows, high alpine forests, scenic mountains, and the rich history of the American West.

We’ll spend our days hiking the park’s extraordinarily diverse landscapes. At night, we’ll rest easy at our basecamp and enjoy delicious dinners by campfire before retiring to our tents under a stunning blanket of stars that adorns some of the darkest skies in the country. Join us for this Death Valley Tour of a lifetime.

Day 1

Shuttle to the trailhead: 2.5-hour drive from Las Vegas, NV Mileage: 5 milesElevation Gain/Loss: 600 feetAccommodations: Furnace Creek Campground (or equivalent in same area)

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 drop 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 heading to our campsite. After establishing our basecamp, we’ll enjoy a delicious camp-cooked dinner and relax by the fire as the stars light up the sky.

Day 2

Driving Time: 3-5 hours Mileage: 9 milesElevation Gain/Loss: 2,000 feetAccommodations: Furnace Creek Campground (or equivalent in same area)

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.

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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 heading to camp for a well-deserved dinner.

Day 3

Driving Time: 3 hours Mileage: 3-5 milesElevation Gain/Loss: 400 -1,200 feetAccommodations: Furnace Creek Campground (or equivalent in same area)

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.

Day 4

Total Driving Time: 2.5-3.5 hoursMileage: 4-7 milesElevation Loss: 200-500 feet

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.

Trip itinerary note... all trips are subject to itinerary changes based on circumstances out of our control (e.g. flooding, extreme weather, etc). Payments are not refundable based on itinerary changes, only on cancellations. We strongly recommend securing trip insurance to cover your travel plans (page 8).

Trip Details

Trip type: basecamp

Difficulty: 2 (moderate)

Length: 4 days

Mileage: 17-24 miles, 27-39km

Group size: maximum 10, excluding guides

Pack weight: 10-15 pounds

Price/start dates: see website tour page * Meeting time & place: 5 p.m. the day before the trip start date in the lobby of Tuscany Suites & Casino in Las Vegas, NV

Trip conclusion: approximately 7:30 p.m. on the last day

Trip fees include: transportation, park entrance fees, permits, group gear, food (breakfast day 1 through lunch on last day), professional guide

Trip fees exclude: airfare, trip insurance, hotels, gratuity for guide and services not specified

*Utah is the only state we are based in that charges sales tax to outfitters and guides. The sales tax is based on the St. George, UT municipality rates, which are adjusted occasionally but are in the 6-7% range. For all of our hiking and backpacking tours that originate from our Utah base (Utah and Death Valley trips), the sales tax will be applied to your reservation.

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Travel, Transportation, Meeting & Lodging

Travel

Arrival & Departure Dates

Travel to and from the trips orientation location 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 or St George, Utah

This trip originates in Las Vegas, Nevada. McCarran International Airport offers a variety of airlines with many flight options.

Shuttle

From Las Vegas Airport...Airline Shuttle 888-554-1156: BellTrans Shuttle Service 800-274-7433 and Super Shuttle 800-258-3826

Car Rentals: Avis: 800-331-1212; Hertz 800-654- 3131; National: 800-227-7368; Thrifty: 800-367-2277; Alamo: 800-327-9633

Meeting Time & Place

We will meet in Las Vegas, NV for an orientation at 5 p.m. the day before the trip starts in the lobby of Tuscany Suites & Casino in Las Vegas, NV. If you are staying at a hotel other than Tuscany Suites and Casino, transportation to the pre trip meeting will be the guests responsibility.

The orientation includes introductions, a briefing on the trip itinerary and a checking of personal gear.

Important note: Please bring all gear you plan on hiking with to this meeting.

Transportation To & From The Trailhead

We will pick you up at your hotel the morning of the first day of the tour and drop you off upon our return to Las Vegas, NV.

Pre & Post-Trip Recommended Lodging

Lodging options in Las Vegas, NV are numerous. Below are recommended options based on convenience, our experience, and reviews on Trip Advisor.

We do recommend booking early as Las Vegas is a tourist destination. Per night rate may vary based on time of year.

Tuscany Suites & Casino (Recommended hotel)Clean off the strip hotel around $149/night. Phone: 1-702-893-8933

Important note: Be aware that the vast majority of hotels (including some rooms of the hotel above) allow smoking within their property. If this is a concern, we recommend booking at a non smoking specific hotel.

Due to the nature of Las Veags traffic, we recommend staying at Tuscany Inn & Suites. If you choose to stay at another hotel, transportation to and from the pre trip meeting are the guests responsibility.

Unforgettable Hiking Vacations!

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Hiker Notes & Equipment ListThe following information includes conditioning recommendations as well as clothing and equipment requirements to help ensure a satisfying experience. All items are designed to better prepare you for your trip and need to be carefully read.

If you have any questions after reviewing this information please feel free to contact our office. Also, please pay special attention to any item marked “Important note.”

Training

The enjoyment received from any physical activity is largely dependent on the shape you’re in. Death Valley is the largest National Park in the United States and some of the trails are unmarked or not well maintained and require hiking over varying terrain in uncertain weather with the load of a pack.

We cannot stress enough that the fitter you are the more fun you’ll have. A combination of cardiovascular fitness, strength in all muscle groups and flexibility will help ensure an enjoyable experience. As such, we recommend you prepare for your trip with a moderate training program focused on walking and hiking, ideally in hilly terrain. Important note: Always consult with your physician before commencing with a workout program.

Training by Hiking

If you have access to hiking trails and a schedule to accommodate it begin walking and hiking in hilly/steep terrain. Nothing prepares you for a backpacking trip better than the activity itself!

Try to get out at least 3 days a week. Start with short hikes (1-hour in length) with a light daypack. From week to week build the length and difficulty of your hikes and gradually increase your pack weight until you’re comfortably able to hike 6-8 hours a day carrying the weight you’ll have on your trip (refer to your trip packet for exact pack weight). Unless you’re in great shape it is ideal to begin your training at least 12 weeks prior to your trip. Also be sure to use the boots you’ll have on your trip to break them in. Following is how a moderate program may look:

First week of trainingTuesday: 1-hour hike with daypackThursday: 1-hour hike with daypackSunday: 2-hour hike with daypack

Gradually build to:

Two weeks before tripMonday: 3.5-hour hike with 15-pound packWednesday: 2-hour hike with daypackThursday: 3.5-hour hike with 15-pound packSunday: 7-hour hike with the weight you’ll have on your trip

Supplemental Training Ideas

There are many other activities that are easily incorporated into your daily life to build your overall fitness. Cross training is also important to strengthen opposing muscle groups and it helps to avoid over-use injuries. Supplemental training ideas include:

• Climb the stairs at your office, house, park, or neighborhood with a backpack. Stair climbing is a fantastic way to simulate backpacking in hilly or steep terrain.

• Bike to work or when running errands. Bike around town or on country roads outside of your town/city. Cycling is a great way to build endurance and strength in your legs.

• Gym activities including step aerobics, treadmill, bicycling, or elliptical trainers to name a few. A modest weight training program focusing on the muscles that support the ankles, knees, back, and shoulders is also beneficial.

• Swimming is a great way to build endurance and cardiovascular fitness and is easy on the joints.

• Walk to work instead of driving. Run your errands by walking and carry your groceries home in a backpack.

• Yoga and/or Pilates classes can build strength throughout your body while also improving your flexibility.

• Intramural sports• Jogging is another option, however if you are not a regular

runner it can easily lead to injuries that backpacking may then exacerbate. Undertake a jogging routine with care.

Other Training Considerations

Flexibility is an important part of training, remember to stretch before and after your workouts. For the two weeks leading up to your trip cut your workouts in half to avoid arriving fatigued. Also for a 72-hour period before your trip commences, ensure that you are consuming sufficient amounts of sodium and fluids. Doctors agree that hikers increase the likelihood of experiencing problems if they are sodium depleted (e.g., follow a low sodium diet) or are dehydrated (due to travel or using diuretics such as coffee or alcohol). If you have any questions at all about your training feel free to give us a call at the number below.

Important note: Always consult with your physician before commencing with a workout program.

Unforgettable Hiking Vacations!

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What You Need To Bring

Clothing Checklist

The following items are required for your trip. They are a must for your safety and comfort. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together.

Brimmed sunhat and bandanaWarm top, such as a long-sleeved sweater or fleece jacketOne or two hiking shirts (may be long-sleeved) for protection from the sun, light colors are nice because they’re cooler than dark colorsLong pants, one pair of leggings or lightweight trousers to block sun and give warmth at night Shorts, one pair, nylon is nice for light weight and to substitute as a bathing suitUnderwearSport sandals like Tevas® or Chacos®, or lightweight closed toe sandals or tennis shoes for camp comfortHiking socks, 1 pair for every 2 days of your trip. Recommended brands include Darn Tough®, Smartwool®, or similar socks (some people find using a thin sock liner may help alleviate hot spots / blisters). No cotton socks!!Sturdy hiking boots or shoes, ideally well broken in with a supportive soleImportant note: Buy your boots 1/2 to 1 size large to allow for feet swelling and thicker socks

Additional Clothing October - AprilIn addition to the clothing list above, these items are needed if your trip is occurring between October 15 and April 15.

Warm hat and gloves Long underwear, one pair of wicking tops and bottoms that are lightweight to midweight, example wicking materials include capilene, polypropylene, etc. Fleece jacket or insulated coat, warm, lightweight and packable fleece jacket or coat insulated with synthetic material

Gear Checklist

Water bottles or bladder (2 liters total capacity)Contact lenses and glasses if you wear contact lenses please also bring a pair of glasses - your contacts are likely to become dirty and may be difficult to cleanSunglasses, sunscreen (30+ SPF), lip balmHeadlamp, full batteries (preferably an L.E.D. type that works with AA or AAA batteries, spare batteries)Toiletries, and a small washcloth in stuff sack (bandana can serve as a washcloth)Vitamins (optional)Earplugs (to sleep through windy conditions - optional)Notebook, drawing supplies, or paperback book (optional)Camera, spare batteries (optional)Prescription medicine (please inform trip leader of any medications you are taking)Knee braces, if neededMoney, for tipping your guide (generally 10-20% of trip cost based on your experience) and for any purchases in Death Valley, CA.

Online Store

Most of the items listed above are available in the Wildland Trekking online store. The store is specifically stocked to support you for your trip and is a convenient way to buy your gear since you can do it from home!

Unforgettable Hiking Vacations!

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What We Provide

GuideYour tour will be led by a trained, experienced professional with a solid guiding background, years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes.

Important note: California guides work daily shifts from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. During off hours (9 p.m. to 5 a.m.) the guides' time is their own, and they are free to sleep, rest, take personal time, postpone guest requests until the next morning, and any other legal, reasonable activity people engage in when not working. We ask all guests to respect the guides' off-duty hours by not waking or asking anything of them unless there is a true emergency. Also, state law requires that employees receive an uninterrupted 10 minute break every four working hours, so guides are required to take four 10 minute breaks between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Group GearWe provide top-of-the-line backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, trekking poles, stoves, cookware, bowls, cups and utensils. All our guides carry company issued First Aid Kits, Satellite phones (for emergencies only) and Epinephrine Kits (for allergic emergencies). Note on Showers: We will have access to shower facilities near our campground.

FoodWe provide a diversity of foods containing the necessary nutrition for sustained energy output. Meals are made from staples that travel well in the backcountry - rice, pastas, lentils, beans, couscous, oatmeal, granola, etc. Meals are also supplemented with trail foods such as crackers, cheese, granola, energy bars, fresh and/or dried fruit, and energy drink mixes.

We regularly accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and will make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee. Important note: It’s critical that you include your dietary needs in your registration - it’s too late once you’ve arrived!

Group Travel

If you're joining a scheduled hiking tour you'll be hiking with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Please carefully examine the trip materials and difficulty prior to registering so that you can select a trip that matches your ability level. We make every effort to match the abilities of our group members however it is inevitable that individuals will vary in this regard. 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. If you need assistance selecting the right trip we are happy to help.

Recommended Reading

For those interested, the following books provide an excellent overview of the Death Valley National Park:

Aitchison, Stewart. Death Valley: Splendid Desolation 2004

Lingenfelter, Richard E. Death Valley and the Amargosa: A Land of Illusion 1992.

Harder, Emmett C. These Canyons are Full of Ghosts, 2001.

Interesting Facts about Death Valley:

-The average yearly rainfall in the area is 2.36 inches according to the National Weather Service

-Death Valley was named by California gold seekers who had to cross the desolate wasteland in order to reach the gold fields in California in 1849

-Death Valley has an estimated 6,000-10,000 abandoned mines.

-Badwater Basin is the lowest dry point in North America, at 282 below sea level.

-Over 1000 types of plants live in the park. Vegetation include Joshua trees, creosote bushes and desert hollies.

-Death Valley is only 76 miles from the highest point in the country, Mt Whitney, which tops out at an elevation of 14, 505 ft.

Unforgettable Hiking Vacations!

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Traveling Responsibly

Death Valley National Park and The National Park Service ask that we provide our guests with the following information. In addition, we as a company support the efforts of Leave No Trace© and their 7 principles for enjoying the outdoors responsibly. You can click here to view that information.

Death Valley National Park: dedicates itself to protecting significant desert features that provide world class scenic, scientific and educational opportunities for visitors and academics to explore and study.

NPS Mission: The National Park Service mission was clearly stated in the 1916 Organic Act - ‘...the fundamental purpose of the said parks, monuments and reservations, which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.

Thank You!

The Wildland Trekking Company is dedicated to delivering an exceptional travel experience that exceeds your every expectation. We believe that travel is one of life’s great joys and take seriously our role in helping you create a trip of lasting memories.

In addition to our role as your travel partner and guide, we are dedicated to the promotion of stewardship and conservation in the regions we visit. One of our primary goals is to use the business as a tool toward long-term sustainability of the environment and its people.

If there is anything we can do to further inform or help you in preparation for your upcoming adventure please do not hesitate to contact us. Thanks for the opportunity to serve you and we look forward to seeing you soon!

To join any Wildland Trekking Company trip, simply call 1-800-715-4453 (HIKE) and talk to one of our Adventure Consultants. Alternatively, email us at hike@wildlandtrekking.com and we’ll get back to you in a timely manner.

Payment Schedule: A $500 deposit is required to secure your spot. The trip balance is then due 60 days prior to your trip start date. Final acceptance of any participant is subject to receipt and review of all required forms and documents, and payment.

Cancellation Policy: All Wildland Trekking Company trips are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances. Please click here for information on trip itinerary changes and alternative dates.

Wildland Trekking reserves the right to cancel any trip due to a variety of circumstances. Please click here for additional information for trip cancellations. If you cancel or leave a trip for any reason:-90+ days prior to the trip start date: A full refund will be granted if you cancel within 10 days of making your reservation. After 10 days from your first payment we will grant you a full refund, less a $250 per person administrative fee. -89-60 days prior to the trip start date: full refund minus a $500 per person administrative fee.- 59-30 days prior to the trip start date: a refund of 50% of the trip cost. -Less than 30 days prior to the trip start date

or once trip has begun: there will be no refund.

Transfer Policy: If you transfer from one trip to another:- 60 days or more there is no additional fee - between 59 and 30 days prior to the trip start date,

there will be a $100 processing fee per reservation.- Less than 30 days prior to the trip start date,

regular cancellation and refund policies will apply.

Trip Insurance: For your protection, we strongly recommend the purchase of trip insurance. It will protect you against financial loss in the event of trip cancellation or interruption, medical expenses, travel delay, emergency evacuation or other circumstances. Travel insurance is underwritten by International Medical Group.

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v12.2 Mar 2020