Women Tour and Travel - Death Valley National Park

Death Valley
National Park
with 2 nights in Las Vegas

February 22 - 28, 2009

Often overlooked purely by it's name, the 3.4 million acre Death Valley National Park is not only the largest park in the continental USA but one of the most striking specimens of Mother Earth. Death Valley is home to amazing wildlife, lovely desert blooms, tremendous geologic diversity, and rich cultural history. From Badwater Basin at 282 feet below sea level to Telescope Peak at 11,049 feet, the region is abundant in contrasts and extremes.

We will begin and end our trip in Las Vegas. What brings us to Vegas is clear: it's all about having fun. In the middle of the desert, Las Vegas is like a mirage--the colors of the casinos and their neon lights, contrast sharply with the dry and barren land around.

Death Valley is home to amazing wildlife, lovely desert blooms, tremendous geologic diversity, and rich cultural history.

Trip Full.
If you wish to be placed on standby,
CLICK HERE

$1398
(non-member: $1473)
Single Room–add $476

Activity Level:

75% Easy with walking
25% Moderate

TOUR INCLUDES:

- Services of WTT tour leader and local guides

- transportation throughout the tour

- All activities as listed in the itinerary

- Meals: Breakfast daily and 3 dinners.

- Lodging:

Las Vegas - Desert Rose Resort Suites

Death Valley - Furnace Creek Ranch

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Air Information
Travelers will make their own air reservations and are requested to arrive and depart as follows:

Airport:
Las Vegas International Airport (LAS)

Arrive:
Sunday, February 22 at your convenience but no later than 5:00pm

Depart:
Saturday, February 28 at your convenience.

Early Arrival:
WTT can make reservations for those interested in arriving a day early. The room cost will be:
$95 dbl / $190 sgl

Special Notes Regarding this Trip:

-There will be several walks included in this tour- some up to two miles in length; some portions of the walks may be over sand or uneven surfaces.

Not Included in the Price of this Tour:

· Air from your home to the tour starting point and return,

· Airport transfers

· Meals or activities not specified in the itinerary,

· Any personal expenses, and any guide/driver gratuities.

Sunday, February 22: Arrive Las Vegas, Welcome Dinner

Arrive Las Vegas at your convenience but no later than 5:00pm.. If you arrive earlier, your WTT tour leader will greet you and have suggestions as to how to enjoy your day. We will meet for introductions at 6:00pm and then have dinner together as a group this evening. (D)

Monday, February 23: Death Valley, Golden Canyon Trail

Depart this morning for Death Valley National Park and the Furnace Creek Ranch. This afternoon, take an easy 2 mile walk through the colorful walls of Golden Canyon that are beautifully lit by the rays of the afternoon sun. See how flash floods, volcanoes and rocks tipped on end indicate how geologic violence creates beauty. (B)

Tuesday, February 24: Scotty’s Castle and Ubehebe Crater

We’ll take a living history tour explaining the unusual past of this ornate Spanish-style mansion named after "Death Valley Scotty." He told everyone that he built the castle; however, Albert Mussey Johnson, Chicago millionaire businessman, built the ranch and he let his cowboy mining partner, Scotty, live there as a guest. Scotty's Castle is a fantasy house built by and for several fantastic characters.

Then continue on to the massive Ubehebe Crater, site of a massive volcanic explosion that left a pit in the earth over 500 feet deep and a half a mile across. Take a short and easy 1.5 mile walk along the rim of Ubehebe Crater. (B)

Wednesday, February 25: Sand Dunes Walk; Salt Creek Trail Walk

We will spend today in the Stovepipe Wells area of the park with walks to the sand dunes and to Salt Creek. There are 14 acres of sand dunes rising several hundred feet high in places. While there is no official trail to the dunes, we'll just set out on foot in the direction of the dunes that look most interesting and walk for a while. We will then walk the 1-mile Salt Creek Interpretative Trail, an easy raised plank walkway where the rare and endangered pupfish have uniquely adapted to survive in the desert’s harsh environment. The trail is surrounded by some nice rock formations on either side. In the afternoon we will return to Furnace Creek Ranch where you can take advantage of some of the Park activities. We'll gather for dinner together tonight. (B, D)

Thursday, February 26: Portion of Death Valley Scenic Byway

Today we will experience two extremes of Death Valley. We will drive a portion of the Death Valley Scenic Byway. Along the way we will visit Zabriskie Point, Dante's View, Badwater Salt Flat, Artist Palate Drive, and the Devil's Golf Course. Dante’s View is 5,475 feet offering a stunning panoramic view. From the summit, one can see north and south along many miles of salt flats and sand dunes, and also west across the valley to several mountain ranges. It is therefore possible to see the highest and lowest points in the contiguous US from one place. Badwater salt flat is 282 feet below sea level, making it the lowest place in the Western Hemisphere. We can take a level one mile walk to the edge of the salt crystal flats. After returning to the Furnace Creek Ranch, you will have free time. You might want to take a guided tour of the Furnace Creek Inn, one of the great national park lodges or take advantage of the many park ranger scheduled activities. Or you can just relax and enjoy the facilities of the Furnace Creek Ranch. (B)

Friday, February 27: Return to Las Vegas, Farewell Dinner

This morning we will leave Death Valley and return to Las Vegas. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Las Vegas. We will get together this evening for our farewell dinner. (B,D)

Saturday, February 28: Return Home

Return home at your leisure, remembering that check-out is at 11:00am. (B)

Reserve a Space on this Tour

All previous information has been superseded.