Joshua Tree and Death Valley: Boulders, Desert Canyons, and Salt Flats

Location: North America
Duration: 8 Days
Price: From $4,995
Activity Level: Level 3 – Dynamic

Joshua Tree and Death Valley: Boulders, Desert Canyons, and Salt Flats

Location: North America
Duration: 8 Days
Price: From $4,995
Activity Level: Level 3 – Dynamic

Overview

This eight-day desert adventure moves through some of the most iconic and geologically dramatic landscapes in the American West. Begin in Joshua Tree National Park, where sunset hikes and desert exploration set the tone for days of varied, rewarding hiking among boulder fields, cactus gardens, and hidden valleys. Continue across the Mojave Desert into Death Valley National Park, where volcanic craters, narrow canyons, salt flats, and high viewpoints reveal the scale and power of the terrain. With a balance of challenging hikes, guided discovery, and restorative moments, this journey is designed for women ready to experience the desert’s full range.

Main Attractions

Journey into Joshua Tree

Explore iconic boulder fields, cholla gardens, and hidden valleys in Joshua Tree National Park with guided hikes, panoramic climbs, and sunset walks that reveal the desert’s unique ecology and geology.

Discover Death Valley

Experience the dramatic contrasts of Death Valley National Park, from Badwater Basin’s salt flats to Golden Canyon hikes and Dante’s View, showcasing vast desert extremes and ancient geological formations.

See Geological Wonders

Blend wellness and geology with sound baths, Titus Canyon narrows, and Ubehebe Crater explorations, combining restorative experiences with rugged desert landscapes and volcanic history in the Mojave Desert.

Map showing flight routes between Palm Springs, Yucca Valley, Furnace Creek, and Las Vegas, with an inset map highlighting the region in California and Nevada. Travel icons are included.
Nine people sit and stand on rocky terrain overlooking a desert valley and mountains under a blue sky with clouds.
Three people stand barefoot in shallow water holding an “AdventureWomen” banner, with mountains and a cloudy sunset sky in the background.
Eight women stand together outdoors facing rocky hills, holding a blue "Adventure Women" banner under a partly cloudy sky.
A group of people hike up a rocky, sloped trail under a blue sky with scattered clouds. One person wearing a large hat walks in the foreground.
A person wearing a hat and sunglasses leans on a sand dune in a desert landscape with mountains and cloudy sky in the background.
Person wearing black pants and pink sandals standing on cracked, dry, light-colored ground.
Four people stand on rocky terrain in a desert landscape with mountains in the background under a blue sky.
Nine people posing and smiling in front of large rock formations in a canyon, dressed in casual outdoor hiking clothing and sunglasses.
A group of people with backpacks hike through a rocky canyon under a clear blue sky, surrounded by layered hills and dry terrain.

Itinerary

A rocky desert landscape with scattered shrubs at sunset, featuring a dramatic sky with orange, pink, and purple clouds.

Welcome Sunset in Joshua Tree

Arrive at Palm Springs Airport (PSP) by 1 PM, then transfer to Yucca Valley on the edge of Joshua Tree National Park. After checking in and dropping off your luggage, head into the park for an easy sunset hike. This gentle outing is a great way to stretch your legs after traveling while taking in the area’s iconic boulder formations and distinctive Joshua trees. End the day with a welcome picnic dinner in the park as the sun sets over the desert landscape. Hiking Details: ~2–3 miles, 60-90-minute, easy terrain

Meals dinner
Field of cholla cacti in a desert landscape with distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

Signature Joshua Tree Exploration

Discover Joshua Tree at its most unforgettable on a full day of desert exploration with a medically trained naturalist guide. Wander among the cholla, boulders, and hidden valleys of this otherworldly landscape, stopping at highlights like Cholla Cactus Garden, Skull Rock, and Hidden Valley while uncovering the stories behind its remarkable plants, geology, and history. For an added adventure, choose the panoramic climb up Ryan Mountain or the quieter, scenic route to Mastodon Peak, depending on the group’s interests and energy. Hiking Details: Approximately 5–7 miles over moderate terrain with some rocky sections.

Meals breakfast, lunch
A person wearing a yellow hat stands on large rocks, touching a natural rock arch formation under a cloudy sky.

Desert Wellness and Discovery

Experience a memorable blend of nature, wellness, and local culture on a day that captures Joshua Tree’s quieter side. Join your naturalist guide to explore Barker Dam and Hidden Valley Loop, where striking rock formations, desert flora, and wide-open views showcase the meeting of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts. After a picnic lunch, relax into a 60-minute sound bath, then spend the afternoon browsing the area’s quirky desert towns and arts communities or returning to the hotel to unwind. Hiking Details ~ 1.5-2 hours, total experience ~ 2.5 to 3.5 hours, approximately 2-2.5 miles

Meals breakfast, lunch
Golden sand dunes in the foreground with rugged, rocky mountains and a partly cloudy blue sky in the background.

Farewell to Joshua Tree

Savor a final morning in Joshua Tree with one last hike among its sculpted boulders, desert flora, and wide-open vistas before a picnic lunch and farewell to the park. Afterward, travel through the dramatic Mojave Desert en route to Death Valley National Park, with the possibility of a stop at Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge or the historic Rhyolite ghost town. Arrive at Stovepipe Wells in time for a sunset dune walk and dinner, marking a memorable close to the day. Hiking Details: 3–4 miles, 90 minutes-2 hours, moderate terrain, ~1–2 miles in sand, 30-45 minutes

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Large volcanic crater with sparse vegetation in a desert landscape, mountains in the background, and sun shining from the upper left.

Explore Ancient Geology

Enjoy breakfast before embarking on a hike along the gravel road into the spectacular Titus Canyon narrows, marveling at ancient rock stratifications and desert wildlife. After a picnic lunch, explore the 600-foot-deep Ubehebe Crater formed by a volcanic explosion. Choose to admire the view from the rim or hike the full rim trail for panoramic views. In the evening, return to the hotel for a group dinner at Stovepipe Wells. Hiking Details: 4 miles, 90-minute to 2 hours, moderate terrain with gravel and uneven surfaces Ubehebe Crater: up to 2 miles along the crater rim (30-45 minutes)

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Rocky mountain landscape with sparse vegetation, a pile of stones in the foreground, and distant peaks under a clear blue sky.

Wildrose Peak Summit

Get ready for your most challenging day hiking Wildrose Peak Summit. Drive and start the hike at approximately 7,000 feet. Cross through pinyon pine and juniper forest to the summit of Wildrose Peak (9,064 feet). The summit rewards with sweeping views across Death Valley’s varied landscape. (If weather does not permit this hike, an alternate route with excellent views will be substituted.) After the hike, enjoy dinner on your own as you reminisce on today’s views. Hiking Details: ~8 miles round trip, 4-5 hours, ~2,500 ft elevation gain

Meals breakfast, lunch
Eroded, multicolored badlands and rocky hills are shown under warm sunlight at Zabriskie Point in Death Valley National Park.

Sunrise in Death Valley

Rise early to watch the sunrise illuminate the badlands and Panamint Mountains from Zabriskie Point. Return to Furnace Creek for breakfast to fuel up for your full-morning hike through the multi-hued walls of Golden Canyon toward the Red Cathedral formation. Continue beneath Zabriskie Point and into the badlands, passing Manly Beacon as you enjoy a picnic lunch. Free afternoon to relax by the spring-fed pool at the hotel or explore on your own. Enjoy a farewell dinner with your group tonight. Hiking Details: ~6 miles, 2.5-3.5 hours, ~1,100 ft elevation gain/loss, some scrambling (hands and feet, no technical skill required).

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A person walks alone across a cracked, salt flat landscape at sunset with mountains visible in the background.

Farewell to Death Valley

Take one final look at the dramatic landscapes of the desert. Start the morning at Dante’s View, where sweeping panoramas reveal Telescope Peak, rugged mountain ranges, and striking alluvial fans shaped over millions of years. Continue to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, and walk across the vast salt flats framed by towering peaks. After lunch, begin your transfer to Las Vegas, stopping for exclusive behind-the-scenes access at the historic Amargosa Opera House. Hiking Details: 2 miles, ~1 hour ~400 ft elevation gain/loss, ~2 miles, 30-45 minutes, flat terrain

Meals breakfast, lunch
Star-filled night sky with the Milky Way visible over a desert landscape featuring Joshua trees and large rock formations.

Accommodations

Please note that all amenities were current when written and are subject to change at any time.

A large, white, two-story building with a brown roof stands amid desert vegetation, with mountains and a partly cloudy sky in the background.

Spark by Hilton

The Spark by Hilton Yucca Valley Joshua Tree is a comfortable, well-appointed hotel situated in the center of Yucca Valley, just 10 minutes from Pioneertown and about 20 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park. Rooms are decorated in warm, earthy tones offering a welcoming desert retreat. On-site amenities include an outdoor pool, a fitness center, dry cleaning and laundry services, making it a convenient home base for exploring the Mojave Desert.

Amenities: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, refrigerator, coffee / tea maker, flatscreen TV, air conditioning, Wi-Fi

A southwestern-style building with palm trees in front, lit by string lights at dusk, with mountains and a colorful sky in the background.

The Ranch at Death Valley

The Ranch at Death Valley is a historic, family-friendly resort welcoming guests since 1933, originally built as a working ranch that has since been transformed into a full private resort adjacent to the National Park Service visitor center at Furnace Creek. Guests can take advantage of an impressive array of amenities, including an ever-refreshing 87-degree spring-fed pool.

Amenities: complimentary toiletries, refrigerator, flatscreen TV, air conditioning, Wi-Fi

What People Are Saying

My favorite experiences were the sand dunes, walking into the lake at the salt flats, the unique views and hikes around the crater, through the badlands, and throughout Death Valley. Also enjoyed the stop to learn about the pupfish and the overall history and geography of the area!

What People Are Saying

I got to see the stars – I actually saw the Big Dipper and Orions Belt.

What People Are Saying

From the large boulders to stars that consume the night sky, this region is incredibly unique. Must go!

Dates & Pricing

Start Date End Date Availability Starting At Booking Link
Jan 17, 2027 Jan 24, 2027
Space Available
$4,995
Standard Double
$4,995 total, $800 deposit
Standard Single
$6,395 total, $800 deposit

Arrival: Arrive at Palm Springs Airport (PSP) by 1 PM
Departure: Las Vegas, NV (LAS) – book flights departing after 6:00 PM, or plan to stay overnight

What's Included

  • Accommodation as listed, based on double occupancy
  • All meals, as listed in the itinerary
  • All ground transportation
  • One airport group transfer on scheduled arrival and departure days
  • All park fees
  • Activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • Professional guide(s) throughout the trip
  • Gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff

What's Not Included

  • Airfare
  • Optional activities
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Fees for passports, visas, immunizations
  • Travel Insurance: cost of medical expenses, hospitalization, evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities for guides and drivers

FAQs

Absolutely! You belong here. AdventureWomen welcomes all women and individuals who identify as part of the women’s community. We celebrate all races, backgrounds, orientations, abilities, and ages. Our adventures reflect the vibrant diversity of our travelers.

You can process your registration on our online booking system or over the phone. Most deposits are $800. In many cases, and unless otherwise indicated, your deposit is transferable if you notify us in writing 120 before your trip departs.

Be sure to check the ‘What’s Included’ section of the trip you are interested in. Once you get to the departure city and meet the group, we often include most meals, all accommodations, all activities (although there might be an optional activity at an additional cost), transportation while on the adventure, qualified local guide(s) and some trips also include an AdventureWomen Ambassador. Our trips do not include airfare to/from the arrival and departure cities. Internal flights are included.

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it! Many of the women who travel with AdventureWomen come solo. For those that do not choose a single supplement, we pair you with a roommate. Usually, when we change accommodations on a trip, we will change roommates if we can, so you get a chance to know others in our group. A limited number of single supplements may be available for an additional charge.

That depends entirely on the trip! AdventureWomen adventure travel trips are rated according to the physical fitness level demanded by the included activities.

  • Level One: Easy Pace Our Easy Pace trips are thoughtfully designed for women who enjoy gentle activity, cultural immersion, and plenty of time to savor the scenery. They feature light walking, easy terrain like cobblestone streets or flat nature trails, and optional activities such as city tours, wildlife safaris, and scenic boat rides. This level offers a relaxed pace with flexible itineraries and minimal physical exertion.
  • Level Two: Moderate For women who enjoy staying active, balanced with some downtime, our Moderate trips offer a blend of movement and relaxation. Activities may include walking on gently rolling trails, with occasional uneven terrain like forest paths or shallow creek crossings. With activities like beginner kayaking or short e-bike excursions, this level is perfect for those eager to explore while trying something new.
  • Level Three: Dynamic Designed for adventurous women ready for a challenge, our Dynamic trips feature regular activity on varied terrain with moderate elevation gains. Expect natural obstacles such as rocky paths and shallow creek crossings. From glacier walks and whitewater rafting to ziplining and kayaking in calm to lightly-choppy waters, this level is perfect for those with hiking and outdoor experience and a sense of adventure.
  • Level Four: High Energy Our High Energy adventures are designed for women who crave being on the go! You should be prepared for full days of hiking across rugged, moderate-altitude terrain. With some steeper inclines and rocky paths, these trips often feature back-to-back adrenaline-fueled activities like canyoneering, multi-day treks, and Class IV whitewater rafting—perfect for experienced adventurers and hikers with good stamina and a passion for pushing their limits.
  • Level Five: Challenging Our Challenging trips are crafted for seasoned adventurers ready to take on remote, high-altitude terrain, and full-day treks. These trips are demanding yet deeply rewarding and designed for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. You should be in excellent physical condition and be able to hike up to 14 miles per day with steep ascents, rugged trails, and elevations reaching 19,500 feet. These are strenuous trips that require endurance and a commitment to training before departure.

A trip extension is an optional add-on to your main AdventureWomen itinerary. Extensions allow you to explore a destination more deeply, visit nearby regions, or enjoy additional activities before or after your scheduled trip. You can request an extension by contacting your Trip Manager. We’ll confirm availability with our local partners and send you the details, pricing, and next steps. For more information about AdventureWomen extensions, please visit our FAQs.